Reviews with content warning for Fire/Fire injury - Starling House

this is actually my books, sorry guys. Like Harrow actually specifically wrote this for me. This book changed my life so badly I made playlists for it... it was that serious. I spent weeks thinking about Opal and Arthur. It has everything I love: sentient house, small southern town with ~~secrets~~, gothic atmosphere; all cultivating to create my perfect book. I have no notes. I knew this was going to be my favorite book of the year 50 pages in. And I get it might not be for everyone, but it's absolutely for me and I can't praise it enough.

Content Warnings

acethirtynine's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book grew on me - it took me a minute to really get into it, but once the story picks up it really gets going. I found Opal both challenging and sympathetic in a good balance based on her life and experiences. Not my favorite of Alix. E. Harrow's but still very enjoyable.

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bethfern04's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense 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

4.0

Starling House was a great way to start the year. With its dark and Gothic setting and loveable and complex characters it really draws you into the story almost immediately.

Opal is a great main character who isn't obviously a good or bad person. She suffers from some serious unresolved trauma and has become skilled at pushing everyone away. She's jaded, cynical and a thief. She's far from perfect, but watching her grow as a character was one of the best parts of the book. Her realization that she had so many people who truly loved and cared about her all along was incredibly touching.

I think the side characters were well flushed out and felt like whole people, especially Jasper her brother, her landlord, and her librarian friend.

I loved Arthur and Opal together. It was so fascinating watching these two people who had both worked so hard to stay isolated and emotionally distant, get under each other's skin!

The fantasy plot of the story was pretty strong as well. I especially liked the reveal of Eleanor Starlings true life story at the end. The themes of justice versus revenge, and the ripple effect of one family's cruelty over several generations were very well done.

4.0 ⭐ is my final rating.
As always, reviews are subjective, and love what you love. XOXO 😘

Content Warnings

katielouisef's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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