House of Flame and Shadow

by Sarah J. Maas
House of Flame and Shadow cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Fantasy
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Paperback • £7.99 Hardback • £22.00
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  • ID: 7074
  • Added: 2025-12-10
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781526650351
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2024-01-30
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

House of Flame and Shadow is the highly anticipated third book in the Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas, the acclaimed author of the Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. This installment continues the saga with a blend of action, romance, and fantasy, set in a world where ancient powers and modern intrigue intertwine. The story picks up where the previous book left off, plunging readers into a whirlwind of danger and desire as the characters navigate treacherous alliances and personal demons. /n/n The narrative is rich with Maas' signature style, combining vivid world-building and complex characters with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Fans of the series will be eager to delve into this new chapter, which promises to deepen the mysteries and intensify the stakes for the beloved characters.

Reviews
Catherine Rose Gunther · Catherine Rose Gunther · 2024-02-14
great 4.00

The book neatly wrapped up a significant character arc while leaving room for future exploration. The emotional depth and character development were particularly praised.

The reviewer appreciated how the book effectively concluded a major storyline for key characters, providing a sense of closure while still opening doors for future stories. The emotional depth and character development were highlighted as standout features, making the reading experience both satisfying and engaging. The reviewer also noted that the book balanced action and introspection well, keeping the narrative compelling throughout. However, they felt that some secondary plotlines could have been given more attention.

Quick quotes

    Overall I really liked how House of Flame and Shadow neatly wrapped up Bryce and Hunt's three book arc but left doors open to explore future ...

    The emotional depth and character development were particularly praised.

    The book balanced action and introspection well, keeping the narrative compelling throughout.

The Book and Beauty Blog · 2024-02-09
conflicted 2.50

This book was neither awful nor good, indicating a decline in the author's creativity. The review noted a lack of originality and felt the story was somewhat predictable.

The reviewer expressed mixed feelings about the book, stating that it was neither exceptionally bad nor particularly good. They felt that the author had become lazy and was running out of ideas, leading to a story that lacked the spark of previous works. The reviewer found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the character development to be uninspired. Despite these criticisms, they acknowledged that the book had its moments, but overall, it did not live up to the high standards set by earlier books in the series. The reviewer also noted that the pacing was uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others dragged.

Quick quotes

    In my personal opinion, this book isn't awful but it's not good.

    I think Sarah J. Maas has gotten lazy and started to run out of ideas.

    The plot was somewhat predictable and the character development was uninspired.

Overflowing Shelf · 2024-02-06
good 3.50

The book was enjoyed more than the previous installment, but it didn't quite match the high standards set by earlier works. The story was engaging and satisfying, though some elements felt underdeveloped.

The reviewer found this book to be a step up from the previous one, but it still fell short of the exceptional quality of earlier books in the series. The characters and their development were praised, but the plot felt a bit rushed in places. The world-building and lore were highlighted as strong points, making it a solid addition to the series. However, the reviewer felt that some of the storylines were not given enough depth, which slightly detracted from the overall experience.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed this more than House of Sky and Breath, but it fails to live up to House of Earth and Blood, one of my favorite Sarah J. Maas books.

    The characters and their arcs were well-developed, but the plot felt a bit rushed at times.

    The world-building and lore were some of the strongest aspects of the book.

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