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cassidy_rain's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
"Our love is stronger than time, greater than any distance. Our love spans across stars and worlds. I will find you again. I promise."
I’m having such a fun time with this series. This second book in the series picks up right where the first book left off and in it’s aftermath. While the first book feels somewhat wrapped up by the end, we learn here that it was truly just the beginning and lotsss of things were left unanswered.
I continued to love the characters. Bryce and Hunt are so sweet and I love seeing their relationship grow. Though I do wish we could see more of them being together and getting to know one another without everything turning into sex. I enjoyed meeting Cormac and getting to see more of Ithan. I love the dynamic of all the characters working together. Ruhn and Agent Day was unexpected but I loooved it. The chemistry was top tier.
"Everything that ever happened to me, it was all so I could meet you, Quinlan. Be here with you. I'm yours. Forever.”
A few reasons I didn’t like this quite as much as the first- some parts were more confusing. More than once the writing felt a bit choppy, like it would jump into a topic without warning and I almost felt like I missed a chapter or paragraph. Also all the H names (the Harpy, the Hind, the Hammer, the Helhound, etc. most of whom have real names too) was difficult for me to keep track of. I *think* by the end of the novel I have them straightened out but don’t test me on this. Some things are starting to feel a bit repetitive to ACOTAR and TOG (though that comes with the genre typically)- perfect mates, developing an insane amount of power, coming into a position of power…
Unfortunately, reading a popular book well after it’s release has some disadvantages and I had seen some spoilers ahead of time, despite my best efforts. This didn’t ruin my experience but I definitely don’t think I would have seen either coming had I not seen the spoiler. (Ending and Agent Day’s real identity). Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t exactly sure how the ending would occur, only that it would happen so it was still shocking and exciting!
”Hard to enjoy being free if you’re dead” … “I can think of no better reason to yield my life.”
I also liked the twist of the Hel realms actually being the heroes. That was such a fun juxtaposition.
What a great ending with two cliffhangers, definitely excited to pick up the next book!
I’m having such a fun time with this series. This second book in the series picks up right where the first book left off and in it’s aftermath. While the first book feels somewhat wrapped up by the end, we learn here that it was truly just the beginning and lotsss of things were left unanswered.
I continued to love the characters. Bryce and Hunt are so sweet and I love seeing their relationship grow. Though I do wish we could see more of them being together and getting to know one another without everything turning into sex. I enjoyed meeting Cormac and getting to see more of Ithan. I love the dynamic of all the characters working together. Ruhn and Agent Day was unexpected but I loooved it. The chemistry was top tier.
"Everything that ever happened to me, it was all so I could meet you, Quinlan. Be here with you. I'm yours. Forever.”
A few reasons I didn’t like this quite as much as the first- some parts were more confusing. More than once the writing felt a bit choppy, like it would jump into a topic without warning and I almost felt like I missed a chapter or paragraph. Also all the H names (the Harpy, the Hind, the Hammer, the Helhound, etc. most of whom have real names too) was difficult for me to keep track of. I *think* by the end of the novel I have them straightened out but don’t test me on this. Some things are starting to feel a bit repetitive to ACOTAR and TOG (though that comes with the genre typically)- perfect mates, developing an insane amount of power, coming into a position of power…
Unfortunately, reading a popular book well after it’s release has some disadvantages and I had seen some spoilers ahead of time, despite my best efforts. This didn’t ruin my experience but I definitely don’t think I would have seen either coming had I not seen the spoiler. (Ending and Agent Day’s real identity). Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t exactly sure how the ending would occur, only that it would happen so it was still shocking and exciting!
”Hard to enjoy being free if you’re dead” … “I can think of no better reason to yield my life.”
What a great ending with two cliffhangers, definitely excited to pick up the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Sexual content, and Torture
Moderate: War and Slavery
jeanettesreadingcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Violence, Child abuse, Torture, Grief, Slavery, Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, War, Blood, Murder, Body shaming, Death, Colonisation, and Confinement
daniofthewood's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Cursing, Murder, Physical abuse, Violence, War, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Blood, Confinement, Death, and Misogyny
Minor: Suicide, Gun violence, Child abuse, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
amypalmer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-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
3.75
I'm a little perplexed over what to rate this book and have settled on 3.75. Firstly this book is good, it is still very much heavy on the mystery and clues so be aware it isnt streight up romance or even fantasy but a combination. This has a lot more spice, was a little cringy at times for me personally but it depends if it floats your boat.
I think I preferred the first one. This one I find has too many pov's and one I particularly didn't care for (Tharion). However the plot is good and very thorrough. The first book I feel had more solid plot events to keep us going especially with the murders. This one however in the middle is a little slow for my liking. The last 100 pages really kick off in true SJM fashion, the last 100 pages really had me excited and make me eager for the next book which I can tell is gearing up for a big event. I did really like the story however this book is very exposition heavy which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I do really like the world and think what is to come is interesting.
I think I preferred the first one. This one I find has too many pov's and one I particularly didn't care for (Tharion). However the plot is good and very thorrough. The first book I feel had more solid plot events to keep us going especially with the murders. This one however in the middle is a little slow for my liking. The last 100 pages really kick off in true SJM fashion, the last 100 pages really had me excited and make me eager for the next book which I can tell is gearing up for a big event. I did really like the story however this book is very exposition heavy which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I do really like the world and think what is to come is interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual violence and Torture
barbarianmissy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Hoooooooly shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit….. that last chapter….. whoa man…… just…… whoa…. I was not expecting that! I’m so hyped for book 3!
This book was a rollercoaster start to finish. I loved seeing everyone’s personalities truly unfold and the relationships build. I really loved the scooby gang camaraderie between all the main group.
Also, SJM seriously knows how to turn out a PLOT TWIST! I gasped “WHAT?!?” In happiness, anger, surprise, and disgust multiple times!
Although, I was quite pleased with myself that I was able to figure out a big twist in who Day was pretty early on!
A few new favs worth honourable mention:
- I will always and forever be obsessed with fire sprites, they’re my girlies. The triplets have taken my whole heart.
-Ithan, you sweet little man, you. I hope you and no-name-dunk-tank-alpha-mystic-wolf-lady are mates, I’d love that for you.
-Baxian, don’t die even though I feel like you will. I want you to find happiness again pls. Don’t make the next book a puppy snuff book, SJM (I’m aware it’s already written, but I’m manifesting)
I want to put Cormac on my list but I honestly never took to him. He was meh. Tamlin vibes are never good vibes. Glad he took about Pippi Longstocking though, she was a BEEEEYOTCH!
Side note: Danika was not a good friend??? Like Bryce didn’t even know her in the least bit. She didn’t even share that she had a friggin mate with Bryce in idle girl talk???? Like???? I feel bad for Bryce who literally told her absolutely everything, her deepest, darkest secrets, and loved her so much and she pretty much got a hollow party girl stranger who didn’t trust her in return.
IN CONCLUSION! I can’t wait for book 3!!! I can’t believe all of my old imaginary friends may be becoming friends with my new imaginary friends. We should all have a sleepover!
🕺💃
Anywho! HOUSE OF FLAME AND SHADOW IM COMING FOR YOU!
This book was a rollercoaster start to finish. I loved seeing everyone’s personalities truly unfold and the relationships build. I really loved the scooby gang camaraderie between all the main group.
Also, SJM seriously knows how to turn out a PLOT TWIST! I gasped “WHAT?!?” In happiness, anger, surprise, and disgust multiple times!
Although, I was quite pleased with myself that I was able to figure out a big twist in who Day was pretty early on!
A few new favs worth honourable mention:
- I will always and forever be obsessed with fire sprites, they’re my girlies. The triplets have taken my whole heart.
-Ithan, you sweet little man, you. I hope you and no-name-dunk-tank-alpha-mystic-wolf-lady are mates, I’d love that for you.
-Baxian, don’t die even though I feel like you will. I want you to find happiness again pls. Don’t make the next book a puppy snuff book, SJM (I’m aware it’s already written, but I’m manifesting)
I want to put Cormac on my list but I honestly never took to him. He was meh. Tamlin vibes are never good vibes. Glad he took about Pippi Longstocking though, she was a BEEEEYOTCH!
Side note: Danika was not a good friend??? Like Bryce didn’t even know her in the least bit. She didn’t even share that she had a friggin mate with Bryce in idle girl talk???? Like???? I feel bad for Bryce who literally told her absolutely everything, her deepest, darkest secrets, and loved her so much and she pretty much got a hollow party girl stranger who didn’t trust her in return.
IN CONCLUSION! I can’t wait for book 3!!! I can’t believe all of my old imaginary friends may be becoming friends with my new imaginary friends. We should all have a sleepover!
🕺💃
Anywho! HOUSE OF FLAME AND SHADOW IM COMING FOR YOU!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Alcohol, Animal death, Violence, War, Cannibalism, Cursing, Death, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Torture
picaresquedreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Police brutality, Genocide, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Toxic relationship, Death, Confinement, Murder, Classism, Colonisation, Sexual content, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Grief, Drug use, War, and Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse
jackiepreston's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Violence, Blood, Death, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and War
readbyjaimes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
Binged this before the release of HOFAS and it just put me into a book slump, cheers! 🥂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Death
Moderate: War, Torture, and Slavery
amartin48's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.75
I honestly had more moments during this book than the first of being annoyed with characters and their poor life choices. It seemed messy and I felt Maas wrote the plot twists in this book rather predictably.
That being said, I REALLY loved the world and lore expansion in this book. And I’m a huge fan of crossover series! This book left me satisfied with our FMC/MMC relationship, hopeful for new relationships, and SO excited to revisit old favorites.
That being said, I REALLY loved the world and lore expansion in this book. And I’m a huge fan of crossover series! This book left me satisfied with our FMC/MMC relationship, hopeful for new relationships, and SO excited to revisit old favorites.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Blood, Body horror, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Bullying, Trafficking, Child abuse, Classism, Confinement, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Death, Infertility, Sexual harassment, Stalking, and War
kayanoelle's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
I love the characters and relationships but why is this so long😭 My biggest criticism is that a lot happened but nothing was actually relevant to the plot (what even is the plot in this series? I haven’t figured it out yet). The ending though🤯 (I already knew this was gonna happen ever since Sarah posted the bonus scenes for HOFAS on her instagram🤩🤩)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Torture, Murder, Violence, and Slavery
Minor: Gore and War