Member Reviews

Four couples go to a weekend retreat at an inn where the host facilitates astrology readings and activities. Each have their own drama going on, some more sinister than others.

This was definitely a slow burn, but worth it for the twists at the end. Even though the suspense was slow, I still enjoyed reading it because of the characters’ drama and secrets. The author did a great job doing a bait and switch on the reader with the ultimate “bad guy” - definitely didn’t see it coming!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Astrology House opens with a flood of characters, all connected in various ways, and all unlikable. My head spun as I tried to keep them straight.

Despite this, I was initially drawn in by the setting and premise. I loved the idea of a group getaway featuring astrological charts and discussions.

But these interchangeable characters were terrible people doing terrible things to each other. They weren’t entertaining. I wanted them all to die.

Not much aside from melodrama happens until the final quarter. Things then spiral into all sorts of weirdness. I wasn’t surprised by the reveals, and I didn’t care enough about any of the characters to be invested in their fates.

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I loved this book! So many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Definitely a fun read! A mix of astrology and twists and turns. 4/5 stars

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Gripping and utterly dramatic! The Astrology House captivated me from the very start and kept me entranced throughout. This book is as entertaining and secret-laden as a nighttime soap opera like Desperate Housewives. The characters’ lives are tangled with drama and dysfunction, making it hard to put down.

Margot, seeking answers and a break, heads to Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat with her husband Ted, her brother Adam, his wife Aimee, and close friends. She desperately needs a respite from her busy job and family planning efforts. The retreat promises relaxation, bonding, insights, and fun.

I dove in with no expectations and was thrilled by the twists and revelations. Despite a large cast, the story is easy to follow, with each character's quirks and secrets adding depth. Rini, the hosting astrologer, also harbors secrets, making the story even juicier. Instead of chart readings, the drama could be a contest of who hides the biggest secret!

The tension builds perfectly, and the dynamics between characters are fascinating. Trapped by an impending storm, the characters' secrets unravel with shocking surprises—I didn’t see one major reveal coming! Kudos to Jaede for that twist.

Astrology features in the story but isn’t overwhelming, so non-enthusiasts can still enjoy the drama. Well-written, compelling, and full of surprises, The Astrology House is a must-read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

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I usually don’t read these types of books but this one intrigued me. I really enjoyed the intricate plot details and how it really felt like picking apart clues and being a little crazy while reading this lol. So so SO GOOD

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Devoured this book in under a week--what a twisting, fun (dark) ride! It's like Lucy Foley's "The Guest List" but with astrology. The climax (during a storm, love that trope) was stunning and had some delicious surprises!! I loved the variety of characters on their own paths of fate and choice trying to figure out themselves, what they want, and what they're willing to do to get what they want.

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This book kept me engaged and wanting to read more. There was multiple viewpoints that were sometimes confusing. But overall, I really enjoyed the book.

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I loved the idea of this book--a thriller set in an astrology themed retreat. Four couples, connected in various ways attend. But of course, nothing goes as planned. Everyone has a secret and a reason for being there. I liked this book, and thought the remote, stormy setting worked well for it. At times, I was a little confused between characters/story-lines. The twists succeeded at surprising me!

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While I was never a huge fan of astrology, the idea always interested me. This story was unique as well as the characters in it. The plot was good but not unputdownable. The best part about this was the facts surrounding astrology and how it works. The characters just weren't believable to me and a little outlandish. The ending did explain and tie everything together in a neat little bow. Overall, this was an okay read, and I look forward to seeing this author's progress in the future. Three Stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Atria Books, for this ARC.

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I just finished the astrology house and I think listing it as a thriller is hurting the book. It definitely is mysterious but I didn't find the plot thrilling. There was never a time I couldn't put the book down because I needed to know what would happen next. I did enjoy the multi POV and thought that it did help the book. Overall I would give this book 3.5 stars, I rounded up here since there are no half stars.

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Star Harbor Astrological retreat sounds wonderful: small, luxurious house in the North Fork ran by Rini. A group of friends book the resort for the weekend to connect and relax. However the impending tropical storm, is not the only calamity that is facing this group.
Told in multiple POVs, we the reader learn more about each of the characters and their connection to each other. Although at first, it is confusing to keep straight of who is who.
Great debut novel - would be interested to read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for an early access to this novel.

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I was excited to read The Astrology House. The cover, name, and premise are perfection. A retreat that has an astrology theme? How fun! Sidenote: you don't have to "get" astrology to follow the book. The book has star signs of each of the characters and their personality profiles. It explains the zodiac signs (for the most part).

There are lots of characters and it takes awhile to keep everyone straight. Once you do, you start bouncing around exploring each characters and their secrets. The characters weren't bad but just not very interesting. There's a lot going on with each character which gets confusing and hard to follow.

I kept hoping that all the plots would meld together to make way for a thrilling ending. Things get explained but the ending was just okay for me.

Summary: very nice concept but didn't connect with the story.

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Unfortunately this didn’t work for me. I couldn’t tell the characters apart, and I honestly didn’t care about any of them.

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Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC. This was a thrilling read. While most of the characters are not likeable, I could sympathize with Margot and Aimee. Each character that got a POV had interesting struggles that overlapped with the other, and I was curious to read on and see how they would get resolved. This book kept me captivated, and is a really good book for passing time in an entertaining way.

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The Astrology House is a twisty thriller that exposes the secrets of a group staying at the astrology themed retreat while a storm bears down on them. Four couples, connected by friendship or family have come to The Astrology House for a retreat. Meant to be a relaxing are restorative time, things begin to unravel as soon as they arrive. Their host Rini seems to have a secret agenda and this group has no shortage of secrets that can't seem to stay hidden. I found this book to be a page turner, as I was drawn in and wanted to know all the secrets. There are a lot of characters, but the author has done a good job defining them. They all felt like complete individuals with unique personalities. The story is told through multiple POV's which also helped move the story along quickly. I never knew where the story was going and the twists had a lot of impact. If you like thrillers involving a group in an isolated setting, then I recommend The Astrology House.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy

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Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC!

This book was interesting, but a little on the darker side. Would recommend trigger warnings be looked up before reading.
Overall a different take on what could end up being a very common theme.

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A group of wealthy Manhattanites escape to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments, betrayal, and long-held secrets are revealed over the course of the trip.
The Astrology House is a fun, fresh, twisty, and suspenseful debut. It kept me guessing until the end!
Add this book to your summer reading list, I guarantee you will not be able to put it down.
Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC.

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This was such an entertaining, unique read!

A fun take on a “closed door mystery” (minus the surprise appearance of a dead body) we’re invited along to an Astrology Retreat weekend at Stars Harbor- an upscale home on Long Island’s North Shore, as a group of well to do Manhattanites gather for an immersive, star(s) studded weekend.

As a lover of the mystery genre, all things astrological, and having gone to school on the North Shore- it really felt like this was written for me. So, even though clues regarding the mysterious elements read as somewhat obvious, I still enjoyed watching the story unravel even though I was missing the “big reveal” element that the author intended.

If you’re a fan of Lisa Jewell, you’ll likely enjoy this one- and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this up and coming author…

Thank you, NetGalley!

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This was a wild ride! An astrological themed thriller? Yes please. The multiple POV's were a bit confusing at first but I caught on quickly. I loved the drama and there were many WTF moments that kept me intrigued. The writing is fast paced and I finished in half a day. Would recommend!

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"The Astrology House" by Carinn Jade is a captivating and suspenseful novel that weaves together the lives of a group of friends and family members as they seek solace and guidance at the Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque waterfront Victorian house, the story delves into themes of family, relationships, and the hidden complexities of human nature.

Jade's writing is evocative and atmospheric, bringing the setting of Stars Harbor to life with its Instagram-worthy views and nightly astrology readings. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each grappling with their own struggles and secrets. Margot, Adam, Aimee, Farah, and Rini are all intricately drawn, with their individual storylines intertwining to create a compelling narrative.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of astrology as a tool for self-discovery and reflection. Rini, the astrologer host, plays a central role in the story, using her knowledge of the stars to guide her guests. However, as the secrets of the retreat unfold, it becomes clear that Rini has a hidden agenda, adding an element of suspense and mystery to the plot.

"The Astrology House" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and contemporary fiction. With its engaging storyline, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, Carinn Jade has crafted a compelling tale that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

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