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Crescent City [Dramatized Adaptation] #3, Part 2
House of Flame and Shadow (Part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.
Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.
In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt's world is brought to the brink of collapse—with its future resting on their shoulders.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied.
In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt's world is brought to the brink of collapse—with its future resting on their shoulders.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
14 pages, Audible Audio
Published April 16, 2025
74 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Sarah J. Maas
109 books533k followersSarah 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
May 19, 2025
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas❤️🔥🧚🦇⚔️
Power. Secrets. War. And a battle for survival that will change everything.
This book grabbed me by the throat from chapter one and did not let go. The Graphic Audio edition? Next level. It felt like stepping straight into the chaos, magic, heartbreak, and sheer badassery of Crescent City. The sound effects, music, and full cast made it feel like I was living the story instead of just listening to it. I was in it—heart racing, eyes wide, emotions on high. I laughed, I gasped, I yelled, I may have cried (okay, I did cry).
Bryce’s journey in this one is intense. She’s dropped into an entirely new world, facing unimaginable odds, and her growth—both fierce and vulnerable—is some of the best I’ve seen from her. The reveals? Devastating. The character arcs? Incredible. There were moments I had to pause just to process the weight of what was happening. It’s SJM at her most intense.
That said, I have complicated feelings about the ending. The first third was phenomenal—gripping, well-paced, and emotionally charged. I was captivated. But as the final chapters unfolded, something faltered. The story and plot began feeling sluggish, and the conclusion rushed. It didn’t quite match the scale of what came before. It wasn’t bad—but it lacked the impact I was hoping for. I expected something more explosive, more unforgettable.
Still, this book is a breathtaking continuation of the series and an experience I won’t soon forget. It may not have landed every note perfectly, but the journey? Absolutely worth it.
Power. Secrets. War. And a battle for survival that will change everything.
This book grabbed me by the throat from chapter one and did not let go. The Graphic Audio edition? Next level. It felt like stepping straight into the chaos, magic, heartbreak, and sheer badassery of Crescent City. The sound effects, music, and full cast made it feel like I was living the story instead of just listening to it. I was in it—heart racing, eyes wide, emotions on high. I laughed, I gasped, I yelled, I may have cried (okay, I did cry).
Bryce’s journey in this one is intense. She’s dropped into an entirely new world, facing unimaginable odds, and her growth—both fierce and vulnerable—is some of the best I’ve seen from her. The reveals? Devastating. The character arcs? Incredible. There were moments I had to pause just to process the weight of what was happening. It’s SJM at her most intense.
That said, I have complicated feelings about the ending. The first third was phenomenal—gripping, well-paced, and emotionally charged. I was captivated. But as the final chapters unfolded, something faltered. The story and plot began feeling sluggish, and the conclusion rushed. It didn’t quite match the scale of what came before. It wasn’t bad—but it lacked the impact I was hoping for. I expected something more explosive, more unforgettable.
Still, this book is a breathtaking continuation of the series and an experience I won’t soon forget. It may not have landed every note perfectly, but the journey? Absolutely worth it.
August 14, 2025
OMG this was too good! This is the best SJM series I've read so far. Hands down. The ACOTAR integration was fantastic! I'm curious as to how this series compares to Throne Of Glass. The graphic audio for that series has been delayed a bunch so I'll get to it when it finishes getting released through Graphic Audio.
Overall the story was great! The loose ends, however, were mean. Not as mean as I was expecting it to be, but still very much not fun. There's too much in the air I NEED to know what's next!!!
Overall the story was great! The loose ends, however, were mean. Not as mean as I was expecting it to be, but still very much not fun. There's too much in the air I NEED to know what's next!!!
May 2, 2025
This one was so much fun to experience in graphic audio. Now that it's wrapped up, CC might be my favorite of the SJM series!
June 11, 2025
I did not expect to read through this whole series again so quickly but I’m glad I did. This whole series was brilliantly done, I really enjoyed each and every voice actor, even the extra random few ones that appeared for a line or two.
The background music made so many scenes sooo much more dramatic, in a good way. I genuinely enjoyed.
The background music made so many scenes sooo much more dramatic, in a good way. I genuinely enjoyed.
May 17, 2025
This was by far my favorite book in the series! Sarah J did her thing with this! What I loved most about Crescent City is how much character development there was. Not just main character development like in ACOTAR, but multiple characters. They all grew and became better versions of themselves. There was also so many different parts of the book occurring at the same time which made it even more interesting. This was definitely a great way to cap off this series! 10/10!
May 7, 2025
I freaking love how this trilogy ended. I think everything came together in a neat little bow, and everyone got their redemption or their happy ending. Honestly my least favorite part was the crossover storyline with ACOTAR, but it kept leading me to believe we might actually get to see characters from Throne of Glass, which I would have enjoyed WAY more. Sure there were nods to “the stag” and “the world of the shifters”, but come on we literally set foot in ACOTAR but can’t even get a name drop for TOG?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
I mostly powered through the earlier books in this series for the ACOTAR crossover if I’m being honest 😬
That said, this final book…. Easily my favorite of the bunch! It actually wrapped up nicely and for the first time, I found myself truly rooting for Bryce, I’m genuinely curious where she goes next, I hope Bryce and Nesta cross paths again.
This book also made me like Nesta more I’m curious to see where the ACOTAR series takes her with what she now has in her possession….
That said, this final book…. Easily my favorite of the bunch! It actually wrapped up nicely and for the first time, I found myself truly rooting for Bryce, I’m genuinely curious where she goes next, I hope Bryce and Nesta cross paths again.
This book also made me like Nesta more I’m curious to see where the ACOTAR series takes her with what she now has in her possession….
May 12, 2025
My usual SJM gripes persist- use of the word mate, smelling people, balls tightening, general cringe, and of course plot twists that are quite the leap- but I will say I love her commitment to a) the power of friendship b) PTSD being a huge bitch and c) horniness. I had fun, 3.5 rounded up lol
June 6, 2025
I feel like I took too long to finish this one but overall I definitely liked this book over the 2nd book.
God that was a slog, like nothing happened.
Maas has this really weird tendency to write Book 1 as if its a standalone and then write book 2-3 and maybe onward like they're part of the series. Like obviously book 2 was a lead up to 3 but it was so boring, but obviously you can't have 3 without context of 2.
I was happy for the action and things actually happening and moving forward.
I still think this series suffers from way too many characters but in some cases they were needed and some they weren't.
Sometimes characters are just meant for drama and not really worth remembering I guess.
But overall it was a great time and the graphic audio did help with the emersion and captivation of it all.
As I made earlier comments...
Bryce does have some balls... It's almost laughable at times.
Where do you get the audacity and the confidence to ask someone for a favour.
Like robbing someone, and then later going back and asking them for $10 even though they robbed you. Like why should anyone trust you.
While I was near the end, it came to me that... thank god that books have happy endings - at least most of them?
Real life is depressing enough and we need somewhere to go to escape that and to know that there are happy endings possible when our lives are maybe not that great.
So thank god for happy endings in most books lol
I wonder what the next series will be that pulls me in the way this does. Apparently Fourth Wing is losing a lot of people :P and the author is taking a break for her mental health which is totally fair.
For now time to catch up with the rest of the TBR.
God that was a slog, like nothing happened.
Maas has this really weird tendency to write Book 1 as if its a standalone and then write book 2-3 and maybe onward like they're part of the series. Like obviously book 2 was a lead up to 3 but it was so boring, but obviously you can't have 3 without context of 2.
I was happy for the action and things actually happening and moving forward.
I still think this series suffers from way too many characters but in some cases they were needed and some they weren't.
Sometimes characters are just meant for drama and not really worth remembering I guess.
But overall it was a great time and the graphic audio did help with the emersion and captivation of it all.
As I made earlier comments...
Bryce does have some balls... It's almost laughable at times.
Where do you get the audacity and the confidence to ask someone for a favour.
Like robbing someone, and then later going back and asking them for $10 even though they robbed you. Like why should anyone trust you.
While I was near the end, it came to me that... thank god that books have happy endings - at least most of them?
Real life is depressing enough and we need somewhere to go to escape that and to know that there are happy endings possible when our lives are maybe not that great.
So thank god for happy endings in most books lol
I wonder what the next series will be that pulls me in the way this does. Apparently Fourth Wing is losing a lot of people :P and the author is taking a break for her mental health which is totally fair.
For now time to catch up with the rest of the TBR.
October 8, 2025
How I read it: 🎧
The Tea: Ethan let it go man
📚 If this Book was Emojis: 🌎🕳️🪽🔥✨🧟♀️🐺👑
Vibes: modernised fantasy with corrupt government
Spice: have you ever read about sex that causes magical power exchange? Well buckle up
Pace: it was a bit slow, but loved it
Emotional Rollercoaster: did I almost cry yes? But could of been more hormonal then anything
Last page review: I said “come onnnnn” way to many times. Some of this went too far especially when you reflect on the first book
🎶🎵 Song this Book gives: gay for me by G-Flip (cause I am gayyyyy for Bryce)
🌶️Hot Takes (that’s my opinionnnn): was a bit much at the end but still loved it. Loved the mini quests everyone went on. Felt very “we’re going through the bush, on and on we push”. Felt like a more serious version of FRIENDS but also fantasy.
The Tea: Ethan let it go man
📚 If this Book was Emojis: 🌎🕳️🪽🔥✨🧟♀️🐺👑
Vibes: modernised fantasy with corrupt government
Spice: have you ever read about sex that causes magical power exchange? Well buckle up
Pace: it was a bit slow, but loved it
Emotional Rollercoaster: did I almost cry yes? But could of been more hormonal then anything
Last page review: I said “come onnnnn” way to many times. Some of this went too far especially when you reflect on the first book
🎶🎵 Song this Book gives: gay for me by G-Flip (cause I am gayyyyy for Bryce)
🌶️Hot Takes (that’s my opinionnnn): was a bit much at the end but still loved it. Loved the mini quests everyone went on. Felt very “we’re going through the bush, on and on we push”. Felt like a more serious version of FRIENDS but also fantasy.
October 15, 2025
4☆ Review:
I LOVE THARION & BAXIAN!!!
Anyways, this was a great conclusion to this new fantasy world.
We all know that we’ll be seeing more from SJM in the future & maybe we’ll get to say hello to these characters once again someday.
P.S. I still believe Tharion & Ithan should have kissed at least once, agree to disagree with me.
I LOVE THARION & BAXIAN!!!
Anyways, this was a great conclusion to this new fantasy world.
We all know that we’ll be seeing more from SJM in the future & maybe we’ll get to say hello to these characters once again someday.
P.S. I still believe Tharion & Ithan should have kissed at least once, agree to disagree with me.
Read
April 26, 2025I’m glad it’s over.
So much happens in this second half that I got put off it. Then during the wrap up of the story there’s a cross over from her other books that I will never read and feels so pointless to have in here plus plot points that are just dropped, what’s happening here????
So much happens in this second half that I got put off it. Then during the wrap up of the story there’s a cross over from her other books that I will never read and feels so pointless to have in here plus plot points that are just dropped, what’s happening here????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
As someone who’s already ready this series in paper back my views was never going to change
This dramatised audio version was so good not gonna lie I did jump a few times with the gate’s slamming 😂
It was so good to revisit and refresh and hopefully sj gives us more soon 🤞
This dramatised audio version was so good not gonna lie I did jump a few times with the gate’s slamming 😂
It was so good to revisit and refresh and hopefully sj gives us more soon 🤞
May 3, 2025
Pegasus ending was actually so cringe
May 4, 2025
I loved this significantly better when listening to these dramatic audiobooks compared to the actual book lol.
May 31, 2025
I just adore this series and these characters! Fingers crossed there are more books to come!!!
June 19, 2025
It was great rereading it via audiobook.
August 1, 2025
I really enjoyed reading these books and at first was a bit scared to start listening to them as well, considering I build up the characters in my head already. But the voice actors Graphic Audio did an amazing job!
Ready for ACOTAR 6 now :)
Ready for ACOTAR 6 now :)
September 15, 2025
I loved this series. Sad it's over!!
September 19, 2025
The amount of emotion that I had listening to this. It is such a great book!
October 2, 2025
Still my least fave in the series but I enjoyed the book a lot more listening to the Graphic Audio!
October 12, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!
May 18, 2025
A good ending. Didn’t expect a few of the turns. Kinda excited for the next in the Maas universe now
May 21, 2025
Light it up! ⭐️ highly recommend the dramatized audio for all these books. Absolutely loved crescent city and have officially finished the massverse 😭.
June 24, 2025
Obsessed! All three are amazing. Obviously there's a LOT to unpack and this really expanded the Massverse. I'm so curious to see if there is going to be a next book or if this stays a trilogy.
September 27, 2025
Left me hanging, can’t wait to start the next one!
May 13, 2025
Again, the 5☆ is for the production. The book is still as bad as it was last year and I'm not over it (Not you, Lidia, you can do no wrong 😘💕)
May 11, 2025
Damn SJM and her Plot Armor.
The audio production was top notch. Graphic Audio has nicely progressed from their ACOTAR books where it was mostly unnecessarily loud foot steps (although there is still too many footstep SFX for this video/audio editor).
In general, book 3 had too many characters. Most of their POV didn’t add anything unique to the story. And there are little consequences to these assholes’ actions. Very disappointed with this conclusion.
The audio production was top notch. Graphic Audio has nicely progressed from their ACOTAR books where it was mostly unnecessarily loud foot steps (although there is still too many footstep SFX for this video/audio editor).
In general, book 3 had too many characters. Most of their POV didn’t add anything unique to the story. And there are little consequences to these assholes’ actions. Very disappointed with this conclusion.
August 17, 2025
Guys! Hear me out!
If you’re going to do an audiobook that has graphic audio available, ALWAYS pick graphic audio!
This is my second “re-read” of CC and I 100% enjoyed it more than the last time I read it. Last time I read it, I tandemed between the physical book and normal audiobook, which was so monotone it made me want to pull my hair out.
Anyway, I gave it a second chance and completely fell in love! Still not my fav SJM series but it still hit the spot.
If you’re going to do an audiobook that has graphic audio available, ALWAYS pick graphic audio!
This is my second “re-read” of CC and I 100% enjoyed it more than the last time I read it. Last time I read it, I tandemed between the physical book and normal audiobook, which was so monotone it made me want to pull my hair out.
Anyway, I gave it a second chance and completely fell in love! Still not my fav SJM series but it still hit the spot.
August 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this ending - it was way easier to follow than the first half & I felt like all the storylines converged & concluded in a really neat way. SJM remains one of the queens of romantasy in my book with this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews