Hello Gemmies! I have a new book review to share with you today....sort of. In anticipation of the release of House of Sky and Breath on February 15th, I decided to do a re-read House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas. This is the first book in the Crescent City series. I was curious to see if I loved this book as much the second time around, and I am happy to report that I love it even more! This is a fabulous adult fantasy romance novel. Yes it is ADULT, so trigger warning this book contains vulgarity, drug usage, and graphic sex scenes. The world building was extremely complex....almost too much my first go round. On the second read I was able to grasp all of the houses, names, magical powers, etc. I loved all of the different creatures and their power structures.The overall aesthetic, writing style, and the imagery depicted throughout House of Earth and Blood was also quite enjoyable. The people of Lunathian are full of so much history and legends that I can see this series going on for a very long time.
House of Earth and Blood is also a well written character driven story. The story unfolds from various characters point of view, but mostly from our main protagonist, Bryce Quinlan. I felt like I understood Bryce better on the second read. I don't agree with all of her choices but I do understand where she is coming from. I also have a better appreciation for her character arc in the end. There are also a slew of other characters to fall in love with. I especially like Danika, Hunt, Lehabah, and Tharion. Ugh my heart just aches for Danika and Lehabah!
House of Earth and Blood is full of action and feels appropriately paced. I like that there was a mystery mixed in with all of the fantasy and paranormal action. It added an extra level of depth to the story. House of Earth and Blood also contains everything I love about fantasy... prophecies, revenge, destiny, magical creatures, morally grey characters, and a lush detailed world. Although this book is over 800 pages, it didn't feel that long. I am looking forward to reading more stories set in this universe and cannot wait for the release of House of Sky and Breath!
If you are a fan of magic, love, mystery, steamy sex scenes, Fae, and Were creatures of all kinds, then go read this book. Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, House of Earth and Blood is available for purchase from all major booksellers. I give House of Earth and Blood 5 out of 5 gems. I cannot wait to read more stories set in this universe. Happy Reading!
