Ultimate Crescent City Series Review: Exploring the Magic
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Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night. Until a demon comes in wreaking havoc and shattering her world. Leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. Just when Bryce thought the nightmare was over with the accused behind bars, the killings started again. And Bryce finds herself thrust into the heart of the investigation. Determined to avenge her friends, Bryce will stop at nothing to find the true killer.
Enter Hunt Athalar, a notorious Fallen angel enslaved to the Archangels he once tried to overthrow. Known for his brutal skills and incredible strength, Hunt has been tasked with eliminating his boss’s enemies without question. But when a demon starts upset the balance in the city, Hunt is offered a tantalizing deal: help Bryce uncover the murderer, and he might finally gain his freedom.
As Bryce and Hunt delve deep into the dark underbelly of Crescent City, they uncover a sinister power that threatens everything and everyone they love. Amidst the danger and suspense, a blazing passion ignites between them. One that could set them both free, if only they’d let it.
Join me as we explore the unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense of New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas’s richly inventive new fantasy series, Crescent City. From “House of Earth and Blood” to “House of Sky and Breath,” get ready to dive into a fantasy world. Where the heartache of loss, the price of freedom, and the power of love take center stage. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy and unforgettable characters, this series will leave you eagerly turning the pages and falling in love with the world Sarah Maas has crafted.
Title: House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, 1)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Epic Urban Fantasy Romance
Star Rating: 4 stars
Spice Rating: 1 chili peppers
My Thoughts on House of Earth and Blood
To be honest, I don’t quite know how I feel about House and Earth and Blood. The storytelling has an edge about it, with a dark and murderous vibe (due to the murder mystery) and a pace that goes from snail’s pace to rocket launcher. House of Earth and Blood is not only book one in Sarah J. Maas’ newest series Crescent City. But, her debut in the adult fiction genre.
What I liked about the story is the mature approach to storytelling—setting itself apart from Sarah’s previous works (A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Throne of Glass) while blending those worlds seamlessly.
“Through love, all is possible.”
Bryce’s investigation into her best friend Danika’s murder takes her all over the city of Luthanion. With a sprinkling of things like grief, and the battle for vengeance throughout the novel.
Was it perfect? By no sense of the word is that true. The length of the story felt pointless, with the first 300 pages giving the vibe that they could have done without that (I may feel differently on a reread). To be blunt the gargantuan nature of this first book alone probably could have spanned the entire series. But it eventually satisfies the need within with things like exponential character development and the unraveling of a plot that also could have been done without so many pages following the reveal.
If you couldn’t imagine there is a hell of a lot going on in the world. With loads of various species (from mermen to angels, to everything in between), different plot lines, and wars to say the least. With such a large cast, the character development is excellent. Even side characters get what is deserved in detail. Creating a fully fleshed-out narrative that stands on its own. So what’s with my feeling that the novel could have been shorter?
Well, House of Earth and Blood feels like Sarah didn’t know where to start and stop. Things (especially in the beginning) are not defined. Often going off and creating a new plot line to be followed. This spider web of leads creates a storyline that is murky at best.
“Then let the world know that my first act of freedom was to help my friends.”
There are moments where the twists add something special to the entire story but other times it feels like just adding to the story to add to the page count. One of the biggest things you need for fantasy is the reader’s buy-in in the beginning. Keeping that attention until the last page is turned and the back cover is closed. For me, the buy-in came way too late for me to fall in love with it.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely, I cried like a baby. Found a new favorite character, and just had a downright good time. Not as much as House and Sky and Breath but we will get there.
House of Sky and Breath
On the flip side of my lack of buy-in at the beginning of the first book House of Earth and Blood, I was immediately hooked on House of Sky and Breath. In fact, it’s superior to the Crescent City series. At least so far, I am currently reading House of Flame and Shadow. *side note* follow me on Goodreads
Going into House of Sky and Breath, I knew it would be an epic continuation of the war and battles happening in HOEAB. Bryce while still dealing with her biological father is finding where she stands with the loss of Danika. As this is the second book in the series, we will stick to more general statements to avoid spoilers.
“Death is the only victor in war”
This installment starts with a prologue that greatly factors events within the novel. With the majority of the story taking place locating new characters, that have no real bearing on the story (the characters, not the repercussions that follow, though part of me hopes that in later installments they appear again). Taking place a few months after the first book, Bryce’s choice becomes clear lie low she’s saved Crescent City. Now she just needs to live her life with Hunt. No getting in trouble. Lie low. That bores Bryce soon.
Title: House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, 2)
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice Rating: 2 chili peppers
One thing about Sarah J. Maas is that she will give us character development that will make us sing. And we get even more development from our favorite characters. Especially Hunt Athalar, Tharion Ketos, and Ruhn Danaan. While I loved Hunt and Bryce in House of Earth and Blood, Ruhn captured my heart in House of Sky and Breath.
Just like the first installment, House of Sky and Breath brings the twists. But, the placement of these within the story feels more satisfying and not so jarring. Bryce is continuously flawed making you love her even more. The feeling of secondhand embarrassment grew with how little Bryce knew Danika and how much it hurt her to realize each new tidbit.
“Hunt’s voice was a thunderclap as he said behind her, “Light it up, Bryce.”
Adding to the enjoyment is the plot and subplot of the story. Adding a complex and gripping nature to the storytelling, written at a pace that doesn’t slow or give reprieve. Not in a bad way but in an exciting one more chapter 20 chapters ago, sort of way. Because of the expansion, it feels like Sarah’s writing grew in the best way possible. Giving you something to center around that doesn’t feel like you dumping information on the reader. Where House of Earth and Blood feels like it’s too long, this didn’t feel like enough.
The romance between Hunt and Bryce Quinlan continues to palpate. With steamy love scenes that will have you swooning. Is this super spicy? No. The Crescent City series hits more in the realm of epic urban fantasy with a romance subplot (it is a part of the story but doesn’t take foreground) than the romantasy genre counterparts. While there are a couple of sexy scenes nothing is overly graphic and detailed.
“Our love is stronger than time, greater than any distance. Our love spans across stars and worlds. I will find you again, I promise.”
And can we talk about that ENDING!!! The last 10 pages were whipped honey placed perfectly on your tongue and melting enough that you are drooling, and craving more. This is the way you do urban fantasy romance and leave readers breathless.
The entire SJM universe including A Court of Thorns and Roses series, Throne of Glass series, and Crescent City series is in various available formats including Kindle and Audiobook. And make sure you return for more of my content like my review of House of Flame and Shadow. Coming soon.
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