Daphne Fema’s House of Monstrous Women is a compelling blend of gothic mystery and simmering suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Josephine, freshly orphaned and desperate for a break from her tumultuous life, finds herself drawn into her childhood friend Hiraya’s strange and labyrinthine estate. From the moment she steps inside, the house seems alive with whispered secrets, veiled eyes, and a sickly-sweet scent that hints at darker things lurking beneath the surface. The story unfolds like a tangled game—one where victory comes at a steep price. Josephine’s desire to change her fate pulls her deeper into the house’s eerie corridors, where every room feels like a trap and every whisper could be a curse. The tension between friendship, betrayal, and the shadows of the past makes this a richly atmospheric read that lingers long after the final page. Fema masterfully crafts a world where the line between monsters and humans blurs, weaving Filipino folklore and haunting imagery into a story about resilience, secrets, and the monstrous parts we all hide. It’s a rollercoaster of dark beauty, unsettling twists, and even moments of hope—definitely worth four stars!

I absolutely loved House of Monstrous Women. I’m a sucker for a big house with a mysterious maze of rooms, so this title did not disappoint. This story is genuinely creepy, forcing me to read through the night, morning-after consequences be damned. While very frequently horrifying, this multilayered tale is interspersed with moments of hope for the future and reminders of the power of family - both those we’re born with, and those we find along the way.

I really loved the idea of this one and the parts about the house, cavern, and family mythology were intriguing but overall the novel was a little too unbalanced and repetitive for me to ever really immerse myself in it. Editing was a big part of the problem but there wasn’t much character development beyond the trope and the gross out bits , while necessary to the plot, needed something else to recommend them.
That said, again, I really did love the concept and I would definitely try another book by this author in the future. I think this one just needed a little bit more time in substantive edits.

Set in 1986, against revolution in the Philippines, the story of The House of Monstrous Women focuses on Josephine as she travels from her small town to visit the island home of her best friend Hiraya Ronoco. Joined by her brother Alejandro and another childhood friend Gabriella, the four then of will compete with a game tagu-tagu--a form of hide-and-go-seek. This game, however, has a different prize then their childhood play, the chance to have a wish fulfilled. Complicating matters is the Ronoco house itself, a complex system of hallways and mazes with narrow corridors, darkened corners and multiple passages that make winning, and even surviving the whole night of the game, a questionable endeavor. Can they all get out alive, will the house permit it?

The prose in this book is complex and layered and truly beautiful. It can be a bit daunting to get into but it is absolutely worth it to stick with this haunting tale of revolution, class, friendship, family and magic.

Told from the POV of Josephine, the characters are well written and easy to believe in this story. The setting during the Philippine revolution is perfect for its similarities to the tale of classism, patriarchy and family that author Daphne Fama skillfully builds. The use of the insects in multiple ways, first as pests that are always present, then later as agents of the house is an excellent examples of her world building.

The pacing was off in the first half of the book, with lots of slow sections. It's worth it, however, to stick with it because it picks up mightily after the halfway mark when it becomes a case of 'finish the rest in a sitting.' 3.75 stars rounded to 4.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book is a slow burn at first, but once it hits the halfway mark, I was completely hooked—I couldn’t put it down. The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, with a labyrinthine, claustrophobic house that practically becomes a character in its own right. I was especially intrigued by the inclusion of Filipino folklore, which was new to me and added a unique, captivating layer to the story.

Things escalate quickly in the second half, and while the plot gets wild, I found myself wishing it would push just a little further into the madness. The female main character is definitely flawed—and occasionally makes some questionable choices—but I found her compelling nonetheless. The supporting cast adds even more depth and charm to the narrative.

If you're into moody, folklore-laced horror with a slow build and a wild second act, this one's worth adding to your list. Definitely recommend picking it up when it publishes on August 12, 2025!

This book delivers on so many levels: it’s thrilling, it’s emotional, and it’s got that perfect combination of mystery and horror that keeps you turning the pages. I loved how it balanced the supernatural with the very real political turmoil of the era. And the twists! Just when I thought I had a grip on what was happening, the book threw me for a loop, keeping me on my toes. I’m definitely going to be thinking about this one for a while.

This was a very cool concept that didn't quite soar in execution, for me personally. Maybe like a 3.5-4

I loved the setting and characters, but the pacing was a bit off. From the beginning (mostly due to the "Monstrous" title and cover) the reader is inclined to guess that this "game" will be scary and perhaps involve death (especially since the first section of the book gives us mysterious backstory and talks about how bonkers this house is). So it's was a surprise to me that everyone was so surprised that the stakes were high.

I think I wanted less back story on the characters and more in-depth action in the present, since most of the book revolves around the final game (which basically amounts to hide and seek.) The game is certainly creepy and gothic with some horrifying visual moments, but it also felt a little rushed.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. The bones are there and it's certainly memorable, with interesting things to say about female rage and power. I think I was mostly frustrated because there might be an even better book INSIDE this version, and I really wanted to read THAT book.

I did love this quote though: "I never understood the obsession with demonizing women. The pretty, unmarried women. The old women in the woods. Instead of the very real threat of jealous, lustful boys, skulking in the shadows, trying to follow you home."

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

definitely a slow burn and interesting book. doesn't kick into full horror action until, like, 50% in. but after that it's super dramatic. and before that its' really intense. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

This was such a creative book. I’ve never read anything quite like it. The ambiance of the jungle teeming with life stays with you after reading. I loved the characters themselves and the relationships between the women. I definitely could have had more romance between the two leads. Their energy was sizzling. The mystery pulls the story forward and is resolved in a satisfying way. I’d highly recommend checking this book out.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Four stars for atmosphere, and maybe two-three for the historical background. We get why the protagonist accepts her old friend/love interest's invitation, as well as the parallels between the characters' fight against the Ranoco 'curse' and the larger, nationwide struggle against Marcos' dictatorship. However, the mentions of protests and resistance later in the book felt a little awkward. As a reader of Filipino descent, these felt like they were thrown in to underscore the personal stakes involved for the protagonist (and her brother)--instead of helping to drive the plot forward. Would this story have been stronger without this particular historical setting? Not sure, although I think that I still would've read it. Kudos to the author for attempting to blend a less-often examined history (at least in US fiction) with a spine-tingling tale of legacy, kinship, and found family.

this was so good! thank you to net galley for the ARC, i got super invested once i had time to sit down and read this and really take it in. a horror novel that really takes you by surprise as it nears the end. great writing, the right amount of violence and unease. if you’re looking for a gothic historical fiction this is it! releases in august :)

Actual rating: 3.75 stars

When I was really getting into the horror genre, I watched Ready or Not (Gillett & Bettinelli, 2019), a movie about a newlywed couple and the groom’s cult-ish family with a deadly game of hide-and-seek. Daphne Fama’s debut novel House of Monstrous Women follows a similar plot, yet remains unique and bakes its own delicious horror into the plot. It is a very quick read, and you will feel terrified as you learn about the truth behind the Ranoco family.

Fama provides some really interesting information in her author’s note, saying that this story is based on her experience with the aswang and generational trauma and suffering. I know next to nothing about Phillippine folklore, so I was thrown into this novel completely clueless. Fama does an excellent job creating a story based on this unique folklore, culture, and familial suffering that radiates with beauty.

Where I was a little lost, however, was the pacing. With just under 300 pages in the eGalley edition and the insanely long chapters at the beginning, I struggled to motivate myself to read more and dive into the story because nothing was really pulling me in, and I put this down a few more times than I’d like to admit in my reading time. The pace picks up when the game starts, which made it much easier to read the rest of the book, but I really do wish that a similar pace could be kept throughout the entire novel.

I do think that this is a great horror novel that follows an interesting premise and strong characters that breathe life into the story. The additional sapphic romance was an added bonus and yet didn’t take away from the book’s themes and main plot. Elements of House of Monstrous Women are entwined together perfectly to capture an intriguing premise that will make you question your own fears.

I really didn't care for this. I thought I was getting fascinating historical fiction with a large dash of horror. Instead, I got a book full of cultural references I didn't understand (the Philippines is interesting, but I don't know much about it, so I felt lost for a lot of this book) and unlikable characters I didn't care about.

Now, I will say, I don't think characters HAVE to be likable. However, you're got to root for them. Even if you're rooting for a character—or rooting against one—you should feel something about them. In this book, I just didn't care. By the end, I just wanted their game to be over so I could delete the file off my Kindle.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

The story is a bit of a slow burn. The lead up to the game is filled with setting the scene and establishing the dynamics between the characters involved and I found myself waiting in anticipation for the action which took place around 60% in.

I really enjoyed that this book took place in the Philippines, I don’t think I’ve read any other books that do. I enjoyed the power struggles, the character dynamics, and once the action began I was locked in.

Overall, I thought this was a solid and unique gothic horror. I wasn’t obsessed with it, but it was worth the read. 3.25 stars

A haunting and immersive gothic horror novel, House of Monstrous Women seamlessly blends Philippine folklore, supernatural suspense, and historical unrest into an unforgettable narrative. Set in 1986 against the backdrop of the People Power Revolution, the story follows Josephine, a young woman still reeling from the tragic loss of her parents. With her brother Alejandro forging his own path in Manila, she’s left to maintain their crumbling family home, struggling under the weight of loneliness and grief. When an invitation arrives from her childhood friend Hiraya—whose family is shrouded in dark rumors of witchcraft—Josephine sees an opportunity to escape. But this isn’t just a casual reunion. Hiraya extends an intriguing offer: a game, one with high stakes and the promise of granting the winner their heart’s deepest desire.

Desperate for change, Josephine takes the risk and steps into Ranoco House, a vast and eerie estate perched dangerously near the sea. The mansion itself feels alive, its endless corridors twisting in unnatural ways, dimly lit rooms steeped in a sickly-sweet scent, and shadowy figures lurking just out of sight. The deeper she delves into the game, the more she realizes that nothing is what it seems. The walls whisper secrets, the air is thick with tension, and Josephine can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched at every turn. As the sinister nature of the game unravels, she comes to a terrifying realization: this isn’t just a test of skill—it’s a battle for survival, and victory may come at a horrifying price.

What makes House of Monstrous Women stand out is its ability to merge traditional gothic horror elements with the rich, mythological roots of Filipino folklore. The novel masterfully builds tension, starting with a slow, creeping dread that escalates into full-blown terror. The setting is deeply atmospheric, the historical backdrop adding layers of real-world horror to the supernatural frights, and the exploration of feminine power and generational trauma gives the story an even sharper edge.

With its eerie, labyrinthine house, unsettling atmosphere, and a protagonist forced to navigate both political turmoil and supernatural horrors, this novel is a gripping and nightmarish descent into the unknown. A must-read for fans of gothic horror, folklore-infused thrillers, and stories that linger in your mind long after the final page.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this unique horror novel in exchange for my honest opinions.

Loved how this weaved Filipino folk horror, sapphic romance, history, and the author's personal experience into an innovative and awesome creature to behold. Did not know what to expect and had me on edge until the very end.

it's always a delightful surprise when a book contains queer rep that you didn't realize would be there. it's also wonderful when a book contains descriptions as lush and vivid as this one does. from the scenery to depictions of body horror, Fama's writing fully immerses her readers in the story. i LOVED this one - it's an incredible story of political unrest, shaky familial bonds, supernatural horror, and doing what it takes to survive. i read most of it in one sitting because i couldn't put it down! it doesn't come out until 8/12, but trust me when i say this NEEDS to be on your radar! what a spectacular debut, my second five star read of the year 💫💫💫💫💫

review will be posted on instagram @shelfconscious.library

I wasn't sure what to expect when requesting this ARC, the title and cover caught my attention, and I was very pleasantly surprised! House of Monstrous Women takes place in the Philippines in the 1980's during a time of political turmoil and the start of the People Power Revolution. The story that we follow is rooted in Filipino folklore, which I don't know too much about but would love to learn more now! The story isn't directly political, but it mirrors the political climate that is going on simultaneously. Jospehine, her brother Alejandro and his girlfriend (also her old friend) Gabriella are invited to visit the house of Hiraya--isolated on an island. Hiraya and her family have long been rumored to be aswang. Aswang seems to be a term in Filipino lore that is kind of a catch-all phrase for witch, shapeshifter, vampire and the like. They are feared and reviled. Hiraya and Jospehine have been friends since childhood though and they are invited to come visit and play a game. The winner of the game is promised the future they dream of. What unfolds is atmospheric, creepy and disturbing! I don't want to give it away, but if you're afraid of bugs or have an aversion to meat, this will really gross you out! It's a bit of a slow build up, wondering where it's going to go. When it picks up, it does not relent! I love the creepy atmosphere of the house and the servants. I loved learning about Filipino lore. I loved the feminine angle of the book and the exploration of how females are always expected to play their "roles". And I loved the Afterword from the author, which makes the book even more special. I definitely would recommend this for a creepy, gothic, atmospheric story!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley for the e-ARC! The book is set to release August 12, 2025.

This book was absolutely amazing and gripped me for the entire novel! Set in the Philippines (which was awesome to learn about), this felt like Saw meets Mexican Gothic. Josephine is invited by her childhood friend, Hiraya, to come to her house and escape for a bit. She plays a game in the labyrinth like house in order to win whatever her house desires. Apparently, Hiraya is a witch, so this isn't a normal game. This was such an amazing, atmospheric book that I could not put down! If you love horror, this is a must for you.

This book was really great! The complex and horrific female characters and the competition. It is a gothic work so it starts off with a slow burn but about halfway through the book really gets going and there is a lot to read and take in. I thought the competition device was really interesting and this book gave a new spin to the competition trending books we have seen over the past decade.

The book is steeped in Filipino culture and I loved that the setting was nostalgic but not far historical fiction. This book has really apparent horror elements and historical elements. You don't need to know much about Filipino history but if you do a couple quick googles, I think it can really deepen the reading experience.