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A review by samellecooke
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Five gold stars for the Queen of Romantasy, SJM. I put off reading this until we got closer to the release date for HOFAS (Crescent City #3) and THANK THE GODS I DID! I don't think I could have waited the 2 years some people did for the other two books.
For those new to SJM and her wonderous works, I highly recommend you read the ACOTAR series first. While not totally necessary for CC #1, I think you'd be doing yourself a complete disservice if you begin your SJM pilgrimage here. So go on that amazing journey first, then come back. I might also recommend just reading TOG while you're at it too, even though this an insanely long reading adventure...but well worth it IMHO. At the very, very least, read ACOTAR 1-3.
I loved everything about this new world. The introduction of technology in the urban fantasy landscape, knowing that one or more of SJM's other worlds (which do NOT have modern day tech) may be involved, was impeccably done. The new cast of characters are all A+ in my book. I may not have loved each of them initially or throughout the entire book, but by the end everyone has their place and I loved them for that. This is one, of many!, of SJM's strong suits - character development.
Loved that we started off the book on an unexpected bang. I remember reading various reviews saying that the first 100 or so pages of HOEAB would be rough and you'd need to take notes, so on and so forth. After finally reading it, I didn't find that need at all seeing as she kills off AN ENTIRE GROUP OF PEOPLE almost immediately. Lol, a fucking queen.
But that's ok because we collect a whole new cast of characters who are all badasses in their own rights. I won't say too much about the remaining content except for this: that ending WRECKED me. I think it was worse than the endings of ACOWAR and ACOSF combined. I am not a crier...I shed tears twice. "Light it up."
I went into this book almost completely blind. I bought this and HOSAB site unseen. Didn't read a single summary, back cover, or jacket flap. In Maas, I trust. And you better believe, she delivered! On to CC #2.
For those new to SJM and her wonderous works, I highly recommend you read the ACOTAR series first. While not totally necessary for CC #1, I think you'd be doing yourself a complete disservice if you begin your SJM pilgrimage here. So go on that amazing journey first, then come back. I might also recommend just reading TOG while you're at it too, even though this an insanely long reading adventure...but well worth it IMHO. At the very, very least, read ACOTAR 1-3.
I loved everything about this new world. The introduction of technology in the urban fantasy landscape, knowing that one or more of SJM's other worlds (which do NOT have modern day tech) may be involved, was impeccably done. The new cast of characters are all A+ in my book. I may not have loved each of them initially or throughout the entire book, but by the end everyone has their place and I loved them for that. This is one, of many!, of SJM's strong suits - character development.
But that's ok because we collect a whole new cast of characters who are all badasses in their own rights. I won't say too much about the remaining content except for this: that ending WRECKED me. I think it was worse than the endings of ACOWAR and ACOSF combined. I am not a crier...I shed tears twice. "Light it up."
I went into this book almost completely blind. I bought this and HOSAB site unseen. Didn't read a single summary, back cover, or jacket flap. In Maas, I trust. And you better believe, she delivered! On to CC #2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Drug use, Murder, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Grief