3.5 stars rounded up. This was a creepy but not too creepy, atmospheric haunted house book. I didn't find the plot particularly engaging, but I liked the characters and the sisterly bonds.

The writing's decent and definitely fits the overall mood of the story. The ending left me wondering if there's more coming, but the story is pretty much complete if it doesn't. That's the best kind of ending in my opinion.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"House of Thorns" by Isabel Strychacz is a captivating YA ghost story that will haunt your mind long after you turn the final page. This book definitely reminded me of “The Haunting of Hill House,” and I absolutely loved it, especially as I was trying to figure out the secrets of the house alongside the characters. Some parts of the mystery are a bit confusing as you try to figure out what’s actually going on and what’s real (just like with “The Haunting of Hill House”), but it’s all worth it in the end.

Set in the eerie halls of Brier Hall, this book follows Lia who returns to her childhood home with her sister Ali and childhood friend Rafferty in search of their missing sister, Avery. The house itself becomes a character in its own right, with its sentient nature adding layers of complexity to the story. Strychacz's storytelling is hauntingly lyrical, drawing you into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. While I wouldn’t really consider this book to be a horror story, there were definitely some creepy elements throughout.

The characters are the heart of the story, with Lia, Ali, and Rafferty forming a compelling trio whose bonds are tested by the mysteries lurking within Brier Hall. The sisterly relationships are particularly well-developed, with Strychacz capturing the depth of love and nostalgia that comes with siblinghood. The way that the relationship between Lia and Ali developed was very engaging as they came to terms with their shared trauma. I do wish there were more moments between the two of them, but the ending with their developed relationship was quite satisfying.

The romance between Lia and Rafferty adds a sweet touch to the story without overshadowing the main plot, making it a perfect read for fans of supernatural YA with a hint of romance. The romance between them was sweet (I love the childhood friends to lovers troupe) though I don’t think it was necessary. However, Strychacz made sure the main focus throughout the book was on sisterly love, which I appreciated. I did find myself craving more answers as the story unfolds, particularly regarding the mysteries surrounding Brier Hall and its dark history. The pace was pretty fast, and I really like how the book ended.

Overall, "House of Thorns" is a must-read for fans of atmospheric supernatural mystery and heartfelt storytelling. Isabel Strychacz's mastery of suspense and emotion will leave readers eagerly awaiting her next chilling tale.

An engrossing, quick read. Characters you want to root for and a plot that feels like it has stakes. It's hard to find the words to describe the book, it's a must read for yourself