A review by natashaleighton_
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

dark emotional mysterious 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

5.0

A deliciously uncanny, contemporary gothic fantasy exploring family legacies, curses, found family and oppression that ensnared me from the very first page. 

As a huge fan of Alix E. Harrow’s previous books (The Ten Thousand Doors of January and The Once and Future Witches) it should come as no surprise that I absolutely loved this. And, with its vividly atmospheric descriptions and nuanced portrayal of our two guarded, self destructive (but ultimately endearing) protagonists, I can safely say Harrow has definitely outdone herself. 

Set in Eden, a small town in Kentucky plagued by a string of bad luck, the story revolves around the titular Starling House. A mysterious (and supposedly haunted) property built by a reclusive children’s book author, whose strange tales and even stranger origins been blamed for the towns’ centuries long misfortunes. 

Sitting mostly empty, the town’s inhabitants give the place a wide berth. Except for Opal, who has always found the place fascinating—so much she even dreams about it, despite never seeing inside. And when her curiosity gets too much she finds herself drawn to its gates and face to face with its current reclusive owner, Arthur. 

When he offers her an opportunity to work within Starling House (as it’s House Keeper) Opal cannot refuse. But Arthur is  grumpy and far too secretive for the inquisitive Opal, and the house strange in its eerie sentience that she’s determined to get to the bottom of. If the shady organisation currently blackmailing her for info doesn’t get her fired first. 

This was incredible, my gothic loving heart absolutely devoured this! 

And loved that (much like her previous works), Harrow’s skillful storytelling is central to the book’s narrative, drawing upon a whimsically dark tone that I found delightfully reminiscent of Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton—if they teamed up to create a gritty, contemporary (HBO-esque) adaptation of a Grimm’s Fairytale. 

Like I said previously the writing is beautifully atmospheric and eerie in the best way, with an immersive on detailed setting that I couldn’t get enough of. Especially the sentience of Starling House (which pretty much became a character in its own right) and it’s cosy gothic, Casita (from Encanto) meets Haunting of Hill House vibes that had me glued to my seat. 

If you love your protagonists well written and emotionally complex, then our dual POV characters (Opal and Arthur) will definitely steal your heart. Both fairly prickly and emotionally guarded—Opal in trying to survive (and raise her brother single-handedly) in a town that has all but abandoned them, And Arthur, from the pain of losing his parents to Starling House’s Warden duties (a mantle he never wanted but took up nonetheless.) 

I loved watching them slowly grow closer and learn to share their stories (and burdens) with one another, as they unravel the secrets of Starling House and its elusive first owner.

The relationship that blooms is rather slow burn as is the books pace (so do be aware of that’s not your thing) but the emotions we explore and the character development that ultimately results from it was absolutely phenomenal. By the end you’ll be screaming in support of these two and willing them to survive. 

Overall, an immersive and deliciously dark treat of a read that cosy, gothic fiction lovers and fans of Melissa Albert or Leigh Bardugo should definitely consider checking out. Though I do advise checking TWs beforehand.

Also, thanks to Tor UK and Black Crow PR for this incredible finished copy. 
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