Melissa reviews CRESCENT CITY by Sarah J. Maas, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020, 816 pages.
“That’s the point of it, Bryce. Of life. To live, to love, knowing that it might all vanish tomorrow. It makes everything that much more precious.”
Sarah J. Maas is back again with the initial installment of her first adult series, Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood. Bryce Quinlan is a half fae, half human protagonist taking us into an entirely new fantasy world than we have come to know and love in Maas’ previous bestsellers: Throne of Glass and Court of Thorns and Roses. While this world is still filled with fae, humans, witches, and more that we may be used to, it feels much more modern and Earth-like than our previous adventures with Maas. It seems almost futuristic rather than an ancient Lord of the Rings–esque world where her other fantasies have taken place.
At its heart, House of Earth and Blood is a detective story complicated by political pressure, tensions between different kinds of creatures, and true love. While some of the mystery is hinted at from the beginning, there are so many surprises and unexpected gasp worthy moments that by the time we are in the last 300 pages you will not be putting this book down. It is truly a roller coaster of action and emotion.
Maas is an expert at drawing us into truly damaged characters, making us love them, fight for them, see them break even further, and then come out the other end redeemed. She draws you into these characters the same way Jane Austen or a Bronte sister might, leaving you wanting your own brooding damaged angel.
Although it was a touch slow to start, I was captivated by this page turner and so sad to have to wait for the next installment. Crescent City is anticipated to be a trilogy, and no word on how long we will have to wait for book two!