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A review by deedireads
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
TL;DR REVIEW:
Starling House is another top-notch novel from Alix E. Harrow. It was perfect for fall, exactly the plunge into plot that I needed, with lovable characters to boot.
For you if: You like gothic/urban fantasy and want a quick, fast-paced book that packs a punch.
FULL REVIEW:
Well, folks, Alix Harrow has done it again. She’s an auto-read author for me, and every new book she publishes reaffirms that decision — including this one. (The Once and Future Witches is still my favorite of hers, but that’s because of that book’s sheet brilliance, not because of any flaws in Starling House.)
The book takes place in the fictional blue-collar town of Eden, Kentucky (which is actually based on a real town whose history Harrow describes here). Opal is a young woman just trying to keep her and her younger brother, who is in high school, fed. She’s also haunted by dreams of Starling House, the ancient Victorian with a reclusive warden that nobody likes to talk about. And honestly, I don’t know how to keep going with this synopsis because there is just so much: a fairy tale kid’s book, magical beasts, a sentient house, a lonely pining man with tattoos and a sword, a cat named Baast, and a plot that unearths slavery and racism and and its lingering repercussions today. Basically, IT HAS IT ALL.
Truly, I loved my time with this book. It’s perfect for October, with all the gothic vibes without going full-on horror. I also loved Opal as a main character. She’s not quite reliable, but she’s got a ton of spirit and grit. Her choices aren’t always perfect, but her heart’s in the right place, and it’s easy to empathize with her. I also loved Arthur and their slow-burn romance. The audiobook edition of this one was also excellent, with Natalie Naudus incredible as always.
TLDR: If you like gothic/urban fantasy and want a quick, fast-paced book that packs a punch, this is a good choice!
TL;DR REVIEW:
Starling House is another top-notch novel from Alix E. Harrow. It was perfect for fall, exactly the plunge into plot that I needed, with lovable characters to boot.
For you if: You like gothic/urban fantasy and want a quick, fast-paced book that packs a punch.
FULL REVIEW:
Well, folks, Alix Harrow has done it again. She’s an auto-read author for me, and every new book she publishes reaffirms that decision — including this one. (The Once and Future Witches is still my favorite of hers, but that’s because of that book’s sheet brilliance, not because of any flaws in Starling House.)
The book takes place in the fictional blue-collar town of Eden, Kentucky (which is actually based on a real town whose history Harrow describes here). Opal is a young woman just trying to keep her and her younger brother, who is in high school, fed. She’s also haunted by dreams of Starling House, the ancient Victorian with a reclusive warden that nobody likes to talk about. And honestly, I don’t know how to keep going with this synopsis because there is just so much: a fairy tale kid’s book, magical beasts, a sentient house, a lonely pining man with tattoos and a sword, a cat named Baast, and a plot that unearths slavery and racism and and its lingering repercussions today. Basically, IT HAS IT ALL.
Truly, I loved my time with this book. It’s perfect for October, with all the gothic vibes without going full-on horror. I also loved Opal as a main character. She’s not quite reliable, but she’s got a ton of spirit and grit. Her choices aren’t always perfect, but her heart’s in the right place, and it’s easy to empathize with her. I also loved Arthur and their slow-burn romance. The audiobook edition of this one was also excellent, with Natalie Naudus incredible as always.
TLDR: If you like gothic/urban fantasy and want a quick, fast-paced book that packs a punch, this is a good choice!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Sexual content and Fire/Fire injury