It's an incredible debut with so much depth to the characters, world, and plot. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and totally tied in to the book itself.

Alma is a flawed protagonist, one whose motivations are unknown fully-- including, it seems, to herself. Her relationships with others and her ambition kept me excited to read more.

4.5 ⭐️

I went into this book mostly blind, and I was not disappointed at all. If you enjoy dark fantasy, and want something unlike a lot of the popular romantasy storylines going around right now, this is it!

The artwork throughout the book is absolutely gorgeous. I was fortunate enough to pair the book with the audio for a truly magical immersive reading experience.

There was a great blend of emotional balance, without making too much of the focal point about romance. The twists didn’t feel predictable. Overall super enjoyable!

Thank you so much to NetGalley / Avon and Harper for the ARC and ALC.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for this ARC!

Oh my god. I don’t even know quite what to say. I’m not sure I’m ever going to recover from this masterpiece.

The characters are incredible I felt so attached to all of them, even the side characters. Alma as the main character is just wonderful she is such a fresh take on the usual fantasy MC tropes. Aster is equally as incredible and I was so sure I had him figured out for so much of the book just to have him repeatedly prove me wrong within the last section. Their relationship with each other is so beautiful and heartbreaking I love them so much.

I need a book about Kaim and Fion expeditiously they were such good side characters that I was never quite sure about and I adore them.

I love the plot because it’s so unique while still incorporating typical elements from fantasy, but in a way that feels like a breath of fresh air if that makes sense? The ending felt both like I was being stabbed through the heart and like I was receiving a warm hug. I loved it and I’m crying.

I was reading an ARC so formatting was a bit of a mess as is expected with ARCs, but even still I found the illustrations throughout to be so beautiful and even the smaller ones added so much to the story for me. The vibes of the experience felt like I was reading a fairytale storybook and I’m obsessed with that.

I knew from the first 20% I was reading something that was going to be special to me. I don’t even have to sit down and think about it I know straight up this is one of my new favorite books of all time. I think the worst part about it is that this is Michelle Wong’s writing debut! After reading this I am shaking like a tiny anxious chihuahua to see what she does next.

*3.5
Woah this was not what I was expecting at all. I thought this would be a more romance-heavy story, but want to note that is not what this is. While there are slight romantic undertones, that’s the extent of it as the story is centered around Alma’s quest for revenge against her father. Though since that is the main plot, I felt conflicted toward Alma and her feelings on what she was and wasn’t willing to do to get her revenge if that makes sense — like she was fine with killing in some scenarios but then was completely against it in others, or she hated her cousin for most of the book but then wanted to check on him in the middle of the final test even though it was the opposite way of where she was going. I guess a couple things like that kind of messed with the continuity of the story — Alma would say she wanted something but then would be against doing the things necessary to get it. I do enjoy a revenge story though and this is a really intriguing concept, so I had a decent time.

There are also lovely illustrations throughout the book — which I found out were actually done by the author (so cool!) — that just added such a nice touch to the reading experience!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

Ok wow, THIS BOOK!! Everything about this book worked for me. I had other books I was *supposed* to read before this one, but the comps (Full Metal Alchemist and The Poppy War) pushed me to pick it up and I was not disappointed. House of the Beast had me gripped from the very beginning and I was finding any excuse to sneak a few minutes of listening or a few pages of reading when I could.

For my fellow emotional damage lovers, this book is for YOU. Also, if you're in the mood for dark fantasy, political intrigue, communing with gods, dysfunctional family dynamics (to put it VERY lightly lol), in love with your imaginary (?) best friend, REVENGE vibes -- READ THIS! I loved all of the relationships in this book, even though we didn't spend a ton of time with some of these characters I ended up caring about them so much. I especially loved Alma and Aster, and I will be thinking about their dynamic for a while.

I combo read this and the narrator did a great job, Jeanne Syquia's voice was perfect for Alma. I loved the emotions she brought and also the sass and attitude she gave to some of my favorite side characters! Such a fun listen!

This world was so cool, and I'm begging for more stories in it! I'd love to a sequel, a prequel, ANYTHING.

Also?? There's illustrations in the book too! I can't wait to rifle through the finished copy and look at all of them in their final form!

Thank you Harper Voyager for the advanced copies (audio + e-ARC) and finished copy!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ BEASTS, REVENGE, AND RAGE

I really loved this! From the very beginning, the story pulled me in with its dark tension and emotional depth. The FMC absolutely stole the show—her strength, resilience, and internal conflict made her feel real and grounded. I was especially impressed with her character development. Even while driven by revenge, she never lost sight of her morals, and that balance made her journey so compelling to watch unfold.

The pacing was solid, and the plot had just enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling overwhelming. And that ending—I did not see it coming! It was bold and satisfying in a way that wrapped up the story while still lingering in my thoughts long after I closed the book.

An intense, emotional, and morally complex read that I’ll definitely be recommending.

A girl with an elder god as an imaginary best friend seeks revenge by entering the trials to become the First Hand of the Beast.

I really enjoyed this fantasy and its D+D elements. I felt the world, lore, and characters were well developed, but the writing way was more YA than I would’ve liked.

The digital copy has really cool illustrations throughout the chapters.

Thank you Harper Voyage and NetGalley for the eARC!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Another great fantasy book, that's just strictly that, fantasy! This book had such an intricate plot that kept me thoroughly engaged, and it was so hard to have to put it down to do other things! This is a debut book by Michelle Wong, who did the artwork for The Legend of Korra series, and you can clearly see this with the beautiful illustrations she has laid out in the story that help bring it to life.

In this story, we encounter family/court politics and drama, magical creatures of different kinds, trials to the death, a romance with many complications, and a lot of action! The main characters, Alma and Aster, were great. You have a strong fmc that comes into her own as the book goes on. The world building is phenomenal throughout the book and the author does a great job of explaining everything as you go so as not to feel overwhelmed with this new world we're put in like some fantasy books do.

If you're looking for a dark/Gothic horror fantasy, then run, don't walk to pick this up!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the arc.

House of Frost and Feathers is heavily character driven with a good dose of Slavic folklore. Most of the story is slowly paced, focusing on the character dynamics and relationships. Just about everyone gets some development.

While I enjoyed the plot twists, some of the elements felt disjointed. The motivations of several players never really clicked for me; they kind of just felt thrown in there because there had to be a bad guy somewhere.

There are a couple small romance subplots, but it didn't distract from the story itself, and they didn't feel forced.

I thought the premise of this book was very interesting and the world building/magic was well done. However, I struggled to connect with the writing a bit. Despite that the story kept me invested until the 75% mark, after which I decided to dnf it. This just wasn’t for me but I’m excited to check out the author’s future work!

Michelle Wong… Sleep w/ one eye open.
I did not expect the emotional distraught, but it was soooo good. I love when authors ruin me.

This gave very much Full Metal Alchemist. Sacrificing limbs to serve their Gods, Dad was on Shou Tucker time, I was HOOKED.
*To be fair, FMA is one of my fave anime’s, BUT even if I wasn’t, this premise was too good.

Even though the reveal for me, personally, wasn’t as surprising— Emotions were too high at that point, I was locked in fr and there wasn’t any going back. Esp ‘cause it just UP ever since they entered the gates. Whilst the reveal wasn’t surprising, the twists had me in its damn clutches. Every time a sword went through, my face was 🙀 And that ending?! THAT ENDING?! I did not agree w/ it, nope, no way. LAY WASTE TO THE WORLD FOR ME— Forever screaming, but was it good?
Yes, I was sobbing 😭😭😭

YOU WERE THE WORST OF THE WORST!!
*Screaminggg into my pillow, omfg.

Jeanne Syquia did an AMAZING job narrating— The different voices? 💋 I absolutely loved Six, such a cutie!! Omg. This was a dark, twisted, injustice that will forever plague me lmfao.

Thank You NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

Ala's journey sucked me in and had me invested! I loved how the characters had their own ambitions and goals. Alma is a strong and rough heroine that isn't afraid, yet also shows she wants companionship. The worldbuilding was different and intricate, though sometimes we did gloss over a few places. The illustrations were so beautiful and I cant wait to see them in the book physically once it releases!

This book was interesting especially in the beginning, i liked how we met the fmc as she went with her estranged dad to save her ill mother. After her father doesn't keep her promise she is devastated and bargains with a prince to get revenge on her father. I liked the art throughout the book and how it added to the story. I also liked how we saw the fmc train especially after that happened in the first part of the book. This book was unique because almost everything was unpredictable and the forbidden romance and morally grey characters added a touch to the book. I also liked the diversity in the plot and characters. Overall a good read. Thanks to Harper Voyager for this arc.

If you go into this expecting romantasy, you're going to be disappointed. You'd expect a character that's literally the Dread Beast to be more that than a silly little dude. While things happened and the plot moved on, I just found myself bored and ready for it to be over with.
Thanks netgalley for the arc!

I knew from the first blade-drop that House of the Beast would burrow under my skin and refuse to leave. It’s the kind of dark, myth-drenched fantasy that drags you to an altar, demands your flesh, and leaves you trembling for more.

“My father’s sword of cold black steel, the finest in all of Kugara, hovered over the tender flesh of my left elbow.”

From that first line alone, I was all in, equal parts horrified and hooked. Alma’s journey from a fatherless nobody in Merey to a trembling, unwilling vessel of the Dread Beast is the kind of coming-of-age nightmare that hits like a blade to the bone. If you’ve read The Wolf and the Woodsman or The Bone Shard Daughter, you know exactly the feral magic I’m talking about, folklore that cuts, family bargains soaked in blood, and a heroine who refuses to bow to the monster that would devour her whole.

Kugara is a land ruled by the Four elder gods: the Heavenseer, the Weeping Lady, the Odious Tinkerer, and the Beast. Wong makes this ancient faith feel so real you can taste the iron on your tongue. When Alma kneels before the monstrous sculpture and offers her flesh to save her mother, you feel every shiver echo on that temple’s cold stone.

“Inside the sculpture’s maw was a shallow basin that held water. My left arm had been placed inside of it, a cuff locking my wrist into place at the bottom. My submerged skin prickled from the cold. The water was pitch-black, like the abyss itself was lapping at my fingers.”

What I love most is how House of the Beast traps its characters in shadows and sharp-edged choices. Lord Zander is chilling, all cold ambition and metal hand, a father who’ll carve up his daughter’s future to feed the family god. Cousin Kaim is pure venom; rivalry etched into every glare. Even the shadows have teeth here, watching, whispering, waiting to pounce.

Alma isn’t some breakable heroine. She’s raw, angry, and just monstrous enough that you root for her and fear her in equal measure. Wong’s prose is all blade and silk; one moment it cuts deep, the next it’s beautiful enough to make you pause and reread lines just to taste their edge.

“There was a flash of sensation, and then nothing. My father’s sword was so sharp that I wondered vaguely if that was why it didn’t hurt.”

This isn’t a book that holds your hand. The lore is deep, the family knives twist slowly, and the dread lingers long after you close the page. Some might find the opening a touch slow or the gloom relentless, but for me, that’s exactly what makes House of the Beast so sharp and unforgettable.

If you crave your fantasy brimming with old gods, family knives hidden in silk sleeves, and a heroine who bleeds for the scraps she has left, this is it. Michelle Wong has carved out something devouring here. I’ll be first in line, blade in hand, for whatever offering she demands next.

Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC!

I was initially intrigued by the cover of House of the Beast, and the premise drove me to request it on NetGalley. I expected a dark, atmospheric novel, but House of the Beast unfortunately didn’t deliver.

Prose is the foundation of an atmospheric novel—it’s the writing and imagery that immerses a reader. As the novel starts out, our FMC, Alma, is a child. There are ways to write from a child’s perspective without veering into immaturity, but those weren’t accomplished here. The first portion of the novel is riddled with telling instead of showing. Instead of telling me a background character looks like a maid, tell me why that conclusion was made. How were they dressed? What was their posture? Where were they standing in relation to the other characters in the scene?

As Alma grows older, the prose reads as less shallow, but the worldbuilding remains so. Other countries are mentioned, but glossed over. I was interested the contrast between Kugara, a country steeped in gods and folklore, and its contemporary neighbors, with TV and radio. I wish we’d explored that dynamic more. Within Kugara, there are four elder gods, though I couldn’t tell you much about them past the surface level.

I felt similarly about the characters and their relationships. All the characters lacked depth, apart from maybe Sevelie. Alma’s father played a typical, unquestioningly evil villain, and Alma herself fell flat. She was the main character, but I know little about her aside from her desire for revenge. The advertised toxic, codependent relationships were certainly present; nevertheless, they were told to us more so than shown through each character’s actions.

Two stars for a promising premise and the beautiful illustrations, which I would’ve loved more of.

Beautiful!
Even with a digital copy, the illustrations are amazing and really add to the book and your imagination.
There are so many themes that are explored throughout this story and great and surprising at times. It keeps a steady pace and the characters are complex. I had a good time reading this, definitely recommend it.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was quite interesting! A little different then I was expecting, but those differences made sense. I would agree that this is loosely a romance, but moreso a YA style. After reading it, I understand the reason for that though. Having a mental "shadow" friend since she was a child be anything more then a non-physical romance would likely be problematic. Overall, the plot was engaging, not predictable, and exciting! Very gothic vibes. I enjoyed it!

House of the Beast Review:

Although, I did decide that I was just not the right audience for this book at around 40% and chose to dnf, there is much to appreciate about this novel. I found the characters to simply be a bit young (18-19 yo) for my typical reading taste and harder to relate to, hence the dnf, but with no negative feelings. The story starts off with a capturing hook and imagery, I immediately felt drawn into the scene, like I was right there with the characters. Our FMC was a "forgotten until convenient" bastard princess who was then chosen to participate in training to be used and serve the Beast, a god among others of their world. I LOVED this world and the gothic atmosphere it was giving. The old gods and lore behind them was fascinating and set up for a great potential storyline. The young love was tasteful and i could feel some of the tension and yearning that was being portrayed. Overall, I enjoyed the 40% that I did read but ultimately it just felt a bit too young for me.

When her mother falls ill, Alma reaches out to her father for aid. In exchange for his help, she agrees to go with him to train as a hand of the Dread Beast, one of the four gods of the realm. When her mother passes anyway, Alma sets off on a path of revenge, always accompanied by her god, a boy with silver hair only she can see.

Oh man. I loved this book. The last act was a lot of me going “nooooo” and then putting down the book for a second to recover.

This book isn’t perfect: the pacing is slow in the first half and then rushed during the climax. The world building was somewhat confusing with several elements left unexplained (perhaps to be explored in future stories?) The characters also used modern curse words, which I don’t love in fantasy. Lastly, this definitely reads younger than adult fantasy, though there are gruesome elements throughout.

AND YET. The writing was engaging, effective and lyrical. The world was original, with vivid settings and a strong cast of characters (morally gray across the board.) Alma, as our lead, is such a great protagonist. She’s vindictive and petty, but also loving and longing for kinship. She tries her best, even though she’s afraid. And then there’s Aster. SIGH. What a rollercoaster of emotion THAT was.

While the story follows some of the typical fantasy beats, it surprised me over and over again, and even when I had inklings of things to come, none happened in the way I thought.

So while it’s not a perfect story, I want everyone to read it AND I’m dying to read what Michelle Wong writing next. I can’t believe this is her debut.

I got this arc for free for review and subsequently ordered the deluxe edition so… yeah.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.