House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas is an exciting urban fantasy novel filled with magic, adventure, and steamy romance. It’s set in the vividly imagined magical city of Crescent City and revolves around half-Fae college student Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge for her best friend’s murder.
Teaming up with the fallen angel Hunt Athalar, Bryce is thrown into a dangerous investigation of Crescent City’s magical underworld. This book hooked me from the start and I absolutely devoured it.
| Title | House of Earth and Blood |
| Author | Sarah J. Maas |
| Genre | Fantasy, Fiction, Romance |
| Language | English |
| Publication Date | March 3, 2020 |
| Length | 816 pages |
Where to Purchase
World-Building
One of the standout aspects of this book is the incredible world-building. Crescent City feels like a real, living, breathing metropolis. It’s a seamless blend of modern technology and magic.
The city is populated with various magical factions like shifters, vampires, angels, and demons, each with their own politics and dynamics.
Maas brings this urban fantasy setting to vivid life through tons of rich details that make it feel totally immersive. I was fascinated learning about the history, culture, and workings of this magical world.
Plot and Pacing
The plot is jam-packed with thrills and surprises at every turn. It grabs you right away when Bryce’s best friend is gruesomely murdered, kicking off her quest for vengeance.
From there, it’s a non-stop adrenaline rush as Bryce and Hunt investigate shady leads, uncover shocking conspiracies, take on dangerous foes, and delve deep into the city’s magical underbelly. The pacing is consistently gripping.
Maas is a master at spinning an intricate, addictive plot full of twists and turns that kept me eagerly flipping pages late into the night. Just when you think you know where things are headed, she throws in another game-changing twist.
Characters
Bryce is a bold, badass heroine who has faced tragedy and learned not to depend on anyone. Her tough exterior hides vulnerability and pain. Watching her learn to open up and trust again, especially with Hunt, is meaningful.
Her chemistry with the sexy, morally gray fallen angel sizzles. Hunt’s mysterious past and complex motivations also made him intriguing. The dynamics between Bryce and the side characters — her friends, enemies, informants — were equally absorbing.
Maas makes all the characters feel multilayered and real.
Themes
Throughout Bryce’s journey for vengeance, larger themes emerge around trauma, grief, trust, redemption, and fighting for what’s right. Although focused on magic and fantasy, at its core this book has an emotionally compelling, character-driven story. The characters’ struggles and growth kept me invested from start to finish.
Writing Style
Maas’ first-person writing style instantly pulls you into Bryce’s perspective. It feels intimate and conversational while still beautifully crafted.
The descriptions are cinematic and vivid, fully immersing you in Crescent City’s magical sites, action sequences, and suspenseful scenes. The dialogue is snappy and distinct for each character.
Maas’ writing flows seamlessly between exposition, action, romance, and emotion. This balanced combination makes for compulsively readable storytelling.
My Thoughts
House of Earth and Blood is an utterly addictive urban fantasy packed with adventure, steamy romance, and jaw-dropping twists. The immersive world-building brings Crescent City to magical life. Bryce is a bold, flawed, complex heroine who I loved following.
Maas’ brilliant storytelling kept me hooked. I highly recommend this book, especially for fans of fantasy and adventure looking for an exciting new series. This electrifying story left me eager for more!
