5 Stars
Holy smokes! I can’t even begin to describe the rollercoaster of emotions I went through in the last 200 pages alone. It was an absolute whirlwind of heartache, despair, and relentless determination. 😭
Bryce’s seemingly perfect life, filled with hard work and endless partying, shatters into a million pieces when her dearest friends fall victim to a brutal demon. The investigation thrusts Bryce right into the heart of the chaos, and let me tell you, she’s not holding back. Determined to avenge her fallen family, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. But hold on tight, because things are about to get even more intense. Enter Hunt Athalar, a once rebellious Fallen angel turned servant of the very Archangels he once opposed. He’s got a wicked offer for Bryce: help her find the murderer, and in return, he secures his freedom.
“Light it up, Bitch”
This book is an explosive blend of Sarah J. Maas’s remarkable talent for crafting deeply layered characters within a fantastical realm. Now, I don’t personally rub elbows with fae, angels, vampires, or werewolves in real life (bummer, right? 😂), but let me tell you, I feel like I know Bryce, Ruhn, Hunt, Danika, and the whole gang intimately. It’s been ages since I’ve delved into a book and genuinely felt like I was whisked away to their world.
Now, let’s talk themes. Brace yourself because we’re diving into some deep waters. This book tackles mature subjects head-on, including thoughts of suicide, drug use, grief, self-loathing, self-harm, and other dark territories. But here’s what sets Sarah J. Maas apart: she doesn’t brush these issues aside with a quick fix. Oh no! The characters grow, they heal, but most importantly, they carry their scars and battles with them, shaping their newfound selves. It’s absolutely breathtaking, a masterpiece in its own right.
“Vengeance incarnate. Wrath’s bruised heart. She would bow for no one.”
Friendship takes center stage in this captivating plot. The way friendships form, evolve, and sometimes crumble is simply awe-inspiring. Bryce and Danika’s bond is something out of this world—utterly devoted and fiercely loyal. We all crave a friendship like that, don’t we? It hits us in the gut, resonating on a profound level. And Bryce’s connection with Hunt? It’s a wild ride, filled with tantalizing tension and a slow burn that keeps us hooked. As for Ruhn, he may have played a more subdued role this time around, but mark my words, he’s poised to take the stage in the upcoming books. The love he harbors for Bryce is undeniably special, and I can’t wait to see how their relationship flourishes. Will they become an unstoppable duo, like what should have been with Feyre and Nesta? Ah, the anticipation is killing me!
When I first laid eyes on this behemoth of a book, with its 800 pages staring me down, I admit, I was a tad intimidated. But fear not, my friends, for every single page was an essential building block of the story. No fillers, no fluff—just pure storytelling magic.
All in all, this book stands head and shoulders above anything Sarah J. Maas has written to date. It’s like the very best of Throne of Glass and ACOTAR melded together, creating a literary feast that I absolutely devour. I’m positively bursting with excitement for the next installment—book #2, here I come!
“My friends are with me and I am not afraid.”
You thought I’d end this review without the one quote that made me sob and sob until I could sob no more? You were wrong. 💔
Title: House of Earth & Blood
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 803
Release: March 3, 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Romantasy
