A review by riada
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

4.0

“All right. Let’s ring Hel’s doorbell.”

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas delivers a satisfying conclusion to the Crescent City series, though not without its flaws. The intricate plot continues to captivate with its elaborate world-building and the fascinating connections between Midgard and other realms. I especially loved the exploration of Theia's history and the darker undertones it brought to the narrative. The world-building remains strong, showcasing Maas's talent for creating complex, interconnected realms.

Ruhn and Lidia's arc was a highlight for me. Their relationship, marked by intense emotions and significant sacrifices, was beautifully rendered. Lidia’s strength and the depth of their bond added a poignant layer to the story, even though I felt the romance was somewhat rushed towards the end. The emotional payoff was worth it, though, and their journey was one of the book’s strongest elements.

“The world seemed to hold its breath as the elegant doe walked up to Ruhn and gently, lovingly, nuzzled his neck.”

On the other hand, the book’s multiple POV shifts were a bit disorienting. While I appreciate the breadth of perspectives, the constant changes made it challenging to stay immersed in the narrative. The pacing also felt uneven at times, particularly with the way some plotlines wrapped up rather predictably.

Bryce and Hunt’s reunion, which I anticipated would be a powerful moment, fell a bit flat. Their dynamic has always been central to the series, but here it felt less impactful than I had hoped. Additionally, some character developments, like Tharion’s arc, didn’t resonate with me as strongly as others.

Despite these critiques, the overall experience of House of Flame and Shadow is enjoyable and engaging. Maas’s talent for creating vivid, imaginative worlds and dynamic characters remains evident, and the book provides a thrilling, if somewhat uneven, conclusion to the series. Fans of the Crescent City saga will find much to appreciate, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors.

“Choose life. Choose each other. I have lived with the alternative for millennia - the loss never gets easier to bear.”