A maybe-haunted house in the woods, a small town full of legends, and a lonely orphan bound to the town by her circumstances and the house by her dreams - this is the story of Starling House, Eden, Kentucky, and Opal, who needs no last name.

This is a story of ghosts, whispers, hauntings, and mazes. You will meet thieves who mean well, corporate villains, heroes wielding swords, and Eldritch horrors. But you'll also see the strength in admitting weakness, the weakness in pride, the power in defending your love, and the evil that can grow from fear. Starling House is never quite what it seems, but what really is?

I loved this journey, feeling myself drawn through the twists and turns of the story as though I was wondering the ever-changing halls of Starling House myself.

Thank you to Alix E. Harrow, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank-you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review.

I’ll preface this by saying that Starling House was my first foray in Alix E. Harrow’s works (I know, but it won’t be my last, okay?) so I didn’t go into this with any expectations. It’s that time of year, where the leaves begin changing, the weather gets cooler and I start looking to my bookshelves for spooky reads and then I saw this pop up on NetGalley.

The cover design is stunning and immediately piqued my interest, and I’ve heard good things about Ten Thousand Doors of January and The Once and Future Witches so I decided to give it a chance. Let me say, I was pleasantly surprised in all the best ways at how well Harrow’s prose and the atmosphere of Starling House fit what I was looking for. Starling House is a southern gothic story set in Eden, Kentucky, a town with a coal mine and entirely too many accidents. It fits into the haunted house sub-genre of horror, but I don’t think it was overly horror, at no point was I scared (and my tolerance is fairly low, I’m not a horror connoisseur). It’s suitable for both YA and Adult audiences (TW: explicit language, allusions to physical intimacy, binge drinking).

“There is no such thing as curses or cracks in the world. Maybe that’s all a good ghost story is, a way of handing out consequences to the people who never got them in real life.”

Opal lives in a rundown motel room with her younger brother. She is a highschool dropout and spends her days working at a Tractor Supply earning enough for them to get by on piquant chicken ramen noodles. Opal is a practical young woman, clearly separating her needs from her wants. Her biggest driver is to rescue her brilliant younger brother from the miseries of Eden and send him to a private highschool where he can excel. How she’ll be able to afford the tuition is a mystery, until she gets a job offer from the strange Arthur Starling.

Arthur is reclusive, he’s never seen leaving the grounds of Starling House. We soon discover that Arthur is a Warden of Starling House. I’ll leave future readers to discover what that entails as the wild rumors around Starling House create an atmosphere of mystery and actual mist at times that I don’t want to spoil. It is however safe to say that our two main characters become intertwined, breaking each other open in ways that they maybe didn’t realize they needed or wanted.

“It’s easier to fall apart when no one is watching you.”

Plot-wise, the first third of the book is a slow beginning with set up and the current status quo being established. Then the remainder of the book picks up and things happen quickly from there. I sat down and read through over half of the book in one go, I couldn’t put it down. The prose is beautifully descriptive without being overly flowery. I’d find myself going back and letting certain lines sink in and ruminate before moving on. The one thing I felt could’ve been stronger was character description and dialogue between them. There are certain descriptions that were used repeatedly that didn’t really lend itself to creating a fulsome image of the character in my mind, different aspects of their appearance could’ve been described instead. Particularly the dialogue between Opal and her brother felt very forced at times, despite how close they were portrayed.

“People like me should know better than to dream.”

The ending of Starling House made a lot of sense and fit really well with where the story was headed, nothing was overly surprising. There are themes of “society doesn’t believe the woman” that come up as the story unfolds that really wrap up well with the closing scenes and resolution. The bigger theme of dreaming and what impact dreams can have, also has a satisfying conclusion. I don’t want to dig into the ending any more than that, but know it was a satisfying ending, in my opinion.

Rating: 8/10

I was lucky enough to get an ARC audiobook of this, and I'm so glad I did. For starters, the cover is gorgeous, and the narrative contained within is equally attention-grabbing.

Opal dreamed of the Starling house for years before she saw it in person. Arthur seems like the sort of person she knows she should stay away from, but he’s part of the house, and as much as she’s drawn to the house she finds herself drawn to him, too. It isn’t long before she takes a job cleaning there to save up money to send her brother to a private school.

Opal is a spitfire personality born out of necessity as much as genetics. She’s doing her best to raise her younger brother and give him everything she never had. She does what she has to in order to get what she needs, and doesn’t allow herself to want anything extra.

Unfortunately, sometimes getting what she needs involves making decisions she wishes she didn’t have to. When outside forces come looking for information on Arthur and Starling House, will Opal’s connection to the two be enough for her to keep their secrets? Or will she do what she has to for the benefit of herself and her brother’s future?

This novel has a wonderfully haunting setting, with mists and beasts and a town full of prejudices that’s stuck in the past - a past full of secrets, coverups, and unexplained mysteries. There’s as much social intrigue in characters like the librarian and motel owner as there is mystical as we learn about a house that seems to have a will of its own and children’s tales that may be more than just stories.

Absolutely check this one out when it comes out on October 3rd, just in time for spooky season!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Opal has been barely holding it together taking care of her 16 yo brother since the death of their mother a decade ago. She works hard, steals and does everything possible to help Jasper. She has been dreaming of the mysterious Starling House since she was a child and is obsessed with the children's book written about it a century ago by the woman who built the home.

Opal is a fantastic character. Starling House is an engaging gothic story. I highly recommend reading it.

Harrow always has great ideas but the execution is usually a problem.

There was too much tell and not enough show with Opal and her brother. The community hated them but we didn't really see that; we were told it a bunch though. Because of that, the org that was blackmailing her was not as intense as the author intended. The police not believing her also not as intense as the author intended.

The interesting part of the book is the folklore of the house but that's all info dumped in the end.

I liked the fact that the MC was not a classic beauty and that she was poor. I liked the theme of poor people being taken advantage of by big business. I liked the love story between Opal and the caretaker.

A dark and twisted story about a haunted house with a mysterious secret and a girl who’s trying to overcome her past. Harrow’s storytelling comes through with the metaphorical genius we have become accustomed to in these artful tales. One thing I loved about this story is how raw and real the characters came through in the writing. They seemed so real that the lines between reality and fantasy blurred into a story that couldn’t be make believe. Overarching themes of race, socioeconomic status, feminism, family and sexuality are woven through the story in seamless lines. Narration was phenomenally well done. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a gothic, twisting tale that will take root deep in your heart.


one line review:
If Ninth house and gallant had a child and settled in the hills of an old coal town in Kentucky, this book would be that child.

Opal is a fascinating character. A high school dropout with bad teeth, she's scraped by, "raised on the underside of the rules." By her own admission, she lies and cheats and steals. But she is also a survivor with a core of steel. And she would do anything to ensure her little brother makes it out of their no-hope small town.

I spent a lot of the novel wincing at the things Opal says and does. In many ways, she is her own worst enemy. But she is a sympathetic character and has such a terrific voice that she dragged me into her story on page one. 

Starling House seethes with longing. It's piercing and bitter, like thirst on a hot day. You can't trust anyone, or anything, and you can't help but root for Opal.

If you love gothic novels with creepy vibes, lush prose, and characters with sharp edges, don't miss Starling House.

This story was so much fun! It was creepy and entertaining, and it had character depth that really made me fall in love with the characters. It is slightly repetitive and starts to feel slow in the middle towards the end, but I still really enjoyed it. The writing is beautiful, and the narrator is absolutely fantastic! I think this will appeal to many, many readers, and I can't wait to read more from Harrow.

This is a good story and a unique way of presenting it as well. Its presented in a way that you feel you are living the story but its also written as you are reading a book since it has notes in it. Its a magical mystical world that you find yourself in. Everyone is human and there is no magic but its is about a house in which the creatures of the night wish to invade and the owner of the home is expected to fight the evils. Its a story that has so much to it that you can feel for both characters. I only wish it was a bit shorter as parts felt like they dragged on. I would reccomend this audio book!

If you’ve been seeing this book being marketed everywhere right now, there’s a reason. It’s a great, almost cozy, gothic fantasy book for your pre-Halloween TBR. And if it’s always Halloween in your soul (iykyk), then pick this up anytime. I received an audiobook ARC and only have good things to say about the narrator. She was great!

The main character, Opal, is relatable in the sense that she says and does what’s on her mind, and what I wish I had the courage to say and do in real life sometimes. She has plenty of responsibilities and stress, but is doing here damndest to stay afloat for her little brother and herself. She’s also a little too proud to ask for help sometimes. This leads her to Starling House, the neighborhood haunted manor with a strange history that she’s been dreaming about (literally).

The romance lovers will also enjoy this story. I appreciated that the male love interest isn’t the typical macho, hyper-alpha dude bro. As someone who isn’t always interested in having a romantic connection in a story, I liked it in this book.

Some of the side characters in this story had impactful parts without being really fleshed out as individuals, so some of the scenes seemed forced or out of place. However, the overall plot was an intriguing mystery with satisfying reveals and an ending that made sense.

Overall 4⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

I adore this cover, I love everything from the starlings, the keys, the flowers. It is spectacular. It is always nice when a book is just as spectacular as the beautiful cover.

I have read several gothic novels this year. I feel like this one is the best. The house being a character seems to be a big theme in gothic novels and how Starling house is written it truly is an essential character to the whole story line. The house is full of magic and personality and when Arthur gets mad at the house he tends to abuse it, punching windows, flooding the bathtub, etc. The house seems to want to love whomever it chooses to live there and protect what it is hiding.

This novel has tales upon tales, mysteries upon mysteries that are not related, but are. For Opal it all starts with a book called The Underland she is obsessed with it, has it memorized, printed out pictures of the author who vanished mysteriously. This was written by a Starling and part of Opal's draw to the Starling House. Opal happens to run into Arthur one night walking home when the house gate seemingly grabbed her. Arthur goes all weirdo and tells her to run away. She does, but then goes back. Arthur, a lonely young man, offers her a job taking care of his much neglected, attention craving house. Opal becomes a housekeeper at Starling House. Everyone says its a bad idea. Someone blackmails and threatens Opal. Chaos ensues.

The pacing of this book is slower, there are some intense action sequences, but they are few and far between. We mostly have Opal learning the secrets her mom kept hidden from her and the secrets that Starling House has buried in its depths. Opal and Arthur are kindred spirits. Both isolated, Arthur more literally, both made to grow up far beyond their time, and both enchanted (in different ways) by the house. Also, there is the hellcat. I love the hellcat she is sassy and perfect.

I think if you love a gothic novel this one was written perfectly. It has the intrigue, the magic, the weird creatures, some mystical elements, and a dash of romance.

This is a perfect spooky season read! Although this wasn’t my favorite Alix E Harrow book, I did enjoy this once it got rolling and about 40% of the way into the story. The narrator for the audiobook is perfect and engaging. Beauty and the beast ft. haunted house vibe. Alix really has a way with descriptive imagery, and I enjoyed the gothic setting.

3.25/5⭐️

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much macmillan for sending this my way.

I am truly not much of a fantasy person, and I still loved Starling House. It reminds me a lot of Malice House by Megan Shepard, but much more developed and exciting. I loved the characters! I think this is a very light fantasy novel that maintained good spooky/thriller vibes that really appealed to me.

Set in the small, and desolate town of Eden Kentucky, Starling House is a perfect read for fall. Part Southern Gothic and part modern fairy tale, the story balances the two beautifully creating a not overly intense but incredibly satisfying story. Opal has lived a difficult life and is driven to do whatever it takes to protect her brother and get him out of the small town. Stuck in low wage jobs and treated as an outcast in the town has given her a rough exterior and gray morals. Arthur Sterling is the warden of Sterling House. There are many rumors surrounding him and the house where his lives an isolated and disconnected life. The third major character in the book is Sterling House. The house has a unique personality of its own and adds an interesting background and depth to the entire story. When Opal's dreams about Sterling House lead her to take a job cleaning there, it sets into motion the uncovering of deep secrets that the town has hidden.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked how the story was laid out and how the secrets and layers are revealed. With getting Arthur's point of view in addition to Opals, the reader is able to see the struggling damaged man he is before Opal understands. The story immersed me quickly and I enjoyed this absorbing read.

Narrator Natalie Naudus does a nice job with the story. The narrator blended into the story nicely and it was easy to stay connected to the story through her voice.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy. This is my honest review.

My first book from Alix E. Harrow was a win! I had a feeling it would be because Starling House has so many of my buzzwords. There are few things I like more than Gothic horror where the house is sentient. I actually wish we got more of the house because I was fascinated by it as a character!

There were some moving moments and I grew to appreciate Opal as a main character. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this being told in first person but I ended up liking that choice! There were a lot of interesting reveals and I felt fully immersed in the story.

I have a few small quibbles. I liked all the back story we got but I wish it was given to us in a different way. We would get these long monologues of characters telling us a story and I thought it was a little jarring. Also, you know how when the main character is so beautiful and it is brought up over and over again throughout the novel? Starling House does the opposite and the author really wants us to know that Opal is not pretty.

In the end, Starling House is a book that is going to stay with me and it was the perfect start to my fall reading! I think it is going to be difficult to find a creepy house book that tops this one for me this year!

I was able to listen early thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Just a small town girl and the problems that follow her. Opal is drawn to Starling House without knowing exactly why. She literally dreams about the place!

The book has a spooky feel, but luckily wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. It’s a love story about two lonely people who have a heavy weight of responsibility on their shoulders. It’s a book about finding the truth and seeking justice for those who have wronged you.

The creatures in the story are unique and interesting. The world building and character development is great. I only wish I knew more about Underland and how it really works. Underland has a unique effect on people and reminded me a little of the upside down from stranger things.

All in all, I thought it was extremely entertaining. There is quite a bit of swearing, but only one steamy scene and I thought it was written really well. I’m not a fan of too much description in this area, and she did a great job not distracting from her story.

I highly recommend to fans of dual world fantasy stories. The audiobook actor was excellent, too!

Starling House is a beautifully written novel that will leave the reader longing for an eerie house of their own. The overall atmosphere and mood of the story work together seamlessly to create a perfect cozy autumn read. The dynamic characters, as well as the author's brilliant storytelling ability are two major highlights.

The main character, Opal, accepts a job at Starling House, despite all the locals, herself included, knowing there's something not quite right about the house and its owner. As she uncovers secrets, not just about the house, but also about Arthur, the man living there, the stakes just keep getting higher.

The first chapters do such a great job of setting the tone and introducing the reader to Opal's life circumstances. Everything just seems to flow together so smoothly. This continues all throughout the book, and makes for a great reading experience.

I loved how this book was slightly spooky, while not actually being scary. It was also incredibly cozy at times. I'd highly recommend it as an October or Halloween read for people who aren't fans of horror/scary novels in general.

The audiobook narrator did an excellent job, and I would definitely recommend listening to it! They really brought Opal to life, and I especially liked how Arthur's parts were voiced. It really fit his character.

This was the first book I'd read by this author, and I will definitely be checking out her other books in the near future!

Opal is absolutely determined to stick out her lucrative new job as housekeeper for Starling House, despite the fact that the house is filthy beyond reason and her boss, Arthur Starling, is kind of a rude jerkface. Arthur's ancestor wrote a children's book called The Underland that has since haunted generations of kids, Opal among them. As she starts to poke around the house hoping to share in its secrets, Opal will discover far more than she ever intended, and she'll have to make decisions about her loyalties that frighten even her brave soul.

This book is so perfectly CREEPY and I absolutely loved it!! A wonderful spooky season read for sure, and I cannot wait to see artists' renderings of the monsters described in this book. Opal is a great character, I definitely connected with her and though the romance aspect wasn't super believable for me, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. The ending is just flawless in my mind, I love the way this book wrapped up.

Definitely pick this up if you're looking for spooky fantasy vibes this fall!! Narration of the audio version was simply perfect as well. Thank you to Alix E. Harrow, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for my advance audio copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an early copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!

If you're ready for spooky season and looking for a book to really help you get into the spirit, this is the book for you! I loved how atmospheric it was and how it kept me sucked into the world that it created. It set such a creepy and chilling mood throughout the entire book, and I loved watching the world unfold and become more than more chilling as the story went on.

The one thing I felt lacked slightly was the romance. It really felt weak until right at the end, and even then I still was left wanting more from it. It might have been from how slow I felt it was in the first half, but I just couldn't find myself really getting into the romance aspect.

I loved the self-acceptance journey and the way that self-love ties into the story in a way that really shows the value of family and home. It was such a deep and thought-provoking piece to the story, and I really loved unraveling it all.

Get ready for your next spooky read!

At this point, I think we can all agree that if Natalie Naudus is narrating, the book is going to be good. Harrow is quickly up on my "must read" author list as well. So picking up this one was a no-brainer. Opal is brave and reckless, and filled with so much love. She's the flawed character that it is so easy to fall in love with. The whole story is filled with love, hope, darkness, and some bonus hope. I love the cast here and actively want to see more and more of this world. A beautiful stand alone.