All Things Halloween Review - House of Earth and Blood

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, # 1)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: March 3rd 2020 by Bloomsbury Publishing

648 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Borrowed from the e-Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan loves her life. By day, she works for an antiquities dealer, selling barely legal magical artifacts, and by night, she parties with her friends, savouring every pleasure Lunathion—otherwise known as Crescent City— has to offer. But it all comes crumbling down when a ruthless murder shakes the very foundations of the city—and Bryce’s world.

Two years later, her job has become a dead end, and she now seeks only blissful oblivion in the city’s most notorious nightclubs. But when the murderer attacks again, Bryce finds herself dragged into the investigation and paired with an infamous Fallen angel whose own brutal past haunts his every step.

Hunt Athalar, personal assassin for the Archangels, wants nothing to do with Bryce Quinlan, despite being ordered to protect her. She stands for everything he once rebelled against and seems more interested in partying than solving the murder, no matter how close to home it might hit. But Hunt soon realizes there’s far more to Bryce than meets the eye—and that he’s going to have to find a way to work with her if they want to solve this case.

As Bryce and Hunt race to untangle the mystery, they have no way of knowing the threads they tug ripple through the underbelly of the city, across warring continents, and down to the darkest levels of Hel, where things that have been sleeping for millennia are beginning to stir...

I picked up House of Earth and Blood twice before, and I had the hardest time getting into the story. Bryce and Danica start off the book as party girls. I don't support drug use. Clubbing has never been on my agenda. Relating to these characters was difficult. People said to keep pressing on, but sheesh...at 800+ pages, you have to press on a LONG time before action picks up. So much of this book is world building. And world-building takes a long time. Thankfully, I got this on audio from the library. I can tell you that is the only way I made it through this story. That being said, I can see myself re-reading this book and actually reading it instead of listening to it. Now that I know what happens, I think I could dive deeper into it. But I just had to experience it in as quick of a method as possible to begin with.

So much happens! The gist is that a pack of wolves is slaughtered. Bryce is friends with all of these wolves. One was her best friend. And one was a guy she was dancing around the idea of dating. Bryce is a shell of herself for about two years after it happened. But then someone else in the city is murdered in the same way. And Bryce is enlisted to help backtrack her friend's last steps in the week leading up to her death to see if she can help find who the real killer is.

Hunt is an angel who was part of the rebellion that failed. As such, he's now a slave. The city's governor, Micah--an archangel--owns him and uses him to assassinate his enemies. Hunt hates being a slave, but he's offered a deal that will bring his debt to next to nothing. All he has to do is solve the murder of Bryce's friend and who is doing the killings now. Hunt was a police officer of sorts who was part of the investigation into the original murder. He and his superior, Isaiah, were first on the scene.

Hunt and Bryce start out antagonistic. They aren't really enemies to lovers, but they don't fully get along at first. It takes a while for each one to see beneath the surface level that the other is trying to portray. Of course, they grow closer as they work together. But can each of them really be trusted, or are they both keeping secrets?

The biggest side character is Rhune, Bryce's half-brother. Bryce is half human, half fae. Rhune is all fae and in line to the throne. Their father is the Autumn King. However, Bryce hasn't been claimed--both because she's only half fae and because she has little magic. There are also witches, sprites, chimeras, and other species. Rhune and Bryce used to be closer, but they have drifted apart from each other after a fight of sorts. Both hate their father. The Autumn King has specific designs and plans for Rhune as his successor. But Rhune's fortune told him that his path isn't what his father hopes it will be. Rhune is keeping that fortune a secret.

Honestly, there is so so much that happens, and I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. Not to mention that I won't really know what all pieces will connect until I continue the series. But Sarah J Maas is a master of plot and weaving all of the little pieces into bigger details over the long haul. I will definitely continue the series. Since I listened to this on audio, I don't have any quotes to share with you.

House of Earth and Blood gets 4.5 Stars. Language and some spice is present, but I think more innuendo is used than actual scenes in this book as the relationships are so new. Poor Bryce has been through so much. Have you read House of Earth and Blood? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Top Ten Favorite Books in a Series

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Favorite Books in a Series

1. A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 2) by Sarah J Maas
2. Return to Satterwaithe Court (Somerset Stories, # 3) by Mimi Matthews
3. The Belle of Bellgrave Square (Belles on London, # 2) by Mimi Matthews
4. A Proper Scoundrel (Proper Scandals, # 3) by Esther Hatch *current on sale
5. Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, # 5) by Sarah J Maas
6. Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, # 7) by Sarah J Maas
7. The Kiss of Deception (Remnant Chronicles, # 1) by Mary E Pearson
8. Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, # 7) by Darynda Jones
9. The Trouble with Twelfth Grave (Charley Davidson, # 12) by Darynda Jones
10. Morning Star (Red Rising, # 3) by Pierce Brown
11. Blood of My Blood (I Hunt Killers, # 3) by Barry Lyga
12. Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, # 3) by Richelle Mead
13. Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, # 6) by Richelle Mead
14. The Dead-Tossed Waves (The Forst of Hand and Teeth, # 2) by Carrie Ryan
15. Mortal Heart (His Fair Assassins, # 3) by Robin LaFevers
16. Slammed (Slammed, # 1) by Colleen Hoover
17. Hopeless (Hopeless, # 1) by Colleen Hoover

Which books are your favorites from your favorite series? Let me know!

Top Ten Authors (Books) to Read if You Like Jennifer L Armentrout

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Authors (Books) to Read if You Like Jennifer L Armentrout.

When I think of Jennifer L Armentrout books, I think of fantasy, twists, romance, friendships, and stories where most of the pieces are connected and mean something. So that was my criteria for choosing other authors or books I think you should check out if you're a fan of Jennifer L Armentrout.

1. KA Tucker (specifically the Fate & Flame series)
2. Jennifer Anne Davis (all of her books, but Knights of the Realm series & True Reign seires)
3. Marissa Meyer (her Lunar Chronicles series)
4. Darynda Jones (specifically the Charley Davidson & Betwixt & Between series
5. Sarah J Maas (specifically the Throne of Glass series & A Court of Thorns & Roses)
6. Richelle Mead (specifically the Dark Swan series)
7. Robin LaFevers (specifically the His Fair Assassin series & Courting Darkness Duology)
8. Mary E Pearson (specifically the The Remnant Chronicles series & Dance of Thieves series)
9. Pierce Brown (specifically the Red Rising series)
10. Alwyn Hamilton (specifically the Rebel of the Sands series

Are there any books you'd recommend to me because I love Jennifer L Armentrout? What do you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for House of Sky and Breath

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, # 2)

By: Sarah J Maas

Expected Publication: February 15th 2022 by Bloomsbury Publishing

768 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--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.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Kingdom of Ash

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, # 7)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: October 23rd 2018 by Bloomsbury YA

720 pages

Genre: Young Adult/New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Borrowed from the eLibrary & Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

I have put off reading this book for years. Mostly, I put it off due to how long it is. But when I have been in the mood to read here in 2021 after giving birth to my 3rd child, I have wanted to read something I know I will enjoy. Also, I originally read the series on Holly's kindle. But her 1G kindle stopped syncing. So I put KOA on hold with the e-library. I finally got my loaned copy, but of course, you only have two weeks to read a book from the e-library. And 900+ pages is going to take me a bit longer than that these days. My library copy expired, but by that point, I was hooked on the story. So I bought it with my birthday gift card money.

The first thing I want to say review wise about Kingdom of Ash is how very far we've come since Throne of Glass. Oh, my word! It almost doesn't even feel like these two books belong in the same series to me how far apart we've come. I remember thinking, and even commenting in my review, that Throne of Glass not focusing on the assassin competition more was a missed opportunity. Boy, I was completely ignorant about the overall arc of the series story and conflict. Aelin being an assassin was such a small (yet still important) part of the story. I intend to re-read this series from the beginning, and I'm sure I will be just as impressed by the distance from the beginning to the end as I was finishing Kingdom of Ash.

There is so much to discuss and unpack in this book, but with a series ender, I'm always hesitant to spoil anything.

I found it difficult to get back into the story because I put off reading this book for several years. There are so many narrators and so many pieces to this puzzle that it is hard to keep everything straight sometimes. But one thing is for sure, Sarah J Maas has crafted this series like a pro and even the smallest pieces and interactions are remembered for future use and crafted to tie back together. I truly love when a series is like this. Each piece is meaningful and important in some way or another.

Multiple times I found myself thinking that Kingdom of Ash had a JRR Tolkein and The Lord of the Rings vibe. Dorian's quest to find the 3rd key by going into Morath reminded me of Sam and Frodo going into Mordor. Dorian and/or Aelin needing to forge the Lock while war is going on in other areas of the land and story reminded me of the quest to destroy the ring. All of the dark, evil creatures Erawan created of course reminds me of all of the Orcs and creatures from The Lord of the Rings. The battle that Aedion is fighting in Terrasan reminded me of the big battle in Return of the King. Of course, I don't see the religious symbolism throughout Kingdom of Ash like The Lord of the Rings. If anything, maybe there is an "anti-religion" theme throughout Kingdom of Ash.

I want to discuss Aelin and Dorian's mission to destroy the key a little more, but I know that will likely stray into spoiler territory for sure. I'll just say that the self-sacrifice that was touched on in this area felt a little cliche. I was rolling my eyes a good bit through this section. Yet when I analyze it, I'm not sure I can come up with another way things should have gone down. In some ways, I might even say this section could have been skipped altogether.

Sarah J Maas has so many couples going in this book. Each couple has conflicts to overcome. Aedion and Lysandra aren't in a great place. Rowan, of course, has to reunite with Aelin. Lorcan and Elodie are also at odds when things begin. And Dorian and Manon have an impending separation coming. I'm probably even missing someone. Oh and Aedion and Gavriel...not a romantic relationship, but I had to shed a tear at this point of the story.

I really feel like this review has not done this book or this series justice. But there's so much to wrap my head around and so much that I don't want to spoil. Kingdom of Ash gets 5 Stars. And I believe this is my only 5 Star read from 2021 (at least so far). Have you read Kingdom of Ash? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - A Court of Silver Flames

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 4)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: February 16th 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing

648 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Fae

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.

There are two things that Sarah J Maas truly excels at writing in my opinion. (Okay, she's pretty stinking good at more than just these two things, but for me these are unique abilities that not all authors are good at.) One of those is characters that have suffered and have to work to overcome trauma to reach their peak potential, and the other is romantic relationships that transition from one character to another more fitting character. A Court of Silver Flames only had one of these so don't go freaking out on me at the mention of a relationship transition.

When we start A Court of Silver Flames, Nesta is in quite a bad mental space. She's suffering from PTSD over the war with Hybern, her transition from human to high fae, her being thrown into the cauldron against her will, having new unknown powers, and guilt over her father's death as well as the deaths of the Illyrian warriors she didn't save in order to save Cassian. That's a lot of weight on one's shoulders. And a lot of mental things to work through. Feyre and Rhys cut off her cash flow and give her an ultimatum: train with Cassian and work in the library under the House of Wind or be dumped in the human world where she will never be accepted or find peace. She really has no choice. Reluctantly she begins training and finds that doing so helps her.

When I truly sit down to list out the changes that occur in Nesta over the course of this book, I'm blown away at all Sarah J Maas worked in and accomplished. She learns about balance, breathing, mind stilling and meditation. She pushes her body and builds strength. She finds friends and sees that others could benefit from the same training that she's doing to overcome their own trauma. She helps others. She finds purpose and her determination goes beyond what anyone would expect. And really this is only scratching the surface.

Cassian is truly the perfect match for Nesta. His character balances her so much. He's cocky and arrogant at times, but he has reason to be since he can mostly back it up with action. He pushes Nesta to grow outside of her comfort zone. He never judges her even during the times when she makes him angry. He keeps offering his hand to help lift her up. He is the only one I believe truly capable of reaching her in this deep pit that she's in. Yet even though he helps her out a ton, the work has to be hers. She's responsible fo her emotions and her recovery from her trauma. His patience with Nesta rivals Rhys's, which makes their story beautiful.

I will say that the graphic content seemed to be taken up a notch in A Court of Silver Flames. There for a while, it felt like there was some very descriptive sexual scene every time you turn around. I have more to say about the nature of the content, but I think that gets into too personal territory here for this family-friendly blog. I do think in some ways this was done to show a contrast between where the characters are in their relationship during the earlier parts of the book versus as the storyline moves along how things change between them. Plus it seems to fit the characters' personalities. But for me, it was a bit much.

I didn't highlight much, only two times really. But I'll only share one of them with you.

-“That’s the key, isn’t it? To know the darkness will always remain, but how you choose to face it, handle it… that’s the important part. To not let it consume. To focus upon the good, the things that fill you with wonder.” She gestured to the stars zooming past. “The struggle with that darkness is worth it, just to see such things.”

So, so much happens in A Court of Silver Flames. The big bad hasn't been defeated, but I feel like Nesta and Cassian moved forward enough as characters that another major book from their POVs isn't necessary. I imagine we will be swapping main characters for the next book. I'm personally hoping for Az. This book was so complex that Sarah J Maas is truly a master of weaving it all together. I can't wait to move forward with any other future books. A Court of Silver Flames gets 4.5 Stars from me. (I deducted .5 Stars due to the graphic content.) Have you read A Court of Silver Flames? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Ten Books I'd Like to Re-Read for the First Time

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Books I'd Like to Re-Read for the First Time.

1. Slammed (Slammed, # 1) by Colleen Hoover - Slammed is still one of my favorite books of all time.
2. Hopeless (Hopeless, # 1) by Colleen Hoover - That first non-kiss scene from a first time perspective would be awesome.
3. A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 2) by Sarah J Maas - The best big reveal I've ever read. I've re-read it and it was just as good the second time, but seeing all of the pieces play out the first time was epic.
4. Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass, # 3) by Sarah J Maas - through the rest of the series - Again, epic.
5. A Kiss of Deception (Remnant Chronicles, # 1) by Mary E Pearson - This entire book was all about the first read. It was written for the first read.
6. Divergent (Divergent, # 1) by Veronica Roth - Such a unique concept...until the characters had to overthrow a corrupt government.
7. The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, # 1) by Suzanne Collins - Same explanation as for Divergent.
8. Red Rising series by Pierce Brown - Such unexpectedly good books.
9. The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon - Another book about the reveal.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, # 7) by JK Rowling - Who doesn't want to go back and re-read how one of the best series ever ends for the first time?

Which books would you like to re-experience reading for the first time? Let me know!