About the Book
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Author:
- Sarah J. Maas
Cover Story: Not a Faen
BFF Charm: Yay!
Talky Talk: Epic
Bonus Factor: World Building
Relationship Status: Soulmates
Warning: This is the third book in the Crescent City series. While I will avoid any major spoilers beyond the first few chapters of this novel in my review, I will be referencing characters and plot points from the previous books. Also, what the hell, get on this train already!! And if you need a recap of the second book (which I REALLY did), I highly recommend this one.
Cover Story: Not a Faen
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never felt like the Crescent City covers match the vibe of the books. Like, artistically they’re very cool, but they just don’t capture the vivacity of the world nor the warmth of the characters. I guess I should just be happy that the publisher didn’t go with a woman in a ripped bodice clutching a Fabio-style angel, although let’s be honest, you KNOW that fan art exists.
The Deal:
When we last saw our heroes, Bryce had accidentally jumped through a portal into Prythian (she was aiming for Hel), a twist that caused my loudest mid-reading gasp since Jacob imprinted on Renesmee. Lidia killed the Harpy, and the failed plot to defeat the Asteri lead to Hunt, Ruhn, and Baxian being chained up in the dungeon and constantly tortured. Oh yeah, and Cormac died, which was a real bummer.
Bryce, with no idea of her whereabouts, is menacingly—but non-violently—interrogated by Amren (!), Azriel (!) and Rhysand (!!), and it’s really, really fun to know both sides of the story while watching neither side trust each other. Also, Nesta shows up, and sorry, Bryce, but you are no longer the fiercest female in the room. Without saying too much more, Bryce begins to learn a whole new layer, nay, galaxy about the Fae people and how they arrived in Midgard. Speaking of Midgard, no one there knows where the hell Bryce landed.
Meanwhile, Lidia is desperately trying to hatch a plan to rescue Ruhn (who is mentally blocking her), Hunt and Baxian before the Asteri kill them, though the Asteri seem awfully curious about Hunt’s lightening. Ithan, Tristan, and Declan are trying to figure out who is less impossible to rescue: the trio in the dungeon, or Tharion and Ariadne, who both ended up becoming fighters in the Viper Queen’s ring. Oh yeah, and Ithan has Sigrid Fendyr to babysit/protect from a very pissed-off Sabine. We’ve also got Hypaxia and Jesiba Roga in the mix, the latter of whom absolutely RULES in this installment. Although, let’s be honest, when has she not ruled?
And… I’ll stop there. But like, a shit ton of things happen. Just look at the size of this book!
BFF Charm: Yay!
My love and appreciation for Bryce remains unchanged; she’s still a sassy badass, but she’s weathered many a storm, and she’s becoming a true leader. While I continued to enjoy her wise-cracking, her development is what really kept me invested. She has to do some REALLY hard things in this book (that mettle is tested, y’all), and while she might feel afraid, and she might doubt herself, she pushes through. I feel like this is the first book when I see Bryce as a regular person versus a superhuman, although, yeah, okay, she is also superhuman.
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
I know, I know, that’s a preeeetty low number for a Sarah J. Maas book. But hear me out! There is so much action—of the intensity in ten cities, adrenaline-flowing, high stakes variety—that I didn’t really need as much action of the horizontal variety. Yes, there are still some hot scenes, and as Hunt and Bryce’s relationship matures and deepens, we also spend a little spicy time with Ruhn and Lidia. And that’s nice! But honestly part of me was always like, okay, do the deed and then let’s get BACK TO THE GOOD STUFF. That is how wild and layered and exciting this book is.
Talky Talk: Epic
Truly, I am completely blown away by how Maas weaves together a story with a thousand characters, a dozen different mythologies, and enough intrigue for hundred palaces, and makes it all so compelling. Sure, did I have to look up a few characters to remember them? Absolutely. Did I have to read the recap of House of Sky and Breath for a second time? Yep. But did I ever get bored? Did I ever stop caring with every inch of my being what was going to happen?! NOPE! Maas dives even deeper into the history of this universe while expertly connecting characters in ways I never guessed, and I especially dug getting to know Lidia. (I will say, though, that Ithan drove me crazy? Anyone else?!). Again, no spoilers, but there were several MAJOR moments that made me involuntarily yelp, and the climax? Holy Urd, it. was. AWESOME.
Bonus Factor: World Building
You’d think by this third book, Maas would have exhausted her inventive talents, but you’re hilarious, because the woman’s imagination is bananas. There was so much to discover! And even when the mythology threatens to get a little too rich for its britches, the pacing keeps the reader on track and the story running at a lively clip.
Relationship Status: Soulmates
This might be a hot take, but Crescent City just edged out ACOTAR to be my #1 Sarah J. Maas series. It makes me swoon, it makes me laugh, it takes me out on the CRAZIEST dates. It’s exuberant and captivating, and I feel so lucky to be on this adventure together. Light it up!!
Have you read it? I’m dying to talk about it! Join me in the comments for a spoilery convo!
Literary Matchmaking
Wanna keep hanging out with faeries, vampires, and werewolves in alternate universes? Check out The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman.
For another frolicking faerie fun time, pick up Lexi Ryan’s These Hollow Vows.
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst features incredibly imaginative worldbuilding.
Completely agree with all of this. I have always been more of a fan of Bryce’s brand of badassery.
Throughout the book, Ithan’s face slowly morphed into a very punchable face. Same with Tharion… lol.
My biggest issue with this book was the crossover. I personally felt that the way it was promoted led readers to believe the crossover would be more involved than what it was. I also super disliked Rhys in the crossover, but I’m excited to see what happens with Nesta in future books.
Haha YES I felt the same about Tharion.
I didn’t really have any expectations for what the crossover would entail so I wasn’t disappointed, but I can see how a lot of fans would be!