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

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Reread in 2022 and updated my rating from 4 stars to 5. 

I still agree with the review below but am just blown away with how layered this story is. Going in for a reread has helped me appreciate all of the details I missed the first time around and just how impactful this story is. 


Initial review in 2020:

This book is quite the experience. Initially when I went to read this I was overwhelmed by the world building but as I tried to read it again for a second time I appreciated the intricacy that Maas puts in her work. Being an adult fantasy novel she did not shy away from anything. I loved everything about Bryce and felt very connected to her as a character. Her attitude, mannerisms, and the way she dealt with emotions all resonated with me. I clearly understood her motives and relationships with people. I liked the other characters as well and how interwoven everyone becomes at the end. Ruin is a character I cannot wait to get more of. I loved his dedication to relationship with Bryce and how he doesn’t falter in his stance. Hunt was a confusing character for me. Some of his traits were were hard for me to understand and his betrayal was hard for me to look past, I did not see that coming. I can understand that everything he has gone through would make him the equal to Bryce and I did see his love for her, but he wasn’t my favorite. Another pairing I was obsessed with was obviously Danika and Bryce. I really am disappointed that we didn’t get more of her. While this story does surround her I wish we could have gotten a little more time with the two of them. The scene at the end with the drop had me in literal tears. There relationship is so special and for me is the true love story in this novel. Overall, this novel is so well written. The class structure, world building, and characters are really something on Maas can create. This story draws you into this world and leave you wanting more.