House of Earth and Blood: Crescent City, Book 1

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life working hard all day and partying all night - a carefree existence that was shattered when a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. The pain and sense of loss were overwhelming, and she struggled to come to terms with the fact that those she had considered to be her family were gone. With her friends' memories still fresh in her mind, Bryce's drive for justice became all-consuming. She was determined to find the person responsible for their deaths, no matter the cost.

When the accused was put behind bars, but the murders continued, Bryce found herself at the center of the investigation. She had few allies and even fewer leads, but she was not one to back down from a challenge. That was when she met Hunt Athalar, a notorious Fallen angel who was also being forced to serve the Archangels he had once tried to overthrow. Hunt was a skilled fighter with incredible strength, and he had one sole purpose in life: to eliminate his enemies without question. Yet, when he was offered a deal to help Bryce find the murderer, he saw an opportunity to gain his freedom, something he had never known before. As they delved deeper into Crescent City's underworld, they discovered a dark and powerful force that threatened everything and everyone they held dear.

As Bryce and Hunt journeyed through this treacherous landscape, their initial animosity towards each other gradually turned into a deep and intense connection. They found themselves relying on each other for survival, and their passion for each other grew stronger with every passing moment. But as their feelings deepened, they had to confront the very real danger that surrounded them. The fate of Crescent City hung in the balance, and the power of love might just be the key to unlocking the truth and setting them both free.

When I first started reading this novel, I couldn't help but think of my own sister, who was taken from me far too soon. Her passing was a tragedy that left a gaping hole in my life, and I can only imagine how unbearable it must be to lose someone close to you in such a violent and senseless way. The author has woven a narrative that is both heartbreaking and unflinching, confronting the reader with the harsh realities of life and the cruelty that can be inflicted upon us.

As I turned the pages, I found myself drawn into the world of Crescent City, a place of dark magic, ancient powers, and forgotten histories. The protagonist's story is one of loss and determination, of finding the strength to keep going in the face of unimaginable pain. I was struck by her resilience, her refusal to be broken by the traumatic events that befell her. And yet, it's not just her story that's compelling - it's the cast of characters that surround her, each with their own complex motivations and secrets. There's the mysterious Fallen angel, Hunt, with his own troubled past and conflicting loyalties. As their paths converge, the stakes grow higher, and the tension builds to a heart-stopping climax.

One of the things that resonated with me most about this novel is the way it explores the complexities of relationships. Bryce and Hunt's bond is forged in the fire of their shared quest, and their passion for each other is raw, honest, and all-consuming. It's a beautiful thing to see two people find love in the midst of chaos and danger, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of hope for their success. The world-building is meticulous, the world of Crescent City is richly detailed, and the writing is evocative and engaging. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, haunting your thoughts and lingering in your heart.

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0

This book is a heart-wrenching tale of loss and determination that will leave you breathless. It's a story about finding the strength to keep going in the face of unimaginable pain, and the power of love to unlock the truth. The author's narrative is both heartbreaking and unflinching, confronting the reader with the harsh realities of life. As I turned the pages, I became immersed in the world of Crescent City, where dark magic, ancient powers, and forgotten histories come alive. The characters are complex, flawed, and relatable, with motivations that will keep you guessing. The passion between the lead characters is raw and honest, making their journey feel authentic and thrilling.