February 2024 Not First in a Series BOTM - House of Flame and Shadow, by Sarah J. Maas

[Alaina]

The stunning third book in the sexy, action-packed Crescent City series, following the global bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath.

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 to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, 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.

**This BOTM thread will be open until March 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Ashley]

I'm starting book 2 asap then will start this woooooo

[Aly]

Ch 1-11 (view spoiler)[ I'm living for Bryce's chapters right now. I love seeing characters come together from different worlds.

I feel awful for Ruhn and Hunt and I wish Lydia would get them out already!

Do we really think Cormac is dead? I'm hoping not... (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Prologue - Ch 10: (view spoiler)[Dang this book started off with a bang. So much going on. Ithan and crew shoot Sabine in the face, Tharian is fighting the Viper Queen, Bryce is not cooperating with Rhys and crew, Hunt/Ruhn/Baxian are getting the crap beat out of them, and Lidia is trying to figure a way to break them out. So much more to keep up with lol (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Ch 11-20: (view spoiler)[There is so much going on, holy crap. I love the interactions with Bryce, Nesta and Azriel. Oh how I have missed them. Well not so much Nesta, however, I do really like her now in this one. We learn so much now about the Asteri and how things were come to be. Man, so much and I'm not sure how I can put it down, lol (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Ch 21-30: (view spoiler)[ There is so much going on!! Every character in this one has something to keep up with. I feel so bad for Ithan. And I'm really hoping that Lidia can get them out before they bring back The Harpy, which is still craziness. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Ch 31-40: (view spoiler)[I really loved the interactions with Bryce, Nesta and Azriel. So much information was learned during that time. I'm so glad Lidia was able to get Hunt, Baxian and Ruhn out. I just love this whole set of side characters. And of course, this chapter had to end off with Bryce finally being reunited with them! (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Ch 41-50: (view spoiler)[I'm glad that Bryce was able get back to Hunt and crew. I was starting to get worried it would be later in the book. I do like it when they are fighting and doing things together. So many more twists with Sigrid, Sofie, Tharian, Lidia... (hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Prologue to Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[
I find it interesting that the Hind is a double agent. I'm so curious how shes going to get them out of this. Dont you find Ruhn's refusal to talk to her a little crap? I get shes done some bad things but she was trying to help. And if she didn't do those things she wouldn't be in a position to help.
Bryce! I'm so excited to see her character, I must admit her being with the lot of Court of thorns and roses, I haven't finished that series (whoops) and I wasn't bothered but I think I may be missing parts.
(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Up to Chapter 20
(view spoiler)[
Am I the only one like speed reading the other parts that are not including Bryce.
I find the interrogation for Hunt and the others hard to read but I also can't stop.
(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

I'm hoping (view spoiler)[Cormac isn't dead (hide spoiler)] Aly. I'm hoping that is a twist for somewhere in this.

[Megan]

Up to Chapter 30
(view spoiler)[
Hmm I kinda expected Bryce to get Nesta etc to help her but doesn't seem likely that does it.
The torture stuff is really hard to stomach.
Poor Iithan.
(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Up to Chapter 40
I'm so going to finish this today if I'm not careful.
(view spoiler)[
Bryce is so bad ass. Standing up against her father. Its funny because I was sort of sympathising with him, he was jealous of a human raising his daughter but then you remember he was a terrible wicked father to Ruhn and the sympathy dries up.
I'm so glad Lidia/Hind is alive. I was so upset.
Also I'm not sure I like what Iithan is doing trying to resurrect the wolf he killed.
(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Up to Chapter 50
I actually am finding myself unable to put this book down.
(view spoiler)[
I wil say the side plots I think add to the story but I'm so obsessed with Bryce and crew that I cannot focus on much else.
So the dead wolf is now a reaper. Oh dear. That wasn't to plan. So I guess Ithan is now the best option for prime.
I can understand the twin's anger over their mother not raising them think its sort of justified.
(hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter 60
(view spoiler)[
So they're mind speaking in Hel.
Hunt is really made from a prince of Hel and an angel? Do the Asteri know?
I'm not surprised Bryce is so against the fae, but I do think shes just speaking out of anger.
(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Up to Chapter 70
I need to slow down. I had to check how many books were planned for this series. Looks like just 3 but a 4th has been hinted so I'm going to assume a conclusion is coming... the pacing has just accelerated in this section. But we have like an entire book length to go.
(view spoiler)[
So glad that Bryce is now Queen. I think she's going to make a good ruler.
Is the other world going to come back into play. Are we going to see Rhys and co again? It would make sense but I'm not certain.
Ithan is getting on my nerves, hes just moping. Like yeah you made a mistake but get on with it already.
(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Up to Chapter 80
I don't have a problem you have a problem. This stretch of 10 chapters packed a looot in.
(view spoiler)[
So Ithan did something and became prime of the wolves. I hope that the antidote works for them all.
Bryce opening to talk to Nesta was great. I'm not surprised she saved her parents but what about the boy? I didn't notice him but maybe I missed it.
I'm not keen on Celestina, but maybe she isn't completely bad. How Bryce calmed Hunt down from killing her was almost sweet.
(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Up to Chapter 90
I have to put this down for now as my husband is home with dinner..
(view spoiler)[
So Under-King is dead. Woo
Hypaxia is the new Head of Flame and Shadow that is such a step up for her.
Can Ithan get to Bryce with the bullet in time that is the new question.. Wasn't surprised most of the wolves left. Was a big power shift at a crucial time but they're hiding so I guess no use in this main fight coming up. Do I also detect a bit of chemistry between Perry and Ithan?
Also side note realy but the way Sarah J. Maas has written this book I'm not convinced it needed the romance smut scenes. I actually think I'd have been fine without those, they don't add anything I'm merely skimming those wanting to get to the good stuff. Its not overwhelming in this book its probably barely an 1/8 but it didnt need to be really anything. Its sort of a waste. Just come to mind as Bryce and Hunt just had sex and so did Ruhn and Lidia.
Loved how he protected her and her boys by stopping her getting down there and going himself.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Ch 51-60: (view spoiler)[So do we still not know who Hunt's father is? Or was it that he was 'made'?? But made by who? And I'm guessing the Asteri have no clue or maybe they do and they are ignoring it? So many questions lol (hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Jamie wrote: "Ch 51-60: [spoilers removed]"

I think (view spoiler)[he was made and I think they sort of did but hes a weapon to them? Thats what I got out of that. (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Megan wrote: "Jamie wrote: "Ch 51-60: [spoilers removed]"

I think [spoilers removed]"

Yeah you might be right on that. That part was a little confusing lol

[Jamie]

Ch 61-70: (view spoiler)[ Holy Crap did a lot happen in these 10 chapters!!! The Autumn King and Morven are taken out. Bryce is now Queen, Hypaxia figures out the parasites and Ithan can summon Snow!!!!! And I still have so much to go lol (hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

The end:
I loved this. I had heard some people complain about how this wasn't as good but I really enjoyed my read of this.
(view spoiler)[
I already loved Jesiba, her head strong attitude made me chuckle but I really loved her after she gave her life for Bryce.
Ruhn and his mate Lidia, so cute. I'm soo happy he has a happy ending and it impressed me how quick I liked her character, a very quick character arc.
I did notice a lack of archangels. I'm not mad at that but definitely noticed they didn't seem to be anywhere. No Celestina, unless I missed her.
(hide spoiler)]
I'm just pleased it was a happy ending and if she does write another book I'm curious where she picks the story up from as it seemed quite wrapped up.

[Jamie]

Ch 71-80: (view spoiler)[ Dang...I wasn't expecting Bryce to say...Hello Nesta, lol. Nor was I expecting her to leave her parents there with Nesta. I wasn't expecting the Prime to believe Ithan and make him his heir, or Sabine to kill the Prime, or Ithan to then kill Sabine. There is so much going on and I'm loving it! (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Ch 81-90: (view spoiler)[ I'm on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what is going to go on... (hide spoiler)]

[Jamie]

Ch 91-end: (view spoiler)[ I really liked how this one ended. It also makes me very curious to see what happens in future books, because she wrapped this one up very well. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Started this one today. Not going to lie, I'm really tempted to read Bryce's chapters until they start to intersect then go back lol. In most of the POVs I feel like I keep getting cut off right when I'm invested, then I go to the next one thinking about that last one and the cycle repeats.

[Alaina]

Soooooo jelly you all read this! I'll be starting it Saturday :)

[Aly]

Megan wrote: "I'm hoping [spoilers removed] Aly. I'm hoping that is a twist for somewhere in this."

If only!

[Aly]

Megan wrote: "The end:
I loved this. I had heard some people complain about how this wasn't as good but I really enjoyed my read of this.

I already loved Jesiba, her head strong attitude made me chuckle but I ..."

(view spoiler)[ It mentioned Celestina a couple of times, but she definitely wasn't a big part of the story. It would be interesting if Hypaxia forgives her and they get back together (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Chapter 40ish thoughts (view spoiler)[ I loved seeing Bryce interact with the Valerian characters. I hope there's more because I could so see Ruhn and his friends being buddies with the Bat Boys.

I am glad Bryce made it back though and is reunited with Hunt. They're so in love.

Hooray to Lidia for getting the guys free, even though it's costing her a lot. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Chapter 70ish thoughts (view spoiler)[ Okay, Lidia has sons?! Never would have guessed that, but makes sense for her motivation to help the rebels.

The other Fendir heir dying and now being resurrected is kind of meh. Like, what was the point of what Ithan went through then?

The antidote to make everyone stronger with their full potential is crazy. The stuff the Asteri did blows my mind (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I'm severely disappointed that Cormac didn't reappear. His death just seemed so sudden and with little fanfare and I liked him :(

These books always have sacrifices and I appreciated how Jesiba gave her life for Bryce. Also, finding out that Danika and the pack are still there waiting was sweet.

I wanted more from this, especially more of the crossover characters. Part of this felt too long to me and the amount of info-dumping was wild. Maybe someday I'll reread this and be able to absorb more.

I also wonder if there will be a 4th book? Things wrapped up pretty well so I'm not sure (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Eighteen
(view spoiler)[ I am living for Bryce and Nesta, and I love how they tricked her with Az hiding in the shadows that was so fun. All the art leading to the forgotten Dusk court is cool and tells quite the story.

I knew it was going to be Sigrid that Ithan would fight, but where has Ariadne gone, I wonder? What is this opportunity? With the Asteri maybe?

Holy hell this chapter though. Bite off my hand so I can reach. I should not have laughed but it's just so awful I couldn't help myself. These poor boys need to be saved. Oh shit how the hell did they fix the Harpy and how is Lidia going to get out of this? (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Twenty Seven
(view spoiler)[ oh my god Ithan killed Sigrid, that was so so bad and por Ithan. Where the hell is he going though? What is he going to do? I really thought Sigrid was going to be come the new prime, but it must be Ithan after this. Somehow he must take down Sabine.

Bryce really needed to stop being an idiot here. I can't believe she freed an Asteri. She could have damned their whole world. Thank god she's dead now but Bryce come on, be smarter. I was surprised she returned so quickly, I hope we see more of the acotar gang before this is over. I could do with less, history museum type audio info dumps though. That was good to know, but really SJM, really.

I really hope this escape plan of Lidia's works out. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Thirty Six
(view spoiler)[ Omg that escape was epic but Lidia had better not be dead I will riot. Ithan as Jesibas new assistant will be interesting. Also I did not expect to be this invested in the Autumn King here I'm so interested in what he's up to. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Thirty Eight
(view spoiler)[ Jesiba knows Apollian. Does that mean he's Hunt's dad who she and Aidas were talking about in the epilogue of HOSAB? (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Fifty Eight
(view spoiler)[ I called it! I knew Hunt was Apollian's son. I feel very vindicated right now lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Sixty Two
Go Ruhn and Bryce. (view spoiler)[ So happy all of those fuckers are dead. And I love Bryce's interpretation of the prophecy. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Finished
Whoa, so much to process. (view spoiler)[ I'm really happy Ithan ended up the Prime and that Sabine died. I can't believe she killed the Prime like that, but she got what was coming to her. And Hypaxia, new head of Flame and Shadow, I did not see that coming but loved it.

It was fun to see Nesta again even just for that little bit, and I laughed at how much Ember and Randall bonded.

I'm surprised no one other than Jesiba of the good guys died. happy about it, but very surprised. I had a feeling she was going to die in this one, with all the talk of how she'd go when the books were safe.

Tharion somehow getting out of all of his messes is honestly a miracle but I'm glad he doesn't have that hanging over him any more.

This is clearly the end of the main story but I wonder if she'll do House of Many Waters at some point as a little off shoot so all of the houses are covered. Maybe more Tharion escapades, how he becomes happy not just free lol.

I'm happy with the resolution but that wasn't epic like I was hoping for. The confrontation of and killing the Asteri went by so fast and without any real challenges (since I knew there was no way Bryce was staying dead.) (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Prologue: (view spoiler)[ooooo Bryce is going to be pissed when she sees what they have done to those two. I'd say three... but I'm not sure how close she is to the hellhound at the moment. She might still be pissed. I can't wait for the can of whoop ass that will happen to Pollux and everyone else in this world. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 1-10: (view spoiler)[I'm sorry... but that worm thing was terrifying. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Jamie wrote: "Prologue - Ch 10: [spoilers removed]"

Yes, so much is happening and I'm trying to devour it all so freaking slowly. I just want to know what else is in this tunnel.

[Alaina]

Ch 11-20: (view spoiler)[This cave story thing is very interesting. Kind of creepy they are seeing it at the same time but it's good for them to understand the history. Especially since it was removed in Bryce's world. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Aly wrote: "Ch 1-11 ..."

OMG SAME! I'm so happy to see everyone again!

[Alaina]

Jamie wrote: "Ch 11-20: [spoilers removed]"

Nesta is such a bad ass though! And what Bryce felt from the mask!?!? Chilling!

[Alaina]

Megan wrote: "Prologue to Chapter 10..."

The Hind is such an interesting character. I also kind of wish I reread all the series before this one.

[Alaina]

Megan wrote: "Up to Chapter 20"

LOL sometimes I feel like I'm doing that, but I don't want to miss what is happening to everyone else.

[Alaina]

Jessica wrote: "Chapter Eighteen ..."

For some reason, I feel like she knew something was there because she saw the shadows - right?

[Alaina]

Ch 21-30: (view spoiler)[Ah, Jesiba! I was wondering when you would show up. I'm also now sure how I feel about Bryce leaving them in the cave. I get that she didn't fully trust them, and they didn't trust her because of the whole horn being on her back. BUT WHATEVER. She should really go back for them. Just saying. We need help to save her world. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Jamie wrote: "Ch 21-30: [spoilers removed]"

I'm silently praying it doesn't work lol