I really enjoyed House of Earth and Blood, the first in the Crescent City series. It was a bit difficult to fully learn about all the different beings coexisting in this complex society, but was worth the effort. The characters were well developed and the mystery kept the story moving.

Unfortunately, House of Sky ad Breath was a huge disappointment. Frankly, it read more like a trashy romance. There were way too many long and explicit sex scenes than were needed to support the story.

In addition, the mysteries that the characters pursued felt just manufactured. Who are Emile and Sofie Renast, and why do I care about their disappearance? In the first book, learning about Danika and the wolves (why were they killed?) felt urgent. In this story, we keep finding out more that Bryce didn't know about Danika. Aren't there new characters to explore? Well, yes. And unfortunately, this doesn't help matters at all. The author has so many story lines happening that it is difficulty to follow. And they aren't brought back together. They are left hanging open.

In short. I found this book overly long, unfocused, and the ending was clearly just a tease for the next book. No thank you. ( )

A Gripping Sequel of Epic Dimensions! — House of Sky and Breath

House of Sky and Breath, the second book in Sarah J. Maas‚ Crescent City series, takes readers on an exhilarating trip that far exceeds the expectations established by its predecessor, House of Earth and Blood. As a lifelong fan of Maas‚ work, I dived into this 800 page epic with high aspirations, and I was not disappointed.



House of Sky and Breath ♦ Sarah J. Maas ­­­- A Review

Opinion

The plot of House of Sky and Breath not only advances from the first book, but also pushes the story into new, undiscovered ground, full of secrets, riddles, and suspense. Maas expertly constructs an intricate web of intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate a landscape full of twists and turns.

What actually distinguishes this book is Maas‚ ability to keep the 800 pages interesting and engrossing from beginning to end. I never became bored or wished the pace would quicken. Instead, I found myself utterly immersed in the universe she created, eagerly devouring each page as I unraveled the layers of deception and deceit with the characters.

Maas creates a perfect combination of fast-paced action, surprises, snarky banter, and cryptic hints, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. The character development is outstanding, with each member of the ensemble cast maturing in intriguing ways that lend depth and dimension to the plot.

Let’s speak about the cliffhanger! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Maas delivers a stunning twist that leaves me reeling and wanting more. It’s the kind of finale that sends shivers down your spine and makes you eagerly anticipate the next installment.

Conclusion

Finally, House of Sky and Breath is a tour de force of epic fantasy that cements Sarah J. Maas‚ reputation as one of the genre’s best writers. With its fascinating plot, varied characters, and a heart-stopping cliffhanger, this novel is a must-read for both Crescent City lovers and newbies. Five stars all the way.


This review was first published at The Art of Reading. ( )

Review follows... ( )

What? Whaaaaat? I did not just listen to such a great story with such a fabulous ending... Okay, where is part 3 of this?

Full review will come asap, I read the hardcover editions in English and German... Because I need to read this with my own eyes and process these incredible turnarounds before saying anything else here. ( )

Are you kidding me with that ending? ( )