BOOK Review: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Mass

When we picked up Sarah J. Maas’s House of Earth and Blood (the first in her Crescent City series), we had high expectations—and somehow, it still managed to completely blow us away. This book was, quite honestly, perfection.

Having seen it appear on our screens plenty of times before, we think it’s been a little unfairly judged within the book community, and that’s part of why we’re writing this review. A lot of readers go in expecting it to feel like A Court of Thorns and Roses, but here’s the thing—it’s not meant to. And that’s exactly why it works. Instead of another high-fantasy world tucked away in some far-off realm, Maas gives us a story where fae, angels, and magical beings exist within a setting that feels almost modern. There are phones, clubs, technology, and a kind of “everyday life” backdrop that makes the characters’ struggles and relationships feel incredibly relatable—despite all the magic. It’s this blend of the fantastical and the familiar that hooked us straight away.

Bryce Quinlan, our main character, is one of our all-time favourite Maas heroines (we’re like, Feyre who??). She’s witty, sharp, flawed, and fiercely loyal. Watching her dynamic with Hunt Athalar develop was brilliant—their “working relationship” had just the right mix of banter, tension, and slow-burn emotion that kept us turning the pages.

And then there’s Lehabah —such a standout side character. Without giving spoilers, we’ll just say that by the time we hit chapter 66, the emotional rollercoaster began in full force. From that point on, we could barely breathe between chapters, and Ella found herself staying up until 1a.m. just to finish the final stretch. That’s the kind of grip this book had on us.

Yes, it’s a chunky book. But Ella tore through it in four days and Emily in seven. And honestly? We’d do it again in a heartbeat.

For us, House of Earth and Blood was everything we want from a fantasy read: a compelling world, layered characters, a heart-pounding plot, and moments of emotion that stick with you long after the final page. If you’ve been hesitant because of comparisons to Maas’s earlier series, we urge you to set those expectations aside and dive in. This isn’t A Court of Thorns and Roses—it’s something different, something bold, and something unforgettable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6 read — an absolute triumph.