A review by kimkorosko
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

5.0

OK,

Let me start by saying there will be some spoilers and also, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE DID NOT LIKE THIS BOOK/SERIES (finished HOEB and currently reading HOSAB)

I went into this very nervous of not liking it. But lo and behold, I LOVED IT. Honestly should not have been surprised by this since Sarah J Maas is queen, mother and everything. I love her writing style, I love the worlds she creates so flawlessly, I love her detail on characters and explaining her worlds/atmosphere/scenes/etc. I know some people did not like all of the "overkill" of detail but for me, it's something I enjoy.

Now, I know many people complained about being confused through almost the entire book but I am confused on how? I get that not a lot of creatures/characters or terminology was not explained in depth but I do feel like it was enough to get the gist. Don't get me wrong, maybe the first few chapters I was not sure what was going on but quickly grasped onto the story and where it was going. Also, I was seriously adjusting to the fact there was technology . That may have been the ONLY thing to throw me off here.

The slow burning love thing going on with Bryce and Hunt was chefs kiss to me. I like that there is a long waiting period for things to get intensely serious, I like that they are learning how one and the same they are, I love how they relentlessly have each others backs (even so early on in the book) and also acknowledge that they do and appreciate it.

I know everyone fans over Ruhn but Hunt is the one I am obsessed with. I know we ALL love our shadow daddies but Hunt holds a special place in my heart.

Bryce is badass, no F's given, does not care what people think of her, even knowing everyone thinks she's a spoil brat party girl. Even though she was but then changed. She is sooo strong even before her powers came to the light for all to see and then manifested after the drop. Danika was an enjoyable friend. I like how protective she was, love how badass she was and also how her plot of who she actually is thickens even past her death. Also being Bryce's anchor, doing the impossible, the wolf packing helping her be there for Bryce. Tears. Tears.

Connor broke me. I really loved him. I truly was rooting for him even though I knew he was never going to be end game with Bryce but still. The constant trying to just take her on a date, the years of flirting and wanting no one else, the eventually finding out after his death that he thought Bryce was his mate. CRUSHED.

ALSO, Hunt's betrayal that also wasn't really a betrayal? Crushed, cried, teared, my brother thought something was wrong when I came out of my room from reading. Glad he got his comeback but, was surprised at how quickly that happened. Yet makes sense once you start the second book, in my opinion.

Ruhn... love. I love. He is great mister big brother trying to redeem himself in Bryce's eyes after their fight years ago. Any man who possess shadows is immediately bumped up for me. But its the character that carries them on. He is possessive, protective, (tries not to be either for Bryce but can't help it), he's a partyer, wants to piss off Daddy because he knows he'll never be able to live up to his expectations after his little Oracle reading. And also being his father is a douche. Let's be real. But, something tells me he will have a redemption as well and there is a lot under his mean, do not care, you mean nothing if you have nothing demeaner he gives everyone. Just have a feeling we're going to learn a lot more about him. Any who, for Ruhn, can't wait to see that unfold and the true meaning. Whether it's because he does not have the starlight truly, he dies, can't have kids maybe? IDK but I'm here for it. Also appreciate his redemption as well. He really wanted Bryce back in his life and they were such good friends before all went to crap. Glad they are on good terms and loved watching it go down.

I could keep going on and on with all the characters and what I think but the main point is the book was great. I heard such bad things regarding it and completely disagree with it all. Sarah can truly do no wrong in my eyes.


*******Always remember*******
- Read what you like, don't take anyone's opinions to heart, too hard or let them bother you. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the many parts of what makes a book good/bad. You're favorite book will be someone's worst book they've ever read and vice versa. We all read to fulfill our own needs, to escape our own lives and to dive into a new world all while leaving real world stress behind us! Leave your thoughts but don't leave hurt in the process.