House of Earth and Blood (Part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Crescent City [Dramatized Adaptation] #1, Part 2

by Sarah J. Maas, Colleen Delany (Narrator), Kit Swann (Narrator)

Sarah J. Maas's CRESCENT CITY series begins with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it.

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fae, Adult, Magic

12 pages, Audiobook

Published April 18, 2024

About the author

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 bestselling author of the Throne of Glass, Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City series. Her books have sold millions of copies and are published in thirty-eight languages. She lives in New York City with her family.

Reviews

[Alieke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was damn emotional

[caffeine reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can honestly say this was casted soooo well.
I loved it, I loved the book and the graphic audio was amazing i actually cried at some points when I didn’t when I read them.
There was so much emotion and Bruce come across just as sassy as the physical book
*chefs kiss*
Perfecto

Just perfect so excited for cc2 and cc3 on graphic audio.

[Mikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I didn't see that plot twist coming, nor did I see all that possible heartbreak on the horizon by the end. I was a blubbering, anxious mess by the second half of this book. This book has blown ACOTAR out of the water. This is by far the best SJM book that I've read so far. Sure, it had a bumpy start, but ever since it got put into gear, it's been smooth sailing!

I am very much invested in Bryce and Hunt's story, and I'm hoping for the best with the next book!

The Graphic Audio Narration:

SOSOSOSOSO GOOD! No notes. Simply amazing. They outdo themselves with every release ᥫ᭡

[Kitty Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorites of all time.

While I do think this was one of the better Graphic Audio performances, I consider myself SO lucky to have done my first two read throughs of this book as a regular physical/ebook read because some of my favorite parts fell flat. I sobbed through the scene with Lehabah and Micah when I read it and the vacuum cleaner part was quite literally one of the best things I've ever read. I felt like that sequence was criminally underwhelming.

Story: 6⭐️
Romance: 5💕
Spice: 0.5🌶️
Audio: 4🎧

[Jessica ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story so much, listening to the graphic audio was amazing and was quite literally like listening to a movie. I can’t wait for book 2 ❤️

[Christina ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

not this half of the book making me ugly cry at my desk at work

[Dar ⟢ · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas ❤️‍🔥🐺🧚🪽


Join Bryce Quinlan & Hunt Athalar as they navigate the neon-lit streets of Crescent City—a world where magic and technology collide, where angels walk among mortals, and where one brutal murder unravels a conspiracy far greater than anyone imagined.

Smoke curled through the streets, the hum of magic like a second heartbeat. This was a world of skyscrapers and ancient power, of angels with bloodstained wings and fae who ruled from glittering thrones. A world I should have loved.

And yet, for years, I couldn’t find my way in.

I tried reading House of Earth and Blood three times, only to set it aside, unable to fully immerse myself. Throne of Glass rekindled my love for reading, and ACOTAR fueled my obsession with romantasy—so naturally, I expected to fall for this world just as easily. But the urban setting threw me off, the pacing felt slow to start, and I struggled to connect with the story.

Then, on my fourth attempt, everything changed.

Experiencing the book through Graphic Audio completely transformed it. The voices, the sound effects, the raw emotion woven into every scene—it was like unlocking a door I hadn’t realized was there. Suddenly, I was in Crescent City, swept up in a tale of grief, vengeance, and destiny.

And then came the final quarter.

It was an onslaught of twists and revelations. Some I predicted; others shattered me. If the first half was a slow burn, the last was an inferno, unraveling at lightning speed. There were moments that left me breathless, heart racing, eyes burning with tears.

Looking back, I see now that Crescent City isn’t Throne of Glass or ACOTAR—and it’s not supposed to be. It’s something entirely its own: a bold fusion of modern life and classic fantasy, where cell phones exist alongside ancient magic, and where love and loss carve deep, aching wounds.

I almost gave up on this book. I’m so glad I didn’t.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024: I read the book, but still the graphic audiobook hit me emotionally. A must read/listen. Well do both, I recommend reading and then listening to it.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When i told my mom this was my 3rd re read of this book she said omg thats so much effort, but reading this good is EFFORTLESS, or listening in this case
10/10 soo good the end had me in TEARS multiple different times

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The voice actor for Hunt had me swooning. 😍🥵

[Fahmida · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75⭐
While the plot did keep me entertained to a certain extent, the story was just VERY slow paced. And I literally do not get the hype. The cast was okayish but I disliked the way the narrator for Bryce portrayed some of the emotions. Felt like she was trying too hard.

Also, the fact that both main characters have past loves doesn’t sit right with me:')

[Jeanette (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s just say my heart is still recovering before I will be listening to House of Sky and Breath in the future

[Michelle Delp (Fazio) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I whole heartedly loved the part 2 graphic audio of CC1. The entire scene with Bryce facing off again Micah and having the whole committee watch was SO FREAKING WELL DONE. I don’t have enough words.

Although, I am still heart broken. I will never ever, not in a 100 years get over Lehabah’s death. I thought reading it was hard but, listening to it… oh my gosh I freaking lost it. When she says… “Let me do this for you Bebe”. I was uncontrollably sobbing, it was so gut wrenching but, so well done. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive SJM for her death.

And then of course, when Bryce is defending the city against the demons coming through the gates and trying to figure out how to close them and she’s begging for help… and Ithan comes on the line and says “I’m coming Bryce”. Ugh, I just couldn’t help it I cried so hard.

I can’t say enough good things, I loved it so much and I highly recommend it. It was amazing.

[Brooke ♥booklife4life♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

[5hrs8mins 3x]

I'll give the whole book 1.5 stars. the last 150-2oopgs really saved it, but it's still way too long and overly sexualized for no reason, and every single character is written the same with the same personality.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always blown away by the quality of Graphic Audio productions!

Listening to this after finishing House of Flame & Shadow made me realize just how much foreshadowing SJM strategically places throughout her books. Also, how many things I missed when reading through the first time 😦

Love love loved!!!!

[Mariah Greeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best one. Love it

[Kaysi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap. This book hit me hard in all the best ways. I am a Sarah J. Maas fan across the board but this first book in this series has been the most impactful for me. The world building was a bit hard to get into at first, but once we really dove into the characters, especially when Hunt entered the scene, I was hooked. An emotional roller coaster that I could not get enough of nor did I want to off of. I enjoy all fantasy flavors, but this modern fantasy with angels and demons captivated me, especially when I am a sucker for a strong female protagonist. The elements of action, mystery, thriller, and romance were absolutely addictive….I loved it. I cannot wait to read the next one and find out what’s next for our lead duo!

[Sam0ny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, just so many names and lore to pay attention too makes it a little difficult when listening (I used this book as my work out motivation, which worked). I was not l prepared for the big ol twist of ~whodunnit~ so that was fun.

Battle at the end was a fun listen.

I was promised some 👉 👌and that did not happen ugh. I know there's more to the story BUT STILL.

I'll be continuing the series. Thank you, graphic audio.

[Shelby Seal(Allen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told myself I was going to take Crescent City slow since HOFAS isn't out yet and well, I just don't think it's going to be possible. 🤣

I thought I sobbed reading this the first time? Well with the dramatized audio performance I cried even harder.

"My friends are here. And I am not afraid." 😭

So many moments where I'm just like, 👀 oh shit I didn't catch that the first time around. And especially since I re read Silver Flames right before this, there's soooo many hints I missed the first time around. I'm absolutely thrilled with how these audio re reads (or rather listens) are going!

[Caitlin Clemenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars
I recently described this as if ACOTAR and TOG had a baby. So far seems to be equal parts romantasy with an emphasis on character development like in TOG. I definitely teared up a few times, however I feel like I would have had more of a connection/appreciation if I’d been able to physically read more of the book.

[Autumn Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed where this took me in regards to trying to figure out what was going on.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Much more action in the second book. SJM has gotta be a masochist or something, I swear. Her books are the slowest of slow burns. It’s hardly even enjoyable.

[Neko.ta.ta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Graphic Audio and loved this version of CC1 - the scenes acted out = kiss chef

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even find the right words to explain how amazing this was. Some how my favorite book got even better. If you haven't listened to a graphic audio yet, this needs to be the one!!!

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

God the second half of this book is sooo gripping. Will never get over the last 100-150 pages - what a ride. The graphic audio was cool but still don't feel like the voices match the characters very well 🤷‍♀️

[Shelby Lovato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. I have read this before, and it is my first time listening. It still got the same emotion out of me as the first time I read this. Its a slow start but once the action begins its hard to put this book down!

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW THIS IS EVERYTHING I DIDN'T EVEN COMPREHEND THE PLOTTWIST AND FIVE OTHERS DROPPED!! BRYCE QUINNLAND, YOU ARE MY HERO. THIS STORY IS AMAZING. THE FANTASY ALONG WITH MODERN TIMES, THE HEALING, THE TRAUMA, THE LOOOVEEE, THE FRIENDSHIPS?? YES. YES. YESS!!!

[Chantel Yee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay bad ass, let’s have someone else have some of the fun.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in tears. It had me angry at times but that ending was amazing. Although I was so very concerned for Bryce and Hunt for a bit there. As much as I loved ACOTAR...CC gives it a run for it's money so far.

[courtney (not your dad) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads. This is the best book of the entire series, I think.