A Riveting Masterpiece of Fantasy – House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas has once again demonstrated her mastery of the fantasy genre with the magnificent first book of the Crescent City series, House of Earth and Blood. This book is a genuine jewel that merits every ounce of its five-star rating, spinning a rich tapestry of mystery, romance, and a universe full of magical wonders.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. MaasSeries: Crescent City (E) #1
Published: 03/13/2020 by Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover, 803 pages
Genre: Angels, Demons, Fae, High Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Shapeshifters, Suspense, Witches
ISBN-13: 9781408884416
Language: English
Audience: Adult
Shelve: Read 2022, Read 2024
Link to Goodreads
Rating:
Bound by blood.
Tempted by desire.
Unleashed by destiny.Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.
With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, 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.
Buy the Book at: Amazon*
House of Earth and Blood ♦ Sarah J. Maas
A Review
Opinion
One of the novel’s major aspects is its unique protagonist, Bryce Quinlan. Bryce is an impressive female heroine who is tough, intellectual; she is a force to be reckoned with. What distinguishes her is her resistance to be pushed around by the Vanir alphamales—alphaholes as she calls them—who dominate her world. It’s great to watch a character who embodies both strength and intelligence, negotiating a complex web of obstacles with commitment and wit.
The fragile relationship between half-human half-fae Bryce and the angel Hunt Athalar aka Umbra Mortis aka The Shadow of Death gives substance to the story. Their shared experience of loss, both dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, bonds them together in a genuine and heartbreaking way. What actually stands out is Maas‘ handling of their blossoming romance. Unlike conventional fantasy tropes, there is little unnecessary drama, making their relationship feel genuine and grounded.
The genius of House of Earth and Blood is the outstanding balance of the major mystery-crime plot with the romance subplot. Maas seamlessly combines these two components, ensuring that neither overshadows the other. The murder investigation takes center stage, captivating readers with its complexities and unpredictability. Bryce and Hunt‘s challenge to uncover the truth about the killings of Bryce‘s best friend Danika and The Pack of Devils is thrilling, with surprising twists and turns.
Maas‘s writing skill emerges as she keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with each revelation more startling than the last. The plot’s unpredictability provides suspense to the story, which I’ve rarely seen in fantasy literature. The author’s ability to strike the appropriate balance between romance and mystery proves her talent for producing a diverse and interesting story.
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Conclusion
In a nutshell, House of Earth and Blood is a fantasy masterpiece. Sarah J. Maas has written a mesmerizing story full of strong characters, a captivating mystery, and a romance that is both authentic and sincere. This novel is a must-read for fantasy fans and anyone looking for a gripping voyage into a world where magic and mystery coexist perfectly.
Crescent City
The Series
| House of Earth and Blood (#1) | House of Sky and Breath (#2) |
| House of Flame and Shadow (#3) | in planning |
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