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

fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 "Through love, all is possible."

I've read this book twice now, and it only got better on the reread. The first time I read it, I binged it in a couple of days - I was so hooked and enthralled in the world SJM has created. As the second book in the series is due to release in two days time, I had planned to reread HOEAB and finish in time for the release; I also tabbed this time around.

Even knowing overall what was going to happen, I still laughed and cried and felt anger and happiness. Slowing down my reread to tab was so beneficial; I would recommend anyone who reads HOEAB to read it at least twice - you'll pick up on so much more the second time and gain a new appreciation for SJMs writing artistry.

I think this honestly one of my favourite books. I love the way SJM writes characters - they are complex and relatable, and watching them go through their struggles and triumphs, it feels like you are right there beside them experiencing it all for yourself as well.

The first few chapters are definitely heavy on the world-building and info dumping, but once you get over that hump (which is literally just laying the groundwork) it is smooth sailing. The info is important for later parts of the book; SJM doesn't leave you hanging or flipping back to the beginning, she guides readers through easily with their previous 101 on the world and builds on it.