Review: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas

Revisiting the world of the fae and the author that brought best-selling A Court of Thorns and Roses in the second instalment of the Crescent City series.

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@shereadsbooks.sometimes

Dates Read: 14/07/25 to 15/10/25

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Word to describe: Worthwhile

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Something I have noticed in books by Sarah J Maas is that they take forever to get going. It took me several weeks to really get into House of Sky and Breath, after taking a break from the first book which I sluggishly read as well, this is not from the lack of enjoyment in the book but more that the plot driving force doesn't typically appear till half way through her books. But once you reach that part, and the plot begins to unravel, all the little snippets of information given throughout the book so far become tied together in a way that can only be done by calculated genius. SJM is undoubtedly the queen of foreshadowing.

House of Sky and Breath opens where House of Earth and Blood closes. Bryce, following her drop and killing an archangel is being stalked - kind of, the other archangels are watching over her every move. Trying to determine if she is a danger to the order they have spent so long protecting - because who doesn't love dysfunctional governments. With such immense power and a determination to rival a hunting lion, Bryce is simply trying to enjoy her life. She doesn't want to be a fae princess, or be desired for her bravery, or watched by everyone around her because her abilities and title have thrust her into fame.

What Bryce wants is sex with Hunt, time to reflect on seeing Danika, a new job, and for her mother to stop asking so many questions. Her simple life is somewhat interrupted when an injured Ithan arrives on her doorstep seeking shelter from an enraged Sabine, who readers will remember from book 1 as Bryce's number one hater. The plot develops and with many twists and turns we have the gang joining a rebel cause, Ruhn becoming a spy and contacting the mysterious Day (did not see that plot twist but God did I love it), we have a mystery Fendyr heir, we have a new archangel who is suspicious to say the least. And, of course, both Bryce and Hunt spend 40% of the book pining over each other like cats in heat.

When there aren't scenes of intense yearning and everyone being made to scent arousal on each page, there are moment of grief, love, loss, and heartbreak. Bryce and Hunt develop a deep friendship with each other that shines as their relationship with each other progresses. We see the found family forming and the gang getting bigger with side characters like Declan and Flynn offering that humorous break in between moments of pure insanity.

There are several plots ongoing throughout House of Sky and Breathe but only that truly made me want to read on. A lone wolf, Ithan Holstrom kicked out of his pack and fleeing to Bryce's apartment is finding a way to take down Sabine (who if you don't remember is Danika Fendyr's bitch of a mother). I adored Ithan's presence in this book and felt like it was the only thing having developments through such a plot heavy book. Though the time taken to read this book was made perfect and the plot points started to align and suddenly everything makes sense. Like opening your eyes for the first time and seeing colour, I was in awe at how the story unravelled. Plus maybe I happen to like Ithan the most and his side plot was chefs kiss.

After finishing House of Sky and Breathe I dived straight into the final book!