House of Earth and Blood | Part I (Ch. 1-7)

DISCLAIMER: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Where do I even begin?! Firstly, I can already tell this Maas series will be much more enjoyable than ACOTAR. Was ACOTAR bad? No. I wouldn’t say that. That particular series is just not her best. Obviously, the Throne of Glass series is her absolute best and I don’t think anyone would argue that.

Now, I guess let’s start from the beginning.

Firstly, Danika and Bryce’s friendship is what, I think, any woman seeks in an unbiological sister. The small act of Bryce braiding Danika’s hair without question is so pure and tender, exhibiting unconditional love for one’s true friend. Before I knew where this story was heading *cough cough* I was genuinely excited to see what Danika and Bryce were going to experience together. Thank you SJM for finding yet another way to tear your readers’ hearts out! Danika brought the fun side out of Bryce, and Bryce calmed the wild side of Danika! Why take that away?! (Obviously because every female main character needs to face a trauma early on and this, of course, had to be Bryce’s). ALSO, the dynamic between Bryce and Connor was one that I wanted to see develop into something romantic, if only for the spicy scenes alone. Unfortunately, that day will never come! I’m crushed. I was kicking my feet and giggling when Connor texted Bryce that he only wanted her. Silly me for having hope!

Moving on, Sabine — Danika’s mom — is a total cunt. I will never never never understand how a mother can hate their own child and place more value on material objects. To loathe your daughter for being gifted the family heirloom is ludicrous. Get over yourself! I’ll hate her just as much as Philip Briggs, a total psycho. If you forgot, he’s the extremist who bombs establishments in hopes of the human rebellion making its way to Valbara with no care for who lives or dies. Gross.

On the bright side, Bryce’s mom is a ray of sunshine. The complete antithesis to Danika’s. And since we are on the topic of Bryce’s familial relations, Ruhn Danaan being her half-brother?! And that being kept a secret?! Juicy!!!!

Lastly, fuck the wolves for banning her from the Sailing.

Quote Analysis:

“The power shall always belong to those who give their lives to the city” (21).

I’m choosing to interpret this in a metaphorical way rather than a literal way. Take it literally and we can connect this to Danika and her giving her life (unintentionally) to the city. Metaphorically, this can be connected to Bryce. Especially in her pursuit of the demon who slaughtered the Pack of Devils without thinking of what may happen to her. Also, Bryce’s power, or lack thereof, is mentioned quite a few times in Part I, and this may be an indirect mentioning of it.

“She was half-Fae, assessed at a power level barely on the grid” (83)

Bryce’s lack of power is mentioned too often for one not to pay attention to it. I could be wrong (but if I’m not that would be so cool hehehe), but I truly feel that she is going to have some crazy powers and that her power levels were assessed incorrectly or something along those lines. For her to show immense strength in the interrogation room was explained away by “pure rage”. However, they also mention that she had enough drugs in her system to kill a lesser Vanir; but, isn’t she technically a lesser Vanir being that she is half-human and half-Fae? I know by law she is considered a Vanir because her father (the Autumn King btw!) made it so, but she’s said to be more human than Fae despite her immortal lifespan. I don’t know. Just interesting to me.

Anyways, onto part two. Bringing some tissues so I can be prepared for any more heartbreak.