Reviews tagging 'Slavery'

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

298 reviews

libraryofmoss's review

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adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I have a difficult time rating this book because I did enjoy it but I have complaints! First, Maas has an exposition problem, and it’s actually not so bad in this one but this is the third book of hers I’ve read so now I notice it. This book so much backstory of both hierarchies and interpersonal drama this book, it really would have benefited from a prequel or at least a prologue. Instead, characters explain wars, etc. in conversations with each other. FINALLY in page 700 something we have a reasonable lil flashback actually describing the action instead of the laborious stilted dialogue, and the bad guy long-winded-ly explaining his motivations and Evil Plan (tm). Also, I really think the book would have been a lot more interesting if Bryce and Hunt weren’t so hot for each other. That being said, I couldn’t put the book down because the adventure and intrigue was captivating.

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garbage_mcsmutly's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was in many ways a book about grief, about losing hope, about feeling alone. I cried a lot and maybe felt a little bit emotionally manipulated (but isn't that why we read?).

But it's also a book whose message (said repeatedly, almost ad nauseum) is one of love conquering all.

And OMG it was so long. But honestly, with the amount of plot points we had to get through, it was warranted. The pace was pretty normal, not too slow.

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frran's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0


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picaresquedreamer's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad 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

4.5


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barbarianmissy's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad 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? No

4.0

Wow, it took me a long ass time to get into this new series but once I was in it, I was hooked! 

I got a bit grumbly with the lore dump at the beginning but I understand why it had to be done. It was neat seeing a SJM world that was so similar to our own with technology AND fantasy characters. I could also see little strings possibly tying this world to ACOTAR and that made me VERY intrigued about the possibilities of that in the future books! 

It took me a good while to like Bryce, just like it took a while for Hunt to like her too. I too, was quite annoyed with her in the beginning, but as she revealed more about herself I understood why she acted the way they did. 

Their love story was inevitable from the start and I really liked their banter BUT I feel like his utter and complete betrayal of Bryce’s trust near the end was kind of washed over in lieu of more important factors of the story. Like he was forgiven without even a conversation?!?! In my head I was like, “Hold up BB, I’m not done being mad at him yet!” But I guess him being sold into his worst nightmare and almost dying kind of repents him for it 🤷‍♀️ 

I kind of thought Ruhn was a loser at first, but I decided I adore him now and he must be protected at all costs. 

Lehabah is a queen. May she rest in peace. 

I’m excited to see what happens next! 🕺

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daniofthewood's review

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dark funny mysterious 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

5.0


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thebrookester_'s review

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adventurous emotional hopeful sad 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


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charisw's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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


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moond4ncer's review

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adventurous dark mysterious 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

4.0

A romp. Conversations are hornier than I'd expected but it's a fun adventure to be on with our sassy protagonists 

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shottel's review

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I am not the target demographic of this book, or, likely, any of Sarah J. Maas's books. As one article put it, Maas specializes in "attractively damaged" characters, and as far as I read this book seems chock full of them: people who, from an objective accounting, have a lot going for them, but they're just very upset about something. In the case of this book, in the opening the main character has a rich and powerful dad, a rich and powerful boyfriend, and a rich and powerful best friend. I do not feel particularly bad for her lot in life, although it seems I am supposed to.

Additionally, Crescent City is supposed to be the more "mature" line in Maas's portfolio. To be entirely frank, it felt a little bit like an 18 year old's idea of what "mature" means. The characters you are immediately introduced to are painted as irresponsible punks, but also hold positions of prestige; they are highly respected, but also get to skip lines and do drugs. I'm aware I stopped right before the plot picked up, but this is how they spent the first 50 pages establishing the world. It's not the kind of "mature" I'm looking for.

If you're like me, then you might want to try something else. But if you like this kind of story, or Maas's other works, then don't let me dissuade you. The writing is solid, and the world is interesting. I just couldn't get with the characters, and how they were presented.

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