I read the first book in the Crescent City series last year, and since book three is out at the end of the month, I added “House of Sky and Breath” to my “24 in 2024” reading challenge to stay ahead. While I enjoy the mix of fantasy and modern technology, I’m finally realizing that the whole “romantasy” genre isn’t really for me. While I enjoyed the overall story, the angsty love, and the sex scenes really take me out of the story, and I find myself skipping over them. I realize that I am in the minority here, but it really does slow the story down for me. When you take that out of the mix, the book is quite enjoyable, and I like the complex world these characters inhabit.

This book picks up shortly after Bryce saved the day in the first book. Bryce and Hunt are together, and she’s a bit of a celebrity around town. Things are looking up until her half-cousin shows up, and Bryce’s father tells her that she is to marry said cousin. This certainly throws a wrench in Bryce and Hunt’s relationship, but there’s more to worry about because what went down in book one is only the beginning, and danger still lurks around every corner.

Vague? Yes, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. There’s a lot packed into this one, and it’s another very dense book with a lot going on.

One of the standout elements of this series is Maas’s ability to create a vivid and richly detailed world. Crescent City is a place where magic and technology coexist, and Maas effortlessly brings this world to life. From the dazzling skyscrapers to the underwater lair of the Merpeople to the city’s dark underbelly, every setting feels vivid and immersive, pulling us deeper into the story.

The characters in House of Sky and Breath are another strength of the book. Bryce Quinlan is a fierce and resilient heroine who grows even more in this installment. She grapples with the weight of her newfound power and the responsibility that comes with it. Hunt Athalar, on the other hand, is a tormented soul who is haunted by his past. His journey of redemption and self-discovery adds depth to the story and keeps readers invested in his arc. While I like Hunt and understand why Bryce is attracted to him, I feel like he is a bit of a cliche. I don’t read a whole lot of fantasy, but he seems very reminiscent of Jace in the Mortal Instruments series and Xaden in “Fourth Wing,” to name but a few men with similar traits.

Honestly, I found myself more invested in Ithan’s story arc, and I really like Bryce’s half-brother Ruhn. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for them.

The romance in this book is undeniably passionate and intense, but if you’re like me, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The steamy love scenes and the angst surrounding the central relationship can be polarizing for some readers. While these elements add complexity to the story and explore the characters’ desires and vulnerabilities, for me, they detract from the main plot. For readers who prefer a more plot-driven narrative, these moments may feel like unnecessary distractions.

The pacing of House of Sky and Breath is a mixed bag. While the action sequences are heart-pounding and expertly written, there are moments where the story lags. The rebellious plotline involving the Asteri rulers and their opponents takes time to build, and some readers may find themselves wishing for a more streamlined narrative. However, once the story picks up momentum, it becomes a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ultimately, House of Sky and Breath delves deep into themes of power, identity, and the fight for justice. It explores the lengths people are willing to go to protect what they love and the sacrifices they are willing to make. While the romance may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and the pacing may be uneven at times, the world-building and the compelling characters make this book a worthwhile read.