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A review by tatiannareads
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
Fucking Urd, this book was fantastic! I didn't know if it would live up to the hype, but here I am, neck deep in another Sarah J. Maas book hangover. This is an intricate story of inner healing and the power of true love and connection. It explores grief and loss, loneliness, rejection, suicide and self-harm. Also unrelenting determination, bravery, and sacrifice. There are similar themes in [b:A Court of Silver Flames|53138095|A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #5)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602570691l/53138095._SY75_.jpg|51666936], though this story's landscape, characters and plot are unique and captivating. I loved the gritty modern city feel of this setting. The combination of magical creatures, a brutal dictatorship and modern technology gave this a dystopian feel at times. And I am a bleeding heart for these characters — Bryce, Hunt, Ruhn, Lehabah, Syrinx… Oh lord, I am emotionally spent.
I read this book slowly in the beginning. There is so much information dropped related to the world and I found myself a bit confused and almost a little panicked that I was going to miss something vital. This was all worth it, however, because it comes together into an action-packed, enthralling, and emotional adventure. I have a feeling this is one of those books that will come alive in a different way when read more than once.
The writing in this book is phenomenal and serves as the perfect vehicle to tell this multifaceted story. It’s written in third person, but the limited perspective changes frequently so that we get intimate glances into the thoughts and experiences of Bryce, Hunt and Ruhn as the story unfolds. The plot is so intricate and detailed; no missed opportunities or head-scratchers (in my opinion).. just genius storytelling and a promise for more to come in the next instalment.
This book is also a perfect example of why I love a good slow burn. The reader has a chance to get to know Bryce and Hunt as individuals first, while also witnessing their relationship develop into something believable and meaningful. The end result is a relationship I am so invested in, that it threatens to emotionally wreck me when things get a little dicey for the characters involved… Anyone else? Bryce and Hunt are so good together; their love seems to bloom from a place of mutual friendship and respect. They are both deeply wounded people, and they find solace and understanding in each other.
"Hunt." The entire world went quiet. "I was waiting for you."
"Bryce, sweetheart, just get back to your apartment and give me an hour and --"
"No," she whispered, closing her eyes. She put her hand on her chest. Over her heart. "I was waiting for you -- in here."
Hunt couldn't stop his own tears then. "I was waiting for you, too".
I have so many feelings about all these characters but I am going to leave this review at that. I encourage anyone to dive into the SJM world if they enjoy fantasy because it's a such a great adventure!
I read this book slowly in the beginning. There is so much information dropped related to the world and I found myself a bit confused and almost a little panicked that I was going to miss something vital. This was all worth it, however, because it comes together into an action-packed, enthralling, and emotional adventure. I have a feeling this is one of those books that will come alive in a different way when read more than once.
The writing in this book is phenomenal and serves as the perfect vehicle to tell this multifaceted story. It’s written in third person, but the limited perspective changes frequently so that we get intimate glances into the thoughts and experiences of Bryce, Hunt and Ruhn as the story unfolds. The plot is so intricate and detailed; no missed opportunities or head-scratchers (in my opinion).. just genius storytelling and a promise for more to come in the next instalment.
This book is also a perfect example of why I love a good slow burn. The reader has a chance to get to know Bryce and Hunt as individuals first, while also witnessing their relationship develop into something believable and meaningful. The end result is a relationship I am so invested in, that it threatens to emotionally wreck me when things get a little dicey for the characters involved… Anyone else? Bryce and Hunt are so good together; their love seems to bloom from a place of mutual friendship and respect. They are both deeply wounded people, and they find solace and understanding in each other.
"Hunt." The entire world went quiet. "I was waiting for you."
"Bryce, sweetheart, just get back to your apartment and give me an hour and --"
"No," she whispered, closing her eyes. She put her hand on her chest. Over her heart. "I was waiting for you -- in here."
Hunt couldn't stop his own tears then. "I was waiting for you, too".
I have so many feelings about all these characters but I am going to leave this review at that. I encourage anyone to dive into the SJM world if they enjoy fantasy because it's a such a great adventure!