A Fan – Freaking – Tastic Start to a New Adult Fantasy With Just The Right Amount of Mystery & Romance To Balance Out The Palate <3 | ARC Review: House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas

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.

Disclaimer: I received an  physical copy of the book from Bloomsbury India in exchange for an honest review! However, the thoughts, opinions expressed in the review are entirely my own.

Soo.. I have picked up Throne of Glass and left the series after finishing ToG; because I wasn’t connecting to the characters or the story (#sorrynotsorry!) but I had high hopes from this humungous 800 page tome; because

1. It is an adult fantasy – and yes while, it isn’t a certainity that adults will behave maturely as compared to young adults; there is a higher probability that I will actually connect with these characters!
2. Even if I didn’t connect with ToG; I had no problems with Maas’s writing style – I found it to be engaging, stimulating and with the capability of capturing my interest from the get go. So; I knew that the writing style of the author would be enjoyable to me!

And I was RIGHT! I #buddyread this beauty with Aditi @athousandwordsmillionbooks – and it was such an amazing experience of reading the book with someone who has almost the exact tastes in fantasy as yours truly! (THANKS ADITI!)

Now; coming to the actual review –

I will not be able to actually summarize HOW MUCH I ENJOYED the experience of reading this tome, before I start to bore you; so let me make points:

1. Bryce Quinlinn – a fiercely, sarcastic, rule breaking harpy with a heart that has been bruised and broken – more accurately damaged – is someone that I DID NOT like for more than half the book; and I am not sure if I still like her after completing the book. But I do know that I respect the heck out of her – she is strong, fierce and takes no notice of anyone else’s thoughts or opinions on her – or at least does her best not to!
2. Hunt Athalar – a slave assassin who indenture is a burden he has no choice but to carry – and somehow doesn’t see a light at the end of a long, dark and bleak tunnel. So he keeps his head down, keeps moving forward one step at a time. He is gentle at heart; and even with his vicious reputation; it was easy to see that the trauma he endured shadows a kind and loyal heart!
3. The multitude of characters playing a vital role in the world – there were so many; that it took me the whole book to keep them straight in my head – and like Aditi so succinctly put – WE NEED A PREQUEL TO UNDERSTAND THIS WORLD!
4. The element of having a mystery within a fantasy world was a brilliant stroke – the twists and turns; the revelations of betrayals, secrets and things that would make any weaker protagonist buckle just made Bryce and Hunt’s decisions & actions all the more believable! Trust me; once you get used to the world created by Maas; the book seems to fly – you just CANNOT stop reading!
5. I adored that Maas made sure that there was no “saving the world” kind of responsibility thrust on the shoulders of the protagonists – which made the climax pretty darn perfect experience in my head – I swear; with both Bryce and Hunt being characters you just won’t like in the start; the growth they had to become characters I could respect and definitely want on my team – incredible!
6. Last; but definitely NOT the least – the romance; this is an adult fantasy – the attraction between Hunt & Bryce was sizzling; slow burn and definitely angst ridden. But it was one that saw a conclusion within this book; so I am really hoping that the next book is all about a couple I am rooting *wink wink*

If you have actually read through the whole review – kudos and now go pick up this book if any of the aspects seem to be of your liking – and if you are already a fan of Sarah J Maas; do I even need to say anything more?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5

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WIN: A PAPERBACK COPY OF HOUSE OF EARTH AND BLOOD (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J Maas – Click on the image below ❤