Review: SARAH J. MAAS HAS OUTDONE HERSELF. HOLY. CRAP. THAT ENDING. WOW. I NEED THE THIRD BOOK IMMEDIATELY. 

 

*Calms* I must admit that if Sarah J. Maas had not ended the book the way that she did, I don’t think I would have loved it quite as much. I was blown away by “House of Earth and Blood.” The murder mystery was complex and paired well with many of the fantastical elements that were incorporated in the novel. I especially loved the twists and turns that kept me on my toes. While twists and turns were very much present in “House of Sky and Breath,” I just did not find the storyline as compelling as its predecessor. In fact, most of the novel felt like filler and the sexual content was just not my cup of tea. In my opinion, however, everything was worth it for the ending, even the whiplash. 

 

Other than the cliffhanger at the end, I really enjoyed the addition of Tharion and Ithan’s points-of-view. Tharion’s perspective gives the reader access to the world of the Blue Court, which was not fully explored in book one. I loved learning about the mer, the River Queen’s reign, and Tharion’s occupation. Ithan’s viewpoint provides a lot of great insight into Bryce’s past and life as a shifter. Both characters struggle with intriguing inner-conflicts and I cannot wait to see how they develop in book three. 

 

Another aspect of the novel I appreciated was the use of the found family trope. A familial bond formed between Bryce, Hunt, Ruhn, Tharion, Ethan, Declan, Flynn, and so many others despite their difference in species, which I loved! 

 

The Crescent City series’ growing diversity of characters I more accurately reflects Maas’ readership, which makes my heart happy. More and more characters of different races and sexual orientations are given points-of-view and being placed at the forefront, which is huge with respect to the lack of representation in her earlier works. 

 

I am really at a loss for words when I think of what I am supposed to do between now and the release of Crescent City 3! My brain can only imagine what Mrs. Maas is cooking up!