Step into the spellbinding streets of Crescent City, where magic crackles in the air and a half-fae, half-human heroine is about to shake up a supernatural metropolis! Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series is a dazzling urban fantasy saga that blends heart-pounding mystery, sizzling romance, and high-stakes adventure. Centered on Bryce Quinlan and fallen angel Hunt Athalar, this series has captivated readers with its vibrant world and unforgettable characters.
Unlike Maas’s earlier works, Crescent City dives into a modern, tech-savvy world where cell phones and magic coexist. With its intricate plotting and themes of power, identity, and redemption, the series offers a fresh take on adult fantasy that keeps you glued to its 800-page tomes. Ready to explore this thrilling universe? Let’s dive in!
How Crescent City Began
Sarah J. Maas, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses, launched Crescent City as her first adult fantasy series in 2020. Inspired by her love for urban fantasy and detective mysteries, Maas crafted a world where supernatural beings navigate a gritty, modern city. She envisioned Bryce as a relatable, flawed heroine—a party girl with a sharp wit and a hidden strength—whose journey would anchor the series’ emotional core. The result was House of Earth and Blood, a bold debut that set the stage for an ambitious saga.
The Heart of Crescent City
The Crescent City series unfolds in Lunathion, a bustling city on the planet Midgard, where angels, fae, demons, and shifters coexist under the iron rule of the Asteri. The first book, House of Earth and Blood (2020), follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae art gallery assistant, whose carefree life shatters when her friends are murdered by a demon. Teaming up with Hunt Athalar, an enslaved fallen angel, Bryce unravels a conspiracy that threatens the city. House of Sky and Breath (2022) deepens the rebellion against the Asteri, while House of Flame and Shadow (2024) ties the series to Maas’s broader multiverse, delivering jaw-dropping twists.
Maas’s signature style—lush world-building, slow-burn romance, and emotional depth—shines here. Themes of grief, freedom, and found family resonate, while the urban setting, with its nightclubs and magical artifacts, feels both familiar and fantastical. Bryce’s evolution from a grieving party girl to a fierce leader, paired with Hunt’s brooding redemption arc, keeps readers hooked. The series’ diverse cast, including wolf-shifters and merfolk, adds richness to its tapestry.
Why Crescent City Resonates
Crescent City has carved a niche in the romantasy genre, blending epic fantasy with steamy romance and modern flair. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its emotional intensity, with House of Earth and Blood earning a 4.50 rating. The series’ bold exploration of power dynamics and its inclusive representation, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters, have sparked vibrant discussions online. Its cliffhangers and multiverse connections have fueled BookTok frenzy, cementing Maas as a fantasy powerhouse.
As of 2025, with a fourth book confirmed, Crescent City continues to grow, promising more adventures in Midgard. Its blend of grit, heart, and magic makes it a standout for readers craving immersive storytelling.
- Publication Years: 2020–2024 (three books so far)
- Books: House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, House of Flame and Shadow
- Awards: Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy (2020)
Grab House of Earth and Blood and dive into Crescent City’s thrilling urban fantasy world! Whether you’re a Maas veteran or a newcomer, Bryce and Hunt’s adventure will leave you breathless.