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A review by fernfuentes
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
[Slight Spoilers]
I can’t believe I’ve done it! The journey I began on January 1st, 2024 is now completed. Even though I’d read ACOTAR a few years ago, I set out at the beginning of this year to read it again, followed by ToG and now CC. I can say with confidence that the Crescent City trilogy was definitely my favorite. In fact, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not sure how ACOTAR is the most famous of her series’ as it’s easily my least favorite (I love ACOTAR, not bad mouthing it, it’s just at the bottom for me).
HOFAS was in my opinion, a fantastic end to this trilogy. It was all the things I loved about all of SJM’s series’ packed into one book. I can’t think of one single character who I thought was badly written. Pollux was such a good villain it’s hard to even consider him a B villain. I’d say he’s just as evil as Rigelus. Just beautifully done. My only complaint with this book is that the spice scenes seem soooo forced. Remember that one scene in the ACOTAR series where Feyre and Rhys did the deed in a camp surrounded by dying people? I feel like SJM tripled down and threw scenes like that all over the place, to the point where I found myself skimming over those parts because it was a bit cringe.
But on that topic, holy crossover, Batman!! Seriously, SJM was able to turn me into a full on Nesta fan with a couple of chapters here better than she ever did in a whole ass Nesta book! That final exchange between Nesta and Ember? Absolutely heartbreaking. I NEEEEEEED the chapters showing what happened while Bryce’s parents were in that world.
I’m really happy I read all these books back to back. Did it take me 11 months? Yes. Was it worth it? That depends. I thought so. I feel like these books are family at this point and I can’t wait for the next one, whatever it may be 🖤
I can’t believe I’ve done it! The journey I began on January 1st, 2024 is now completed. Even though I’d read ACOTAR a few years ago, I set out at the beginning of this year to read it again, followed by ToG and now CC. I can say with confidence that the Crescent City trilogy was definitely my favorite. In fact, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not sure how ACOTAR is the most famous of her series’ as it’s easily my least favorite (I love ACOTAR, not bad mouthing it, it’s just at the bottom for me).
HOFAS was in my opinion, a fantastic end to this trilogy. It was all the things I loved about all of SJM’s series’ packed into one book. I can’t think of one single character who I thought was badly written. Pollux was such a good villain it’s hard to even consider him a B villain. I’d say he’s just as evil as Rigelus. Just beautifully done. My only complaint with this book is that the spice scenes seem soooo forced. Remember that one scene in the ACOTAR series where Feyre and Rhys did the deed in a camp surrounded by dying people? I feel like SJM tripled down and threw scenes like that all over the place, to the point where I found myself skimming over those parts because it was a bit cringe.
But on that topic, holy crossover, Batman!! Seriously, SJM was able to turn me into a full on Nesta fan with a couple of chapters here better than she ever did in a whole ass Nesta book! That final exchange between Nesta and Ember? Absolutely heartbreaking. I NEEEEEEED the chapters showing what happened while Bryce’s parents were in that world.
I’m really happy I read all these books back to back. Did it take me 11 months? Yes. Was it worth it? That depends. I thought so. I feel like these books are family at this point and I can’t wait for the next one, whatever it may be 🖤