Member Reviews

Overall, a pretty promising novel, the first in a series; there's a complex political hierarchy that I still want to know more about. Definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the novel and the rest of the series, to be quite honest.

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I'm already a huge fan of Sarah J. Maas so I can't wait to read the whole book!
Perfect for fantasy fans!

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An interesting read! I’ve been curious about delving into more of SJM’s work and this looks like an intriguing possible read—adding to the TBR

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What can I say other than flipping brilliant as usual. Very well written excerpt a lot going on so soon in the book can't wait to see how this ones goes on!

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I've never read anything by this author before so didn't know what to expect. I was initially intrigued by the synopsis, however, I just couldn't get into the story as I didn't really enjoy the writing style. I found the first chapter info-dumpy and lacking context, therefore it was confusing and difficult to stick with. There was simply just too much info given all at once to the detriment of the overall scenes being described. Just not for me unfortunately.

~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~

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This excerpt was super useful for a fan like me who was scared of what the switch to 'adult' from Sarah J. Maas could impy. It helped me clear my ideas and I'm super thankful for this!
What can I say about these five chapters? That it was like coming home but at the same time, coming home to notice how things have changed. Sarah's style seems richer, the world-building more complex (and maybe more confusing?) than what we were used to, but some elements of her writing are kept (badass female characters, true friendship are just some) and this reassured me, even though I was surprised by the amount of 'trashy' elements the switch to adult brought. Putting aside the feeling of strangeness provided by all of the information that fills the first two chapters, the story beings to unfold and manages to capture the reader's attention. I can't wait to read the rest!

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A vibrant, intoxicating start to a brilliant new series that I cannot wait to immerse myself in.

Sarah J Maas has really gone and done it again, built another brilliant main character with a strong found-family and an interest in the art. A rather more subtle part to Maas' writing which inspires me greatly, each of her female leads: Aelin, Feyre and Bryce all have a passion for an art, whether it be Music, Painting or Dancing, and is a beautiful message to spread to her readers.

But moving away from the small gestures and nuances Maas hides so well is the heart-wrenching and lovable relationships she can build between characters. House of Earth of Blood see's the new start of another series I believe is going to be richer with interpersonal connections than it's weight in gold (which would be pretty valuable with the 800+ pages!)

I cannot wait to pick up the rest of the book on the 3rd of March and glut myself on the savage beauty of Maas' new masterpiece.

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Thanks a lot to Bloomsbury for letting us having this extract !

It's a very promising debut novel : I was afraid to not be able to get a proper point of view with only a few chapters, but it's intriguing and well-written. I love a good urban fantasy, and I feel like this one is going to be great.
There is a lot to consider, and I was a bit overwhelmed at first with all the Houses and characters introduced in a row (well and it was kind of late for me ah), but I loved this introduction and its protagonists. I need to know more about them, and I guess I have to wait another month to get the whole story.
As I said before, this introduction is settling the whole universe : it's essential but I wish I had more ! :D

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An extraction that gave me a taste of a book, which had me yearning to read more. The writing makes it very beautiful in its story telling and building of a world with amazing characters. Look forward to the entire book!

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This looks like it's going to be a great book, I can't wait to see how the story continues. I think it will be an amazing one.

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I have been eagerly awaiting this book's March release so I was delighted to read this extract.
The world Sarah J. Mass has created is detailed and complex and initially, a bit overwhelming, but I was soon caught up in the story. I'm only disappointed that I have to wait until March to find out what happens next!

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The Netgalley extract was only the first 5 chapters of the book so I cannot review the whole book at this time. However, there is SO much information and world-building in these chapters that the story only really progressed a tab bit. I am a little worried that I won't be able to remember all of the details... but hopefully once I read the whole book, things will lock into place.

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This review is for the first five chapters teaser that the publisher has made available on Netgalley. Welcome to planet Midgard were apparently humans once were in charge but now they seem to be woefully outnumbered by supernatural beings . We meet Bryce who is half Fae but determined to live her life her way. Her best friend is the Alpha of the local Werewolf Pack but as this story begins it’s revealed that a bomb happy human has been released on a technicality from prison and everyone is worried that further terrorist atrocities are on their way !
This snippet if I’m being brutal would only get a three from me because one Bryce just didn’t strike a chord in anyway and two because most of this is setting the scene, giving the reader information and generally trying to world build . HOWEVER the last few pages most definitely got my full attention and as much as I didn’t like much about Bryce I am most definitely desperate to know who, what and why ! My lips are sealed but the story took a very unique turn considering how characters were introduced so I will rate this a four and say that I’m sincerely hoping the entire book will satisfy my bookish soul !

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This did have me hooked from the first page. I am eagerly anticipating the release even more now. Have read all books by Sarah J. Maas and this will be no exception. Cant wait for my pre-order to arrive.

Why did i give it 4 stars and not 5 you ask. Well i cant give something 5 stars without knowing how a story progresses and as this is only the beginning i am fairly optimistic it will reach its 5 stars when i complete the whole book.

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Can't wait to read this book.

This had my attention from the first chapter. Interesting world, promising characters. Bring on release date

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House of Earth and Blood, EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT, Sarah J. Maas

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Sci-fi and Fantasy, Romance

I loved SJM's Court books, haven't read the Throne ones, and this new one sounds perfect for me. This extract isn't enough to judge the whole story by though, its very intense, full of the traditional fantasy creatures but which don't always follow traditional “rules” and some completely new types.
The world building is difficult to grasp, with everyone set into different houses according to their backgrounds. There are so many new additions to accepted behaviours and types that its quite hard to grasp. I think I need much more than just a few chapters to get to grips with them. At times it did feel a bit like an info-dump, with reams of info pushing into every action.

I felt the main character was potentially good, but I do get tired of the heroines having to be snarky, that's a difficult line to get right. Sarcasm done properly is great, done wrong - as it is here at times - it comes across as juvenile. I think Bryce has some serious growing up to do, but I'm sure SJM can deal with that OK.
I was a bit irritated at just having got to grips with a lot of the characters and where they fit in when chapter five hit....unless that's going to have ALOT of relevance later, its a waste of some important story setting time. Those first few chapters can really make me decide if I want to read a book or not, and I feel that some of that space could have been utilised better.
I think I want to read this, I'm very intrigued to see how the story goes , and of course my love for all things Fae related, and the attraction of magic means I'm tilted towards liking it. I hope Bryce grows up a bit though, and loses that chip on her shoulder.

Stars: Three. It's hard to judge in such a short extract but I think this is a trilogy/series I'll enjoy.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

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I can’t wait to read the whole book! I love Sarah j maas, and reading this new world she created is amazing.

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Well in 5 chapters wasn’t enough to be honest. The last chapter caught me off guard completely. Very good writing Sarah J Maas, I am now eagerly waiting for the book that will be in my hands in March! (Not close enough!!)

For those readers who love fantasy elves, werewolves, shifters, angels, every magical creature and magic I would recommend to read this.

This book follows a girl called Bryce who is half human and half fae. Then one night Bryce night changes her world forever.... Sarah J Maas what happens next!?!?!?

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If you're a fan of contemporary fantasy or Maas' other series including Throne of Glass (TOG) and A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), you are going to LOVE her brand new, ADULT FANTASY story: House of Earth and Blood, the first book in the Crescent City series!

Recently, I was lucky enough to read an exclusive excerpt of the first couple of chapters thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley, and I can already tell this series is going to be insanely amazing. The world building alone is so intricate and well established, and don't even get me started on the characters! Within the first few chapters, you meet so many complex characters that you just know are going to bring so much to the story.

I've been counting down for the release of House of Earth and Blood since I pre-ordered it months ago and now that I've read the excerpt, I need my copy immediately!

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This exclusive extract covers the first five chapters of Sarah J Maas, I’ve heard great things about this author, Thorne of Glass series and ACOTAR and this looked promising.

I didn’t really read the synopsis properly until after I’d read the chapters and was like WTF!? Her BFF was slaughtered! Leaving Bryce devastated…… and nothing! I know have to wait until the FULL book is released! I’m left with a cliffhanger *you evil beast*

To be honest for the reviews that said it covered a variety of characters that are pretty much killed off on chapter 5 bloody annoying it made the story pace appear slow and you don’t get the natural unfolding of the intertwined relationships. One point I was confused 🤷‍♀️ on her was the main character of this story!

A pretty good start though ….

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