I had such high hopes for House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson. On the surface, it includes all of my favorite things; it includes vampiric tendencies and strong female characters, and it is Gothic. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of how the story played out. Everything happens a little too quickly and a little too conveniently for me. Everything is just a little too much. The evil is too evil, the violence too violent, and the romance too intense. I looked forward to finishing the story because I wanted it to end. It intrigued me enough that I did not want to set it aside, but I was happy to finish it.

Are you interested in:
A gothic horror novel set in a historical, unspecified region during a period of economic strife?
A protagonist whose desire for a better life will lead her to ignore the red flags she falls for, mainly because she sees no other solution?

This novel follows through on this and more, meeting much of the gothic horror vibes that I've craved lately as a reader new to the horror genre.

I really enjoyed the authors debut book “The Year of The Witching” and so when this was announced as the authors next work, I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint.

As soon as I saw the premise of this shared on Twitter, I knew deep in my bones that I desperately needed to read this, it sounded so finely attuned to my specific tastes, like it was written for me.

Alexis Henderson did a great job at creating an atmosphere soaked in blood and lust and the suspense that built throughout the novel kept me on the edge of my seat near enough, the entire time. I unfortunately didn't fall in love with the book like I had hoped but there is no denying that this is a read PERFECT for autumn and the spooky 'gothicness' of the season.

I loved Henderson's first book THE YEAR OF THE WITCHING. It was the perfect amount of dark and wild. HOUSE OF HUNGER felt too dark, though. I have a feeling this is simply my own squeamishness around blood that's coloring my opinion, though. The writing and worldbuilding is excellent, so if you're a fan of vampire novels, this might be the perfect book for you.

Henderson’s The Year of the Witching was one of my favorite books of that year, and so I was extremely excited about House of Hunger — not only from this author but based around the sheer premise. A Countess Bathory-inspired story with extreme sapphic vibes? Count me in. This book was definitely still full of the spooky, visceral imagery that Henderson is so good at, and I loved the characters, but ultimately I wanted to spend more time in this world, to really see the interpolitical struggle between the Houses and watch Marion navigate that court intrigue for a bit longer before the ultimate reveal of what was also going on. The third act was such a breakneck switch in terms of pacing that I was expecting more of an epilogue so we could find out what happened to everyone at the end, but instead the book wrapped up in such an abrupt fashion. A thoroughly engrossing story and one that really solidifies Henderson for me as a voice in horror, but I would’ve liked everything to have played out for a lot longer before that climactic ending.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I saw this cover and read the summary and knew I was going to need this one. House of Hunger is the first book I've read by Alexis Henderson and I hope it won't be the last.

The MC is a girl who hasn't had an easy life. Marion has been living in the slums with her abusive brother when she finds an opportunity in the paper that could give her a very different life. When she applies to the position to be a bloodmaid for a very well-known lady, she finds herself in the midst of a challenging game of survival.

This story was definitely unique and I thought Henderson did a fantastic job of developing the world these characters live in. If you're looking for something in the horror genre, definitely check this one out.

I couldn't put this gothic/fantasy/horror novel down. The author builds the atmosphere and tension so well, and I found it to be a unique twist on the vampire tale. It's pretty gruesome, and there are some body horror elements so this won't be for everyone, but I'd recommend to fans of Mexican Gothic.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Maybe it's that The Year of the Witching was a debut or that the story still has more to come. But honestly, this is vampiric and glorious. Alexis Henderson is a master of the atmospheric and absolutely twisted.

Dark, gothic, chilling, and so atmospheric - I adore Alexis Henderson's clever and creepy stories!

Marion is desperate to change her circumstances and is convinced becoming a bloodmaid will give her everything she needs to secure a future. But when she gets to the house to bleed for the noble Lisavet, she starts to find ominous things alluding to strange circumstances surrounding past bloodmaids, including mysterious disappearances. Soon, she begins to realize there may not be any future at all.

The horrific descriptions of everything from the claustrophobic setting, to the feelings of dark seduction and greed, combined with real and relevant issues like classicism and misogyny intertwined in the narrative, make you feel suffocated and helpless... I can picture this as a gory and horrific horror movie. It's a bloody good time.

Are you a fan of Bloodsucker stories? Do you love luscious and atmospheric writing? Are you a fan of gothic estates and sapphic relations? Do you love tense, political mysteries about missing people? Do you like seduction, lust, depravity, and violence?

I ask these questions because House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson has ALL of that and MORE. it's seductive and pulls you right into the narrative as we follow Marion on her journey from a poor maid to a bloodmadien for a very wealthy and mysterious Countess. But riches and sex and lust aren't all it's made out to be and my goodness is this one of my fave falls reads!!!

Henderson has a great way of describing and transporting readers to The Great North and the hallways and dark places Marion explores while investigating missing blood maidens. The power dynamics explored through the countess's interpersonal relationships give way for pointed social commentary on labor, exploitation, economic class, and corrosion. I always feel like 'vampire' stories can easily convey the political climate in which it's being written about and no doubt, House of Hunger captures the current climate. Even though this novel is incredibly sexy, it had be thinking a lot about how our current labor structures mirror that of the novels and that like Marion, it would be very easy to lose yourself to your work, your boss, and to isolate yourself for the sake of profit.

This is a perfect book to pick up for Halloween!!

A perfect read for any gothic horror fan.

Marion grew up in the slums, poor and knowing what it felt like to work hard and still have nothing. After seeing a listing in the local paper and having always wanted for the finer things in life she jumps on the night train to journey North and serve Lisavet, Countess of the House of Hunger as her bloodmaid.

Vampires have been my jam long before Twilight put them in the mainstream. I love how Alexis Henderson uses what we all know about vampires and weaves it into something entirely unique, entirely its own. The vivid descriptions paired with the dark and gritty world lead to a sensual and seductive story - a steady storyline that builds into a pulse-pounding, page turner and leaves you satisfied.

This was a delightfully gothic vampiric story with the most lush, atmospheric writing. There's one scene describing the bathing rooms and I've literally never wanted to go to a place in a book more (I even saved a screenshot of it on my phone!). Everything about this was so eerie and you could feel the tension rising. The pacing did seem a little off to me thought; there was so much build up that was excruciatingly slow at times, and then everything happened in the last few chapters. Alexis Henderson is truly exceptional at world building and creating palpable tension.

I would have liked to see more of the sapphic relationship(s) on page. I felt like most of it was only hinted at.

Overall a very solid book and I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I think many people will enjoy this story but for some reason I just couldn't get into this story. I didn't empathize with the main character. and the ending was unsatisfying. I wanted to there be more of an explanation or history on the blood maids and how the blood was used by these nobles. I think the world building was phenomenal and the theme intriguing it just wasn't enough to hold my attention. I felt like I was rushing just to finish the book.

Alexis does it again! Something creepy good, bloody, and bold. Love the strong protagonist that keeps fighting for herself no matter what.

Marion finds an add in a newspaper - a search for a blood maid. A young woman, with exceptional blood to live in the society's richest and oldest house - the House of Hunger. She wants a new life, away from the poor slums she lives in, the hard work she has been doing, and away from her brother that only wants to use and abuse her. She needs a new start, and this sounds like it will be it.

This new start comes with its own kinds of challenges. The deadly rules that need to be followed to the teeth, the court that wants to destroy the ruler - Countess Lisavet and take over the House of Hunger. And then there is the pattern of missing blood maids that keep disappearing.. Marion finds herself over her head, and still falling for Count Lisavet, wanting to please her and be her number one blood maid. But what does it entail in fullest?

It was creepy, gothic, ensnaring. Everything I wanted, and more.

this was super creepy, weird and fun. I enjoyed this a lot more than Henderson’s previous book Year of the Witching. it took me a bit to get into but I tore through the second half. I wish we had gotten more answers and the ending felt a bit unsatisfying, but overall, a good spooky read!

I really enjoyed The Year of the Witching so when I saw this coming I was looking forward to it. The Year of the Witching has stayed with me so I still like it more. This one was good too.

Marion grew up in the slums and lives in poverty with her addict brother. She works as a maid and hates it. She finds an ad to be a bloodmaid and is very tempted to apply. Her brother forbids her to apply and tears up the ad. She sneaks in the night to put it back together & then out to apply. She is offered a job & given a train ticket.

Once she gets to the House of Hunger she's drawn in to Lisavet & her world. But she has an underlying suspicion that all is not as it seems.

I enjoyed the Bathory tie in, knowing that story of the woman who bathed in blood to preserve her youth, I feel like the author incorporated this in really well.

Marion is a good main character. Even though she's poor, she's smart & observant. She dreamed of all the finer things but doesn't lose herself in them. She develops feelings for Lisavet but doesn't sacrifice herself or her friends.

If you like gothic and luxury mixed with drinking blood this is for you.

Alexis Henderson's House of Alexis is a gothic horror story set in a puritan like America. One could call this the re-imaging of Elizabeth Bathory. The story is told via third person narrative featuring Marion Shaw. As the story begins, Marion's life is that of a scullery maid who is looked down on by her elderly employer. She also has an older brother who is drug addled and on the cusp of death. That is when Marion discovers an ad in the newspaper looking for blood maids.

Marion interviews with a Taster named Thiago who is impressed by the rich taste of her blood, offering her a ticket to night train to leave her hometown to start her new job at North. Blood maids are a symbols of opulence and depravity in an almost equal measure. There is a clear and present prejudice against the young women in the Deep South who choose to take this path. In this world, the North was once the world's bastion of power with 27 Noble Houses.

Now, it is the South who has become the industrial forward and democratically elected non-Nobles. Most Houses of the North have fallen into ruin, yet, four remain relevant. House of Hunger, House of Fog, House of Locusts, and House of Mirrors. House of Hunger is where Marion ends up after she accepts a contract that could be worth thousands of pounds should she complete the requirements. House of Hunger is run by Countess Lisvet Bathory who is kept alive by using the Blood Maids blood to heal her.

After a rocky beginning, Marion soon becomes friendly with Irene, Evie, Elize, and young Mae, as well as their cat. Except for Mae who is the bastard of nobility, the other girls are Blood Maids who have been here longer along with Cecelia the First Blood Maid of the House. Soon Marion becomes entangled in the darkness of the house, and the love of a woman needs her blood in order to survive. Soon she is swept away in a dark web of debauchery, depravity, viciousness, and realizes things are even darker than she thought.

One could say that the ending of this story was abrupt, but I think that it is up to the reader to choose to put themselves in Marion's shoes and try to figure out if you would have been able to deal with everything she deals with. This is a dark story, but I don't believe there's any glaring trigger warnings that I need to post in my review.

I tried to read Henderson's debut, The Year of the Witching, early in the pandemic but something about it just didn't click in the first few chapters and my attention span was waning. So I was a bit apprehensive going into House of Hunger but the gorgeous cover and lush description kept pulling me back. I'm so thrilled to report that I LOVED Henderson's sophomore novel. It had perfect gothic elements, some psychological thrills, and it really makes you think about the cost of beauty, desire, choices, and the act of giving - since our main character becomes a Bloodmaid. I did not guess where this story was going to go, and honestly i would have loved another hundred pages to be rooted in fear and the unknown of the plot twist, but I still love this so much. I'm secretly hoping Henderson decides to write a bunch of standalones within this world, set within the great houses, because there is so much potential here.

I'm really not a fan of authors waiting until the last 30 pages for anything to happen. 90% of this book was repetitive in both language and exposition and the last 10% didn't make much sense in the way of character development or storyline. This was the type of story that would have really benefited with some clever foreshadowing, but instead there were just random things thrown in to create "atmosphere" (looking at you, random torture devices). And Ivor was a missed opportunity for a great plot twist, but instead I was left wondering why he was even there. However, I do think this is the type of atmospheric book many people would enjoy. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Many thanks for the eARC, Berkley Pub Group and Netgalley!

An openly sapphic gothic vampire book is long needed, especially one that doesn't explicitly criticize lesbianism. In 'House of Hunger', Alexis Henderson tells the tale of Marion of Prane, who is barely making it in the slums of a Southern city while her vengeful and ill brother spends her earnings on his addiction. After responding to a newspaper ad for a bloodmaid- a young woman who is enslaved to supply blood and companionship to their lords until they are retired at 25 and granted a lifelong pension that keeps them fed and well cared for- Marion heads north out of desperation and poverty.

Marion enters the House of Hunger, instantly drawing Lisavet's attention as her new mistress, inciting the wrath of her fellow bloodmaids and competitors for Lisavet's love.

A mysterious lady of the house, secretive servants, and a manor with secrets hidden beneath the floorboards and wood paneling are all features of this classic gothic story. You won't be let down if you're a fan of the genre, especially if you've been waiting since Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire for a sapphic vampire book.

This was a perfect book to kick off the Halloween season. I'll be interested in to observe Alexis Henderson's upcoming work.