Let's dive into my spoiler-free take on House of Fates and Shadows. We all know how spoilers can be real mood-killers, so I'll tread lightly!
“I’m sick and tired of people using girl as an insult.”
–Sarah J. Maas
What Is It About?
The stunning third book in the sexy, action-packed Crescent City series, following the global bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath.
Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.
Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.
In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt's world is brought to the brink of collapse with its future resting on their shoulders.
My Opinion
3.75/5⭐
I believe we often underestimate the power of friendship, a theme that SJM expertly explores throughout her various books and series. Friendship, not only possesses the power to save the world but also to save oneself.
Despite the excellent storytelling and character arc developments, I couldn't shake the feeling of a void in my heart after finishing HOFAS. In general, the Crescent City series isn't my favorite among SJM's works. I know, it's a bold statement, considering SJM's mastery of ink and words, but honesty is essential.
However, I must confess I felt a sense of lacking. The anticipation built by endless theories and doubts didn't culminate in as many answers as expected. Unlike the emotional rollercoaster of ToG or the impact of ACOTAR, HOFAS left a void in my heart.
But I’ll start with the things I liked:
I was particularly impressed with Lidia and Ruhn; they truly made the entire book worthwhile for me. Lidia in particular. She was just badass!! Reminded me sooooo much of Nesta, Aelin, and Feyre. She has the best things of all my favorite SJM heroines.
The way SJM writes her characters and their development, how everyone has to deal with their inner demons, their self-doubts, and their relationships. That's what gets me every time.
Besides that, I appreciate how more and more, books are talking about how females are the ones overthrowing the patriarchy and anarchy. It's incredible to see these women who lead with their hearts, can be badass, intelligent, and still like the color pink.
Don’t have me, but I was so mad with Bryce. I didn’t like her constant way of evading through black humor and sarcasm. In my opinion, it was overly used and she even was mean sometimes. Especially at the beginning (IYKYK)... those chapters were filled with so much emotion at seeing old and new characters, but I wanted more. I thought there was going to be more mingling between... or was I the only one who thought I would see more of it?
On the other hand, I know that Bryce and Hunt are mates… but I felt the connection between them lacking and it was seriously disappointing considering how well SJM writes her main couples. I honestly thought the relationship between Ruhn and Lidia had tremendous development compared to Bryce and Hunt.
And don't get me started on what Bryce does at the end. I was so freaking mad at her.
yet I can't deny her status as a badass warrior with a huge heart. In the other books, I enjoyed Hunt's character greatly, but his perpetual self-blame grated on my nerves throughout the entire book.
Tharion and Ithan's middle names might as well be "We love to make bad decisions and suffer the consequences." Tharion's seemingly perpetual lack of judgment was a recurring frustration.
Seriously… Tharion and his three brain cells were drowned in his seaweed brain.
As always, SJM delivers a world-building where you need a separate notepad to keep track, it is amazing! I love how much depth her characters have; how much they make me feel and the way I can resonate with them. The way she puts little details foreshadowing and making us gasp and scream when we realize what they mean is just priceless! I love her for that and for so much more.
Despite any criticisms, SJM's ability to make readers fall in love with her stories and characters is unparalleled. Even if she's considered overrated, I have no complaints; she has a unique way of captivating readers.
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