A captivating story of a world about to explode and the people who will do anything to save it.
House of Sky & Breath is the second installment of the Crescent City series. I really enjoyed the first book during lockdown so I was eager to pick this up and get stuck in! Unfortunately it took me a while to finish (and not just because it’s 800+ pages long!) Here’s why:
The plot, characters and story progression
I did expect to feel some second book syndrome going into House of Sky & Breath but I have to say… it really did drag. The story felt like it didn’t really progress at all until the very end. Ninety percent of the book is picking holes in Bryce’s knowledge from the first book and it does get old after a while. Basically learning that she didn’t really know her best friend, at all!
As much as I loved Bryce and Hunt in the first book… the constant sex scenes in this sequel squandered that for me. I was skipping past them by the end. They have chemistry… we get it. I feel like their relationship didn’t really develop, if anything it seemed quite toxic between them and i’m not sure they’ll last but a part of me is still routing for them.
On a more positive note, I have to say… THAT ENDING THOUGH!? Not a single part of me saw that coming. I won’t spoil for those yet to read… but the slog to the end is so worth it that’s all I’m going to say!
World building, atmosphere and setting
Despite my struggle with the really slow moving story lines and character development. The world building and atmosphere in this world remains impeccable. I feel fully immersed in this world and I can picture it so vividly in my mind whilst reading and listening. That is one thing Sarah J. Maas nails every single time, I love that about her books. I can’t say much more than that without spoiling but… if you know then you know.
The verdict?
I have to admit I was a bit disappointed, I wanted to love it as much as I loved Crescent City. But the ending really was worth the slow grind to the end and I’m sure it will all be worth it when the next book drops in 2024!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐