The authors world-building skills have long been considered among the finest of her peers.

The drama feels rote, the beats repetitive; she retreads themes shes already perfected.

But Clare still gets at something fundamental about storytelling.

Chain of Gold; House of Earth and Blood

Credit: Margaret K. McElderry Books; Bloomsbury Publishing

These authors revel in the power of family those we inherit as well as those we choose.

As Maas reminds us, through love, all is possible.

These are also supernatural stories, of course, and those elements unfurl in mundane and majestic fashion alike.

House of Earth and Blood:AChain of Gold:B

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