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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Well, this was definitely quite the ride. I'm not entirely sure that I absolutely loved it but I definitely didn't hate it either hence the three stars. The last few chapters felt like a different book completely but they were intense and caused verbal reactions from me. An interesting read for me as I'd never read a horror before. I also have to say, there was nothing particularly surprising that happened. Any 'plot twist' was predictable but the revelations were still satisfactory to read. I don't regret reading this, it's an interesting take on vampires and I always enjoy some sapphic endeavours.
I wish they built up the world a bit more but this was a great spooky read! The castle vibes constantly gave out the atmosphere of danger. The plot was super unique and kept me on my toes the whole time.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
House of Hunger, was a dark, Gothic take on power, class, and exploitation. The story kept a steady pace that hooked me early on, though the characters themselves were more functional than memorable. Henderson’s writing flowed smoothly and carried the Gothic tone well, and while the atmosphere of the house and setting was solid, it didn’t completely transport me. Where the book shined was in its themes, Lisavet’s insatiable hunger and her cruel manipulation of the blood maidens became a sharp commentary on power, narcissism, and exploitation. I found myself reflecting on those elements long after finishing, which gave the book more weight than I expected.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Atmospheric, gothic, and a little gay. Loved the vibe! I thoight this was a traditional vampire story but it's much more interesting than that.
I was pulled in to Marion's world right from the start and was invested to the end, although the pacing is pretty slow throughout and the finish is almost too quick. There are also a few ideas and themes, such as classism and power dynamics, that were blatantly repeated and I didn't appreciate that--it feels like dumbing down the story for the reader.
I would have liked a little more after the big reveal, perhaps a deeper exploration of Lisavet's background and what happened to other bloodmaids.
I was pulled in to Marion's world right from the start and was invested to the end, although the pacing is pretty slow throughout and the finish is almost too quick. There are also a few ideas and themes, such as classism and power dynamics, that were blatantly repeated and I didn't appreciate that--it feels like dumbing down the story for the reader.
I would have liked a little more after the big reveal, perhaps a deeper exploration of Lisavet's background and what happened to other bloodmaids.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved the connection to the Blood Countess Elizabeth Báthory - I have always been so intrigued by her lore; and reading a book that took inspiration from it was super neat for me! The way the author writes the manipulation and seduction in more ways than just the sex and the blood is so haunting and deeply intriguing. Super fkn spooky, creepy, sexy and just a really enjoyable read!!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Now this is a good vampire story. Although I'm not sure if they were actually vampires. But there was blood drinking and a spooky castle and mushrooms and there were lesbians and I enjoyed myself. I don't know that I'll give Henderson's other books a go but I definitely recommend this one.