Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow (Ch. 51–76): The Truth About Hunt Athalar's FATHER Has Our Heads Exploding!

#070: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 51–76 of House of Flame and Shadow and BUNCHIES... Sarah J. Maas decided the best way to prepare us for the finale was to reveal ancient history, launch an interdimensional war, and casually connect entire worlds.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Before we dive into the chapters, we're taking a quick detour to completely fan girl over Rebecca Yarros' Threshing Day announcement! We break down everything we know about the 13 stories, theorize whose POVs could be included, from Xaden and Naolin to Brennan, Lilith, Liam, and even Jack Barlowe, and share our wildest predictions for what could set up Book 4.

Then it's back to Crescent City as Bryce's search through the Cave of Princes uncovers game-changing truths about Theia, the Starsword, and the true history of the Fae, while the Asteri begin their full-scale assault on Midgard. Along the way, we get one of the biggest relationship moments yet as Ruhn and Lidia finally give in to their feelings, Hunt and Bryce face their toughest conflict, and Baxian's heartbreaking past comes to light.

Meanwhile, Bryce learns she's a true World-Walker carrying two-thirds of Theia's power, Hunt discovers the shocking truth about his origins and why he was created, and our favorite mirrored-world theory gets even stronger as Midgard and Prythian continue to reflect one another in fascinating ways.

As the final battle begins, alliances are tested, Hel joins the war, Hypaxia races to save the world with her antidote, and Ithan finally steps into the Alpha role he was always meant to claim.

And just when we think we know where this story is headed... Bryce opens a portal expecting Hel... and instead finds herself standing in Prythian, face-to-face with Nesta, asking for the Mask.

Let's get into it, Bunchies!