House of Flame and Shadow
Although I went in with low expectations after hearing some mixed reviews, I found myself enjoying this installment, especially with the entire series in front of me. With all the layers Maas’s world-building, I could appreciate the full arc and the satisfying conclusion to many of the storylines.
This book delivered all the tension, character moments, and surprises I was hoping for. While I was occasionally frustrated with certain choices made by characters (*cough Ithan and Tharion *cough), the story had plenty of highlights that kept me hooked. Lidia and Ruhn stole the show, and I loved delving deeper into Lidia’s backstory. They felt like the true stars of the series for me. Although Bryce and Hunt had some intriguing moments, their dynamic left me a bit confused in this one. I also felt that some characters’ arcs, after a big build-up in the previous book, took unexpected turns that had me questioning their purpose.
What I loved:
Lidia + Ruhn
Cameos of old favorites
The escape scene
Though not my favorite of Maas’s works, this book still delivered an engaging journey with plenty of action and heart. Seeing characters from other series made my anticipation soar for what’s next in this world! If you’re heading into "House of Flame and Shadow," I recommend a patient, open-minded approach to enjoy the twists and turns to the fullest. It may not be everyone’s favorite, but it left me feeling fulfilled.
