This book is going to stay with me for a long time, mainly because of that ending. It’s the kind that leaves a mark. It’s one of those “we’re doomed from the start” stories, and let me just say, I absolutely love that trope. It always gets me.

First off, the premise sounded amazing, the cover is absolutely stunning, and I was completely sold. I was hooked before even opening the book. The opening chapters were gripping and kept me turning the pages. Plus, the illustrations? Gorgeous. I honestly wanted more of them. But as the story went on, things started to lose momentum. The world-building, in particular, felt underdeveloped and left me confused at times, which was disappointing. Still, the dark fairy tale vibe worked really well, even if the pacing dragged in parts.

Now, let’s talk about Alma. She’s a fierce protagonist who’s also surprisingly relatable. Her mix of rage and compassion kept her character dynamic and interesting. And then there’s Aster, her imaginary friend who’s always by her side. I have to say, his starlit hair is the kind of magical detail I love in books (It's perfection). I really wanted more from his characterization, though. He felt a bit flat at times, which was disappointing because he had so much potential. If his character had more depth, I think the emotional impact of the story would’ve hit even harder. That said, the dynamic between Alma and Aster kept me invested. It’s messy, flawed, and toxic, but also raw and fascinating. Despite their imperfections, I couldn’t help liking them both.

What truly stands out is the ending. I had a feeling the twist was coming, but I didn’t expect it to hurt that much. It was cruel, heartbreaking, and left me feeling completely hollow. I couldn’t stop crying afterward because it hit me right in the heart. I kept holding onto hope that something magical might happen, but it never did. It’s the kind of ending that sticks with you, no matter how much you want to forget.

“I always knew this story wouldn't have a happy ending. But still, I wanted to dream, for a while.”

“You are the worst thing that's ever happened to me. But also, the best. In another world, maybe you and I would have been happy, living quiet lives and keeping each other company.”

It reminds me so much of the bridge of Electric Touch by Taylor Swift.

“My sullen, cowardly, softhearted liar. You were the worst of the worst, Alma, and I loved you anyway.”

This confession is everything to me.

Overall, this is a solid debut. Despite its flaws, I enjoyed it, and if there’s ever a sequel, prequel, or another book from this author, I’m 100% reading it.

My first ARC read of the year and I couldn't feel more conflicted about it. I was genuinely enjoying House of the Beast for a good chunk of the time I was reading it and was sure it would at least be a four star read. There's so much to love here, and I can see a lot of people really enjoying this book, but there's a few things that held me back from the story.

Alma is a character who really doesn't differ from other fantasy main characters, but her voice still shined. We meet her as an eleven year old, a desperate, powerless child. Through her, we feel the loneliness of being an outcast, the weight of her struggles in her town, and the devastation her and her mother face. Alma is relatable and deeply human. Yes, she fits the mold of many other main characters, but unlike a lot of books published in recent years, you can tell the author actually put in the work to develop her. House of the Beast is essentially Alma's revenge story and descent into power after a lifetime of being powerless. And I feel like many books today try to do something similar to this, but Alma isn't this rage-induced type of character just for the sake of it.

As a child, Alma dreams up this sort of imaginary friend, Aster, who is at her side when no one is else and views her in a way that no one else does. Turns out, he isn't just her imaginary friend, but a god! Their relationship is very obsessive and all-consuming, and at times toxic. I know a lot of readers love this dynamic and will fall in love with these characters. I found their bond really precious and loved Aster in the beginning. Seeing how no one attempted to see Alma as who she was, it was refreshing to finally meet a character who did. But, by the middle of the book, I struggled with how Alma's agency seemed to disappear when she was around him. I think she blindly agreed with Aster any time without thinking, even if he was right in that situation. And I feel like, as seen countless and countless times again in other fantasy books, she was a bit naive and too trusting of him. She did a lot of risky things because of him, and while many things turned out well for her, it felt reckless. Undoubtedly, their bond is written as dependent on each other, but I felt like this type of mindset messed with Alma's personal growth as a character.

Scattered throughout the book are little illustrations done by the author herself. I thought these were so exciting and beautiful, and an overall really unique addition to the story. The deluxe edition is one of the best I've seen for a non book box book. The world Michelle Wong creates is like a dark fairy tale. The backstory of the gods, the setting, and the creatures were so cool. The clockwork creatures known as the Tinkerer's Things, for example, were amazing. I really wish we saw illustrations of them because I really liked them!

However, I thought the pacing of this book was a bit too slow, especially given the action. This is also just my personal preference as someone who cannot picture what I read, but there were a lot of fight scenes. I know many other readers enjoy that though, so it might be a plus for some.

Additionally, I was put off by the amount of swearing. I felt like it came out of nowhere and didn't match the tone of the book. I counted, and there were six curses just on two pages alone. I've never been a fan of cursing in fantasy books, though, so this is also just a personal preference. Specific plot points, too, I felt should have been explained better. And given this book is 466 pages and there's quite a bit of names and terms to know, I think a glossary would have been nice.

All in all, though, Michelle Wong proves herself to be just as talented at writing as she is drawing. I didn't entirely love this book, but it had its strong suits, and I know a lot of readers will love this world and its characters!

Lastly, anyone sensitive to animal death or animal injuries should be aware that the main character killed animals. I marked down page 117-119 (or 129-131 in the ARC) where this happens for the first time.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s for the ARC

Whether or not you like this book rests solely on whether or not you like the titular Monster: Aster.

For my part, I only found him fine- but that his characterization didn’t quite go far enough into justifying him as our romantic lead. He is portrayed as a bit of a Trickster God, tripping and poking people unseen, and devoted to our lead girl. However, I never for a second “bought” he did not have ulterior motives with all his kindnesses and gentle touches; his manipulation was a bit laid on thick at times yet.

And poor Alma was so self hating for no apparent reason, always harping on how terrible she was and glad to have Aster accept her for all her faults only to….not really have any faults???? Many times I wanted to reach into the book and shake her: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT AND ALSO GIRL HE IS GASLIGHTING YOU?!?

Journeying with Alma from a recluse resented by her family to a confident young heroine with a found family is satisfying. The world building is unique; although all the religious talk is a bit repetitive and droning.

A lush fantasy with dark elements that will definitely work for anyone charmed by the two twisted lonely people at the center of the piece. For me, it won’t be an adventure I reach to revisit.

🏰✨ House of the Beast by Michelle Wong ✨🏰

💀 Dark fantasy, gothic allure, and vengeance-fueled twists await in this stunning debut from Michelle Wong! 💀

🎨 Exclusive Collector’s Edition Perks:
• Stenciled edges
• Illustrated endpapers
• Printed case
• Breathtaking illustrations throughout by the author herself

🌌 What’s the story?
Meet Alma—a young woman shunned by society, bound by tragedy, and drawn into a pact with the Dread Beast, a god of death cloaked in starlit beauty. Desperate to save her mother, Alma sacrifices her arm and is thrust into the twisted machinations of the Avera family—her estranged, aristocratic relatives.

As vengeance becomes her driving force, Alma must navigate deadly rituals, divine secrets, and her growing connection to the Beast. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to upend the very foundations of power.

🔥 Why You’ll Love It:
• A fierce heroine driven by resilience and revenge.
• A dark, enchantingly twisted romance with a god who is as beautiful as he is terrifying.
• Gorgeous, atmospheric world-building.
• For fans of Ava Reid, Naomi Novik, and Raven Kennedy.

🖤 Perfect For:
• Dark fantasy lovers craving gothic vibes.
• Readers enchanted by divine beings, forbidden magic, and complex relationships.
• Fans of deluxe editions with breathtaking art!

📚 Add this gem to your shelves now!

#HouseOfTheBeast #MichelleWongBooks #DarkFantasy #FantasyRomance #GothicFantasy #RevengeAndResilience #TwistedRomance #BookstagramMagic #FantasyReads #HarperVoyager

So, the story follows Alma, daughter of House Avera which is one of the four noble houses (each who also serves their own respective god) in the realm Wong has created for us. House Avera is presumed the strongest because they essentially serve "The Beast". Alma is presented in this sense, as a daughter whose sole role is to support her father in his desire to become the House Avera leader, even if that means isolating her from the world. But of course, Alma doesn't go down without a fight and competes against him in the trials instead of helping him. Supporting Alma is this mysterious, omnipresent companion named Aster who carries more to him to the point where Alma keeps him at arms length, despite being romantically attracted to him.

our mc's Alma & Aster - Look, look, you will be in for a wild fucking ride. Alma's an amazing narrator but lord, Aster was just as compelling. The dynamics and their character arcs will break your heart and make you lose your shit. It's toxic, it's dark, and hurt my soul.

Thank you bless you, Michelle Wong.

If you want cutesy light-hearted fantasy, this is not for you. Do you want dark, gritty, and a dash of whimsical? Then yes, pick this baby up. I'm getting a hard copy for my library.

Thank you netgalley & avon harper voyager for the e-arc for an honest review.

This book was enthralling from start to finish. This will probably end up being my favorite book of the year. The entire world was beautifully sculpted from start to finish. One off books often struggle with doing a fully fleshed out story with enough world building, however that was not the case with this book.

From beginning the end the rage and grief Alma has to come to terms with feels so believable and relatable. Seeing her growth as a character throughout the story felt perfectly paced. Even the few side characters throughout feel very developed. The illustrations added intermittently within also a wonderful touch.

I just absolutely loved this book and cannot stop praising it and recommending it enough.

I will say first and foremost this is not a book I would typically read. While I enjoy fantasy I tend to enjoy more firmly adult fantasy genre books. However, it was still an enjoyable read and I think there are many things a wide audience will enjoy.

Starting with the things I genuinely loved and enjoyed about this book; the illustrations are beautiful and a wonderful accompaniment to the narrative, I felt they were carefully and lovingly placed within the narrative. Sometimes the illustrations were small flares to give nice visuals to descriptions. And other times the visuals were added to emphasize tension and the nature of relationships between characters. I loved the characters designs and the vibrance they being to the overall narrative.

The character dynamics grow and evolve in a way that is enjoyable and keeps the reader hooked. There is more than meets the eye to every last character revealed within the book. While they start off filling basic fantasy niche tropes for New Adult Fantasy over the course of the narrative they grow and become stronger emotionally and expressive as a cast. Each character has their own goals and drives, as well as meaningful and believable values. More is revealed with each page and it is an adventure that pays off sticking through the end of the narrative.

There are many twists and turns that are well revealed and breadcrumbed within, if one reads between the lines and has a skeptical eye for certain flags, then the reveals are believable and one sort of face palms and goes. Ah. Of course. Yeah that makes sense. The mysteries and larger goals for certain characters becomes more detailed and engaging as more information is revealed. The twists are executed well and makes the otherwise straightforward plot more rich and complex.

The only reason this is getting 4.5 stars instead of 5, is simply because some elements of the writing just really didn't vibe well with me. There was a slight incestuous one sided love affair that made me uncomfortable. But at the very least it gets resolved and is in no way glorified or romanticized. It is meant to be uncomfortable. And it did in fact make me uncomfortable. Success for the author on that.

Other minor gripes I had however were explained and expanded on. And while they may not be my particular paintbrush to stroke. They worked great for the narrative and I know many will adore it. This was a fun adventure of a read and a great lighthearted journey for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a build up. Such a let down.

Read House of the Beast by Michelle Wong if you like…

🌹 touch her and die
🌹 fighting
🌹 political intrigue
🌹 monsters
🌹 chosen one


🩷HER🩷
A bastardized daughter of an influential lord. Alma is shunned by everyone in her new household, but she can’t escape until she defeats her father and takes control of his house.

💙HIM💙
A powerful, playful god determined to help Alma get revenge and become his chosen one. He’s always with her. Always tempting, touching. And she’s struggling to keep her feelings in check.

📖 THEIR STORY 📖
Alma’s father took away her reason for living. Now he must pay. Alma is on a mission to punish her father for letting her mother die. Everything she does is to destroy him, and her secret beast god friend wants to help.

Together they embark on a journey to seek revenge, to steal away her father’s reason for living, and change the world forever in the process.

Thank you to #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of House of the Beast.

I have to say I was SO disappointed with the ending. The entire book was clearly leading up to something and I was so excited to finally get there, but that something never happened. I almost threw my phone, that’s how upset I was with the ending. You may enjoy it, but I’m giving you fair warning. The end is not at all what you expect.

If you like political intrigue, a touchy MMC, and a fighting FMC, read this book.

This book will stick with me for a while, and I don't say that of most books that I read. I love fantasy & quests/trials. I tend to favor romantasy, but I did not even miss a true "romance" because of what the MFC (Alma) & MMC (Aster) shared. I could not put this down. I enjoyed the illustrations. There were several unexpected twists, as well as multiple character growths that felt organic, not forced as a plot device. Some of the questions I had earlier in the book were answered by the end, which I always appreciate. Also by the end, I enjoyed all of the side character story arcs. This is rare for me as sometimes I feel they just distract from/add fluff to the primary story, but serve no major purpose. The end was very satisfying for multiple characters. Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the ARC opportunity. Side note for Doctor Who fans - one of your favorite creatures seems to make an appearance (hopefully as an homage).

House of the Beast was a complete treat to read an ARC for, so thank you NetGalley for this opportunity!

If you're looking for a book with dark, whimsical, fantasy vibes, this book will give you that and more. This should be considered an Adult Fantasy novel with hints of romance. The world we're immersed in takes place in an otherworldly, almost ancient Asian vibes, society that has 4 major Houses of power (and each House worships a different major God).

We follow Alma from childhood, growing up knowing she's a bastard child with no father. It isn't until her mother is gravely ill that she finds out who her father is and seeks his help in treating her mother. Unfortunately, her father agrees to help in exchange for Alma's arm to be sacrificed to the Dread Beast per family tradition. She makes this sacrifice to no avail, as her mother soon passes anyway. Consequently, Alma embraces a mysterious friend that only she seems to see from childhood and embarks on revenge to bring her whole family house down. This monster helps train her for upcoming trials while continually testing her morals, as her arm is accepted by the Dread Beast, and she becomes a vessel for her House.

We experience Alma's resiliency when facing adversity and major prejudice, while also navigating a mysterious and dark romance. Who can she trust, and can she maintain her self-respect while achieving her ultimate revenge? Her journey on self-discovery is pretty epic, but the romance is so entrancing on top of that.

The twists and turns this novel provides will catch you off guard. You'll never see them coming! It's truly amazing how well this story is crafted.

Michelle Wong weaves this fantastical story that captivated me from beginning to end. On top of that, the illustrations that are sprinkled throughout are amazing! I was sorry when it ended because I wanted to read it all over again for the first time. Alma's story and relationship with her monster made me question everything and feel all the feelings. I predict this will be a huge hit and have nothing but good things for this debut novel.

This book was a nice surprise as it was my first book by the author. The drawings throughout were nice to look at as well. I may have to check out her graphic novels because I have heard about them. I was reading this book along with another and this one kept my attention longer. The story started off with Alma giving up her left arm in exchange for help for her Mom. She grew up with no one, just her mom. It was hard for her to make friends and be accepted by anyone in her village. Braving all that and enduring more kept me glued til the end.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the House of the Beast in exchange for my honest review.
This is a beautifully written dark tale of a young girl who seeks revenge with the help of a mysterious friend after a devastating tragedy. I found myself emotionally invested in Alma’s journey until the very end. The character development and their complex relationships, the world building, and twisted plot had me hooked..I could not put this book down! Honestly, one of the best stories I’ve read in a long time. I also loved the illustrations and details throughout the book.

Thank you so much Avon/ Harper voyager and NetGalley for this arc. I was absolutely blown away by this twisted retelling of my favorite story. You have the MFC who has been groomed her whole life to serve her family especially her father as he tries to take over head leader of their house. Realizing only she can stop him, Alma (MFC) steps up to reclaim her life. Alma isn’t alone though as her companion that has been there since childhood is devoted to her. Get ready for a rollercoaster of a ride.

This was a great story. it was like a the G rated version of Anathema. The author takes a typical plot and makes it her own. There were times where it dragged a little bit.

An Advanced Review Copy(ARC) was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

Introduction

"House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong is a compelling dark fantasy novel that blends elements of romance, horror, and intricate world-building. This debut novel from the talented Michelle Wong, who is known for her work as an illustrator on "The Legend of Korra" comics, promises an intriguing narrative wrapped in gothic aesthetics and supported by her own black-and-white illustrations. Set to captivate fans of dark romance and fantasy, this book explores themes of revenge, solitude, and the quest for identity through its protagonist, Alma.

Summary

The story centers on Alma, a young woman born out of wedlock and shunned by society. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her mother falls gravely ill, leading Alma to seek help from her estranged father. Unbeknownst to her, Alma is a bastard child of House Avera, one of the four noble families in service to the gods. Her father, the vessel of the Dread Beast—a god associated with death—presents Alma with a harsh choice: sacrifice her left arm for her mother's medicine.

In this exchange, Alma is bound to the House and its deity, setting her on a path of vengeance against her aristocratic family. She forms an unusual bond with the god, who appears to her as a seductive, mysterious figure, guiding her through her revenge plot while also challenging her understanding of love, power, and betrayal. The narrative is rich with detailed lore, dark rituals, and the emotional turmoil of its characters, all underscored by Wong's evocative illustrations.

Conclusion

"House of the Beast" is a mesmerizing read that successfully intertwines fantasy with a dark romance narrative. Michelle Wong's background in art adds a unique layer to the storytelling, making the world of Kugara feel both haunting and beautifully vivid. The themes are explored with depth, giving readers much to ponder about sacrifice, the nature of power, and the complexity of human (and divine) relationships. While the plot occasionally leans into melodrama, it's the atmospheric setting and character development that anchor the story, ensuring it resonates with fans of the genre.

However, the novel isn't without its flaws; some pacing issues and a slightly predictable revenge arc might detract from the overall experience for some readers. Despite this, Wong's ability to craft a narrative filled with tension, beauty, and horror makes "House of the Beast" a noteworthy entry into dark fantasy literature.

Ratings Breakdown
Story: 4/5 - A gripping tale of revenge and redemption, with a plot that keeps readers engaged, though with moments where predictability creeps in.
Characters: 4/5 - Alma is a complex protagonist, full of depth and contradictions. The supporting cast, including the divine entities, are well-developed, adding layers to the story.
World-Building: 5/5 - The world of Kugara is rich and immersive, enhanced significantly by Wong's illustrations, which are integral to understanding the lore and atmosphere of the narrative.
Writing Style: 4/5 - Wong's prose is evocative and suits the gothic and romantic elements of the story well, though there are moments where the narrative could benefit from tighter pacing.
Illustrations: 5/5 - The black-and-white illustrations are not just supplementary; they are a vital part of the storytelling, enhancing the mood and giving the reader a visual connection to the characters and the world.
Overall: 4/5 - A compelling debut that stands out for its artistic integration and thematic depth, recommended for those who enjoy dark, richly woven tales of fantasy and romance. Pacing concerns is the only limitation to an otherwise exceptional novel.

Gosh. Where do I even start. As of writing this, I have just finished House of the Beast, and I don't think I could have enjoyed it more. This was even more stunning and vast than I had originally imagined, and what made me loved this more than anything else were its incredibly nuanced characters. Every character felt real and unique, and each had reasons for you to both love and hate them. Alma and Aster were a perfect duo, each with their flaws and faults, but I loved them both regardless (Six was the only perfect character, he was absolutely adorable). The story was intricate and complex, motivations distinct and clear, politics and magic coming into every decision and play, and each of the Houses felt well-developed. Those few twists at the end caught me by surprise as well, and my jaw dropped open an inch reading the last 50 pages. And, of course, the illustrations throughout were gorgeous. I cannot wait to hold the physical book in my hands, and I will read any other novel Wong releases in the future.

Wow, this book was completely unexpected and I loved it! I was blown away by the story and this is such a masterfully twisted take on fantasy romance!

The book follows Alma, who as a young girl is taken by her estranged father to House Avera, finding out that she is a member. House Avera is one of four noble houses in the realm-- each serve a different god, but House Avera is widely thought to be the most powerful because their chosen vessels (essentially the most powerful members of the house) serves the Beast. Alma is incredibly isolated throughout her childhood and into her adulthood, groomed / trained by her father for the specific and sole purpose of aiding him in his desire to become House Avera's next leader. Alma's father's rabid, power-hungry ambitions and his cruel treatment of her quickly cause her to turn upon him and plot to take his place instead. She plans to do so by undergoing a key trial and compete against him instead of serving him in the trial.

Now onto what I thought was the most captivating part of the story. Throughout Alma's entire life, she has had a mysterious and omnipresent companion named Aster, who is completely devoted to her to the point where it gradually becomes obsessive and he is deeply jealous of anyone Alma seems to be forming a bond with. That said, especially because of how isolated Alma is, she has strong romantic feelings that he seems to reciprocate, but she always keeps him at arm's length in that regard. Aster also clearly holds immeasurable, dark power that makes Alma question everything about him.

Their relationship was the absolute star of the show in this book. The two of them are the definition of "soul ties" and "twin flames" in that they are constantly drawn back to each other even though it borders on unhealthy (to simplify it). Aster had me questioning everything about him and though I knew something was going on, the ending blew me away. Seriously, I could never have predicted some of those twists.

I loved how Alma's previously hostile dynamics with her cousin and other members of House Avera shifted, and how Alma embraced her own power. The ending of the book did shatter me but i cannot wait to see where Alma's journey continues and what is in store for her.

Thank you so much to Avon & Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this ARC! 📚

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for giving me this ARC.

Ugh I hate to say this, but this book is a 1 star for me. I have to be honest here. I don't really like the characters and it was hard for me to care about them. This book is longer with 450+ pages and I just couldn't get through it. I usually love long books becuase I like to stay in the story for as long as I can, but I want out of this stroy. The romance is weird to me and doens't spark my interest. The main charcter is kind of blah and so is the story line. To me there is a lot of fluff that is dragging this stroy on instead of getting to the point. I really wanted to love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

This was a debut?! I loved it so much. The plot was incredibly unique in my own opinion and I thought the world immersive. I'm so excited to see what comes next from this author.

"House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong is an impressive dark fantasy debut that follows a cast-out girl and a vengeful eldritch being. As someone who loves "fairy tales soaked in gothic atmosphere," the blurb immediately caught my eye - and boy, what a ride it was!

Alma, our heroine, is the illegitimate daughter of House Avera, one of the four noble houses of Kugara that serve the gods and are imbued with their powers. Her father is a vessel of the Dread Beast, the most terrifying god of all - a harbinger of death. When her mother becomes gravely ill, Alma strikes a deal with her estranged father: she will sacrifice her left arm to the Beast in a binding ceremony in exchange for treatment for her mother. Tragically, her mother dies anyway, leaving Alma isolated and unwanted in a house that doesn't feel like a home, a mere pawn in her father’s plans.

Rejected by her arrogant relatives and kept at a distance, Alma dreams of revenge. Heartbroken, isolated, and consumed by anger and hatred, she longs to bring down her cruel father. Her only friend is Aster, a mysterious eldritch being that only she can see. Together, they plot and prepare to challenge their circumstances. Thus begins a gripping story of revenge, resilience, and angst that kept me hooked until the very last page.

I absolutely loved this story and rooted for Alma from start to finish. She is a wonderfully complex character. At the story's start, she is just 11 years old, but after a few chapters, the narrative jumps ahead eight years. Watching her grow, change, and grapple with the realization that the world is not simply black and white was incredibly compelling. Her grief over her mother’s death is heart-wrenching, and her journey is relatable and deeply moving.

While Alma is full of resentment and hatred for her relatives, she also possesses remarkable compassion. She can be spiteful and selfish, but she is also soft-hearted and genuinely cares for others. Even in her darkest moments, she recalls her mother’s gentle admonishments to avoid harming others. Aster complements her, supports her, and shares a complex dynamic that adds depth to the narrative. They don't always see eye to eye, which adds to the realism of their relationship.

The side characters, including Fion, Kaim, Six, and Sevelie, are also well-developed, with enough detail to make them feel real and relatable. The themes of loneliness, abandonment, family, revenge, and the power of love are beautifully woven throughout the story. It also explores forgiveness, selflessness, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.

The dark atmosphere, intricate relationships, and rich lore were fascinating. This is truly a dark tale - limb amputation to bind oneself to the gods is no small thing - but somehow, it all fits together seamlessly. The world-building and lore were outstanding. While there’s little focus on a magic system, the lore more than compensates for it. I also appreciated the subtle references to other countries and their lack of magic, highlighting the uniqueness of Kugara’s divine connections.

The illustrations deserve a special mention. They were not only visually striking, but also beautifully enhanced the story’s gothic and atmospheric tone, bringing the world and its characters vividly to life. The ending was unexpected, but after some reflection, I realized it was the right choice - it stayed true to the story’s tone and message.

With a story told from the first point of view, a well-constructed world, beatific black-and-white illustrations, likeable protagonists, and an enthralling narrative, we have an enjoyable and engaging read. The romance is very light, and never overshadows the story’s primary focus.

The pacing of the book was steady and engrossing for most of the story, but the last section picked up significantly, delivering a fast-paced, gripping climax. This shift worked well to build suspense, keeping me fully engaged until the very end. That said, I did find the use of the word "fuck," to be jarring in the otherwise unique world.

Overall, I adored this book and highly recommend it. House of the Beast is a gritty and captivating read, perfect for fans of flawed characters, intricate lore, and dark tales. Readers who enjoy emotionally-driven stories that delve into themes like trauma, loneliness, and the search for belonging will likely appreciate it.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.