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adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I'm judging a fictional fanatsy / romance book. All opinions are my own. I intend not harm or anything else with this review!
I'll give this book 3/5 Stars.
I liked it but not as much as the first one!
I've published the review this year at some point, but goodreads obviously didn't save it... so now it's gone, and I've read the book to lang ago to remember everything. So here is what i do remember:
Spoilers:
- It wasn't a bad book / plot. But a lot dragged on, especially the middle part. A lot (SO MANY), unnecessary and annoying characters and side plot lines.
- She's (Bryce is) in the acotar world. But they aren't really friendly towards her. Sad. She wants help but doesn't trust them. Nesta builds a connection, but everything goes to shit when the big earthworm appears.
They discover the truth = That the asteri (or whatever they are called) are important eaters of magic/souls (i think). And that they lived in the acotar world before.
- Hunt and the other dude are tortured but can escape because of the light lady. She is badly injured, but they are saved.
- Ithan is doing shit with his pals. And he manages to save the wolf girl. But then she dies. He wants to bring her back and makes everything so much worse.
- Bryce is able to flee from the acotar world. She escapes and fools her father first. Then she appears on the ship of the ocean queen, and the gang is kinda back together.
- The gang is planning to do something (can't remember what it was) and travel to the fea realm that the asteri can't see through. They manipulate the king there (i think blackmail or something). The water dude marries one of the fea woman.
- They search for something in a cave? And are ambushed, but nothing happens?
- Something with the hell world happens. No clue what exactly.
- At the end, they fight a big fight. Bryce kidnapped her parents, send them to the acotar world, and used the 3 instruments from Nesta.
- While fighting, Bryce accidentally pulls the death trigger for the hole world (lol) but saves everyone by dying and killing the asteri. But of course, she's brought back. Happy end.
I'll give this book 3/5 Stars.
I liked it but not as much as the first one!
I've published the review this year at some point, but goodreads obviously didn't save it... so now it's gone, and I've read the book to lang ago to remember everything. So here is what i do remember:
Spoilers:
- It wasn't a bad book / plot. But a lot dragged on, especially the middle part. A lot (SO MANY), unnecessary and annoying characters and side plot lines.
- She's (Bryce is) in the acotar world. But they aren't really friendly towards her. Sad. She wants help but doesn't trust them. Nesta builds a connection, but everything goes to shit when the big earthworm appears.
They discover the truth = That the asteri (or whatever they are called) are important eaters of magic/souls (i think). And that they lived in the acotar world before.
- Hunt and the other dude are tortured but can escape because of the light lady. She is badly injured, but they are saved.
- Ithan is doing shit with his pals. And he manages to save the wolf girl. But then she dies. He wants to bring her back and makes everything so much worse.
- Bryce is able to flee from the acotar world. She escapes and fools her father first. Then she appears on the ship of the ocean queen, and the gang is kinda back together.
- The gang is planning to do something (can't remember what it was) and travel to the fea realm that the asteri can't see through. They manipulate the king there (i think blackmail or something). The water dude marries one of the fea woman.
- They search for something in a cave? And are ambushed, but nothing happens?
- Something with the hell world happens. No clue what exactly.
- At the end, they fight a big fight. Bryce kidnapped her parents, send them to the acotar world, and used the 3 instruments from Nesta.
- While fighting, Bryce accidentally pulls the death trigger for the hole world (lol) but saves everyone by dying and killing the asteri. But of course, she's brought back. Happy end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, Classism
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this. There are clearly unresolved plot points that hopefully mean there’s more to come. I didn’t always agree with everything regarding the writing, but I do really enjoy this world and the characters that fill it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
Yes
Book 3 of Crescent City was EVERYTHING I hoped it would be From the beginning of the book all the way to the last chapter. It had you on the edge of your seat. This book has me wanting to obtain all of the information it was throwing at you.
This book has a great conclusion to the events that started with Crescent City 1 & 2. You get to meet a few new characters and get even more in depth with the characters we already know and love.
I don't want to give any spoilers but I highly recommend reading The ACOTAR series before Crescent City. You learn some pieces of information in that series, specifically book 5, that gives you some background in the world building in Crescent City. 3. If you don't read ACOTAR you'll definitely be missing information, but you could probably get by with the limited knowledge.
This book has a great conclusion to the events that started with Crescent City 1 & 2. You get to meet a few new characters and get even more in depth with the characters we already know and love.
I don't want to give any spoilers but I highly recommend reading The ACOTAR series before Crescent City. You learn some pieces of information in that series, specifically book 5, that gives you some background in the world building in Crescent City. 3. If you don't read ACOTAR you'll definitely be missing information, but you could probably get by with the limited knowledge.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
It’s crazy how when reading the first book I was struggling to understand literally everything l: the world, the species, powers, heck just everyone’s names but by this book I read it so easily no rereading or googling peoples names required. I loved this book loved seeing more of Nesta the duo I didn’t know I needed her and Bryce and omg the revealing of who Lydia is related to??? I did not see that coming! I’m very glad this is not the end of the series because I want more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, Medical content, War
Minor: Addiction, Sexual violence, 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.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The way the world is build, the characters are portrayed, cliffhangers are written nearly every chapter, little moments of humor, little moments of tears. Thank you Sarah J. Maas
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Classism
adventurous
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Colonisation, War
Moderate: Child death, Excrement
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Gun violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Vomit, Kidnapping
Minor: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Cannibalism, Death of parent