Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read the E-ARC on Netgalley. I want to address that this is my first time reading a novel from Alix Harrow, so I'm on the fence about reading any other stories by her because I quickly lost interest in this one. I think I was expecting my horror from the story. I also wanted to know more about Opal's mother's upbringing and how it was caring for two children on her own. A huge plus was the characters. All of the characters felt real and unique in their way. However, I could not stand Elizabeth Baine! I say if you love Alix Harrow novels, definitely give this one a try.

This book is a creepy little nightmare that sucked me in pretty quickly. Opal, our hero, is not likeable in the least, but part of that is what made me like her so much in the end. Her willingness to do just about anything for the people she loves pulls her around, entirely out of control of her life. She's an outcast, content with that as long as she can look after her brother. It's not a brand-new story, but it is a universal one. Enter Starling house, the stuff of both dreams and nightmares for Opal and the town she lives in. Sitting behind a locked gate and inhabited by a mysterious family, the house, nearly invisible to the townsfolk, prompts endless stories, though none of them are quite accurate. I love a magic house, a character in its own right, even one that may turn out to be evil and murderous in the end. Starling House sucks Opal in as the story sucks in the reader, twisting vines around your heart and trapping you before you realize what's happened. Things dart out of the shadows so quickly you wonder if you missed something. Like any good gothic horror, Starling House unfolds a mystery whose answer is not at all what you thought and exactly what it should be. This story is about a haunted house and monsters lurking in the dark, but it's also about a town haunted by secrets and lies. As Opal figures out the story of the house, she discovers her own story may not be quite accurate either.

"I believe if somebody's just a little bit different, people will make up all kinds of nonsense." Always trust the librarian.

Shifting points of view, first-person for Opal, 3rd for Arthur (the house's sword-wielding warden), and the delightful omniscience of a narrator in footnotes, weave together to craft a tale worthy of several rereads, many highlights, and late nights spent reading until the sun sneaks up on you. The romance is smooth and believable, the bad guys are terrifying, and the conclusion is perfectly satisfying. No-big-deal gay and bi representation is always a plus for me. Get a copy when it comes out on Halloween and you won't need to watch a single horror movie.

unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.
Release Date: October 3rd, 2023
Genre: Horror/Fantasy
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Liked the cover
2. Liked the idea of the book

What I Didn't Like:
1. God this writing is so over the top
2. Does the book ever end

Overall Thoughts:
I did not enjoy this book at all. I honestly feel like I've read this book so many times before;
"Tough as nails girl left to take care of a sibling, mother wasn't good with men, mother dies, father out of picture, has to take random job, owner of house is loner, owner of house is out of touch with "poor" people, owner slowly starts to be nice..blah blah.. They fall in love...blah"
This book is edging between Beauty and the Beast too - even with the character reading a retelling of the book in this story.

I found very very odd that they would hire one person randomly to clean this huge house by herself. And of course Opal thinks nothing of this.

I felt weighed down by the overly descriptive writing of every little thing. Describing the smallest thing like a blade of grass felt endless and pointless. Some of the descriptions made me laugh at them.
"Sucks the sugar off of her teeth."
How prey tell does one suck sugar off of their teeth? You'd look ridiculous even trying.

Why in these stories is government assistance never a thing? They just have to suck it up and live in this motel. She would rather her and Jasper struggle for his schooling to pay for it rather than ask for help. But it's even better because her working at the Starling House and putting all her money into the school is pointless because Jasper doesn't want to go. He got a scholarship and Financial aid too. So I guess he didn't need to know any of Opal's info to apply for those things. These two hiding things from one another is ridiculous.

I found the parts of the book with the authors noted very out of place and disruptive. I got the ebook & audiobook and the sections with them were something I found out I didn't care about at all.

Final Thoughts:
I dipped out at page 250. For so many reasons but it just kept going on and on. Opal felt too whiny. The book felt too long. The story is too similar to other stories that told it in a better way.

Recommend For:
• Gothic novels
• Creepy houses
• Sibling stories

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio & Macmillan. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review!!

Starling House is Alix E. Harrow’s foray into Southern gothic mixed with contemporary fantasy. Eden, Kentucky is a former mining town famous only for E. Starling, nineteenth century author of The Underland who disappeared, leaving Starling House in her wake. Opal has been stuck in Eden for a long time and has been taking care of her teenage brother, scrounging together money so he can get out, even if she can’t. She takes an unexpected housekeeping job from Arthur, the mysterious heir of Starling House, but she certainly fails to mention she’s been dreaming of the house for years. Still, there is something deeply wrong with the house, and in Southern gothic tradition, there’s some dark small town secrets that Opal and Arthur need to uncover.

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2023 and it didn’t disappoint! It’s not really surprising that I loved this because I have loved all of Harrow’s previous works, and I think that this one is my favorite so far. I love creepy and sentient houses and I love the gothic, so this really ticked all of my boxes in terms of atmosphere and vibes. I really liked Opal, who maybe has a chip on her shoulder a little too big for her own good, and Arthur, who is to me a specific brand of Sad Boy that really just scratches some itches in my brain. I enjoyed the magic in this and Harrow’s prose was really excellent. I really liked the way the POV switches were handled, though of course Arthur is a certain kind of catnip to me and Opal is fun to be in the head of. I think that this is certainly a gothic story, but it’s definitely not horror, and I think going in expecting a scary or horror sort of gothic instead of a atmospheric/mysterious/haunted by dark secrets gothic will lead you to be quite disappointed. Harrow nails the atmosphere, and this is what I’d expect from a Southern gothic. Still, it’s much cozier than one would ever associate with the horror genre, so I do hope people don’t go in expecting something this is not. I suppose the more romance inclined among us will find that the romance between Opal and Arthur isn’t as robust as the rest of the story, but I’m not a romance reader and I loved the way it unfolded.

Natalie Naudus did an excellent job with the narration, which I’m so pleased about because she’s one of my favorite audiobook narrators. I love her cadence and the way she approached narrating, so if audiobooks are a format that works for you, I’d definitely recommend it.

I LOVED THIS. Starling House was so atmospheric and eerie. The prose was lush and I found myself completely entranced by the story. Opal was such an amazing character and I loved her growth throughout the story. The actual House was one of my favorite parts of the story. Alix did such a wonderful job bringing something so inanimate to life. I did feel like a few plot points were never truly resolved well, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. I definitely will be buying a copy of this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Obsession doesn’t even begin to describe it. Starling House was a magnificent gothic fantasy story I’ll be holding dear to my heart forever. Magic, mystery, intrigue, and excellently developed main characters. What more could you ask for?! I truly believe there’s something for everyone in this book. Completely perfect for spooky season!!

"Wow, she did it again" - me, marveling after staying up all night to finish (yet another) 5 star book by Alix E. Harrow.

At this point I'm not sure if Harrow is capable of writing anything that falls anywhere short of outstanding.

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a kind of cozy, kind of dark Alice In Wonderland reimagining. Like, it wasn't a retelling, but it was very similar in a lot of POC a ways? Either way, small town, monsters in the mist, a "rabbit" hole into another world, a cat, a sword... it had everything I could've wanted. Oh, and light romance. Which hit the spot.

I have to admit, this takes place in a small town in the south. It is a very stereotypical small town. But it's well written and makes me both hate this town and hope for a better future for *some* of the people in it.

Opal is an interesting character in that she's a liar and thief, but she's also one of the most unselfish characters I've seen in a while. Even when some of the things she does seem selfish, there's always a reason behind why she does what she does. By the end of the book, I was absolutely glued in place just waiting to see how it was going to end and... I'm not disappointed.

The cozy vibes throughout he book plus the little bit of action and the darkness that slowly seeps into each chapter offered a unique story that had me simultaneously gripping the edge of my seat and settling down with a mug to relax and enjoy the ride.

🎧Song Pairing: We Can Tell She’s In Hell by Ethna Robinson

💭What I thought would happen:

This is me stepping out of my comfort into more fantasy/magical books. I think there’s crows?

📖What actually happens:

The Starling house is the stuff of myths. The local haunted house. Opal finds herself drawn to the house. When she’s caught lingering outside the gate she meets Arthur Starling and is offered a job.

Opal soon realizes she’s more intertwined with the house, the Starlings and the small town of Eden, Kentucky than she ever imagined. She is the key.

🗯Thoughts:

Okay won’t lie, I nearly DNF’d around 30% but am so happy I pushed through. By the end I was like ok ok I am digging this weirdo of a story!

If you liked the magic house in A Court of Silver Flames then I think you’ll find something intriguing in this one!

I do think this will be a very popular one come October! Has Halloween, spooky vibes all over it! So add it to your creepy autumn reading list!

Read if you like:
🖤Cursed family
✨Magical inanimate objects
😉Sexy gatekeeper
⚰️Suspicious deaths
🤍Gothic fantasy

I wouldn't dare call tag this as a horror novel. It's a Southern gothic fantasy romance. When books are tagged as something they're not, it irks me because it almost sets the story up for failure. I kept waiting for the monsters to really shine but they're background at best. Remove horror from the equation and then we're doing the book a bit more justice.

This book is about Opal; her and Arthur's budding romance, her relationship with Jasper, her relationship with Starling House, and ultimately her journey into herself.

I enjoyed it but I wasn't blown away. For those looking for a cozy, fall, spooky coded read, I'd say go for it. New era Practical Magic vibes (kinda). 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Summary of review: A cozy, gothic fairytale with an emphasis on family love that would warm even the coldest of hearts.

As the eldest daughter, nothing makes me as happy as a slightly unhinged eldest daughter whose life is a middle finger to the world. Opal only has one goal; to get her brother Jasper out of Eden. After her mother's tragic death, Jasper is the only thing that gives Opal a reason to get out of bed. She has left behind her dreams of the future, and of Starling House, which has called to her since she was a child. Desperate for a way to pay for Jasper's future, Opal finds herself drawn back to the mysterious Starling House and its owner. In an attempt to get rid of Opal, the owner Arthur offers her a housekeeping position, hoping to scare her away. Instead, Opal gets drawn further into the mystery and history of Starling House, finding out just how it connects to her past.

Wow, this novel is pure character and charm. Not only are the actual characters dimensional and complex, but the town and the house are. Everything felt alive in such a startling way. The weather, landscape, buildings, and more were painted in such vivid detail with magnificent wording. Starling House felt like a real person, Harrow gave it such a strong personality. I actually felt sad when the house expressed disappointment and hurt! The town of Eden brought to mind such a vivid image of a stereotype, but you'll have to read it to find out who I'm thinking of. Every word was carefully chosen and crafted, forming a gothic tale that came alive and jumped out of the pages.

Jasper and Opal quickly stole a permanent place in my heart. Often siblings come across as stilted and awkward, but their relationship was so real. They fought, squabbled, teased, and often made up by bribing each other with food. It was quite clear that they both would do anything for each other, which often translated into them butting heads. Opal dedicates her life to Jasper, and Jasper is determined for Opal to find her own future by taking care of himself. Sibling relationships are such a unique and beautiful thing; the fact that Harrow portrayed it so perfectly on paper is a testament to her writing skills.

Despite Opal's refusal to accept help, we get to know those who have forced their way into her life. Charlotte the librarian, Bev her landlady, and a devil cat. There is an emphasis on community and how no one can go about life truly alone. This novel isn't very touchy-feely; it's more of a tough love. Opal isn't the only one barely scraping by, and yet her small crew is still giving of themselves. Seeing Opal grow to accept their help was so precious.

This was not as dark as I was expecting. Harrow has such a way with levity and humor. Even though there were lots of heavy topics (child abandonment, depression, racism) it was balanced with plenty of comedic moments. Without this blend, the book would have been overwhelming with its heaviness.

The fantastical element reminded me of a darker Wonderland. Blurring between the real world and the Underworld gave it a magical realism feel. The fantasy elements and mystery were interwoven together in a clever way. We slowly learn about the magic that permeates Eden at a consistent pace. At times I was unable to put the book down because of how the reveals and surprises created a domino effect. Harrow utilized the art of telling "fairy tales" for big reveals. The narrator often speaks directly to the reader, telling a bedtime story. With each retelling of the same tale, a little more gets revealed and the true story is untangled from the lies.

Starling House is a witty and charming novel, with a fun and unique mystery. The gothic house and strong characters built a wonderful storyline that is going to enchant many readers.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio (my one true love) for the advanced audio copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

4.5⭐️

This is my third Alix E. Harrow book (after The Once and Future Witches & The Ten Thousand Doors of January), and it definitely won’t be my last. She has a lovely way with words, and centers her stories around well-drawn, strong female characters, and I’m here for it.

With Starling House, we have Opal, a young woman who’s not had an easy go of it, who will do anything and everything to give her younger brother a better life- hopefully far away from their small Kentucky town.

In that town, there’s a legendary- infamous, really- estate known as Starling House. Little is known about the mysterious mansion, but much ill is ascribed to it. For reasons she can’t explain, Opal has been haunted by it for years, visiting it again and again in her dreams. Then, one day she’s drawn to it, and ends up finding a job. And that’s not all she finds….

This is a dark fairy tale, but it’s also a romance- and a lovely one at that. Some great characters to get to know and root for here for sure, and plenty of eerie suspense and mystery along the way.

Natalie Naudus did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Alix E. Harrow, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Gothic literature and a sentient house filled with secrets is all it took to for me to grab this book. Starling House is a character within itself, and possibly my favorite, like a puppy who wants love but doesn't understand biting hurts. The house is quick to give action throughout the tale, and its atmosphere is filled with gothic intrigue and history that I want to read to discover. Arthur lives in Starling and hermits himself away with secret goals, until Opal comes near enough to the house and sets off new conflicts that add espionage and danger to an already deadly situation. Lots of action, secrets, magic, monsters, and evil villains fill this story so that there is barely a moment of peace. Good for the reader, but bad for Opal and Arthur whose enemies-to-lovers relationship is tested repeatedly; especially when both of them kept making some foolish decisions that made me want to shake them. However, I really enjoyed the overall atmosphere of danger and darkness of the novel, along with the complicated/interesting existence of Starling House.

Alix E. Harrow’s Starling House is a heartbreaking and haunting gothic story gorgeously narrated by Natalie Naudus. As Harrow does so well, this book serves magic, mystery, love, and enough tension to keep readers wanting more. Steeped in the painful reality of poverty, homelessness, and hunger in Eden, Kentucky, we find our feisty protagonist Opal struggling to care for Jasper, her book-smart brother with a bright future to preserve. An encounter with the brooding and mysterious Arthur sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the trajectory of their lives. A must-read for anyone who has ever wanted to find a door to a magical space beyond.

Natalie Naudus narrates this with a perfect mix of intention, personality, distinct and recognizable voices, and her unique ability to keep the listener enthralled throughout. The delicious slow burn readers savor in an excellent gothic mystery like this is beautifully enhanced in this audio rendition. Naudus handles steamy passages with just the right amount of sensuality, and her voice with Harrow’s text is so, so good. Together, they will take you on a journey full of humanity. There will be laughs, possibly some tears, perhaps a little rage, and ultimately a satisfying scratch for that itch we call nostalgia for all those magical stories read under covers by flashlight.

Alix E. Harrow is one of my favourite authors and I’m so pleased I was approved for an advanced copy of this audiobook through NetGalley.

Opal is a no nonsense fiery redhead that does -whatever- it takes in all manner- especially to care for her younger brother Jasper— including working at the mysterious Starling House for its current caretaker - Arthur, the latest in a series of wardens. Eden, Kentucky’s infamous old sprawling haunted manor is surrounded by rumours, hushed stories and secrets.

Starling House is a romantic gothic mystery that spans decades. Filled with a cast of characters that will suck you in, a purring hellbeast, a sentient house and a beautiful prose that will scratch your brain in the most delicious way.

Starling House is the perfect cozy fall read which is coming out this October, just in time for spooky season.

Starling House is the perfect atmospheric gothic fairytale you’ve been waiting for!

The setting & world building was so good, I felt really immersed in the word & could easily imagine what Eden looked like, smelled like, felt like, it was beautifully rendered yet realistic at the same time. At times the prose feels dreamlike & cinematic which I loved, it really added to the whole vibe of the setting of the book.

Opal & Arthur were both great characters that have been fleshed out with a complexity you don’t usually see in a stand-alone. Will they both frustrate you multiple times during the book? Yes. Will you also be rooting for them the whole way through? Also yes.

I would say this is a relatively plot light book, don’t go in expecting an action packed novel, it’s more of a slow paced, atmosphere & character driven book. It has good pacing throughout & enough mystery happening to keep you guessing. A couple of bits are quite obvious, but other twists I definitely did not see coming!

The narration was superb, I have read books with Natalie Naudus before & really enjoyed them, this was no different. Her characterisations are just perfect & she really captures the dreamlike lyrical quality of the book. Would definitely recommend picking up the audio!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

This is so well written! I jumped in without even reading the summary! Just what I needed! I loved Opal! Perfect character & I loved that Arthur isn’t a drop dead gorgeous hunk of a man.

Gothic - YESSS!
Interesting house - YESSS!
Dark secrets screaming to be released - YESSS!
Creepy brooding broken male character - YESS!
Female scrappy thief & who is also broken with a brother in tow - YESSS!
Dialog that punches almost as much as Opal - YESSS!

I really enjoyed this book!! I need the hardcover!

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio! Sooo good!!

First of all, I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sending me this audiobook for review. Natalie Naudus gave me goosebumps on numerous occasions with the emotion in her words, and the way that she let the stories within the story unfold were hauntingly beautiful.

Starling House is PERFECT for lovers of the Raven Cycle series who crave the same humor, magic, and lore but with more adult and gothic horror elements. This was a story and worlds that I could, and did, get lost inside. I both loved every second of it and was terrified that I would never make it out with a happy ending, but you just have to trust the process and allow it all to unfurl and connect in its own time. I promise it is the best and most satisfying ending!!

The ageless, timeless, sentient Starling House was hands down the star of the show and will end up one of your favorite “characters” right away. The way everything was written was so immersive and beautiful that you couldn’t help but feel every moment from the inside and out.

Opal was a refreshing lead, mature and strong yet vulnerable, holding on to her dreams and nightmares with the determination of a child. Arthur Starling was wise beyond his years, and a battered, worn, passionate old soul who deserved the absolute world. And the romance between them was filled with tension and heartbreakingly beautiful sweetness!!

The creatures, the house, the stories from the dark history of Eden, KY, and the haunting children’s book telling the tale of the child who traveled into the terrifying scape of Underland are all captivating pieces that, at times in the beginning, seem to be pieces belonging to different puzzles. But the way the author wove every detail together in the end was a masterful, purposeful, and insanely creepy good time. Again, I listened to the audiobook, but I’m confident that there will be entire pages that I highlight as soon as my physical copy arrives!!

All in all this is not a feel good, spooky, ghost story with a monster house and quirky characters. It is a dark, terrifying, suspenseful nightmare…but dreams are what you make them, and so are nightmares, and this book will hands down leave you appreciating the childlike beauty in loving both.

I loved this one, the narrator was really good too! She did a fantastic job.

Starling House quickly immersed me in this chilling and addictive gothic fairytale set in a southern small town in Kentucky mixed with truth and fiction.

Alix E. Harrow brought some history to life in a fairytale way with Starling House in Eden, Kentucky. the house is alive, it's become a home for those with nowhere to call home or to belong. but it's not as easy as that. they are wardens of this house, brought here from all over to become a guardian to keep nightmarish beasts from escaping the Underland.

Opal and Arthur are both resilient in their quests. for Opal, that's taking care of her younger brother, and for Arthur, it's Starling House. i wasn't expecting a romance on the side, but the smallest of moments between them would send me into a blubbering and giddy little frenzy.

this would make a perfect cozy and spooky read during autumn when it's chilly, foggy, and gloomy outside.

Thank you to Macmillan for the audio ARC!

I have enjoyed every book I've read by Alix Harrow - this is no exception! Starling House is an easy to read gothic fairytale. The setting of this book makes me think it would be an excellent fall read (especially around Halloween). It's a little creepy and very atmospheric but also kind of heartwarming?

The audiobook was solid and I really liked the narrator.

The beginning of this is a bit slow and a little dull, but it gives us a good look at the characters and environment. The descriptions were really vivid and captivating, and I feel like they painted such a good picture of the world - so while the beginning is a little slow, I was still invested. Around the 45% mark things pick up, and then by the ~65% mark things are really interesting!

I think the characters were my favorite part of this. They're all flawed individuals with personalities and dreams. I can relate to Opal - an eldest daughter turned into a caretaker for her sibling - and so my opinion is a little biased (but reviews are all opinion based so whatever)!

The relationships between Opal and the other characters in the book were wonderful. In particular, I really liked Opal's relationship with her brother. I think it was such an interesting dynamic, and the development that occurs over the course of the novel is really well done. There was a scene between them that got me a little teary eyed! There was also an exchange between the siblings that made me laugh out loud.

The relationship between Opal and Arthur frustrated the shit out of me at times... but I can recognize that their past has shaped them and sometimes makes them do things that are not perfect. Sometimes I wanted to slap them and sometimes I really liked them.

In this book there's a LOT of different things going on and I definitely intend to reread this to catch everything. I'm definitely adding Alix Harrow to my autobuy authors list after this!

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a well written gothic fairytale with a solid set of characters and interesting setting. I think this would be a wonderful Halloween read (and it releases in October!!)