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zaiphon 's review for:
House of the Beast
by Michelle Wong
hopeful
inspiring
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
I’ve been in a major reading slump lately and struggling to commit to a book. The beautiful artwork of House of the Beast pulled me in, and I figured a fantasy standalone might be just what I needed to break through.
The story promises a gothic-tinged tale of gods, beasts, family, and the emotional struggles of Alma, our FMC. And while it does deliver on much of that, readers expecting fast-paced action or heavy magic-wielding may come away a bit disappointed. Instead, the novel leans into a strong, steady narrative voice that carries us through Alma’s inner turmoil as she grows up under the command of her estranged father.
There are plenty of rich descriptions of the world and its creatures, and the settings carry a gothic, atmospheric quality that deepens the history and weight of the story. But by the time the action seemed ready to really ramp up, I realized I was already well past the halfway point. Many characters emerge as integral to Alma’s journey, yet much of the tension is filtered through her inner monologue rather than through on-page conflict.
In many ways, Alma’s relationship with Aster reads less like a straightforward plotline and more like an allegory for deeper struggles—mental health, loneliness, and self-perception. At its heart, the book felt like a coming-of-age and self-discovery tale, wrapped in a fantasy backdrop.
I really enjoyed the read for what it was, and the illustrations are stunning—they add a vivid dimension to everything the narrative builds. Michelle Wong is definitely a creator to watch, and I’m excited to see what she does next.
The story promises a gothic-tinged tale of gods, beasts, family, and the emotional struggles of Alma, our FMC. And while it does deliver on much of that, readers expecting fast-paced action or heavy magic-wielding may come away a bit disappointed. Instead, the novel leans into a strong, steady narrative voice that carries us through Alma’s inner turmoil as she grows up under the command of her estranged father.
There are plenty of rich descriptions of the world and its creatures, and the settings carry a gothic, atmospheric quality that deepens the history and weight of the story. But by the time the action seemed ready to really ramp up, I realized I was already well past the halfway point. Many characters emerge as integral to Alma’s journey, yet much of the tension is filtered through her inner monologue rather than through on-page conflict.
In many ways, Alma’s relationship with Aster reads less like a straightforward plotline and more like an allegory for deeper struggles—mental health, loneliness, and self-perception. At its heart, the book felt like a coming-of-age and self-discovery tale, wrapped in a fantasy backdrop.
I really enjoyed the read for what it was, and the illustrations are stunning—they add a vivid dimension to everything the narrative builds. Michelle Wong is definitely a creator to watch, and I’m excited to see what she does next.