Light It Up

I recently finished reading House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas. This is book #2 in the Crescent City series.

*POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT* Rating: 4.75/5 stars "Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent."

Once again SJM has created an ending that is jaw-droppingly brilliant and one that all her fans are going to adore. We are just left speculating as to how SJM will tie all 'this' together, until the next book.

A sensational story in the world of dark fantasy, that is magical and haunting, with an exhilarating plot, powerful world-building, a level of suspense that inspires a hungry turn of pages, and a brilliant array of characters that I believe are her best cast yet. Ingenious.

Sofie, is about to die with one vital piece of “information hidden in her head, information that could very well be the final piece of this war against the Asteri. The blow that could end it all” and so Bryce, Hunt, and Ruhn try to unearth the corruption and the devastating truth that cost Danika her life in the last book and now Sofie in this story. This is not a spoiler as it happens in the first chapter but sets up a storyline that will continue well into the book.

As worlds collide and the Houses of Crescent City seek to take control, the treachery and danger take us to the city ships of the queen’s court, the seven levels of hell, and the orrery planet solar system as reluctant alliances are forged to prevent the Asteri taking control.

However, with an order from the Asteri to lie low or endure a penalty of death, the crew must carve out a strategy where the stakes are high, the game is at a different level, and the people are only too willing to betray the daughter of the King of the Autumn Court too numerous.

Ignoring the request from her father to strengthen the alliance with the House of Avallen, by marrying Cormac, her cousin, Bryce is left isolated except for her lover and ‘mate’ Hunt and brother Ruhn.

The Ending: The sensational ending just blew me away. I was left speechless and very happy knowing we have a fantastic setup going into the next book. If you have read other SJM series you will adore it.

Storyline and Plot: The plot/subplots are complex, gripping, and captivating and written at a pace that never slows. I loved that multiple subplots were introduced rather than having everything centered around the two main characters which has become a common thread in SJM’s books.

Main Characters: Hunt and Ruhn are adorable, and although I liked Bryce much better in book 2.

Writing Style: Stunning writing and one I connect with although you need to pay attention given the number of subplots and wide-ranging 'fantastical' names.

Imagination: I am in awe of SJM’s imagination. Ingenious, creative, and explosive with settings like the seven levels of hell, the orrery of planets, intricate details like the seven stars and their representation, the glowing star on Bryce’s chest, and the symbolic nature of the marks and tattoos.

For Love and other words: There is no shortage of passion between the main characters. What I loved about this part of the story was Bryce standing up for her right to choose her own partner against her father's wishes. Even better when she achieved this in such a clever way that blindsided everyone around her, including her father.

Tormenting, imaginative, spellbinding, a fabulous game of brinkmanship, and totally immersive. A book I read over two days and up to ‘stupid o’clock’ in the morning to finish because I hankered to know how it would all end, and what an ending it was - but no spoilers here! And my advice is please do not read reviews that contain spoilers because the element of surprise will leave you speechless and very happy.

Unbelievably good and highly recommended. I will be on my toes until I can read book #3 sometime after it is released in January. Check back in after that for a review of book 3! Check out House of Sky and Breath, and buckle up for the ride of your life.

Happy Reading :)