House of Earth and Blood

Who is this book for?

• Readers who enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy with complex worldbuilding are likely to appreciate this book.
• Fans of Sarah J. Maas's previous works will find familiar elements they enjoy, such as strong female protagonists and intense romantic subplots.
• Those who like stories that blend modern settings with magical elements, feature diverse supernatural creatures, and include both action and emotional character arcs will probably find much to enjoy.
• Readers who don't mind longer books and are willing to push through slower sections for an exciting payoff may find the climax particularly rewarding.

Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?

• This book may not appeal to readers who prefer concise storytelling or dislike information-heavy worldbuilding.
• Those sensitive to frequent profanity or graphic violence might find certain aspects off-putting.
• Readers looking for more literary or subtle fantasy may be put off by the sometimes melodramatic writing style.
• Critics of Maas's previous works are unlikely to find this a significant departure from her usual tropes and character types.
• Additionally, those who prefer their fantasy to be either fully secondary-world or strictly urban may be frustrated by the blend of modern and high fantasy elements.

Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book

• Compelling world-building with a unique blend of urban fantasy and high fantasy elements
• Strong emphasis on friendship, particularly the bond between Bryce and Danika
• Engaging mystery plot that keeps readers guessing
• Emotional character development, especially for the protagonist Bryce
• Exciting action scenes, particularly in the last 200 pages
• More diverse cast of characters compared to the author's previous works
• Exploration of themes like grief, loyalty, and found family
• Intriguing magic system and mythology
• Blend of modern technology with fantasy elements
• Sets up an interesting larger conflict and world for future books

Things people didn't like as much about this book

• Excessive length with pacing issues, especially in the first half
• Information overload and frequent info-dumps that can be overwhelming
• Overuse of profanity that some readers find gratuitous
• Repetitive descriptions of characters' physical attributes
• Some characters feel underdeveloped or similar to those in the author's other series
• Worldbuilding can feel cluttered with too many fantasy races and concepts
• Romantic relationship development is rushed for some readers
• Handling of certain social issues like oppression and drug use feels superficial
• Writing style can be overly dramatic or rely on clichés
• Some plot twists and revelations feel contrived or predictable