A review by mrs_brekker_
House of the Beast by Michelle Wong

adventurous dark mysterious reflective sad slow-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? No

3.25

Let’s start from the assumption that everything I’m about to say regarding this book comes from my personal taste. The plot and the concept intrigued me a lot at the beginning, and the fact that I didn’t enjoy the execution is simply due to the author making plot choices that almost never align with my preferences. Objectively, this is a good book, a well-constructed standalone with excellent potential. Subjectively, I wanted to throw my phone against the wall.

I found the first 50% slow: the first half is largely dedicated to building up the tension for the trial that’s been mentioned since the beginning of the book. On one hand, I understand the need to build the plot and the characters before the plot twist, but on the other hand, I really struggled to get through the first half.

After the 50%, the book improved a lot for me: there was so much at stake, the tension was high, and there was an additional slightly macabre element that I really enjoyed. Alma finally shows what she’s made of and what she’s willing to do to get her revenge.

Unfortunately, all of this changed for me when a plot twist at the end turned everything upside down. In one sense it was predictable, but still well constructed and objectively brilliant if one doesn’t see it coming.

Subjectively? I didn’t want it to happen, it ruined the blast I was having in the second half and left a bitter taste in my mouth. Was it an element that served the plot and made the book unique? Absolutely yes, but that doesn’t change the fact that I hated the ending.

The writing is solid, excellent in my opinion for this kind of dark fantasy. I liked how she wrote the characters and their motivations. The worldbuilding really inspires me with its almost steampunk connotations and its divine system.

I still recommend reading it, even though I didn’t like it, because I’m sure it’s a very valid book and capable of making an impact.
It’s not a gothic romance mind you, but a dark fantasy.

Thank you to netgalley and Harper Voyager for the arc. all opinions are my own


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