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| Categories | Action & Adventure |
| Author | Sarah J. Maas |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing (March 3, 2020) |
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 816 pages |
| Item Weight | 2.35 pounds |
| Dimensions |
6.55 x 2.4 x 9.6 inches |
I. Book introduction
Sarah J. Maas’s brand-new CRESCENT CITY series begins 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.
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.
Editorial Reviews
- “The mystery element presents a stunning twist, and the emotional depth of Bryce’s relationships with both Hunt and Danika is incredibly moving. Fans will eagerly await the next installment.” ―Booklist, starred review
- “A dizzying, suspenseful whirl that surprises at every turn.” ―Entertainment Weekly
- “A master class in world-building adventure. Don’t miss it.” ―#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris
- “A richly imagined tale spiced with snarky humor and smoldering romance.” ―Publishers Weekly
- “House of Earth and Blood is a gamechanger! A must read. Sarah J. Maas has set the new standard with this book.” ―#1 NYT bestselling author J. R. Ward
- “Tender, funny, frustrating, hot, and satisfying… Modern day paranormal mixed with good old-fashioned fantasy…of truly epic proportions.” ―#1 NYT bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton
About the Author (Sarah J. Maas)
Sarah Janet Maas, known as Sarah J. Maas (born March 5, 1986) is an American fantasy author known for her fantasy series Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. As of 2024, she has sold nearly 40 million copies of her books and her work has been translated into 38 languages.
Sarah Janet Maas began writing what would become her debut novel, Throne of Glass, at age sixteen. After writing several chapters of the novel, then titled Queen of Glass, Maas posted them on FictionPress.com, where it became one of the most popular stories on the site. It was later removed from the site when Maas decided to publish the novel. The story line of the series is based on the story of Cinderella, with the premise of “What if Cinderella was not a servant, but an assassin? And what if she didn’t attend the ball to meet the prince, but to kill him, instead?” In 2008, Maas started sending the story to agents before signing with Tamar Rydzinski of The Laura Dial Literary Agency in 2009. Throne of Glass was purchased in March 2010 by Bloomsbury, who later purchased two additional books in the series. The series is available in 15 countries and 35 languages. While four prequel novellas set two years before the first novel were also published, these were later condensed into one book, The Assassin’s Blade plus an original novella. The second book of the series, Crown of Midnight was a New York Times young adult best-seller. The final book in the series, Kingdom of Ash, was released on October 23, 2018; the finished series comprised seven books plus the novella collection.
A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas’ second fantasy series, is a loose retelling of the traditional Beauty and the Beast. The first book of the trilogy was written in 2009, but was not published until 2015. Due to the success and popularity of the original series, it was extended and a spin-off series was announced which would feature stories of other popular characters. The fifth book in the series and the first of the spin-offs, A Court of Silver Flames, was published on February 16, 2021.
On May 16, 2018, Maas announced her first adult fantasy series, Crescent City. The first book, titled House of Earth and Blood, was released by Bloomsbury on March 3, 2020. It was ranked one of the top twenty Science Fiction & Fantasy books of 2020 on Kobo. The sequel, House of Sky and Breath, was released on February 15, 2022 and won the Best Fantasy award for Goodreads Choice Awards in 2022. The third installation of the series, House of Flame and Shadow, was released on January 30th 2024.
The A Court of Thorns and Roses series was announced to be adapted into a television series for Hulu in 2021. In an interview with The New York Times, Maas confirmed that she was developing the project with the writers and the showrunner as executive producer.
In May 2023, The Verge reported that the cover of the UK edition of House of Earth and Blood uses an AI-generated image.
The banning of many is her books in Utah public schools has led to a surge in their popularity.
II. Reviewer: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
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1. VAL reviews for House of Earth and Blood
4.5 Stars
I know it’s not “cool” to like SJM books anymore…all the cool kids say she’s tired, she doesn’t have enough “rep” in her books, she’s too trope-y, her males are too “masculine,” angels and fae have been done too many times before, blah, blah, fucking blah…
I’m not here to rate the literary elements here, people.
I’m not here to ferret out any imagined or un-imagined social warrior stances in a barely adult Urban Fantasy book meant for entertainment.
And this was scrumptious.
Was the beginning somewhat clunky and hard to get into? Yes. But I was prepared. And that should be expected in almost any first in a new fantasy series.
Was it too long? Yeah, probably. But I also wouldn’t trade in any of the length and, in turn, lose any of the world/character-building.
Did a lot of the characters remind me of characters from her other books? Sure.
But again, I don’t care.
At the end of any given day, I am just a basic bitch who reads for ENTERTAINMENT.
And I found this book to be 800 pages of a good time.
Can’t wait for book two.
2. SOFIA reviews for House of Earth and Blood
I came here to be entertained. Instead, I cried. Ha ha. Ten points to Gryffindor.
The funniest thing about House of Earth and Blood is reading reviews from people who were angry about the males and females and barking bones and growling and purring and people with wings. This is a Sarah J. Maas book. What did you expect? Mooing bones? GASP.
This book is very long and the beginning dragged. There was quite a bit of infodumping and a lack of contextual clues that made some of it confusing. However, all of this built up to a stunning, action-packed, thrilling ending. I read one-third of House of Earth and Blood in one day because I was hooked.
It’s long because there’s so much character development. Somebody close to Bryce, the main character, dies at the beginning. It hits her like a bullet and changes her forever. Watching her come to terms with the tragedy of her friend’s death was one of my favorite parts of the book. It was gradual, realistic, and heartbreaking.
Bryce is a really interesting character. I love how confident she is and how she pursues her dream even though people tell her she’s “not the right size.” She’s bold and brave and sassy. She will not tolerate people being stupid. She is hurting inside but covers it up by pretending to be a rude, careless party girl. She’s selfless and smart, but pretends to be selfish and stupid to judge people’s characters and to hide her hurt from the world. She’s a character with layers.
“It’s easier for me – when people assume the worst about what I am. It lets me see who they really are.”
But Hunt sees through her mask. If he pulls a Tamlin or a Chaol, I will be upset. I’m not crazy about him, but the way he and Bryce bonded was exquisite. The best thing about SJM books is how the MC and the final love interest share their traumatic experiences and actually WANT to understand each other. The way they slowly open up is devastatingly beautiful. And then they help each other grow. Love doesn’t magically solve their hurt, but it helps them heal. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
“You’re the person I don’t need to explain myself to – not when it matters. You see everything I am, and you don’t run away from it.”
I love how the small details build to insane plot twists. After the first twist happened, I thought it was the big one. But then there was another and another and soon enough, I was screaming internally at the pitch of an over-excited baby bird. I love the ending sooo much. Everything came together perfectly.
Towards the beginning of the book, I was skeptical about some of the characters. They seemed like copies of characters from Throne of Glass. Hunt is Rowan 2.0. Ruhn is Aedion. Shahar is Lyria. But as the book progressed, they became their own characters, which I was happy about.
I would definitely recommend House of Earth and Blood, as long as you can tolerate purring Fae. Don’t worry, there are fewer possessive and aggressive males in this series than in A Court of Thorns and Roses.
4.5 stars
3. SK reviews for House of Earth and Blood
✅Reread #1 (Oct 2023)-
Loved each and every moment of this 800+ page book. It’s more than that. My experience with it is that I was fully able to immerse myself in this world. Bryce, Hunt, Danika and Ruhn (along with other characters) hold a special place in my heart.
I personally think the Crescent City series is being heavily slept on. I see people always talk about A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne Of Glass but CC is equally (if not more) valid. Can just tell how much love and thinking was poured into it by SJM.
Ngl I cried and laughed so much, it was so worth it.
🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨
1. So are we on the same page thinking Rhysand’s last name might possibly be Danaan?
2. I wonder why there is just an Autumn King in the CC world. And what Bryce might learn of the Autumn Court in Prythian.
END SPOILER
~•~•~
Original Review (Dec, 2021)
Through love, all is possible.
I call it unputdownable. This book made me go through so many emotions. It all hits the reader like a truck. You can feel what the characters are going through. Sarah J Maas did well.
The book starts slow and there are certain parts to it which weren’t necessary for the reader to know. But I’ll say it all ties up well towards the end. It picks up pace and is action packed, especially in last few chapters.
The characters need a bit of warming up to. At first I had bit of tough time relating to Bryce but eventually I started to like her. Maybe Maas intended to write her that way. Hunt is dreamy, not perfect but dreamy. Ruhn, Lehabah and of course Danika are absolutely badass supporting characters. The chemistry between Hunt and Bryce was built beautifully. It’s noteworthy that all the characters work well together.
Tho this book had a lot of swearing and so little smut, that is surprising coming from Maas.
Genuinely can’t wait for the next book in the series. But will I say it’s better than A Court of Thorns and Roses? I guess we’ll just wait and see. 😀
4. KHURRAM reviews for House of Earth and Blood
She got me again. Just when I thought I didn’t like this book or character, everything changed, and it happened again. I hate parts of this book, but they just make me love the great part more. Awesome storytelling.
I had high hopes for this book. Throne of Glass is my favourite book series, a Court of Thones and Roses was good but not at quite the same level for me. This is a pretty good cross between the two. Still not quite Throne of Glass, but slightly better CTR.
This book is a huge undertaking close to 800 pages, of which I hated the first 100 pages. I could not see the “party princesses” being the heroes at the same level as Celaena. What I can say is that nothing in this book is window dressing. Everything leads to something. The last 150 pages clinched this book for me, and I could not put it down.
The future is magic and science at two sides of the same coin. A world where supernatural is normal, but there is a hierarchy. Everyone knows their place or else. That is apart from Bryce and her best friend Danika. They do whatever and whoever they want. When things go wrong, they have each other’s back and Hel with any alpholes who say otherwise. Then it all changes.
Very few people in this book are who I thought they were. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I get hit with a twist. This book is a little more lusty than Throne of Glass,and if i had one criticism, it is the number of F-bomb dropped in it. One in almost every conversation. Otherwise, it’s an incredible story that I can’t wait to see what happens next.
5. SNOWMOTH reviews for House of Earth and Blood
Worth Every Minute!
This is a stunning adventure with strong themes of friendship, sisterhood, family, love, death and rebirth. It is a well rounded story, and although, lengthy, keeps you enraptured through the entire book. A true page-turner, with tons of character development and set in a vivid vibrant city. Cannot wait to read the next one.
6. SONIA MAPLES reviews for House of Earth and Blood
“House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, 1)” is an absolute masterpiece that has left me utterly obsessed! Sarah J. Maas has truly outdone herself with this epic tale, seamlessly blending the empire-building grandeur of “Throne of Glass” with the magnetic characters and sizzling romance of “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” The incorporation of modern-day world and technology adds a refreshing twist, immersing readers in a captivating universe that feels both familiar and exhilaratingly new.
From the very first page, I was completely enthralled, swept away by the richly developed characters and intricately woven plot. The range of emotions I experienced while reading was extraordinary – from tears to laughter, from arousal to screams of excitement – this book took me on an unforgettable rollercoaster ride.
As someone who doesn’t usually splurge on full-priced books, I didn’t hesitate for a moment to order the next installment in the series. “House of Earth and Blood” has left an indelible mark on me, and I cannot wait to dive back into this mesmerizing world. If you’re looking for a book that will consume you entirely and leave you craving for more, look no further. Sarah J. Maas has crafted a masterpiece that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page.
7. STEPHANIE STRIETER reviews for House of Earth and Blood
I’m a big fan of everything SJM. Throne of Glass will always be the holy grail for me but House of Earth and Blood was such a delight to read. I like the modernization of the world. I loved the free flying F bombs! I had no trouble understanding the world building.
Maybe that’s because I love fantasy. Either way, I flew the this book and am now on to the second. I fell in love with all the characters! There was just something wholesome about this book but also heart-wrenching at times as well. Also, I listened to the audio at times, Elizabeth Evans always kills it with her narration. How she does different voices for each character is so good I almost forget a woman is reading it all.
8. MADISYN reviews for House of Earth and Blood
Do not put this book down. I know it’s extremely slow in the beginning but my goodness does it turn into the greatest book ever. Wasn’t sure if I’d like a modern fantasy but wow this may be my new favorite genre! This book blew me away! I finished it tonight while decorating for my son’s 3rd birthday. The way I sobbed when “My friends are with me and I am not afraid.” Like ugly cried. Completely sobbing. Also blowing up balloons and Bryce lighting up the 1st gate. I popped the balloon I was in such shock. Truly LOVED this book so much!!!! The graphic audio version was absolutely amazing. The casting was perfect. The amount of plot twists!!! Very rarely does a book take me by surprise and this one has me on the edge on my seat!
9. ROBIN reviews for House of Earth and Blood
↠ 4.5 stars
Just popping by to say, yes, I actually enjoyed a book written by Sarah J. Maas, in the year 2021. House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new adult fantasy series I would pitch as unsolved crime meets a fantasy world and the two unlikely allies teamed up to solve it. Half-fae Bryce Quinlan’s life was torn apart the day she discovered the horrific murders of her friend Danika and her pack after returning home one evening. Two years later and the case has run cold, but Bryce still wants the death of her friends to be avenged. With the addition of new information, she is called to work alongside Hunt Athalar, an enslaved angel whose sentence will be reduced so long as he works by her side. Together they will unearth what really happened all those years ago, something that threatens the very fabric of their world and everything they hold dear.
This is by far Sarah J. Maas’s best work to date. As someone who struggled a lot with her other books, I recognize the incredible transition from her last series to this one. The fact that this is placed into the adult fantasy genre certainly gave her more room to write what she wants without holding back this time around. Crescent City is definitely a book that throws a lot of information up front at its readers, but gives a high payoff to those who take the time to immerse themselves in the world and its incredible cast of characters. I was immediately impressed by the amount of time taken to set the stage for the events that would later come to dominate the plot development. There clearly was a lot of effort put into the placement of these elements of note, to the point where so many went right over my head until they were later called upon in the final chapters. Like a set of dominos that were carefully arranged, only to come elegantly crashing down in the finale. As for the romance, it went above and beyond what I was initially expecting. If there’s anything I love, it’s reluctant allies who team up to solve a mystery, only to then fall horribly in love with one another. This gave me that, and then some. Bryce and Hunt transition from begrudgingly working together, towards finding healing and closure with the help of each other, and there is something really powerful in that. These two really were one of my favorite parts about this book, which is surprising. After that explosive ending I am really looking forward to settling back into this series come November. More Ruhn content please.
Trigger warnings: violence, blood, murder, gore, alcohol consumption, death of a loved one, depression, drugs, discrimination, misogyny, parental neglect, PTSD, sexism, slavery, slut-shaming, substance abuse, attempted suicide
10. JESSICA reviews for House of Earth and Blood
This may be in my top ten of 2020.
I love Sarah J Maas and I love fantasy, especially when there’s some romance in here. First, let’s talk about the romance. This romance was SLOW BURN CITY. Seriously, I was so obsessed with the angst between Hunt and Bryce and how the chemistry was brewing and brewing. His wing would graze her back and I would swooooon. Ugh. I was obsessed with any hint of their romance and I was shipping them the entire time.
As for the fantasy, I would classify this as more of an urban fantasy because it takes place in modern day (slightly futuristic?) and is all about Bryce and Hunt trying to solve a mystery. I really enjoyed all of the different creates and paranormal races involved in this book and wish we had more, like with the mer people. I will say that the first 50 pages is info-dump after info-dump and I was not feeling the book. Once that 60 page mark came, though, I was hooked. This book is 800 pages, but it went by so fast, especially those last 200 pages. I loved every second of this story after that beginning.
Aside from the beginning, there was nothing I didn’t like about this book. I loved the romance, I loved the mystery, and I loved the twists and turns we got throughout this story. The book may be long, but it was worth every single page!
III. House of Earth and Blood Quotes by Sarah J. Maas
The best book quotes from House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
“I see you, Quinlan, he silently conveyed to her. And I like all of it. Right back at you, her half smile seemed to say.”
“Do yourself a favor, Orion Athalar: keep well away from Bryce Quinlan.”
“The power shall always belong to those who give their lives to the city.”
“Through love, all is possible.”
“That’s the point of it, Bryce. Of life. To live, to love, knowing that it might all vanish tomorrow. It makes everything that much more precious.”
“Then let the world know that my first act of freedom was to help my friends.”
“Bryce’s face crumpled as she lurched to her feet, sprinting to the Gate.
She didn’t care how it was possible as Danika said again, “Light it up”
Then Bryce was laughing and sobbing as she screamed, “LIGHT IT UP, DANIKA! LIGHT IT UP, LIGHT IT UP, LIGHT IT UP!”
Bryce slammed her palm onto the bronze disk of the Gate.
And soul to soul with the friend whom she had not forgotten, the friend who had not forgotten her, even in death, Bryce made the Drop.”“You’re the person I don’t need to explain myself to – not when it matters. You see everything I am, and you don’t run away from it.”
“Memento Mori. Remember that you will die.”
“I am a descendant of Ranthia Drahl, Queen of Embers. She is with me now and I am not afraid. My friends are behind me, and I will protect them.”
“I’ve got you,” he murmured. “Sweetheart, I’ve got you.”
“Remember that you will die, and enjoy each pleasure the world has to offer.”
“I heard what you said.’ Pump, pump, pump went his powerful arms. ‘What you waiting to admit until I was almost dead, you fucking coward.’ His lightening surged into her, sending her body arcing off the ground as he tried to jump-start her heart. He snarled in her ear, ‘Now come say it to my face.”
“What brings loyalty beyond death, undimming despite the years. What remains unwavering in the face of hopelessness.” …Through love, all is possible.”
“Because she loved him that much more than she hated you.”
“What blinds an oracle, Bryce Quinlan?”
“It is a symbol – and symbols will always wield power of their own.”
“Sabine snapped back at him, ‘There are no wolves left for the Old Square!’
But the Prime of the wolves had stirred at last, and pointed an ancient, gnarled finder to the screen. To the feed. And he said, ‘One wolf remains in the Old Square.”“There are worse fates than death, you know.”
“Vengeance incarnate. Wrath’s bruised heart. She would bow for no one. Hunt’s lightning sang at the sight of that beautiful, brutal face.”
“…There’s nothing wrong with a party girl. I don’t get why the world thinks there is…Its easier for me—when people assume the worst about what I am. It lets me see who they really are — Bryce”
“But she was the one person I could be myself around and never feel judged. The one person that I knew would always pick up the phone, or call me back. She was the one person who made me feel brave because no matter what happened, no matter how bad or embarrassing or shitty it was, I knew that I had her in my corner. That if it all went to Hel, I could talk to her and it would be fine.”
“Fury didn’t stop her prep. “Bryce was a ghost for a long while, Hunt. She pretended she wasn’t, but she was.” The helicopter finally pulled into the air. “You brought her back to life.”
“The universe is massive. Some believe it has no end. Or that our universe might be one in a multitude, as bountiful as the stars in the sky or the sand on a beach.”
“I am Bryce Quinlan,” she said to the Gate, to the void, to all of Hel behind it. Her voice was serene—wise and laughing. “Heir to the Starborn Fae.”
“Look toward where it hurts the most. That’s always where the answers are.”
“She swallowed, looking at the ground that was not earth, but the very base of Self, of the world. She whispered, “I’m scared.”
Danika grabbed her hand again. “That’s the point of it, Bryce. Of life. To live, to love, knowing that it might all vanish tomorrow. It makes everything that much more precious.” She took Bryce’s face in her hands and pressed their brows together.”“And why is it a somehow a mark against your strength to admit that there is someone, who happens to be male, worth returning to? Someone who I know made you feel like things are far from fucked.”
“I promised Fury not to do anything stupid,” Bryce said, her eyes on Syrinx’s branded-out tattoo. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t do anything smart.”
“We’ve been friends from the moment you thought Jelly Bean Jubilee was a dildo”
“Sandriel just gaped at the feed that had shown Bryce Quinlan casually vacuuming up the ashes of a Governor as if she’d spilled chips on the carpet.”
“No one had ever fought for him. No one had ever cared enough to do so.”
“Only sorrow lay there. And something like understanding. Like she saw him, as he’d seen her in that shooting gallery, marked every broken shard and didn’t mind the jagged bits.”
Excerpted from House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
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