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avialaeleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Fucking Bryce going to Valaris and hanging out with the sass queen herself Nesta. The Asteri being intergalactic parasites that feed on people magic and all the shit that we learn about how Midgard came to be the way it is. Hel being another world and not a part of Midgard. Ruhn and Lidia being mates.
All the shit that goes one is just one roller coater after another. Honestly it's so hard to remember everything that happened it was all so crazy.
Of course it was great and I can't wait to read the next SJM book. Hopefully it's something in the ACOTAR world so we can see what Nesta goes with the starsword.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
itsme_bianca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I honestly struggled with finishing this book and it pains me to give it such a low rating, especially considering how I thought this series was going to be my favorite Sarah J. Maas’s one. However, I felt like for the majority of the book the essence of the characters was lost or changed entirely - part 2 was in fact the most difficult section to get through as I felt so distant from characters I truly came to love. The final part of the book was able to tie all together and I am satisfied enough with this ending - if it even is a true ending since there are so many questions left unanswered…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Rape, Blood, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
mkdila's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I think this is my favorite in this series so far! Unlike some other SJM books, this ones got action from the start and all the way through. Part 1 was definitely my favorite, but the rest of the book still kept me so into it!
I did get a bit deterred at some points mostly because i felt like the POV was switching up too often, but it lightened up enough and also made sense in context later on so it stopped bothering me as much further in.
I think Nesta and Bryce were the perfect match to merge the two worlds. They seem so alike but different at the same time, something about their drive and sheer force of will made such a fun combo to read!
I did get a bit deterred at some points mostly because i felt like the POV was switching up too often, but it lightened up enough and also made sense in context later on so it stopped bothering me as much further in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Blood, War, and Classism
Moderate: Genocide and Sexism
poisonviolet's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
There is so so so many spoilers in this… read at your own risk!
The epic crossover in the SJM cinematic universe.
When I walked into the living room with this book in my hand my parents joked about it being bigger than the bible. Honestly, this was my bible. This is what I would swear on if sworn into office (there are so many books I could pick for that… Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, Heir of Fire, ACOMAF, ACOWAR all by Sarah J Maas, etc. etc). Also, random thought, imagine the day that America loses its strange obsession with religion and people are sworn into office by putting a hand on like a bound fanfiction… okay anywhooooo back to my rant on this book….
That was INSANE, like absolutely insane! I was terrified of this book, terrified because I knew it would consume every fiber of my being. I was right with that thought. Hence why it took me so long to read. That and the fact its THICK and hella intimidating. I fear this made my craving for more Rhys and Feyre content even stronger, which is a crazy thing to say… I JUST NEED MORE OF THEM! THEY ARE JUST PRECIOUS AND MAKE ME SO GIDDY AND SDJALKSJD
I SOBBED, like full on SOBBED… not like ‘haha omg I'm sobbing’ NO I WAS/AM SOBBING! I am speechless… so I’m glad I wrote down some notes as I went, trying to put it together now is ridiculous…
Can we talk about the hurt/comfort we see between characters in this masterpiece… GIRL!!!! That was crazy, The “who hurt you? I’ll kill them” moments were SO strong and I’m a sucker for them (I’m insane, I’m very aware).
Reading about ACOTAR characters no matter how brief brought me so much joy. Even if it was Nesta, which I am still so conflicted on my feelings toward her. When reading A Court of Silver Flames I genuinely did not care, like girl, be for real… get over yourself! Sis was celebrated for doing the most obvious and right thing, whatever. But I don’tttt knowwwww!!! I’m so conflicted AHHH! But I enjoyed reading her no matter how I feel about her character because it gave me small glimpses into Feyre and Rhysands life and that's all a girl can ask for in life really.
When Az was talking Nesta down to take off The Mask *MAJOR CHEFS KISS*!!!!!! I screamed!
Not Nesta eating cake with Bryces parents, shes so me!
RHYS AND RANDALL BEING BESTIE DADS ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!? IM MELTING!!!!
ALSO THE FACT THAT BRYCE IS SO POWERFUL SHE JUST TOOK THE MASK OFF, LIKE YOURE INSANE!!! YOURE SO INSANE!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Random applause for Chapter 85 (before the smut) and the vulnerability Hunt and Bryce shared. Talking about how they were each others best friend, home, and Bryce goes to say that she never thought she’d have another chance at a best friend, at the kind of happiness they shared after the loss of her best friend Dankia but stops herself “After Danika I didn’t think…”. WHEN I TELL YOU THAT SH!T MADE ME CRY!!!! SARAH J MAAS YOU ARE SO CRUEL AND I ADORE YOU FOR IT!
I feel the need to go through this book and highlight my favorite bits and pieces, but I fear that project will take over my life, so maybe not until CC4.
“Through love all is possible” SDFKLHDFKDHSFID
SHE KNEW HER DEAD BESTIES WERE OKAY AND SAFE WAITING FOR HER WHEN HER TIME IS READY AND SOMEHOW THAT WAS EVERYTHING…… I WANT TO DIE!!!!!
The epic crossover in the SJM cinematic universe.
When I walked into the living room with this book in my hand my parents joked about it being bigger than the bible. Honestly, this was my bible. This is what I would swear on if sworn into office (there are so many books I could pick for that… Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, Heir of Fire, ACOMAF, ACOWAR all by Sarah J Maas, etc. etc). Also, random thought, imagine the day that America loses its strange obsession with religion and people are sworn into office by putting a hand on like a bound fanfiction… okay anywhooooo back to my rant on this book….
That was INSANE, like absolutely insane! I was terrified of this book, terrified because I knew it would consume every fiber of my being. I was right with that thought. Hence why it took me so long to read. That and the fact its THICK and hella intimidating. I fear this made my craving for more Rhys and Feyre content even stronger, which is a crazy thing to say… I JUST NEED MORE OF THEM! THEY ARE JUST PRECIOUS AND MAKE ME SO GIDDY AND SDJALKSJD
I SOBBED, like full on SOBBED… not like ‘haha omg I'm sobbing’ NO I WAS/AM SOBBING! I am speechless… so I’m glad I wrote down some notes as I went, trying to put it together now is ridiculous…
Can we talk about the hurt/comfort we see between characters in this masterpiece… GIRL!!!! That was crazy, The “who hurt you? I’ll kill them” moments were SO strong and I’m a sucker for them (I’m insane, I’m very aware).
Reading about ACOTAR characters no matter how brief brought me so much joy. Even if it was Nesta, which I am still so conflicted on my feelings toward her. When reading A Court of Silver Flames I genuinely did not care, like girl, be for real… get over yourself! Sis was celebrated for doing the most obvious and right thing, whatever. But I don’tttt knowwwww!!! I’m so conflicted AHHH! But I enjoyed reading her no matter how I feel about her character because it gave me small glimpses into Feyre and Rhysands life and that's all a girl can ask for in life really.
When Az was talking Nesta down to take off The Mask *MAJOR CHEFS KISS*!!!!!! I screamed!
Not Nesta eating cake with Bryces parents, shes so me!
RHYS AND RANDALL BEING BESTIE DADS ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!? IM MELTING!!!!
ALSO THE FACT THAT BRYCE IS SO POWERFUL SHE JUST TOOK THE MASK OFF, LIKE YOURE INSANE!!! YOURE SO INSANE!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Random applause for Chapter 85 (before the smut) and the vulnerability Hunt and Bryce shared. Talking about how they were each others best friend, home, and Bryce goes to say that she never thought she’d have another chance at a best friend, at the kind of happiness they shared after the loss of her best friend Dankia but stops herself “After Danika I didn’t think…”. WHEN I TELL YOU THAT SH!T MADE ME CRY!!!! SARAH J MAAS YOU ARE SO CRUEL AND I ADORE YOU FOR IT!
I feel the need to go through this book and highlight my favorite bits and pieces, but I fear that project will take over my life, so maybe not until CC4.
“Through love all is possible” SDFKLHDFKDHSFID
SHE KNEW HER DEAD BESTIES WERE OKAY AND SAFE WAITING FOR HER WHEN HER TIME IS READY AND SOMEHOW THAT WAS EVERYTHING…… I WANT TO DIE!!!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
_verena_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
chapters_and_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was huge but it was honestly worth every single word!
As this is book three in the series, I’m not going to delve into the plot much because spoilers, but oh my fucking god, this book, and series, is absolutely insane!
I love Maas’s characters, I can safely say that I am attached to each and every one of them and will defend them with my life.
Spoiler, but honestly, if you don’t know about it yet, I don’t know what to say, but Velaris! Nesta and Az! Cassian and Rhys and Amren! I don’t think I’ll recover.
I will admit, I would’ve liked a little more for the inner circle, especially the missing characters such as Feyre, Mor and Elain. Also, Feyre and Rhysand with little Nyx but I can wait…
Also, I want a book that is just Bryce’s parents, Ember and Randall, in Velaris with the Inner Circle. Honestly, I need it…
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be rocking back and forth in a dark corner should anyone need me…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
jess_thefacts's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
House of Flame and Shadow took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn’t fully prepared for, but absolutely loved. Sarah J. Maas has a gift for creating worlds and characters that feel so real, and in this third installment of the Crescent City series, she truly outdid herself.
From the very beginning, I was drawn back into the lives of Bryce, Hunt, and the rest of the crew. The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the plot twists more jaw-dropping than ever before. There were moments that hit me so hard, I had to put the book down and just let the tears flow. Maas doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, and it shows in the way she handles themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.
What I loved most was how Maas continues to develop her characters. Bryce’s journey is one of resilience and strength, but also of vulnerability. Her struggles felt incredibly raw and relatable, and it was impossible not to feel every bit of her pain and triumph. Hunt, too, is a character who brings so much depth to the story, and their relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times.
The world-building, as always with Maas, is impeccable. The city of Lunathion feels alive, and the lore and magic that weave through the narrative are both intricate and fascinating. But it’s the emotional depth that really sets this book apart. There were multiple times when the intensity of the characters' experiences brought me to tears—whether it was from the heartache of loss, the beauty of love, or the sheer weight of the challenges they face.
House of Flame and Shadow is a powerful continuation of the Crescent City series, blending high-stakes action with deeply emotional moments. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I know I’ll return to when I need to feel all the feels again. If you’re ready for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath, this is the one.
From the very beginning, I was drawn back into the lives of Bryce, Hunt, and the rest of the crew. The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the plot twists more jaw-dropping than ever before. There were moments that hit me so hard, I had to put the book down and just let the tears flow. Maas doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, and it shows in the way she handles themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.
What I loved most was how Maas continues to develop her characters. Bryce’s journey is one of resilience and strength, but also of vulnerability. Her struggles felt incredibly raw and relatable, and it was impossible not to feel every bit of her pain and triumph. Hunt, too, is a character who brings so much depth to the story, and their relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times.
The world-building, as always with Maas, is impeccable. The city of Lunathion feels alive, and the lore and magic that weave through the narrative are both intricate and fascinating. But it’s the emotional depth that really sets this book apart. There were multiple times when the intensity of the characters' experiences brought me to tears—whether it was from the heartache of loss, the beauty of love, or the sheer weight of the challenges they face.
House of Flame and Shadow is a powerful continuation of the Crescent City series, blending high-stakes action with deeply emotional moments. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I know I’ll return to when I need to feel all the feels again. If you’re ready for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath, this is the one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, Medical content, and War
Minor: Addiction, Sexual violence, and Abandonment
House of Flame and Shadow took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn’t fully prepared for, but absolutely loved. Sarah J. Maas has a gift for creating worlds and characters that feel so real, and in this third installment of the Crescent City series, she truly outdid herself. From the very beginning, I was drawn back into the lives of Bryce, Hunt, and the rest of the crew. The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the plot twists more jaw-dropping than ever before. There were moments that hit me so hard, I had to put the book down and just let the tears flow. Maas doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, and it shows in the way she handles themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. What I loved most was how Maas continues to develop her characters. Bryce’s journey is one of resilience and strength, but also of vulnerability. Her struggles felt incredibly raw and relatable, and it was impossible not to feel every bit of her pain and triumph. Hunt, too, is a character who brings so much depth to the story, and their relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. The world-building, as always with Maas, is impeccable. The city of Lunathion feels alive, and the lore and magic that weave through the narrative are both intricate and fascinating. But it’s the emotional depth that really sets this book apart. There were multiple times when the intensity of the characters' experiences brought me to tears—whether it was from the heartache of loss, the beauty of love, or the sheer weight of the challenges they face. House of Flame and Shadow is a powerful continuation of the Crescent City series, blending high-stakes action with deeply emotional moments. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I know I’ll return to when I need to feel all the feels again. If you’re ready for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath, this is the one.emmaegerb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and War
lizgom's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Honestly I had the same problem I had with the first two books, they are so long, there’s so much info dumping. I absolutely HATED the multiple POVs mid chapter. That sh!t was so confusing. It’s an alright way to wrap up the series but honestly I pray ACOTAR doesn’t fall flat like this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Slavery
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“I love you.
I fell in love with you in the depths of my soul, and it’s my soul that will find yours again in the next life.”
It’s so good to be back here again with Bryce, Hunt and the rest of the gang!
I was super excited to read this one ever since I find out from the previous book it’ll also take place at Prythian!!
The storyline is quite complicated, some parts felt slow a little bit cause there’s a lot of information thrown in there. I would advice re-reading the previous ones so you can understand it better.
Nonetheless, it was very well written that the plot flows smoothly. The occasional humour and sarcastic comments from Bryce really liven up this dark and nerve-wrecking story.
It was also really cool seeing Bryce, Hunt and the rest of the gang showed their full power and directed them straight for the villains! Those power hungry people deserved that! So satisfying!
I also love the part where Bryce gets to spend a short time in the Night Court. Such a a great collaboration of two world - especially seeing them fight together!
Overall, I really enjoy reading through Bryce’s journey from the beginning until the very end. This would be a fantastic series to binged again later!
As always it’s not SJM if she doesn't leave a few clues behind for future books because things are far from over!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Slavery
Minor: Sexual assault and Kidnapping