Review: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas | A mind-blowing sequel

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.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

This review has spoilers! Go check out my review of the first book here if you want a spoiler-free overview of this series.

Rating: 5/5

    You know you've read a good book when you have no words and at the same time have so much to say that you have no idea where the hell to start. Although I was spoiled for some things in this book (two whole days before the book even came out 🤬) I am still utterly shocked and astounded at the events of the book. But let's try to talk about it.

"Because I'm the Super Powerful and Special Magic Starborn Princess," Bryce answered, waggling her eyebrows.

    First of all, I thought the writing and pacing of this book were incredible. It felt different from SJM's other books and I really appreciated that. I don't read a lot of urban fantasy, so this experience for me was super immersive and interesting. Even when the story slowed down slightly for me when our little investigative group was discussing their latest theories, immediately after that in the next chapter something action-packed and exciting would happen that had me turning those pages like a madwoman. Overall, I have no complaints about the pacing and plot of this book.

    Now let's talk about that ending because I can't delay talking about it. Now, I had been spoiled about Rhys and Azriel showing up in this book, but I had no idea how or what the context was. I honestly thought it would be in the middle of the book and not the ending. Anyways, so basically Bryce was able to escape through a portal while Hunt and Ruhn are imprisoned and enslaved to get help. Before Bryce escapes, Ruhn gives her the Starsword and says that she will need it. Bryce ends up free-falling through the universe until she finally reaches the lawn of a house in Velaris, presumably guided by the Starsword. Now, who is there waiting for her? Azriel, spymaster of the Night Court, who she thinks is a demon at first. He escorts her to a house where they meet with the inner circle and Bryce begs them to help her rescue her planet from the Asteri. In comes in our High Lord and Lady of the Night Court, and the book ends with Rhys greeting Bryce. AND WHAT AN ENDING??????

    I think we can all agree that the only way we can describe that ending is pure shock. But at the same time delight for ACOTAR fans because we get to reunite with our family, from a new perspective. I think it's going to be fun for Bryce to meet ACOTAR characters, especially Nesta and Cassian, who are my faves. Plus, Bryce comes from a modern world with phones, sneakers, guns, I think that the culture clash with the world of ACOTAR will be hilarious. I mean, Bryce is already befuddled at the sight of Nesta and Amren's clothing that she compares to that of a "fantasy film" 😂.

    Another important revelation of this book is that the Starsword is the same Gwydion sword that is mentioned in ACOSF, a sword that can kill what is unkillable. Moreover, Truth-Teller is the other part of the pair that is foretold to bring the Fae people together. So presumably, now the Fae in the world of CC will be able to unite against the Asteri. Also, Bryce is astounded by Rhys' appearance because she realizes he is almost identical in appearance to Ruhn, showing that Rhys' bloodline is the same as the Avallen Fae of Midgard. Sarah J Maas just set up this world for a crossover event where the ACOTAR inner circle can help Bryce save her world from the Asteri (who by the way, are parasitic monsters who are farming various magical creatures so they can feed on their magic to charge up their batteries...😱). Interesting stuff, indeed.

"Her voice was beautiful. Like a golden song. It stirred his Fae soul, made it perk up."

    I loved the romance between Agent Daybright and Ruhn in this book. I thought it was such a fun setup and allowed them to get to know each other's personalities really well. I was rooting for Agent Daybright to be Hypaxia, but I have to say I'm happy it isn't. If it was Hypaxia, there would be no further conflicts in their relationship since they're already betrothed. However, with Lidia (aka the freaking Hind) being Day, there's a huge obstacle to their relationship because now them being together goes against the Asteri's wishes. Also, despite the Hind helping Bryce and co. with the calling stones and Sofie as well, it's clear she has done some morally reprehensible things in her life, which is going to be another source of conflict in their relationship. But most of all, I like the reveal because it makes sense; a plot twist is no good if there's no buildup/hints to it. As I read the book, it made less and less sense for Hypaxia to be Day, while the Day's real identity as Lidia clicks perfectly in my brain which makes me happy and satisfied.

"Bryce doodled on a piece of scrap paper beside her computer. A little heart that said BQ + HA."

    I know I've already talked so much, but I've got to say Bryce as the main character in this book was absolutely delightful. Her humor and wit gave the perfect moments of levity even in the midst of them fighting for their lives. I love how she owns her "master of spinning bullshit" personality. I also loved seeing Bryce's relationship with both Hunt and Ruhn grow. BryceHunt were perfect in this book with the perfect mix of romantic, comforting, domestic, fighting, and *⚡electrifying⚡* scenes (including a certain one in an underwater biodome). They are quickly becoming one of my favorite SJM couples, and I think I'll like them even more once I do a reread. 

Loving this AMAZING Brycehunt fanart by Fernanda Fernandez

Bryce met Hunt's blazing gaze, her chest heaving, head a dizzy, starry mess. She said the only thing in her head, her mind, her soul. "I love you."

    Another excellent feature about this book is how amazing the fantasy elements were. Whether you're staring down at a mystic in a tub full of bloodsalt (in which afterbirth blood of mothers is a main ingredient), meeting with a demon prince, or a white stone summons a moving underwater city-ship to rescue you, there's never a moment where you feel like your imagination is not completely engaged. I could think of many other examples from the book, so props to Sarah J Maas for doing an amazing job. I LOVED it. 

Bryce blew him a kiss. "Happy not to disappoint my fans."

    Back to the ending, for us Elriel (Elain + Azriel) fans, it is interesting to look for any hints of a burgeoning or already established relationship between this duo. Obviously, we read that there is a scent of roses and bread in the house, which if we're assuming SJM didn't just decide to drop randomly (which I'm not inclined to assume), seems to be a direct reference to Elain being present. Moreover, many people have correlated Bryce's description of the house to the townhouse, which was empty and abandoned in favor of Feyre's new river house in ACOSF. Basically, the idea is, if Azriel found Bryce and led her to the townhouse, which now seems lived in particularly by Elain, it implies that Azriel and Elain are living there together. Why else would have Elain moved from Feyre's river house where she has her own rooms? It makes sense to me, and I hope this means that ACOTAR5 is coming before CC3. SJM has been infamously tight-lipped about anything related to ACOTAR5. What are your thoughts? You can check out more details about this theory here and here.

I absolutely ADORE this Elriel fanart by Pandy Als

    I also just read the bonus chapters and I think that most likely Santhia (Flynn's sister) will become an important character in book 3 since she is mentioned in both Ruhn's and Bryce's bonus chapter. Moreover, Tharion's bonus chapter has me thinking that Tharion and Hypaxia are most likely endgame. I feel like there is still so much to explore in terms of the romantic pairings of the series. We know BryceHunt are mates, and I think most likely DayNight are too, but no one else has been paired up yet, so it's going to be so fun following those relationships in book 3. 

    Anyways, I have run out of thoughts, and thank god, because this review is already over 1,000 words. What did you guys think? Is this your favorite SJM book so far? For me, it is definitely up there, although I'd need a reread to decide that it's my favorite. Tell me all your thoughts and feelings! Have I missed anything?

Thanks,

Yomna