If Howl's Moving Castle and Where the Wild Things Are had a baby directed by Del Toro, with a little bit of Ninth House thrown in, that's what this book reminds me of. I ATE IT UP. It felt like reading a fairy tale and the vibes were immaculate. One of the best things I've read this year.

4.5/5
My first Alix E. Harrow, but certainly not my last now that I know just how real the hype is!
On paper, I knew all the chances were that I would like this - a deadbeat small town, a fucked up house with spooky happenings, an eldest daughter feeling as though the weight of the world is on her shoulders, a side romance? What's not to love? But it really was the execution that made this as entertaining of a read as it was - I loved the playful format (who in their right mind doesn't like a good footnote???), the sarcastic and dry narrative voice, the right balance between grounding the story in reality and still offering it the air of whimsy that it requires, it all worked so well.
Extra points for the phenomenal audio narration, which made it all the more enjoyable.
Loved this!

If you're a fan of Ninth House and Atlas Six, don't miss Alix E. Harrow's new novel, Starling House!


Gravely Power is depleting Eden, Kentucky of all it has (minerals and people) and most residents are resigned to that fact. Opal doesn’t have a real place to call home in the dried-up, small town - so she is working hard to get her brother, Jasper, out of Eden. That’s why, despite all she’s heard about the Starling House when she has the chance to work there she says … yes.


Even though she’s heard ominous whispers about the possibly haunted and definitely eerie house, Opal finds herself drawn to it … and to its enigmatic owner, Arthur. But there is more than meets the eye happening in Eden and at Starling House. As Opal delves deeper into Eden's mysteries, you'll be just as captivated!


A note on the audiobook: Natalie Naudus narrates, with a cadence reminiscent of Julia Whealon’s.


Starling House explores profound themes of suffering, strength, justice, the enduring impact of trauma (both personal and intergenerational), and the significance of having our stories heard. It also examines community dynamics, (including the tendency to ignore problems and the obligation to participate when we'd rather not).


While the novel undoubtedly offers much to think about, it's worth noting that it didn't evoke strong emotions in me. Still, the book offers an intriguing blend of mysterious and spooky elements while inviting readers to reflect on the history of our country, our communities, and ourselves.


Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an ALC of this thought-provoking novel!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC! Starling House by Alix E. Harrow is a lavish, gothic fantasy that quickly sweeps you into the tale. Opal, an orphan and high school drop out, is struggling to support her younger brother, Jasper, and provide him a better life. This leads her to accept a job at Starling House, housekeeping for the reclusive Starling heir, Arthur. Soon Opal is discovering the many secrets of the house and developing feelings for Arthur. But when an offer arises (compiled by threats to Jasper), Opal must decide whether to take the offer and betray Arthur or defy the building threats. Starling House is a beautiful tale with hidden lore and abiding romance.

Starling House by Alex E Harrow was such a delight to read! Eerie, a bit gothic at times, unsettling and — for sure — a dark fairytale. I especially loved that it was set in a small town, Eden Kentucky, which is a part of Muhlenberg County. As soon as I heard Muhlenberg mentioned my interest was piqued. I grew up, listening to my parents singing Paradise by John Prine, which is about Muhlenberg and eventually, that song itself is even mentioned in the novel. Alex E Harrow blends upsetting elements of the real world as well as the supernatural to unpack scenes of lineage, poverty, trauma like survivors guilt and PTSD, and the obligations we feel to those we love or those we feel we have made even a burden to.

The story has kind of rhythm to it, which can be a bit familiar. But I find that this works really well in establishing that fairytale quality. I really enjoyed the research aspects of the book, including some footnotes. Our main character, Opal, sends a lot of time trying to uncover secrets around the most powerful families in the town, the disappearance of a famous author, and the history of Starling House itself. There’s been strange happenings and, as you’d imagine, there are a lot of negative connotations surrounding the Starling House and the author and it’s interesting to see news documentation come together with legend. It’s something quite recognizable to me, growing up in a small rural town… people talk. Often times there are outdated ideas about women and complexities surrounding power and also the fear of it. Small towns end up with their own kind of folklore. They often have witches and haunted houses, even legends. So this is wonderful, in that regard.

The atmosphere is completely delicious. In so many of the scenes, specifically inside Starling House is very much it’s own character. I would’ve loved even more of them.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked the audiobook narrator, but she really grew on me, and I think she accomplished an embodiment of the vulnerability, and the grit in Opal. Her voice had a kind of depth to it that added to the story.

I’d like to take just a moment to say that I really appreciated the way the PTSD was touched on in this book. As someone who has suffered significantly with PTSD it’s nice to see it on page is the kind of a logical change difficult thing that it is . People go through life all the time with this kind of pain laying dormant and when it comes out to be unpredictable but it doesn’t have to be a huge display. I thought it was very well done and I really appreciate it that was included and it added to my appreciation of us character.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for early access to this title. It was such a great way to start September! It’s out October 3, from Tor!

Starling House by Alix Harrow

I first heard of Alix Harrow when her short story “A Witch's Guide to Escape: A Practical Compendium of Portal Fantasies” was nominated for a Hugo Award. I read it, and I loved it. When her first novel came out, The Ten Thousand Door of January, I read it right away, and was a little disappointed. The book felt disjointed, and I didn’t care for the protagonist or her struggles very much. I felt like the author didn’t successfully make the leap from short story to novel. I read Ms. harrows, two fractured fairytale Novelas when they were nominated for the Hugos and I enjoyed them, although they felt a bit glib.I think I’m part because I’m getting a little tired of the hard-drinking, Devil-May-care protagonist trope. But they were entertaining, if not exactly treading new ground, and I enjoyed them more than her first novel, so I was intrigued when I read the blurb for her newest book, Starling House. I was excited when the publisher and NetGalley granted me an eARC and wow. Just wow. Was this book ever a leveling up!

I’m not a huge horror fan, but after reading some T. Kingfisher novels over the last couple of years, I find myself enjoying it more. And this book was an excellent book of the “creepy house” variety.

The protagonist, Opal, felt very real and three dimensional. Her life and her struggles were rooted in reality and didn’t seem either overly glamorized or exaggerated. I loved the slow build and unfolding of the mystery and all of the secondary and tertiary characters. And it was creepy in just the right way. And I love the house! The titular Starling House is practically a character itself and I love it so.

This world felt real and lived in and shone a light on a part of the world (rural Kentucky) that I don’t often see in SFF books. The resolution of the novel was satisfying on several levels - in this type of book, it is essential to stick the landing, and this one does so in a very satisfying way.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes horror, likes Alice Harrow, likes thoughtful, well written books that are a tad creepy.

I listened to this on audiobook. The narrator was good, if a tad slow of speech. I started this on 1.5 speed and was up to 2x before I was halfway through.

An intriguing gothic tale of magic and overcoming grief. Opal and Arthur both grew up in Eden, a town that seems cursed - and it 100% is. Arthur is the sullen, reluctant guardian of Starling House, and is all that stands between Eden and disaster. Opal is a girl looking for a true home, and stumbles into a housekeeping position at Starling House - all the while falling more and more in love with the house and the man that lives there. Together, the two of them will fight fairy tale monsters and save those they love - but not without a lot of angst, swearing, and intrigue along the way. A fantastic read from beginning to end, this dark fairy tale will captivate fantasy readers.

This was such a perfect slightly spooky story. Right from the start I absolutely loved Opal. She had such a heart and drive, but it blended well with how lost she was. My only issue is I want more of how the house influenced the town. Give me all the legends and whispers that would happen if this was real,.

Opal is so relatable in how she will do anything to provide and protect for her family until she becomes the housekeeper for the house that is haunting her dreams, Starling House. But the house and its owner aren't exactly as they seem..

What I love about this: (1) we have a sentient house, (2) just enough suspense/darkness to keep you guessing without overpowering the book, and (3) the story wraps up so well without feeling forced.

I listened to this book in one day. I quite literally did not stop listening to it because I wanted to know where this story went. This was my first book of Alix's and I can totally understand the hype.

Would highly recommend for fans of V.E. Schwab/Gallant.

I was not the right audience for this book. It was a gothic fantasy book and I spend the first half trying to figure out if it was connected to Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. This book and that book seemed like identical stories to me. I kept checking to see if I was re-reading the same book or if this was a prequel. They are in fact different, but so so similar. This is not my genre of book so I don't have anything noteworthy to add.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book to read and review.

Love anything by Alix E. Harrow and this novel didn’t disappoint - such a great gothic fairytale that quickly sucked you in and kept you listening/reading, curious about the mysteries of the house. Really loved the small town setting and the cast of characters that felt very real (especially if you’re familiar with small town life and everything it comes with, including the gossip, rumors, politics, and folks knowing everyone’s business). A great read for the spooky season coming up - less horror, more gothic, with lots of sass. Recommend checking out the audiobook - the narrator is great (one of my favs) and really makes the story, the characters, and the house come to life.

Thanks to Net Galley for the audiobook!

What I liked: The book is very atmospheric and I enjoyed the author's use of language and description throughout the book. I liked the character of the house and the whole story about the underland.

If you like gothic novels, you will likely like this book very much, it has everything you would expect, nightmares, secrets, spooky settings (without being overly scary), a sense of decay, a little bit of romance, and so many emotions. While this particular book didn't work for me, it might work for you. I find it hard to enjoy a book when I don't like the main character. Unfortunately, I didn't like Opal. I really hoped she would grow on me, but she never did. I also needed more things to happen: more fights, more creatures, more scary things. The focus of this book was mostly on Opal and Arthur and the history of the house than it was the scary things happening inside the house. The scariest things that happened were more of the real life scariness of losing a parent, not being able to pay the bills, the fear of becoming homeless, living in a town with no opportunities, having no future.

I do recommend the audiobook version. Natalie Naudus brought all the gothic atmosphere with her voice. She does an excellent job of differentiating the voices. This book also has interesting historical notes throughout and I liked how she read those sections and brought interest to what could seem a more boring footnote the reader might be likely to skip over when reading a physical book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an advance audio ARC of the book.

The audiobook was phenomenally narrated and Starling House is easily my favorite book so far this year. Highly recommend it!

This was my first Harrow but it will not be my last! This tale unfurled like a most dreamy fairytale. I’m thoroughly enchanted!

Cozy gothic horror? Yes please! Two things I can always count on Alix E. Harrow to provide is rich prose and an uncanny atmosphere. One of my favorite things to read about is creepy haunted houses set in small towns and this book delivered that. I seriously loved the sentient mysterious old house that is Starling House. Not sure if I can technically count the house as my favorite character but it was one of the best parts of the story! The actual main character, Opal, was great. I loved how flawed and real she was. Her character development didn’t feel rushed, and I enjoyed watching her growth. The plot was easy to follow and had the perfect amount of whimsy and romance to offset the spookiness. I usually find character driven stories to be slow, but I felt that this one was paced well. Starling House is perfect for fall and for readers looking for an addictive spooky (but not too spooky) read!

Thank you to Tor and Macmillan Audio for providing an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Starling House is dark and gothic and romantic and spooky and I really enjoyed it! It’s just the right amount of scary to kick off the start of spooky season.

I thought the audio narrator did a nice job setting the tone, and the writing really gave you a good picture of the little town of Eden, Kentucky with all of its secrets and intriguing characters. I thought the backstory/explanation for things got a tiny bit complicated and confusing for me but overall I thought it was unique and enthralling. At times I really felt like I was standing in the dark watching the mist rise around me, too.

I was given access to the audiobook ARC on NetGalley by Macmillan Audio and Tor books and this is my honest review. Starling House is available for preorder now and will be released on October 3rd!

"Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow offers readers a captivating contemporary gothic fantasy in a small town haunted by secrets that refuse to stay buried. Set in the fading town of Eden, Kentucky, the story revolves around the mysterious Starling House and its last remaining heir, Arthur Starling. Eden is a town marked by its misfortune and the legend of E. Starling, a reclusive 19th-century author and illustrator who wrote "The Underland" before vanishing. Starling House, which appeared around the same time, has since been left to decay, as residents avoid it and its enigmatic heir, Arthur.

Opal, the protagonist, knows better than to involve herself with haunted houses (even if she continuously has dreams about Starling House) and brooding men. But when she receives an unexpected job offer from Arthur, it seems like an opportunity to save her brother from the confines of Eden. However, Starling House quickly becomes more than just a job; it starts to feel like a true home to Opal. As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur must confront buried secrets and their own fears to protect their town from dangers both supernatural and mundane.

"Starling House" is a mesmerizing read that showcases Harrow's talent for storytelling. With its well-developed characters and a living house, it offers a unique and engaging reading experience that will leave readers enthralled. It explores how the characters grapple with their past experiences and the impact these events have had on their lives. This added depth to the story, as it portrayed the characters' vulnerabilities and resilience in the face of adversity.

The novel weaves a story that has elements of family, home, history, and trauma. Harrow's prose is a standout feature, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere that enhances the gothic fantasy elements. The familial relationship between Opal and her brother, as well as the romance that unfolds, adds amazing depth to the narrative and allows readers to connect with the characters on an emotional level.

One of the standout elements of "Starling House" that I absolutely loved was the concept of the living house itself. The idea of a house that seems to have a life of its own that calls guardians who need a home, added a unique layer of charming enchantment to the story.

Beautiful story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. This is an honest review.

This is my first book by Alix Harrow, but I don’t think it will be my last. This is also I think my first time listening to Natalie Naudus, but I will certainly be keeping my eye out for her as well. This was a great audiobook and one I highly recommend, especially if you are into gothic stories with a house that is almost sentient, and certainly holds a lot of secrets.

Opal may not exactly be a likable character, but she is certainly a sympathetic one. She is a 26 year old who has been taking care of her brother, Jasper, since she was 15, which is when their mother died. She had several strikes against her even before her mother’s death, but she is determined that her brother will have a better life and will get out of their small town for good. The relationship between her and her brother was sweet and loving even when they didn’t agree. I loved Opal’s acerbic wit and how she stands up to people, but she at times does not make the best choices in life. But she is also driven to find out the truth about Starling House which is what gets her into trouble.

Arthur was also not exactly likable, but he was an interesting character. He is also an orphan from a fairly young age and had a great responsibility thrust upon him as the caretaker of the house. He tries really hard not to care about Opal, but also finds himself wanting to help her and care for her. I really liked his narrative and his perspective of Opal and the house.

There are lots of secondary characters, some who want to help Opal and Jasper, and others who want to use her. There are of course some bad people who just want to use her to get access to Starling House, and they were not likable at all. But I really enjoyed the two women who always looked out for Opal and tried to help her when they could. Bev owned the hotel where Opal and Jasper lived, and she was cranky and onerous, but she really did care for the kids. There is also the librarian who helps Opal find historical accounts about the house, but also genuinely cared about Opal.

The plot was well done and nicely paced with things being revealed slowly over the course of the book. There is a lot of backstory on the house and different versions of the events so it was hard to tell which were true and who to believe. This is more of a supernatural story than a ghost story, although the house does feel haunted, it is only filled with memories. The romance between Opal and Arthur is slow and sweet and I love how they each think they are protecting the other with their actions.

The writing was fabulous. It was a nice mix of creepy house shenanigans, found family, and romance. The descriptions of the house were wonderful, I could really see and feel what it would be like to be inside. It was very atmospheric and fit into the southern gothic vibes. Even the town was a bit creepy with the mist rising at odd hours. The narrator, Natalie Naudus, does a great job with making everything sound so creepy and does an excellent job with voices for the different characters.

This is a solid southern gothic tale that incorporates the themes of found family, small town secrets, money and greed and environmental damage by a local company. I loved the writing and the audiobook was well narrated. This will be a perfect book to pick up in October for a spooky, dark night read.

Thank you MacMillan Audio and Tor Publishing for copies of Alix E. Harrow's Starling House.
I actually think going in to this book as spoiler free as possible is the way to go, just let the story unfold.

I loved this story, it was magical but also so grounded in very real themes on sibling relationships, self love/resilience, and the impact of family history and identity. I also love a book that is about a book, the ability of an author to develop that secondary book world within the bigger story always impresses me and here it is so well done... the idea of darkness as a part of children's books is thoughtful and well executed. The pacing was excellent and the audiobook narration really captured the mood, mystery, and tension in the right way and with great tone and style. There is some romance in the story but I loved that it was placed within a slow burn tension progression and it was secondary to bigger themes for me about family, about feeling like you belong, all stood out within a story that has well developed themes on monsters and mysterious houses and related themes.

This is my first book from this author, I know a popular author who I just haven't gotten to, so this has been a great introduction to her style and themes.

Well, Alix E. Harrow has done it again. Ten Thousand Doors of January is one of my favorites. Then came The Once and Future Witches, and I loved it just as much. I thought surely there's no way this next one could top either of those.

My goodness, I'm a damned fool.

I should have known better. I should have braced myself for compelling and colorful characters, a creative and page-turning plot, and gorgeous writing that conjures vibrant imagery. Instead, after tusseling with warring impulses to rush to see what happens and to slow down and savor the story, I finished the book with heartache and a full-on book hangover.

Our main character is the surly, clever, and spirited Opal. A survivor. Her commitment to ensuring that her little brother makes it - out of their run-down rural town and into a better life with opportunity - keeps her going. But she is haunted by her past, filled with loss, trauma, and neglect. In her dreams she is called to Starling House, an old, desolate mansion in town - eerie and mysterious, misty and sprawling. Its sole inhabitant, a tall, awkward, yet oddly alluring young man (I totally pictured Adam Driver lol), intrigues her for reasons she can't quite make sense of, causing her consternation. We are drawn into his perspective too, as we make our way deeper into Starling House and its history and secrets.

This book is absorbing and atmospheric. The House takes on its own life, a character unto itself. And the characters surrounding Opal are endearing. I also appreciated the themes and how they enriched the plot. Poverty, capitalism, the legacy of colonization, degradation of the environment, misogyny, privilege and greed. Descendents of colonizers working to undo the harms their ancestors perpetrated. And tenderly, found family, connection, and even romance in unexpected places.

So grateful to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the advanced audiobook! The narrator does a fantastic job giving voice to the characters and lifting the stunning prose from ink to ear.

A must read for fans of magical realism and Gothic tales. Aptly it comes out on Halloween!