
House of Earth and Blood
by Sarah J. Maas1 of 3
House of Earth and Blood is the gripping first installment in the Crescent City series, perfect for older readers who love immersive urban fantasy and high-stakes mystery. The story follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae and half-human woman whose life is shattered when a brutal demon murder claims her closest friends. When the crimes resume despite the supposed killer being caught, Bryce is thrust into a dangerous investigation alongside Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel enslaved to the Archangels. Together, they must navigate the dark underbelly of Crescent City to uncover a truth that could destroy everything they hold dear.
This epic tale is an ideal choice for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s other works or readers interested in complex world-building, intense emotional arcs, and a touch of searing romance. With over 800 pages of suspense and magic, it offers a deep dive into themes of grief, the price of freedom, and the enduring power of love. It is a great choice for mature teens and young adults looking for a story that blends gritty detective work with a richly imagined supernatural society.
Highlights:
- A thrilling blend of urban fantasy, murder mystery, and epic romance.
- Complex, relatable characters dealing with loss and redemption.
- Intricate world-building featuring angels, Fae, demons, and shifters.
- High-stakes action and page-turning suspense.

House of Sky and Breath
by Sarah J. Maas2 of 3
House of Sky and Breath is the electrifying second installment in Sarah J. Maas's acclaimed Crescent City series. Following the explosive events of the first book, Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are attempting to find a sense of normalcy in a world still reeling from upheaval. While they hope for a chance to relax and explore their future together, the looming threat of the Asteri and a growing rebel movement pull them back into a dangerous game of politics and power. This high-stakes urban fantasy is perfect for readers who love complex world-building and intense, character-driven narratives.
Ideal for fans of epic romantic fantasies, this story weaves together themes of liberation, loyalty, and the cost of standing up against oppression. Readers who enjoyed the A Court of Thorns and Roses series will find themselves captivated by the intricate plot twists and the deep emotional bonds between the characters. It is a great choice for older teens and adults looking for a story that combines gritty action with heartfelt romance.
Highlights:
- Intense urban fantasy world-building with a mix of magic and technology.
- Deeply developed characters and complex romantic relationships.
- High-stakes political intrigue and a thrilling rebellion plotline.
- A perfect pick for fans of Sarah J. Maas and epic, long-form storytelling.

House of Flame and Shadow
by Sarah J. Maas3 of 3
House of Flame and Shadow is the electrifying third installment in the Crescent City series, perfect for older readers who love high-stakes epic fantasy and intricate world-building. Following the cliffhanger of the previous book, Bryce Quinlan finds herself stranded in a mysterious new world, desperate to return to Midgard and the people she loves. Meanwhile, Hunt Athalar is trapped once again in the Asteri's dungeons, facing his darkest hour while worrying about Bryce's fate. Their journey is a pulse-pounding race against time as they fight to save their world from total collapse.
This book is an ideal choice for fans of Sarah J. Maas's other works, such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, and for readers who enjoy complex magic systems, urban fantasy settings, and deeply emotional character arcs. It explores powerful themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of love in the face of overwhelming odds. With its blend of intense action and romantic tension, it is a great choice for mature teens and adults looking for a story that is both breathtaking and heart-wrenching.
Highlights:
- The thrilling conclusion to the initial Crescent City trilogy arc.
- A unique blend of urban fantasy, mythology, and high-stakes romance.
- Deeply developed characters facing impossible moral dilemmas.
- Expansive world-building that connects different realms and histories.
