Mini Review: House of Sky and Breath

 

This one is a mini review because it's hard to talk about the book without spoilers.

There's a LOT that goes on in this book.

It does have the usual Sarah J Maas elements:

Friendship, banter, smart heroine, danger, action, lots of trouble, secrets, double crossing, traps, snark, romance, and that twist you never see coming.

That last twist blew my mind.

So first, I'm a huge fan of the author. I will read whatever she writes. But I know that I need a large chunk of time to read these books. Because once I start, I'm not going to want to stop. Her books are addicting! 

A must have series for your public library's adult fantasy collection.

* Book sent for review

While this list is for the COURT series, these similar reads hold true

Book List: A Court of Silver Flames

Last weekend, I read A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas. I had a long weekend and yes, it took me the entire four days to read it. 

And I loved it. I'm addicted to her books.

This book stars Nesta the snarky sister who used to be human but was turned into Fae. And she was NOT happy about it. She stole powers from the Cauldron. After the war, Nesta loathes herself. She lashes out at everyone until Feyre gives her an ultimatum that changes everything. 

That's a very basic summary because it's an involved plot. But that's how the book starts. I loved learning more about Nesta. I enjoyed her banter with Cassian. I loved her moments with the House - especially their conversations about romance books. I loved her two friends: Gwyn and Emerie. I loved how they worked together and supported each other. Of course, I loved the library. And I loved seeing old favorite characters. 

So if you like Sarah J Maas's books and you want more similar, here is a list:

YA Books:

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Adult Books:

Poison Study by Maria V Snyder

Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep

Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill 

Not Pictured:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (YA)

Court of Fives by Kate Elliot (YA)

Falling Darkness by Morgan Rhodes (YA)

We Hunt the Flame (YA)

Review: House of Blood and Earth

* First in a new series *

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it. - summary from the publisher

I'll fully admit, I'm a Sarah J Maas fangirl. And if you like her, this book will blow you away. I loved it. It has all the classic traits of a Maas book - forbidden romance, friendship, death, secrets, lies, betrayals, banter, action, danger, and fighting for a cause. But it was so much more than that.  It was half a murder mystery and half a fantasy novel - the fight against good and evil. It was also half a romance novel.  The stakes were high. The evil was so very evil. And there's that one part that slayed me. Tears - laughter - happy sighs = this book gave me all the feels. And a book hangover

I can't imagine where the next book is going, but I'm here for it.

Library Recommendation: A must have fantasy book for your public library.

If You Like:

I really am loving romantic fantasy and need more recommendations. If you have a series or book you love, let me know in the comments! Thanks.

** copy sent for review
*** This is an adult book

Embers of Memory Game

I was super excited about this game because I'm a HUGE Sarah J Maas fan.

I love that there's a card game because of a book series.

The art work in the cards is amazing.

It took us a little bit to get into the game.

We lost the game - with the way we shuffled the cards, winning was impossible.

How cool is it that a series of books became so popular that there's a game because of them?

I was surprised that the game was set before the Kingdom of Ash. I assumed it would be during Throne of Glass to hook more people into reading the book series.

I loved that it was a cooperative game, even though you're not allowed to speak about strategy. 

I really enjoyed played this game. Fans of the book will be interested in playing.

* Game sent for review