House of Flame and Shadow

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas | 835 pages | 2024

Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.

Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

House of Sky and Breath

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas | 805 pages | 2022

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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

House of Earth and Blood

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas | 803 pages | 2020

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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

It's my second time reading this one, and I still feel like it's 4 stars. She built a really cool world, and I think the balance between urban and fantasy works very well. Basically a whole star gets taken for the terrible supervillain info dump that happens at the climax, which is so clumsy and lengthy that it slows down the momentum.

A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas | 272 pages | 2018

Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

A Court of Wings and Ruin

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas | 703 pages | 2017

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas | 626 pages | 2016

Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

 

 

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas | 848 pages | 2024

Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.

Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.

In this sexy, breathtaking sequel, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt's world is brought to the brink of collapse-with its future resting on their shoulders.

(Synopsis from Goodreads)

This was a worthy conclusion to the Crescent City series, and I devoured it as fast as I could. The crossovers are done well, the action is fast-paced, and the relationships are as good as readers expect from SJM. 

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

 Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas - 576 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak. She is now alone in Wendlin with a broken heart and no motivation to complete an impossible task. She has hit rock bottom and blames herself for the fates and deaths of loved ones until she reaches a turning point and realizes she has to accept the pain and regret and move forward. Her character development throughout is phenomenal as she becomes stronger, wiser, and more determined while also staying stubborn, snarky, and brave. In short, she develops into a queen ready to fight for her kingdom as, with the help of Fae Prince Rowan Whitethorn, she tries to "become worthy" of being allowed into Doranelle to get information about the Wyrdkeys from the Fae Queen Maeve.

I love this series, and this 3rd installment is even better than the first two. I can't wait to see what lies in store as Celaena returns to Erilea.

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

 The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel-Novellas #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas - 451 pages

⭐⭐⭐✩✩

Novellas included:

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
The Assassin and the Healer
The Assassin and the Desert
The Assassin and the Underworld
The Assassin and the Empire

Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom’s most feared assassin. When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes—and questioning her own allegiance. She may work for the powerful and ruthless Assassin’s Guild, but Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam.

Along the way, she makes friends and enemies and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn’s orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger, too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn’s clutches—and if they fail, they’ll lose not just a chance at freedom, but their lives . . .

On the recommendation of my daughter, who LOVES this series, I read this after I finished the 2nd book. I'm not sure if it was because I was not familiar with all the characters or because I really wanted to see what happens in the 3rd book, but at times I had difficulty staying engaged. That being said, I did enjoy it. The insight into Celaena's relationship with Arobynn Hamel and the contrast between Arobynn's domain and that of the Silent Master's, along with the betrayals she experienced, definitely helped me understand her better. 

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel Novellas collection, #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas

 The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel Novellas collection, #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas-435 pages

This is a collection of novellas set when Celaena Sardothien was a member of the Assassins under Arobynn Hamel in Rifthold. It's before the events of the Throne of Glass series. However, many of the stories told in these novellas are mentioned or alluded to in some way throughout the Throne of Glass series. Additionally, many of the characters from them are major players later on in the Throne of Glass series. I really enjoyed going back to some of these characters and reading about these stories and events mentioned or alluded to. I especially enjoyed going back to Celaena and reading about her time spent with the Assassins. I really enjoyed the Throne of Glass series and I enjoyed this prequel nearly as much. It really made me appreciate the Throne of Glass series even more than I already did, especially Maas' worldbuilding and character arcs. She is so good at worldbuilding. 

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

 Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas - 432 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

I liked this 2nd installment in the Throne of Glass series just as much as I liked the 1st book. I definitely did not anticipate several of the revelations that came to light in this book, and I'm just as anxious to see what comes next as I was at the end of the 1st book.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

 Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas - 432 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In a land without magic, the king rules with an iron hand. An assassin is brought to the castle from the salt mines - not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she will be released from slaverey to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass—and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

I'm not usually a reader of Teen books, but this one captured my interest from the beginning. The characters have a lot of depth, especially Celaena. I really like the way you learn about her a little at a time, and I like her more and more with every revelation about her background and true character. It's very easy to hate the king and his minions and wish for their downfall to come immediately even though this is only the beginning of the series.

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) by Sarah J. Maas

 Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) by Sarah J. Maas-980 pages

I am so glad that I finished this series. Maas saved the best for last. I really liked the ending that all (or at least most) of the characters got. There are a lot of characters and plot threads going and Maas deftly weaves them together to make a satisfying ending. I honestly got a little emotional at certain points and that is a mark of a good story. I would give this 5 out of 5 stars. 

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6) by Sarah J. Maas

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass, #6) by Sarah J. Maas-660 pages

I finally got back to reading this after reading other books for a while. I really liked this one. I think this is my favorite in the series so far. Tower of Dawn is full of twists and turns and ancient secrets revealed. The reader is introduced to a new continent (the Southern Continent) of Erilea and to a whole new cast of characters. Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq arrive in Antica to plead with the Khagan to raise an army to help the Northern Continent fight Erawan and his dark army. The Khagan has many sons and daughters, one of whom will be the Heir and one day Khagan himself or herself. The royal family is full of interesting characters. The Torre Cesme in Antica is home to the famed healers. One such healer is Yrene Towers. She is tasked with healing Chaol from his spinal wound suffered earlier in the series. I really like where Maas is going with the story and how it all is coming together for the next and final book, Kingdom of Ash. I am eager to find out how the series ends. It has been a long, eventful ride. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. 

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5) by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5) by Sarah J. Maas-689 pages

This was a bit slow in the beginning, but it really picked up in the second half. Everything comes together at the end of the book and provides a nice transition for the next books. Plans and secrets are revealed and the battle for Terrasen and Erilea begins in earnest. I really enjoyed this book and the ending is terrific. I eagerly look forward to reading the final two books in this series. 

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses #4) by Sarah J. Maas, 757 p.

"Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger and slow to forgive. And since the war – since being made High Fae against her will – she's struggled to forget the horrors she endured and find a place for herself within the strange and deadly Night Court.The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred, winged warrior who is there at Nesta's every turn. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. And when they are forced to train in battle together, sparks become flame.

As the threat of war casts its shadow over them once again, Nesta and Cassian must fight monsters from within and without if they are to stand a chance of halting the enemies of their court. But the ultimate risk will be searching for acceptance – and healing – in each other's arms."--Goodreads blurb

Well Maas knew what she was doing when she set everybody up to hate Nesta. Write a whole book about her and get people to feel sorry for her and feel guilty into liking her. Well it generally worked. Nesta makes a lot of decisions in this book that are frustrating, but her character development, romantic relationship and friendship developments are great in this book. I really enjoyed it. 

 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas, 705 p. 

"She has left the Night Court - and her High Lord - and is playing a deadly game of deceit. In the Spring Court, Tamlin is making deals with the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees, and Feyre is determined to uncover his plans. But to do so she must weave a web of lies, and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As mighty armies grapple for power, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places. While the war rages, it is her that will face the greatest battle." --Goodreads blurb

I feel like this has been the best book for character development, though I felt there was quite a bit of filler in this book. Nesta is really, really hard to like, and Elain grated on me a bit, too. How can she be so innocent with sisters like hers? This was my last re-read of the series and now I go onto the fourth book which is new to me! 

 

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas, 624 p.

"Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she’s now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre’s hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world in turmoil."--Goodreads blurb

Continuing to re-read this series to get to the fourth book I haven't read yet. The complete change in the romance of this story was quite a ride. Having Rhysand come much more into play this book made for a really good story. The push and pull of the love triangle is very emotional. Looking forward to the third and fourth in the series. 

 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas, 448 p.

"When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he’s not a beast all the time. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever."--Goodreads blurb 

This was a re-read for me, as it was finally time for me to read the 4th in this series. I remember being enraptured the first time I read this series. Maas certainly knows how to weave a good fantasy world. Love and hate and all emotions in between keep me reading this story.

 

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas-645 pages

I continue to enjoy reading through this series. Aelin Galathynius, the rightful Queen of Terrasen, continues her quest to defeat the King of Adarlan and his forces. She forges alliances with new and familiar alike. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Empire of Storms.