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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
It took me a few chapters to really get in to the book but once I did, it sucked me in and I finished it in a few sittings.
The world building was a little shaky at times but I was able to overlook it as the story itself was entertaining. I was a little disappointed with the ending but overall enjoyed the book as a whole. I did feel that there were some loose ends that were noto sufficiently tied up and left me with some questions.
I felt the premise of the premise of the book was unique and fresh. I never felt like this was something I had read before or a “recycled” concept.
I will definitely be picking up any future releases by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyage for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
The world building was a little shaky at times but I was able to overlook it as the story itself was entertaining. I was a little disappointed with the ending but overall enjoyed the book as a whole. I did feel that there were some loose ends that were noto sufficiently tied up and left me with some questions.
I felt the premise of the premise of the book was unique and fresh. I never felt like this was something I had read before or a “recycled” concept.
I will definitely be picking up any future releases by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyage for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an excellent time with some actually lovely characters. It's fun to watch their natures clash and the consequences of differing motivations. the illustrations also added just the perfect touch to everything. 4.5/5, Beast man is hot, but Blackwell is hotter
Outcast Alma has never felt the pull to belong, only ever needing her mother by her side. But when he mother suddenly falls gravely ill she does the one thing she never thought she would do, reach out to her estranged father for help. However the cost of her seeking out her paternal lineage leads to her sacrificing herself to the Dread Beast, a powerful god and harbinger of death. Despite her gift to the god of death her mother soon perishes. Leaving Alma with pure vengeance and hate for the very god who she is sworn to. The same god who keeps the form of a handsome prince, spouting out prophecies as Alma plans her revenge against the family that took everything from her.
This debut fantasy novel was not what I was expecting at all and I am so glad for it. First the book itself is truly mesmerizing to look upon as it’s the pages are filled with stunning art work that really brings out a manga style to the book. Honestly this book would make a great anime/animated series. The plots magic, lore, political dynamics, vengeful gods, family rivalries, toxic relationships, intrigue, and themes of self discovery made for an exciting atmospheric dark gritty combination filled with all the blood and battles. Alma as an FMC was easy to root for as you follow along with her journey coming into herself. I will say that the pacing did feel a tad off towards the middle section and that aspects of this could definitely fall under the upper YA category as well. Considering this is a debut novel it’s immensely addictive and successful, leaving me looking forward to reading more of the authors future works. If you’re looking for a book that’s equally vengeful and magical then this debut is just for you.
House of the Beast is out now! Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This debut fantasy novel was not what I was expecting at all and I am so glad for it. First the book itself is truly mesmerizing to look upon as it’s the pages are filled with stunning art work that really brings out a manga style to the book. Honestly this book would make a great anime/animated series. The plots magic, lore, political dynamics, vengeful gods, family rivalries, toxic relationships, intrigue, and themes of self discovery made for an exciting atmospheric dark gritty combination filled with all the blood and battles. Alma as an FMC was easy to root for as you follow along with her journey coming into herself. I will say that the pacing did feel a tad off towards the middle section and that aspects of this could definitely fall under the upper YA category as well. Considering this is a debut novel it’s immensely addictive and successful, leaving me looking forward to reading more of the authors future works. If you’re looking for a book that’s equally vengeful and magical then this debut is just for you.
House of the Beast is out now! Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
House of the Beast is a dark, haunting standalone that sinks its teeth into you with gothic atmosphere, rich prose, and a heroine who won’t go down quietly.
Michelle Wong weaves a compelling tale of power, betrayal, and survival set within the crumbling walls of the House of Avera—a once-great institution fractured by secrets, ambition, and internal strife. The house is anything but unified, and its divisions simmer beneath the surface, threatening to consume everything.
At its core is a girl trapped by a cursed bargain and forced to live with a monstrous, mysterious host. But nothing in Avera is as it seems—not the beast, not the house, and certainly not the truth behind the deal.
Wong’s writing is lyrical and evocative, perfect for readers who crave emotionally charged stories with creeping tension and slow-burn connections. The horror and fantasy elements blend seamlessly with themes of autonomy, sacrifice, and the monstrous within.
Perfect for fans of twisted fairy tales and morally grey characters, House of the Beast delivers a complete and satisfying punch in a single, unforgettable volume.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore
Thank you to the Nerd Fam and Harper Collins Publishing for this ARC. This book started off with a bang. It immediately drew me in. The character development, suspense, mystery and action all made for a great story. And oh boy, there were several twists that I did not see coming. The author’s writing was immersive and on point. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Did you ever have an imaginary friend? It would be a bit disconcerting if there was a person who you sculpted with your mind that no one else can see and they could interact with the world. And rip people's jaws off when you are upset. So it's a bit different in Michelle Wong's "House of the Beast." Out 5 August 2025.
Having to deal with judgmental neighbors is never fun. But Alma got through it because of her caring mother. Up to when she gets sick. Out of options she reaches out to the absent father, a scion of the Dread Beast. Alma leaves with him, in exchange for her mother being healed. And then they cut off Alma's arm to mark her as one of the Beast's chosen. While recovering her old friend returns and with some new ideas.
Narrated by Jeanne Syquia, think this was the first time I heard them narrate and it was great work.
Reasons to read:
-Y'all got parent issues?
-Oh so they are just unrepentant, can't feel bad about that
-It actually takes the time so Alma can go from random youth to proficient
-Toxic codependency
-You made that into a religion?
Cons:
-Don't like worms coming from there
Having to deal with judgmental neighbors is never fun. But Alma got through it because of her caring mother. Up to when she gets sick. Out of options she reaches out to the absent father, a scion of the Dread Beast. Alma leaves with him, in exchange for her mother being healed. And then they cut off Alma's arm to mark her as one of the Beast's chosen. While recovering her old friend returns and with some new ideas.
Narrated by Jeanne Syquia, think this was the first time I heard them narrate and it was great work.
Reasons to read:
-Y'all got parent issues?
-Oh so they are just unrepentant, can't feel bad about that
-It actually takes the time so Alma can go from random youth to proficient
-Toxic codependency
-You made that into a religion?
Cons:
-Don't like worms coming from there
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you Harper Voyager Australia for sending me a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
This had me hooked from the start with its dark fairytale vibes and gorgeous accompanying artwork from the author.
Alma is such a great main character. She has so many layers to her, so many wants and needs and regrets, grief and pain and anger fuelling her. I loved her journey through this book.
Aster was so much fun as her constant companion. He was such an interesting character and their dynamic was fascinating.
I’ll admit to being a bit conflicted about how things went down in the Umbral plane and where this ended. It wasn’t entirely what I was expecting and I had to adjust my expectations to properly enjoy it, which can be hard when you think you’re in for one kind of story and are presented with another.
This had me hooked from the start with its dark fairytale vibes and gorgeous accompanying artwork from the author.
Alma is such a great main character. She has so many layers to her, so many wants and needs and regrets, grief and pain and anger fuelling her. I loved her journey through this book.
Aster was so much fun as her constant companion. He was such an interesting character and their dynamic was fascinating.
I’ll admit to being a bit conflicted about how things went down in the Umbral plane and where this ended. It wasn’t entirely what I was expecting and I had to adjust my expectations to properly enjoy it, which can be hard when you think you’re in for one kind of story and are presented with another.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was really disappointed with this book. It was marketed as a dark gothic adult romantasy, which it very much isn't. The writing was more suitable to a YA book, as was the plot and pacing of the story. The first 25% of the book I enjoyed, setting up the main FMC, her background and getting her to were she needed to be for the main plot to start. However after that things just didn't progress. I skim read the middle third of the book as nothing much happens. The ending is were all the action happens, and is a satisfying ending, but everything else just falls a bit flat. The narrative and plot are simplistic, the FMC doesn't seem to have much internal struggle or dialogue with her revenge plan (or if she does it's very easily squashed in 5 seconds).
There is quite a bit of gore and violence, which I suspect is why it wasn't marketed as a YA book, but I think it should have been edited for a YA audience as this is a disappointing adult book, and definitely not what it's marketed as!
If this had been marketed as a YA book about revenge (similar to For She is Wrath) I think I maybe would have enjoyed it more, but this is definitely not what it's marketed as.
There is quite a bit of gore and violence, which I suspect is why it wasn't marketed as a YA book, but I think it should have been edited for a YA audience as this is a disappointing adult book, and definitely not what it's marketed as!
If this had been marketed as a YA book about revenge (similar to For She is Wrath) I think I maybe would have enjoyed it more, but this is definitely not what it's marketed as.
I've already read the eARC but wanted to listen to it as an audiobook too since I love this novel a lot!
I find the narrator does a mostly decent job. Some of the voices don't match quite what I had in mind when reading it, but it isn't so off-putting that I had to stop listening. Just small things like I think Kaim's voice texture could have been different and Aster had a whiny kind of childlike adolescent voice that I didn't think really befitted his being...
And maybe it's because I read the novel already, but something about it in the audiobook format felt much longer than the novel/me reading it with my eyeballs. The pacing or something felt off.
thank you netgalley and HarperAudio for the eARC! I was able to enjoy the story a second time around in a different format.
I find the narrator does a mostly decent job. Some of the voices don't match quite what I had in mind when reading it, but it isn't so off-putting that I had to stop listening. Just small things like I think Kaim's voice texture could have been different and Aster had a whiny kind of childlike adolescent voice that I didn't think really befitted his being...
And maybe it's because I read the novel already, but something about it in the audiobook format felt much longer than the novel/me reading it with my eyeballs. The pacing or something felt off.
thank you netgalley and HarperAudio for the eARC! I was able to enjoy the story a second time around in a different format.