Starling House by Alix Harrow is a solid choice (3.5 stars) for an adult reader who doesn't enjoy the horror genre but wants a creepy gothic vibe in a standalone novel. Review posted here: www.wilsonhillworks.com/reviews/review-of-starlinghouse

We follow Opal and her brother who are currently living in a motel after the devastating loss of their mother. Opal entire life revolves around giving her little brother a better chance at succeeding in life than their current station will allow. In order to make more money, Opal makes the befuddling choice of choosing the clean the local haunted mansion in the employ of a handsome young owner, who - as coincidence would have it - has also devastatingly lost his parents. There is a bit of corrupt corporate big business using methods of intimidation to frighten Opal but the swampy southern setting and the elements of magical realism and ghostly apparitions add to the spookiness the most. The twists and turns of the ending are intriguing and satisfying.

However, this tale lost me in a few ways that made this a book that I could have loved so much (think du Maurier's Rebecca having moral ground and wanting revenge!), but don't. First of all, as an adult novel, I'd like to have more adult main characters (in age and maturity level). Secondly, I found some of the language at the beginning to be jarring (curse words in situations that just don't warrant that language) and then the cursing basically just stopped. So I wonder if since the characters are - and act - young, the way to make this seem to be more of an adult novel is to drop harsh curse words right at the beginning (?). Then readers know this isn't a YA novel?
{Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC.}

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Natalie Naudus really captured this eerie, atmospheric coal mining town in Kentucky with her voice! Wow! I loved the suspense, the pacing, and of course, Opal. Really well done and easy to binge! Highly recommend!

I had never read an Alix E. Harrow novel before but after this one I can confidently say this will not be my last! This was so deeply atmospheric and Brough such a unique vibe that would be perfect around the fall time. I thought it this story had such beautiful commentary on the power of stories and the way women tend to be portrayed throughout history. I found the plot to be so propulsive and I really had no idea where it was going to take me but I was completely along for the ride. I really enjoyed listening to this one and felt like the narrator did a great job.

3 ⭐/ 0.5 🌶️

I should preface this by stating that this is not my typical read. The story is a dark and dreary gothic paranormal with a Stranger Things feel to it. At the beginning, I debated DNF'ing the tale and it did take a while for it to hit it's stride. The 75% mark in fact. Though I was intrigued and kept listening. The way that the main characters were constantly described as ugly was a little off-putting and the romance was a very small side note to the over all story. All in all, it was an okay read/listen. I enjoyed both narrators of the tale as well. Full RTC....

"I dream sometimes about a house I've never seen."

✔️ Gothic Horror
✔️Paranormal Elements
✔️ Stranger Things Vibes
✔️ Dark & Dreary
✔️ Small Town
✔️ Mystery & Secrets
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Prickly Protagonist
✔️ Lies & Secrets
✔️ LGBTQ+ Rep
🚫 Slow-Moving
🚫 Off-putting Character Descriptions
🚫 Foggy Ending

***3.5 Stars***

Overall,
I wanted to love this more than I did. There was just something missing. I found myself bored quite often and it took a while for me to get through this one. There were parts that I liked, and I think that there was some really interesting plot points. The thing is that it I think it may have needed to be abit longer to flesh out those interesting plots. I am also not a big fan of miscommunication. It drives me crazy. Just talk!

12 Challenge

Recommended by Minh-Tu

My list of unliked genres grows longer. I believe I will add Southern gothic horror to the mix. If you're interested in what else belongs there: cozy mysteries, domestic thrillers, second chance romances, and young adult fantasies. Of course, there are exceptions to everything, but this seems to be the rule as of late.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy this. I liked some parts. The first half of the story interested me more than the second. I still can't get over Opal's name, but I have to remind myself that this is the South.

I was interested in the lore, and the house, and to an extent, the main character and love interest. The woe is me attitude gets draining, but is prevalent in this genre. The working poor exist everywhere, but the topic seems dredged up in this region of the States.

Things get a little weird, and not necessarily in the way I enjoy. There are many triggers in this book, and they're listed in other reviews, so tread with caution.

I really enjoyed this audiobook!
I found the narrator to be engaging and I continued to listen even when my housework was finished!
I think the plot was relatively fast paced and tense, and the characters were well developed and fascinating.

Eerie, engaging story. The romance at the center was a bit surprising, and characters' actions are sometimes frustrating.

(Duplicate entry due to approval for eARC and audiobook)

I liked this book more than the previous books that I read by Alix E Harrow. The idea of the story was great and the characters were well developed but overall the story was too descriptive and items were repeated over and over.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Things to know:
🍁 genre-bender - think dark, gothic horror meets mystery, with a sprinkling of romance and an overall vibe of a darker, modern-day fairytale? Almost like cozy horror? Is cozy horror a thing??
🍁 for some reason I kept thinking about Stranger Things while reading this? (For no reason other than ✨vibes✨)
🍁 the house was one of my favorite characters!
🍁 character-driven (which I normally don’t love but it worked for me!)
🍁 excellent on audio 🎧

This was such a good book to read this time of year! It had alllllllll the ingredients for a good fall read: a gothic tale about money, power, small town secrets, and actual monsters that just might try to take a bite out of you. 😈

Opal lives in small town Kentucky, an old coal mining town that has long since abandoned the mines. She’s the caretaker for her older brother, saving all of her money to provide for his future. This is how she lands a job at Starling House - a seemingly sentient house with a long history of caretakers that all seem to have somewhat sad pasts, and all die mysterious deaths. This is where Opal meets Arthur, the reclusive current caretaker who is determined to be the last.

This gothic tale is SO atmospheric. Thoughtful and well paced, filled with interesting secrets and a bit of mystery to unravel. It truly felt like I was reading a darker fairytale set in modern times (Once Upon A Time anyone??) I just *had* to buy the B&N exclusive edition for that extra chapter 😂

I loved everything about this book BUT the fact that this author frequently points out how absolutely horrendous her characters look - never in my life have I read a book where an author calls her characters “ugly” and “hideous” as much as what happens in this book 😂😭 a minor thing but still it was so jarring when it kept happening!!! I felt for those poor characters’ self esteem hahaha

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved the dark atmosphere. The characters were well written and fleshed out and were characters I could really root for. It was just such a fun and interesting story.

Thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of Starling House.

Starling House is a captivating dive into gothic horror and fantasy. Alix E. Harrow weaves an engaging atmosphere and introduces compelling characters, creating a tale with a mysterious allure.

The pacing was off here and there but the overall experience was immersive and enjoyable. The audiobook was well narrated. Overall. I recommend giving Starling House a read!

This story reads a bit young despite the protagonists being adults in their mid-to-late 20s. A Gothic Fantasy with minor shades of horror. Not for me. But many would like this

I enjoyed This audio book but it wasn't my favorite book. There were a few parts at the end that I had To reread to ensure I was Understanding what they were saying. The audio was very well done though.

Starling House is a gothic horror fantasy that has left an indelible mark on my reading journey. With its engaging atmosphere, compelling characters, and the allure of an unfolding mystery, Alix E. Harrow has crafted a tale that resonates. Despite occasional pacing nuances, the overall experience is one of delight and satisfaction.

I wholeheartedly recommend Starling House to those who appreciate a masterfully crafted blend of gothic horror and fantasy. This four-star journey into the unknown is a testament to Harrow's storytelling prowess and is sure to leave readers eager for more.
Thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of Hello Stranger

Story 4⭐️
Audio 5⭐️

This one was definitely interesting

I loved the characters and the plot of this book so much. I was annoyed with some of Opals actions, but in reality someone in her situation did not have many options.

I know Arthur was kind of a jerk but I loved him so much. He had been alone for so long, he was just doing what he thought was right. Normally I hate when a character thinks they know best, but he has gone through so much it was understandable.

The story started a little slow but it definitely kept my attention, once I started I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it ended.

Only things I wish we could’ve had was to see what happened with Baine. Also an epilogue from Opal and Arthur’s point of view.

Definitely recommend and will read more from this author

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for providing me with an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this story! I enjoyed the audiobook version. I love a book where the house is a character and this one definitely fits that category. I loved the FMC and the story. Definitely recommend!

managing to read two of my favourite house books in 2o23 is no easy feat, but starling house has helped me on my way.

upon my initial read of starling house, i thought this book would be a four star read for me. it was solid, and i could find nothing i disliked about it, but what bumped it up to one of my favourite reads of 2023 is the way this story has sat with me. alix e. harrow's captivating, vibrant characters, her house in a place i have never been, and atmospheric writing have made this book a permanent fixture in my brain.

yet what sticks with me most strongly, months after reading, are the way alix harrow chooses to develop the themes of home, childhood, and staying in a way that are so powerful. she manages to weave her message, a love letter to a place she loves and hates, into a powerful story regarding a woman who chooses to stay, in spite of it. there is something deeply resonant about this book for me, as someone who has lived in places that feel all too reminiscent of opal's small town, and the web of feelings that the characters connect to a place.

if you are looking for another 'house book' with powerful themes of home, an eerie atmosphere, and characters who are witty and loveable, i would highly recommend this book!.

This book was really good! Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an early copy! This book felt very similar to ninth house, but very much set in a small town. I loved the twists and turns of this book and the magical elements where the house was almost alive. It was definitely a really enjoyable read, and definitely will be looking into more of Alix ‘s books!

Starling House is an atmospheric, fantastical tale with elements of horror mixed in. I really enjoyed the sentient house aspect, but the rest fell a little short for me. The writing style was fine, if bordering more into the YA realm than Adult, and most of the major plot points were predictable (at least to me).

I would have liked to have had a bit more explanation into the magic and how it worked and also a bit more development of the romance. The whole thing seemed to need to be developed just a bit more.

However, I did enjoy the audio. I thought the narrator did an excellent job with what she was given. The footnotes were also done really well, which is something that is hard to convey in audio format.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Alix E. Harrow for an advanced listening copy of Starling House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.