House of Earth and Blood, #1 Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Good evening, lovely book readers! Welcome to today’s review of House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas, the first novel in the Crescent City series. I hope you're all doing well and excited to dive into this review, especially if you're as much of a Sarah J. Maas fan as I am.

Review:

This book took me around six days to finish, and let me tell you, it was a journey. At over 800 pages, it’s a hefty read, and the first 100 pages are packed with information—almost too much at first. I found myself wondering when things would start clicking into place. But once you find the rhythm of the book, it’s captivating. I got so invested in the characters and the world that I cried three times throughout the story! Needless to say, this is a solid five-star read for me.

For context, I’m already familiar with Sarah J. Maas’s work, having read both the A Court of Thorns and Roses (*ACOTAR*) and Throne of Glass series. Throne of Glass holds a special place in my heart as my favorite series, so I was hesitant to dive into Crescent City, especially after hearing that the first book leans heavily on world-building and character introductions. But I’m so glad I did! The plot, while slower in the beginning, picks up in a big way, with plenty of twists and emotional moments that left me in awe of Maas’s storytelling.

One of the standout aspects of this book is how deeply developed the characters are. The protagonist, Bryce, is as layered and compelling as Maas’s other iconic characters like Aelin from Throne of Glass and Feyre from ACOTAR. Bryce's relationships with the other characters are beautifully fleshed out, and you can really understand her motivations, pain, and growth. Maas has a talent for writing strong, flawed, yet relatable female leads, and Bryce is no exception.

The world-building is extensive and, at times, overwhelming. However, it’s essential as it sets the stage for the entire Crescent City series. The universe Maas creates is rich, with a mix of magic, technology, and political intrigue. Despite its complexity, it’s thrilling to see this new world unfold, especially knowing there are more books to come in the series.

There are moments in the last 100 pages that absolutely broke my heart, especially the fate of certain characters. Some characters who had so much potential were taken away too soon, which was gut-wrenching. Yet, Maas manages to make you care so much about them that their loss feels significant. On the flip side, other characters grow on you over time, and the way relationships evolve—whether through tension, respect, or love—adds so much depth to the story.

What really stood out to me is the moral complexity of some characters. There are a lot of grey areas in terms of motives and decisions, which kept me guessing and invested in where the story would go next. The blend of action, romance, and emotional depth made this book a rollercoaster, but in the best possible way.

The ending, especially the epilogue, left me itching to dive into the next book. I’m already looking forward to House of Sky and Breath, and I'm curious to see where Maas takes the series next. I also can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy, as I read this one on Kindle and would love to add it to my collection—hopefully in hardcover to match my Throne of Glass set!

If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with detailed world-building and characters that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, I highly recommend House of Earth and Blood. It’s everything I’ve come to expect from Sarah J. Maas and more.

Plot:

Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time

Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph

Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building ... a page-turning delight – Guardian

Sarah J. Maas does not disappoint ... To be devoured with relish – Mail

BOUND BY BLOOD.

TEMPTED BY DESIRE.

UNLEASHED BY DESTINY.

Bryce Quinlan loves her life. Every night is a party, and Bryce is going to savour all the pleasures Lunathion – also known as Crescent City – has to offer. But when a brutal murder shakes the very foundations of the city, Bryce's world comes crashing down.

Two years later, Bryce still haunts the city's most notorious nightclubs – but seeking only oblivion now. Then the murderer attacks again. And when an infamous Fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, is assigned to watch her every footstep, Bryce knows she can't forget any longer.

As Bryce and Hunt fight to unravel the mystery and their own dark pasts, the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents and down to the deepest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir ...

Perfect for fans of Jessica Jones and True Blood, this is a blockbuster modern fantasy set in a divided world where one woman must uncover the truth to seek her revenge.

With unforgettable characters and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom – and the power of love.

Up next on my TBR is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, a dark academia set at Yale that seems perfect for the upcoming fall months. Stay tuned for my review of that soon!

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading today’s review. I look forward to sharing more thoughts with you soon!