Review: House of Earth and Blood (Excerpt) by Sarah J. Maas

Expected Release Date: March 3, 2020

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas launches her brand-new CRESCENT CITY series with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

Synopsis:

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. (Goodreads)

My Review:

Thanks to Netgalley for providing this amazing five-chapter excerpt of House of Earth and Blood, the first book in Sarah J. Maas’ Crescent City series.

For those of you that know the talented author, Sarah J. Maas writes very elaborate and intricately developed stories. Her world-building and character development are incomparable and her stories are engrossing. That’s the power of Sarah J. Maas. Her writing is captivating and complex, and her stories stay with you. This excerpt is no exception.

I devoured it.

I must admit that I was a bit overwhelmed at first. There is a ton – and I mean a TON- of information about the characters and the setting. It is complicated, and the Maas jumps right in. Werewolves, fae, demons, angels, and more are at the forefront of the story. Bryce, the half-fae protagonist, is strong and smart, much like the protagonists in Maas’ other books. Independent and confident, Bryce likes to party and hang out with her best friend/roommate Danika (who is also a bad-ass!). I love their friendship and easy banter. They are a sarcastic, funny, and supportive pair, and I can’t wait to read more about them! Furthermore, Bryce works at a gallery for an enchantress that may or may not turn her enemies into animals. I am curious if this interesting piece of information will be of importance later in the story.

Though the start is a bit confusing, the final chapter is fan-tas-tic! It is shocking and suspenseful, and left me salivating for more! This is an amazing introduction to Sarah J. Maas’ new series. Fans of her previous works and fans of urban fantasies will love it!

Rating:

Favorite Parts:

the friendship between Bryce and Danika
the setting – I can’t wait to learn more about the city and it’s citizens
the mix of magical characters

Recommendations:

Of course, fans of Sarah J. Maas will live this book. Readers of young adult fantasy novels with strong female protagonists and intricately woven story-lines will adore this book.