A review by anni_banani
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious sad tense 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

4.0

Alix E Harrow Fan here so this is a rave and well earned! 
Yes girl! This was what i call a well executed book. Harrow not only accomplished what she set out to to but totally surpassed my expectations. If you are like me and have read other Harrow novels you know you are in for a MC who talks back, Kentucky, men with sexy tattoos on their forearms, worlds that bend to magic, generational curses (being broken), and a refresh from sexist tropes in fantasy. On top of all that which I already love, this book was a masterclass in pacing, I never got bored even during rising action or other slower parts of the story. I was thoroughly impressed. Her books always immerse me in the world which I attribute to how Harrow pulls us in by all 5 of our senses; totally enveloped. 5 stars is easy for me

Of course, I was so moved by the emotional message of this book, it brought me back to Ten Thousand Doors of January and The Once and Future Witches. It will keep you on your seat at the end with its twists and then have you chuckle “Oh Alix. I was most surprised by how much I loved the romance and that I was 100% rooting for them. it always impresses me when an author can so completely 180 flip my opinion so sincerely. I also really appreciated not one but both love interests are unattractive characters and have such a compelling love story. 
-If you are tired of MCs who are somehow gloriously angelic-ly gorgeous, this is for you.

Other things to love
  • A grumpy cat
  • Homage to creepy children’s lit
  • Smashing patriarchy classism
  • Reclaiming white washed history 
  • A fun charming lighthearted and very fast read- not to be taken too seriously 
Great if you love fantasy and want a standalone - as with most Alix E Harrow

Cons-
  • I love Opals arc but yeah she is so stuck in her ways that I barely let it slide. Lots of eye rolls and chuckles at her self sabotage and stubbornness. 
  • I hold it against opal that her entire motivation in the book, sending jasper to the private school was something completely in the dark from him. I disagree with Harrow to make this choice. The scene where her and jasper finally talk was disappointing on opals half especially. I loved the development for Jasper overall but in this scenes especially. I don’t get why Opal didn’t at least acknowledge and take accountability for sending that Token Brown Kid photo
  • Often the commentary on race in this book falls short 

Hope you keep writing for a long time Ms Harrow!
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