A review by juliriganti
House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I really wanted to like this book. The vibe in the beginning was great, I felt like I was there with Marion in the slums, and then the train description was just amazing. But it all kinda went downhill since the moment she arrives at the house. 
The "romance" with Lizavet felt rushed and it had no depth at all, and it would have been fine if it was just lust, but they describe it as love multiple times. Also the repetition of phrases was very annoying, i don't need to know that people are constantly semi-naked or the 100 blood sausages they eat everyday. Also I feel like Marion was too trusting and a bit naïve sometimes, which didn't make sense for her character, someone who basically had to raise herself and one would assume is very street-smart. 
I find that the moments I enjoyed the most are the ones with the other bloodmaids and how they interact and take care of each other, but also the "competition" and power dynamics between them. 

It's a bit sad that there characters that never got a proper ending and just felt like a way to develop Marion as a character herself, like Agnes, the writing made it look like she would appear again at some point in the story. Also what happened to Thiago? 

I feel like this was Twilight trying to be A Dowry of Blood.