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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Though some of the elements of this book fell flat, I enjoyed the story enough. There were a few twists I didn't predict, and an ending that was wrapped up, but in a messy way that was far from "happily ever after".
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
No
Let’s start from the assumption that everything I’m about to say regarding this book comes from my personal taste. The plot and the concept intrigued me a lot at the beginning, and the fact that I didn’t enjoy the execution is simply due to the author making plot choices that almost never align with my preferences. Objectively, this is a good book, a well-constructed standalone with excellent potential. Subjectively, I wanted to throw my phone against the wall.
I found the first 50% slow: the first half is largely dedicated to building up the tension for the trial that’s been mentioned since the beginning of the book. On one hand, I understand the need to build the plot and the characters before the plot twist, but on the other hand, I really struggled to get through the first half.
After the 50%, the book improved a lot for me: there was so much at stake, the tension was high, and there was an additional slightly macabre element that I really enjoyed. Alma finally shows what she’s made of and what she’s willing to do to get her revenge.
Unfortunately, all of this changed for me when a plot twist at the end turned everything upside down. In one sense it was predictable, but still well constructed and objectively brilliant if one doesn’t see it coming.
Subjectively? I didn’t want it to happen, it ruined the blast I was having in the second half and left a bitter taste in my mouth. Was it an element that served the plot and made the book unique? Absolutely yes, but that doesn’t change the fact that I hated the ending.
The writing is solid, excellent in my opinion for this kind of dark fantasy. I liked how she wrote the characters and their motivations. The worldbuilding really inspires me with its almost steampunk connotations and its divine system.
I still recommend reading it, even though I didn’t like it, because I’m sure it’s a very valid book and capable of making an impact.
It’s not a gothic romance mind you, but a dark fantasy.
Thank you to netgalley and Harper Voyager for the arc. all opinions are my own
It’s not a gothic romance mind you, but a dark fantasy.
Thank you to netgalley and Harper Voyager for the arc. all opinions are my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
2025 reads: 195/300
i received an advanced listening copy and a finished copy from the publisher. i am voluntarily leaving this review.
born out of wedlock and shunned by society, alma has only ever relied on her mother. when she grows ill, then, alma is determined to do anything to keep her alive…including striking a dangerous bargain with her estranged, noble father. with the promise of her mother receiving life-saving medication, she feeds her left arm to the beast in a ceremony that forever binds her to the house and its deity. her mother soon passes, though, leaving her to the mercy of her father’s family’s grand estate, where she is despised by all. well, all except her god, a monster appearing as a prince who only she can see. with his help, alma sets out to destroy the house that stole everything from her.
this book had me hooked from the moment i read its description, so i was very grateful to receive copies of it from the publisher! the promise of power-hungry noble houses, vengeful gods, and toxic family dynamics appealed to me, and these were all executed very well, in my opinion. this book was such an emotional rollercoaster, from the start with alma sacrificing herself for her mom’s health all the way throughout the rest of the book when she continues having to make sacrifices or other tough decisions.
i read this via audiobook, narrated by jeanne syquia. i’m sad to see that she hasn’t narrated many other audiobooks as her performance was absolutely incredible, with so much emotion imbued. however, this means i didn’t get to see the lovely illustrations as i read. luckily, i had the hardcover handy so i could just skim through it to see these illustrations! i highly recommend this book on any format.
A dark fantasy debut with a toxic codependent relationship emphasis on these 3 words because it is not a romantasy. We follow Alma, who writes a letter to her estranged father begging to save her father. She strikes a deal with the house and it’s diety… and sacrifices her left arm to the beast, to save her mother. Sounds familiar? Because it's very much full metal alchemist coded. Alma is then now trapped within the house of the beast and being used for her father’s schemes. It’s filled with family rivalry, court intrigue, deadly trials, and REVENGE.
The author did a great job with the world building with the inclusion of the illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. I loved how the author intertwined the story between the main character, Alma & Aster, the beast. Aster was an accurate representation of her grief & rage molding into vengeance. Although their relationship was complex, toxic and codependency, it was also filled with tender care for each other at times which made it all the messier. I did wish I felt a little more connected to the characters, unfortunately I wasn't so I did not have an emotionally catalyst experience as others did.
In the end, I still enjoyed the book and recommend the book to folx looking for a dark fantasy with toxic codependency and fma vibes.
The author did a great job with the world building with the inclusion of the illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. I loved how the author intertwined the story between the main character, Alma & Aster, the beast. Aster was an accurate representation of her grief & rage molding into vengeance. Although their relationship was complex, toxic and codependency, it was also filled with tender care for each other at times which made it all the messier. I did wish I felt a little more connected to the characters, unfortunately I wasn't so I did not have an emotionally catalyst experience as others did.
In the end, I still enjoyed the book and recommend the book to folx looking for a dark fantasy with toxic codependency and fma vibes.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Engaging? Yes—haunting and visceral narrative that leaves you wanting more
Thank you to Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Perfect for fans of gothic revenge tales, divine bargains, and illustrated fantasy that bleeds with symbolism. House of the Beast is a bold debut that weaves cosmic horror and familial betrayal into a coming‑of‑rage fantasy drenched in atmosphere.
Plot –
Alma, the bastard daughter of the feared priest of the Dread Beast, sacrifices her arm to an eldritch god in a desperate bid to save her mother—only to lose her anyway. Plucked from the countryside and forced into service with her aristocratic family, she rapidly becomes enamored with Aster, her mythical companion—and her key to revenge. Together they embark on a Pilgrimage into a nightmarish realm to challenge her father’s power and rise within House Avera.
The opening and final acts rush by with ritual violence and cosmic stakes; the middle can drag at times, especially during political intrigue in the capital. I found it hard to stay with the story during these slower parts. The illustrations throughout helped me get through but when momentum builds, it crashes forward like a tidal wave.
Characters & Writing –
Alma’s voice is raw and filled with fury. Her transformation is the engine of the story. Aster, the spectral god‑companion, is as enigmatic as he is dangerous—setting up a romance layered in power imbalances and haunted devotion. And while the supporting characters occasionally feel sidelined, their overall arcs are consequential to the story and make you want to see more.
Overall, Wong’s prose is lush and evocative, but does read like a debut novel. Some descriptions lean on visual intensity more than emotional clarity but are reinforced by the illustrations throughout the book, however, I can see the potential.
“A story is a mouth. You decide what it devours.”
If you crave haunting, morally complex tales where gods demand sacrifice and grief fuels revolution, House of the Beast is a beautifully grotesque fairytale to get lost in. Not perfect—but powerfully unforgettable.
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Engaging? Yes—haunting and visceral narrative that leaves you wanting more
Thank you to Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Perfect for fans of gothic revenge tales, divine bargains, and illustrated fantasy that bleeds with symbolism. House of the Beast is a bold debut that weaves cosmic horror and familial betrayal into a coming‑of‑rage fantasy drenched in atmosphere.
Plot –
Alma, the bastard daughter of the feared priest of the Dread Beast, sacrifices her arm to an eldritch god in a desperate bid to save her mother—only to lose her anyway. Plucked from the countryside and forced into service with her aristocratic family, she rapidly becomes enamored with Aster, her mythical companion—and her key to revenge. Together they embark on a Pilgrimage into a nightmarish realm to challenge her father’s power and rise within House Avera.
The opening and final acts rush by with ritual violence and cosmic stakes; the middle can drag at times, especially during political intrigue in the capital. I found it hard to stay with the story during these slower parts. The illustrations throughout helped me get through but when momentum builds, it crashes forward like a tidal wave.
Characters & Writing –
Alma’s voice is raw and filled with fury. Her transformation is the engine of the story. Aster, the spectral god‑companion, is as enigmatic as he is dangerous—setting up a romance layered in power imbalances and haunted devotion. And while the supporting characters occasionally feel sidelined, their overall arcs are consequential to the story and make you want to see more.
Overall, Wong’s prose is lush and evocative, but does read like a debut novel. Some descriptions lean on visual intensity more than emotional clarity but are reinforced by the illustrations throughout the book, however, I can see the potential.
“A story is a mouth. You decide what it devours.”
If you crave haunting, morally complex tales where gods demand sacrifice and grief fuels revolution, House of the Beast is a beautifully grotesque fairytale to get lost in. Not perfect—but powerfully unforgettable.
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
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Cast out by the town and neglected by her father, Lord Avera, Alma and her mother have learned to survive. Until her mother falls ill and Alma must resort to her absent father for help. He agrees on the condition she becomes a vessel for his Elder God - The Dread Beast, the strongest of the four Elder Gods, and a ruthless butcher. So begins Alma's new, even lonelier life with a family who despise her and a life purpose she doesn't want. Until a familiar voice in her head grows into a trustful friend, Aster.
As Alma bears the weight of grief and guilt over the years, she feels the power of The Beast open to her with great and terrible power. Her path is clear, her resolve for vengeance guiding her, along with the charming and cunning Aster close at her side. Can she control The Beast's gift of power and achieve her purpose, or will those around her destroy her for their own gains?
👏GET👏THIS👏RIGHT👏NOW👏
The Eldritch terrors, the inclusivity, the diverse cast and characters, THE REDEMPTION ARCS 🤌 if you're a fan of horror, fantasy, or 90s anime (Akira fans represent), House of the Beast gives all that and more. The world building is elegant but easy to follow; the lore behind the Elder Gods and their worshippers is fascinating; the imagery Wong weaves is incredible in itself, but this also has illustrations to really give depth to the characters.
Wong has perfectly captured the complexity of people, none more so than in our reluctant, vengeful heroine, Alma. She traverses through grief, guilt, and rage, and shows everyone what they should have seen from the beginning - she is formidable and a force to be reckoned with, even without The Beast's power. Love a slow burn? Hoo boy, are you going to love this! While Aster yearns for Alma, she believes herself unworthy and won't give into her true feelings - why won't she listen to him when he tells her it's the world that's not worthy of her 💀
Outstanding debut novel from Michelle Wong - now I need the sequel, the comic, the anime, and the film!
House of the Beast is out now!
Thanks to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for access!
As Alma bears the weight of grief and guilt over the years, she feels the power of The Beast open to her with great and terrible power. Her path is clear, her resolve for vengeance guiding her, along with the charming and cunning Aster close at her side. Can she control The Beast's gift of power and achieve her purpose, or will those around her destroy her for their own gains?
👏GET👏THIS👏RIGHT👏NOW👏
The Eldritch terrors, the inclusivity, the diverse cast and characters, THE REDEMPTION ARCS 🤌 if you're a fan of horror, fantasy, or 90s anime (Akira fans represent), House of the Beast gives all that and more. The world building is elegant but easy to follow; the lore behind the Elder Gods and their worshippers is fascinating; the imagery Wong weaves is incredible in itself, but this also has illustrations to really give depth to the characters.
Wong has perfectly captured the complexity of people, none more so than in our reluctant, vengeful heroine, Alma. She traverses through grief, guilt, and rage, and shows everyone what they should have seen from the beginning - she is formidable and a force to be reckoned with, even without The Beast's power. Love a slow burn? Hoo boy, are you going to love this! While Aster yearns for Alma, she believes herself unworthy and won't give into her true feelings - why won't she listen to him when he tells her it's the world that's not worthy of her 💀
Outstanding debut novel from Michelle Wong - now I need the sequel, the comic, the anime, and the film!
House of the Beast is out now!
Thanks to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for access!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment
dark
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
In a country under the rule of four gods, lonely Alma’s childhood imaginary friend turns out to be an elder god. Wong’s action scenes are cinematic, her characters multidimensional, and the story borrows elements from others with an original twist (think a dark, horror-filled Howl’s Moving Castle). The illustrations are a hauntingly gorgeous addition, and the writing makes this book impossible to put down.