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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i received this as an e-arc on netgalley. thank you to harper voyager us and michelle wong.
when i first started to read this book, i did not expect for it to suck me in as much as it did. the fantasy aspect intrigued me, but i can be very hit or miss on romantasy. as it turned out, i got very attached to the romance by the end, far more than i think i even knew while reading it.
the tone of this book is honestly quite young. the prose is written descriptive but blunt first person, with the protagonist consistently making declarative statements about her emotions and thought process, a writing style more common to YA fiction rather than the adult novel this is being marketed as. combining with the age and relative immaturity of the protagonist, i think this novel would be better marketed as YA, or even with the NA tag that is on netgalley. the book is very dark, so i understand why it was aged up, but i don't think it's too much for older YA/NA to handle.
the set up of the romance pretty much intrigued me immediately, and i think michelle wong very keenly understood her characters, and what drew them to each other. it's not hard to understand why alma is so dependent on aster and vice versa. i also really loved how wong explored the actual ramifications of having your lover be an ancient powerful creature who can spurn you or empower you at his own whims. alma's story of falling in love with someone who you never quite stop being wary of was excellently done. aster and alma were just so devastating and so in love. i would not recommend going into this book looking for cookie cutter romantasy of brooding old man x spunky little girl, because that is not their dynamic at all.
i loved the plot far more than i assumed i would. michelle wong's talent truly shines in fight scenes or in times of high tension and dramatics. the pilgrimage itself, was especially excellent and on par with the first hundred pages for my favorite parts of the book. the middle was a tad more muddied, as it had to do the work of closing the opening act and setting up the final act in a very quick and abrupt manner due to the time jump. you could maybe trim some of the fat there, but it also contained some of my favorite scenes in the whole book, so i'd say just leave it be. i will say that later plot points and themes probably could have begun their set ups a tad earlier, especially parts of alma's character and the main romance.
the world building was very unique, especially in the construction of the gods. i can definitely see the elden ring comps, but for some reason i was reminded a lot of coraline (the movie specifically) in terms of the aesthetics and dark whimsical tone, most strongly in the first 100 or so pages. wong definitely has a strong aesthetic vision, and i felt that through her illustrations.
this is definitely a slower paced book, and michelle wong does an excellent job of edging you for more while still giving you enough to stay engaged. this was around a 450ish page book and i tore through it in two days. objectively, this probably sits at a 4.5 for me, but subjectively i'm giving it 5 stars. i'm really looking forward to what she puts out next.
when i first started to read this book, i did not expect for it to suck me in as much as it did. the fantasy aspect intrigued me, but i can be very hit or miss on romantasy. as it turned out, i got very attached to the romance by the end, far more than i think i even knew while reading it.
the tone of this book is honestly quite young. the prose is written descriptive but blunt first person, with the protagonist consistently making declarative statements about her emotions and thought process, a writing style more common to YA fiction rather than the adult novel this is being marketed as. combining with the age and relative immaturity of the protagonist, i think this novel would be better marketed as YA, or even with the NA tag that is on netgalley. the book is very dark, so i understand why it was aged up, but i don't think it's too much for older YA/NA to handle.
the set up of the romance pretty much intrigued me immediately, and i think michelle wong very keenly understood her characters, and what drew them to each other. it's not hard to understand why alma is so dependent on aster and vice versa. i also really loved how wong explored the actual ramifications of having your lover be an ancient powerful creature who can spurn you or empower you at his own whims. alma's story of falling in love with someone who you never quite stop being wary of was excellently done. aster and alma were just so devastating and so in love. i would not recommend going into this book looking for cookie cutter romantasy of brooding old man x spunky little girl, because that is not their dynamic at all.
i loved the plot far more than i assumed i would. michelle wong's talent truly shines in fight scenes or in times of high tension and dramatics. the pilgrimage itself, was especially excellent and on par with the first hundred pages for my favorite parts of the book. the middle was a tad more muddied, as it had to do the work of closing the opening act and setting up the final act in a very quick and abrupt manner due to the time jump. you could maybe trim some of the fat there, but it also contained some of my favorite scenes in the whole book, so i'd say just leave it be. i will say that later plot points and themes probably could have begun their set ups a tad earlier, especially parts of alma's character and the main romance.
the world building was very unique, especially in the construction of the gods. i can definitely see the elden ring comps, but for some reason i was reminded a lot of coraline (the movie specifically) in terms of the aesthetics and dark whimsical tone, most strongly in the first 100 or so pages. wong definitely has a strong aesthetic vision, and i felt that through her illustrations.
this is definitely a slower paced book, and michelle wong does an excellent job of edging you for more while still giving you enough to stay engaged. this was around a 450ish page book and i tore through it in two days. objectively, this probably sits at a 4.5 for me, but subjectively i'm giving it 5 stars. i'm really looking forward to what she puts out next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/7
Michelle Wong created a vivid world filled with powerful gods, grotesque monsters, and a unique magic system with her words alone. What makes this book really stand out is the illustrations included throughout, done by the author herself. As her debut novel, House of the Beast was very enjoyable, well-written, and evocative.
Alma lived with her loving single mother and was always a bit of an outcast. For most people, worshipping one of the four gods was their seemingly sole purpose in life; however, Alma and her mother were decidedly alone in avoiding the gods. Alma was often made fun of and did not have any friends except for Aster, her imaginary friend. When Alma’s mother becomes ill, the healers aren’t willing to help as she does not follow any of the gods. When Alma finds a hidden letter from her father, whom she’s never met, she writes to him in a lest-hope attempt to get her mother help.
Her father agrees on the condition that Alma returns with him to the house of the Dread Beast, the god her family is sworn to. Despite her mother’s objections, Alma leaves and is quickly made to offer herself up to the beast, at the cost of her arm. Alma quickly learns that her father’s family has no love for his bastard, and much like before, she is shunned, except now she is separated from her mother. Despite her father’s promises, Alma learns her mother has died and she is now stuck alone and unwanted at House Avera. Except, her “imaginary” friend, or as she endears him, her monster, Aster has returned and Alma learns that all along he was her connection to the Beast, even before she knew of her father’s lineage. Over the following eight years Alma and Aster train and plot to get their revenge.
It took me a little bit to get into the book, but once I did I was hooked. Michelle writes as beautifully as she illustrates and did a fantastic job of making the story come to life. I had suspicions throughout, and wasn’t far off on some of the plot twists, but she kept me guessing (which doesn’t happen often).
Overall, I think the world was well built, the pace was steady, and the characters well-developed. This is a dark story, with gore and violence - be forewarned that there are brief discussions of harming animals. Towards the end, the book really picked up speed and I found some of the world building and twists a little confusing. And I will say that I would consider this a fantasy book, not romance. It wasn’t until the last 30% or so that there were some hints of romance. While some of the violence may have tipped it into being an adult book, I think it overall fits a YA category. This didn’t detract from the book though. While I typically pick up adult fantasies with a bit more romance, I really enjoyed this book. I was invested in the plot, drawn in to Alma’s external and internal struggles, and even shed some tears. While the book really focuses on Alma and her monster, we get some great supporting characters who really help Alma’s growth. I wanted some more insight into Aster, to help bolster their relationship some, but Alma is really well developed and I felt everything she endured and grappled with right along with her. It’s been a bit since I finished it and I’m still thinking about what happened and trying to shake off that ending!
If you enjoy dark fantasies with estranged families, plots for revenge, and some intense fighting scenes I’d highly recommend House of the Beast and I look forward to seeing what Michelle Wong writes next! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the gifted ARC!
I’m using the CAWPILE method for reviewing. If you’re interested, the breakdown for House of the Beast is below.
Characters: 6
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 8
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 8
Logic/relationships: 6
Enjoyment: 6
Average: 7/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Michelle Wong created a vivid world filled with powerful gods, grotesque monsters, and a unique magic system with her words alone. What makes this book really stand out is the illustrations included throughout, done by the author herself. As her debut novel, House of the Beast was very enjoyable, well-written, and evocative.
Alma lived with her loving single mother and was always a bit of an outcast. For most people, worshipping one of the four gods was their seemingly sole purpose in life; however, Alma and her mother were decidedly alone in avoiding the gods. Alma was often made fun of and did not have any friends except for Aster, her imaginary friend. When Alma’s mother becomes ill, the healers aren’t willing to help as she does not follow any of the gods. When Alma finds a hidden letter from her father, whom she’s never met, she writes to him in a lest-hope attempt to get her mother help.
Her father agrees on the condition that Alma returns with him to the house of the Dread Beast, the god her family is sworn to. Despite her mother’s objections, Alma leaves and is quickly made to offer herself up to the beast, at the cost of her arm. Alma quickly learns that her father’s family has no love for his bastard, and much like before, she is shunned, except now she is separated from her mother. Despite her father’s promises, Alma learns her mother has died and she is now stuck alone and unwanted at House Avera. Except, her “imaginary” friend, or as she endears him, her monster, Aster has returned and Alma learns that all along he was her connection to the Beast, even before she knew of her father’s lineage. Over the following eight years Alma and Aster train and plot to get their revenge.
It took me a little bit to get into the book, but once I did I was hooked. Michelle writes as beautifully as she illustrates and did a fantastic job of making the story come to life. I had suspicions throughout, and wasn’t far off on some of the plot twists, but she kept me guessing (which doesn’t happen often).
Overall, I think the world was well built, the pace was steady, and the characters well-developed. This is a dark story, with gore and violence - be forewarned that there are brief discussions of harming animals. Towards the end, the book really picked up speed and I found some of the world building and twists a little confusing. And I will say that I would consider this a fantasy book, not romance. It wasn’t until the last 30% or so that there were some hints of romance. While some of the violence may have tipped it into being an adult book, I think it overall fits a YA category. This didn’t detract from the book though. While I typically pick up adult fantasies with a bit more romance, I really enjoyed this book. I was invested in the plot, drawn in to Alma’s external and internal struggles, and even shed some tears. While the book really focuses on Alma and her monster, we get some great supporting characters who really help Alma’s growth. I wanted some more insight into Aster, to help bolster their relationship some, but Alma is really well developed and I felt everything she endured and grappled with right along with her. It’s been a bit since I finished it and I’m still thinking about what happened and trying to shake off that ending!
If you enjoy dark fantasies with estranged families, plots for revenge, and some intense fighting scenes I’d highly recommend House of the Beast and I look forward to seeing what Michelle Wong writes next! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the gifted ARC!
I’m using the CAWPILE method for reviewing. If you’re interested, the breakdown for House of the Beast is below.
Characters: 6
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 8
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 8
Logic/relationships: 6
Enjoyment: 6
Average: 7/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Blood, Grief, Toxic friendship
Five stars subjectively, four stars objectively.
It gets four stars objectively because I had some issues with the plot, especially in the latter half of the novel. I think there were bits that would have done better if it was introduced earlier, but I also understand Alma knows a limited amount. I highly enjoyed the illustrations! Very delighted to know the author illustrated them as well.
Alma doesn’t falter when given the chance to. Her resolve between Aster and all of her problems doesn’t give way and even as much as I’d have liked for her to, I respect that she didn’t.
We don’t really get into the crux of the fighting until much later, which I would have liked to see without some of the fluff preceding it. The whole ordeal has quite a bit of build-up that may or may not have been necessary.
I do sorely wish there was a side story where we got more Alma and Aster, and Kaim and Fion. Utterly pleased Wong is a fan of toxic yaoi 😂
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC!
It gets four stars objectively because I had some issues with the plot, especially in the latter half of the novel. I think there were bits that would have done better if it was introduced earlier, but I also understand Alma knows a limited amount. I highly enjoyed the illustrations! Very delighted to know the author illustrated them as well.
Alma doesn’t falter when given the chance to. Her resolve between Aster and all of her problems doesn’t give way and even as much as I’d have liked for her to, I respect that she didn’t.
We don’t really get into the crux of the fighting until much later, which I would have liked to see without some of the fluff preceding it. The whole ordeal has quite a bit of build-up that may or may not have been necessary.
I do sorely wish there was a side story where we got more Alma and Aster, and Kaim and Fion. Utterly pleased Wong is a fan of toxic yaoi 😂
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC!
Let me start off by saying this edition of the book is beautiful and the artwork both inside and out is amazing and I love it. As far as the story goes, there is good, and there is not so good.
The beginning of this book is wonderful and I loved the introduction of the main character Alma. We soon get to "meet" her imaginary friend who is also very intriguing. Next, we get to meet dear ol' dad and we immediately hate him because well, there is a lot to hate if I'm honest and that doesn't really change throughout the book. I loved the idea of the ritual and giving something up for the beast (in this case an arm) and I was interested to see how that would play out. Shortly after this whole scene the book became a bit of a bore to read until the last few chapters.
I did enjoy the ending of the book and I think there is definitely a story to build upon but I do wish this book had a bit more world building and character building. There is so much the author can expand upon and I hope we get to see some of that in the next book.
This book felt like a YA or maybe NA fantasy and while there is nothing wrong with that, I think I was expecting something a bit more mature.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Harper Voyager for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The beginning of this book is wonderful and I loved the introduction of the main character Alma. We soon get to "meet" her imaginary friend who is also very intriguing. Next, we get to meet dear ol' dad and we immediately hate him because well, there is a lot to hate if I'm honest and that doesn't really change throughout the book. I loved the idea of the ritual and giving something up for the beast (in this case an arm) and I was interested to see how that would play out. Shortly after this whole scene the book became a bit of a bore to read until the last few chapters.
I did enjoy the ending of the book and I think there is definitely a story to build upon but I do wish this book had a bit more world building and character building. There is so much the author can expand upon and I hope we get to see some of that in the next book.
This book felt like a YA or maybe NA fantasy and while there is nothing wrong with that, I think I was expecting something a bit more mature.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Harper Voyager for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
"He'd followed me all my life. He had seen for himself all the most terrible parts of me. And yet here he was, looking at me like I was something precious -- like there was some worth in me despite it. Or maybe because of it." (pg 57)
New adult sci-fi fantasy, horror w/touch of romance, supernatural/paranormal.
Alma was an outcast. She had her mother but always felt alone. She harbored within her dark, violent feelings and thoughts that she struggled to suppress. When her mother takes ill, she contacts her estranged father for help. He is an aloof stranger who gives her no choice. He would take care of her mother and Alma would be initiated into House Avera - House of the Beast as his illegitimate daughter. It would come with a violent sacrifice... her arm.
Then she finds that her mother has passed away. Now Alma is further isolated, her new family despises her, and her father just wants to use her in his quest for power. Through her dispair and the ghosts lurking in the shadows, an old friend resurfaces. The ethereal imaginary friend from her childhood -- a steadfast companion and incorrigible trickster, but he's more than that now. Aster has manifested into something real and tangible... at least to her, as no one else can see him.
They go on to grow and train together, their connection and awareness of each other deepening. Until it's time to exact revenge. But there are things unseen, and her world is about to explode and be filled with nightmarish otherworldly monsters, political agendas, vengeful deities, diabolical and malicious plots and twists. Will Alma have strength enough to survive? Can her world withstand it?
This is a macabre fantasy world deftly filled with terrifying beasts and monsters, boundless cruelties, and chilling horrors. Written masterfully with deep, well-crafted characters. I wanted to both love and hate Aster. In reading this, felt just as trapped and incapacitated as Alma, but there is a level of understanding and a silent outcry for all the injustices. I did not end the book without feeling a little shattered.
4.5🌟 NetGalley eARCreview.
New adult sci-fi fantasy, horror w/touch of romance, supernatural/paranormal.
Alma was an outcast. She had her mother but always felt alone. She harbored within her dark, violent feelings and thoughts that she struggled to suppress. When her mother takes ill, she contacts her estranged father for help. He is an aloof stranger who gives her no choice. He would take care of her mother and Alma would be initiated into House Avera - House of the Beast as his illegitimate daughter. It would come with a violent sacrifice... her arm.
Then she finds that her mother has passed away. Now Alma is further isolated, her new family despises her, and her father just wants to use her in his quest for power. Through her dispair and the ghosts lurking in the shadows, an old friend resurfaces. The ethereal imaginary friend from her childhood -- a steadfast companion and incorrigible trickster, but he's more than that now. Aster has manifested into something real and tangible... at least to her, as no one else can see him.
They go on to grow and train together, their connection and awareness of each other deepening. Until it's time to exact revenge. But there are things unseen, and her world is about to explode and be filled with nightmarish otherworldly monsters, political agendas, vengeful deities, diabolical and malicious plots and twists. Will Alma have strength enough to survive? Can her world withstand it?
This is a macabre fantasy world deftly filled with terrifying beasts and monsters, boundless cruelties, and chilling horrors. Written masterfully with deep, well-crafted characters. I wanted to both love and hate Aster. In reading this, felt just as trapped and incapacitated as Alma, but there is a level of understanding and a silent outcry for all the injustices. I did not end the book without feeling a little shattered.
4.5🌟 NetGalley eARCreview.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall an enjoyable read. For much of the book I felt as though not much happened; personally I think it’s a bit too long and needed to have been cut down significantly. The pacing was strange to me but I enjoyed the worldbuilding. Extra points for the illustrations throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Grief, Death of parent