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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I need more fantasy horror mixtures with illustrations in them asap
* NetGalley ARC *
* NetGalley ARC *
dark
medium-paced
Thank you Michelle Wong, Avon Books, and Epic Tastemaker for the stunningly gorgeous gift!
A dark fantasy debut that weaves horror, heartbreak, and revenge into a hauntingly beautiful tale.
Alma’s story tore at my heart. Her fierce love for her mother, her crushing loneliness, and her burning desire for vengeance made her an unforgettable heroine. The horror elements were genuinely spooky, enough to make me wary of reading this right before bed. But beneath the chilling atmosphere, there’s a deeply emotional story about resilience, sacrifice, and the power of unlikely love.
Michelle Wong’s storytelling is exquisite. Her prose is vivid and immersive, making it impossible to put this book down. And the deluxe edition is a treasure! Her own illustrations scattered throughout add a magical, almost storybook quality that perfectly balances the dark themes.
For fans of dark fantasy with emotional depth, intense combat, and twisted romance, House of the Beast is a masterful debut that lingers long after the last page.
A dark fantasy debut that weaves horror, heartbreak, and revenge into a hauntingly beautiful tale.
Alma’s story tore at my heart. Her fierce love for her mother, her crushing loneliness, and her burning desire for vengeance made her an unforgettable heroine. The horror elements were genuinely spooky, enough to make me wary of reading this right before bed. But beneath the chilling atmosphere, there’s a deeply emotional story about resilience, sacrifice, and the power of unlikely love.
Michelle Wong’s storytelling is exquisite. Her prose is vivid and immersive, making it impossible to put this book down. And the deluxe edition is a treasure! Her own illustrations scattered throughout add a magical, almost storybook quality that perfectly balances the dark themes.
For fans of dark fantasy with emotional depth, intense combat, and twisted romance, House of the Beast is a masterful debut that lingers long after the last page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore
Moderate: Violence, Grief
Minor: Death of parent
House of the Beast was an emotional, intense, dark gothic fantasy with gods, monsters, divine rituals, intense combat, twisted romance, and a vicious heroine hell-bent on revenge. It was atmospheric, whimsical, and totally devastating. I absolutely adored it.
Alma was born out of wedlock and is shunned by everyone except for her mother, and Aster, the boy who is really a monster that only she can see. When her mother dies, she becomes obsessed with vengeance against her estranged father and the noble class that took everything from her. Alma and Aster have the most codependent relationship ever. They’re both lonely and in dire need of a friend. They’re obsessed with each other and desperately want to be loved, but terrified of rejection. Aster is a chaotic, mischievous, flirty, and vicious god. He has dangerous secrets that threaten the fabric of the world, but he’d give it all up for Alma. Their story was heartbreaking and tragic and I’m still recovering. If you want to read the gripping tale of a stabby queen and toxic king who weaponize forbidden magic to dismantle an oppressive hierarchy from within, this is the book for you. The audiobook is narrated by Jeanne Syquia, and she does a phenomenal job embodying Alma and bringing this blood-soaked tragedy to life. I loved listening and highly recommend it.
Thank you Harper Voyager, Harper Audio, Harper Collins, Michelle Wong, and NetGalley for the ARC, ALC, and PR package with the absolutely stunning finished copy of House of the Beast. It’s one of the prettiest books I’ve ever owned, and I love the illustrations, endpapers, fully designed case, reversible dust jacket, and stunning stenciled edges!
📔House of the Beast
✏️ Michelle Wong
📆 August 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👁️ vengeful heroine
👁️ chaotic evil trickster god
👁️ morally grey characters
👁️ toxic, codependent relationships
👁️ family rivalries
👁️ court intrigue
👁️ deadly trials
👁️ nightmare realm of monsters
*Connect With Me*
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
Alma was born out of wedlock and is shunned by everyone except for her mother, and Aster, the boy who is really a monster that only she can see. When her mother dies, she becomes obsessed with vengeance against her estranged father and the noble class that took everything from her. Alma and Aster have the most codependent relationship ever. They’re both lonely and in dire need of a friend. They’re obsessed with each other and desperately want to be loved, but terrified of rejection. Aster is a chaotic, mischievous, flirty, and vicious god. He has dangerous secrets that threaten the fabric of the world, but he’d give it all up for Alma. Their story was heartbreaking and tragic and I’m still recovering. If you want to read the gripping tale of a stabby queen and toxic king who weaponize forbidden magic to dismantle an oppressive hierarchy from within, this is the book for you. The audiobook is narrated by Jeanne Syquia, and she does a phenomenal job embodying Alma and bringing this blood-soaked tragedy to life. I loved listening and highly recommend it.
Thank you Harper Voyager, Harper Audio, Harper Collins, Michelle Wong, and NetGalley for the ARC, ALC, and PR package with the absolutely stunning finished copy of House of the Beast. It’s one of the prettiest books I’ve ever owned, and I love the illustrations, endpapers, fully designed case, reversible dust jacket, and stunning stenciled edges!
📔House of the Beast
✏️ Michelle Wong
📆 August 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👁️ vengeful heroine
👁️ chaotic evil trickster god
👁️ morally grey characters
👁️ toxic, codependent relationships
👁️ family rivalries
👁️ court intrigue
👁️ deadly trials
👁️ nightmare realm of monsters
*Connect With Me*
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I am obsessed with this book. I have enjoyed it so much that I went and bought the physical copy, even though I had read an e-arc. This book has illustrations completed by the author, and I loved it. You don't ever think about how much that adds to a story, but it's a nice, extra touch that gives a small visual.
I enjoy fantasy books, but I always struggle with some of the world-building that can feel like it drags on and on and on. In this story, Alma's character is very disconnected from the Gods and the noble houses. Because of that, the reader learns along with Alma, vs just being told about the world. Alma's character was very likable, and I found myself empathizing with her a lot. I found myself wanting to learn with her, and I felt almost oddly protective of her character.
This story also has some mini-mysteries. But they never overtake the overall story of Alma's revenge on her father. But you find yourself wondering what really is happening with Aster and his motivations, as well as her Uncle Maximus, who has lost his mind over the years. These were nice because they kept me thinking, all while the story continued to progress.
I don't even think 5-stars is enough for this book. Easily an all-time favorite for me. The US hardcover edition is beautiful (photos online really do not do it justice, in my opinion). If you're wanting to dip your toes into fantasy, or you need something that will move quickly and let you truly experience the story along with the characters, I'd highly recommend this.
I enjoy fantasy books, but I always struggle with some of the world-building that can feel like it drags on and on and on. In this story, Alma's character is very disconnected from the Gods and the noble houses. Because of that, the reader learns along with Alma, vs just being told about the world. Alma's character was very likable, and I found myself empathizing with her a lot. I found myself wanting to learn with her, and I felt almost oddly protective of her character.
This story also has some mini-mysteries. But they never overtake the overall story of Alma's revenge on her father. But you find yourself wondering what really is happening with Aster and his motivations, as well as her Uncle Maximus, who has lost his mind over the years. These were nice because they kept me thinking, all while the story continued to progress.
I don't even think 5-stars is enough for this book. Easily an all-time favorite for me. The US hardcover edition is beautiful (photos online really do not do it justice, in my opinion). If you're wanting to dip your toes into fantasy, or you need something that will move quickly and let you truly experience the story along with the characters, I'd highly recommend this.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had a really hard time getting into this book. I don’t read too much gothic stuff but I do enjoy dark romance as well as fantasy. So when the arm got chopped off I went with it until I saw the picture of it severed. I also was taken aback by the father and daughter relationship. However I continued to read to see if it changed. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for a gothic based fantasy book but this wasn’t the book for me. I am definitely one of the few people that feel that way so if you like gothic style and fantasy I would go for it!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
dark
sad
tense
slow-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
This is one of those books that will leave you staring into space trying to process everything. It is a dark, whimsical, gory, and weirdly beautiful story about how the darkness within oneself can actually be something redeeming. I was sucked in by the unique story. I couldn’t put the book (or in my case, headphones) down.
Alma is a bastard child, hated by all except her nearly perfect mother. She is taken in by her once estranged father, initiated into the House of the Beast, and never left alone by her beautiful but childish god that only she can see. Alma only wants revenge on her father- after all, he is responsible for all the hardships in her life. Her plot for his downfall quickly spirals into a journey of fate filled with blood, deception, found family, and trickster gods.
Seriously, the plot is unlike any I’ve read in a long time. Something is just off the entire time. It kept me interested to see how it would play out! And it was worth all the constant questioning. I adore Alma’s grit and determination. Aster was quirky and eerie and oh so surprising. The ending simultaneously broke me and brought me hope. It is an excellent fantasy standalone that is worth the hype!!
The narrator truly brought the book to life. She voiced both 11 year old Alma and 19 year old Alma perfectly. The emotion in her narration was KILLER! I got chills when she read a certain part where a normally chill character was viscerally angry. She was the perfect narrator for this book!!
THANK YOU HarperVoyager for the ALC!!
Alma is a bastard child, hated by all except her nearly perfect mother. She is taken in by her once estranged father, initiated into the House of the Beast, and never left alone by her beautiful but childish god that only she can see. Alma only wants revenge on her father- after all, he is responsible for all the hardships in her life. Her plot for his downfall quickly spirals into a journey of fate filled with blood, deception, found family, and trickster gods.
Seriously, the plot is unlike any I’ve read in a long time. Something is just off the entire time. It kept me interested to see how it would play out! And it was worth all the constant questioning. I adore Alma’s grit and determination. Aster was quirky and eerie and oh so surprising. The ending simultaneously broke me and brought me hope. It is an excellent fantasy standalone that is worth the hype!!
The narrator truly brought the book to life. She voiced both 11 year old Alma and 19 year old Alma perfectly. The emotion in her narration was KILLER! I got chills when she read a certain part where a normally chill character was viscerally angry. She was the perfect narrator for this book!!
THANK YOU HarperVoyager for the ALC!!
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced