I would like to thank Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the House of the Beast in exchange for my honest review.
This is a beautifully written dark tale of a young girl who seeks revenge with the help of a mysterious friend after a devastating tragedy. I found myself emotionally invested in Alma’s journey until the very end. The character development and their complex relationships, the world building, and twisted plot had me hooked..I could not put this book down! Honestly, one of the best stories I’ve read in a long time. I also loved the illustrations and details throughout the book.

Thank you so much Avon/ Harper voyager and NetGalley for this arc. I was absolutely blown away by this twisted retelling of my favorite story. You have the MFC who has been groomed her whole life to serve her family especially her father as he tries to take over head leader of their house. Realizing only she can stop him, Alma (MFC) steps up to reclaim her life. Alma isn’t alone though as her companion that has been there since childhood is devoted to her. Get ready for a rollercoaster of a ride.

This was a great story. it was like a the G rated version of Anathema. The author takes a typical plot and makes it her own. There were times where it dragged a little bit.

An Advanced Review Copy(ARC) was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

Introduction

"House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong is a compelling dark fantasy novel that blends elements of romance, horror, and intricate world-building. This debut novel from the talented Michelle Wong, who is known for her work as an illustrator on "The Legend of Korra" comics, promises an intriguing narrative wrapped in gothic aesthetics and supported by her own black-and-white illustrations. Set to captivate fans of dark romance and fantasy, this book explores themes of revenge, solitude, and the quest for identity through its protagonist, Alma.

Summary

The story centers on Alma, a young woman born out of wedlock and shunned by society. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her mother falls gravely ill, leading Alma to seek help from her estranged father. Unbeknownst to her, Alma is a bastard child of House Avera, one of the four noble families in service to the gods. Her father, the vessel of the Dread Beast—a god associated with death—presents Alma with a harsh choice: sacrifice her left arm for her mother's medicine.

In this exchange, Alma is bound to the House and its deity, setting her on a path of vengeance against her aristocratic family. She forms an unusual bond with the god, who appears to her as a seductive, mysterious figure, guiding her through her revenge plot while also challenging her understanding of love, power, and betrayal. The narrative is rich with detailed lore, dark rituals, and the emotional turmoil of its characters, all underscored by Wong's evocative illustrations.

Conclusion

"House of the Beast" is a mesmerizing read that successfully intertwines fantasy with a dark romance narrative. Michelle Wong's background in art adds a unique layer to the storytelling, making the world of Kugara feel both haunting and beautifully vivid. The themes are explored with depth, giving readers much to ponder about sacrifice, the nature of power, and the complexity of human (and divine) relationships. While the plot occasionally leans into melodrama, it's the atmospheric setting and character development that anchor the story, ensuring it resonates with fans of the genre.

However, the novel isn't without its flaws; some pacing issues and a slightly predictable revenge arc might detract from the overall experience for some readers. Despite this, Wong's ability to craft a narrative filled with tension, beauty, and horror makes "House of the Beast" a noteworthy entry into dark fantasy literature.

Ratings Breakdown
Story: 4/5 - A gripping tale of revenge and redemption, with a plot that keeps readers engaged, though with moments where predictability creeps in.
Characters: 4/5 - Alma is a complex protagonist, full of depth and contradictions. The supporting cast, including the divine entities, are well-developed, adding layers to the story.
World-Building: 5/5 - The world of Kugara is rich and immersive, enhanced significantly by Wong's illustrations, which are integral to understanding the lore and atmosphere of the narrative.
Writing Style: 4/5 - Wong's prose is evocative and suits the gothic and romantic elements of the story well, though there are moments where the narrative could benefit from tighter pacing.
Illustrations: 5/5 - The black-and-white illustrations are not just supplementary; they are a vital part of the storytelling, enhancing the mood and giving the reader a visual connection to the characters and the world.
Overall: 4/5 - A compelling debut that stands out for its artistic integration and thematic depth, recommended for those who enjoy dark, richly woven tales of fantasy and romance. Pacing concerns is the only limitation to an otherwise exceptional novel.

Gosh. Where do I even start. As of writing this, I have just finished House of the Beast, and I don't think I could have enjoyed it more. This was even more stunning and vast than I had originally imagined, and what made me loved this more than anything else were its incredibly nuanced characters. Every character felt real and unique, and each had reasons for you to both love and hate them. Alma and Aster were a perfect duo, each with their flaws and faults, but I loved them both regardless (Six was the only perfect character, he was absolutely adorable). The story was intricate and complex, motivations distinct and clear, politics and magic coming into every decision and play, and each of the Houses felt well-developed. Those few twists at the end caught me by surprise as well, and my jaw dropped open an inch reading the last 50 pages. And, of course, the illustrations throughout were gorgeous. I cannot wait to hold the physical book in my hands, and I will read any other novel Wong releases in the future.

Wow, this book was completely unexpected and I loved it! I was blown away by the story and this is such a masterfully twisted take on fantasy romance!

The book follows Alma, who as a young girl is taken by her estranged father to House Avera, finding out that she is a member. House Avera is one of four noble houses in the realm-- each serve a different god, but House Avera is widely thought to be the most powerful because their chosen vessels (essentially the most powerful members of the house) serves the Beast. Alma is incredibly isolated throughout her childhood and into her adulthood, groomed / trained by her father for the specific and sole purpose of aiding him in his desire to become House Avera's next leader. Alma's father's rabid, power-hungry ambitions and his cruel treatment of her quickly cause her to turn upon him and plot to take his place instead. She plans to do so by undergoing a key trial and compete against him instead of serving him in the trial.

Now onto what I thought was the most captivating part of the story. Throughout Alma's entire life, she has had a mysterious and omnipresent companion named Aster, who is completely devoted to her to the point where it gradually becomes obsessive and he is deeply jealous of anyone Alma seems to be forming a bond with. That said, especially because of how isolated Alma is, she has strong romantic feelings that he seems to reciprocate, but she always keeps him at arm's length in that regard. Aster also clearly holds immeasurable, dark power that makes Alma question everything about him.

Their relationship was the absolute star of the show in this book. The two of them are the definition of "soul ties" and "twin flames" in that they are constantly drawn back to each other even though it borders on unhealthy (to simplify it). Aster had me questioning everything about him and though I knew something was going on, the ending blew me away. Seriously, I could never have predicted some of those twists.

I loved how Alma's previously hostile dynamics with her cousin and other members of House Avera shifted, and how Alma embraced her own power. The ending of the book did shatter me but i cannot wait to see where Alma's journey continues and what is in store for her.

Thank you so much to Avon & Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this ARC! 📚

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for giving me this ARC.

Ugh I hate to say this, but this book is a 1 star for me. I have to be honest here. I don't really like the characters and it was hard for me to care about them. This book is longer with 450+ pages and I just couldn't get through it. I usually love long books becuase I like to stay in the story for as long as I can, but I want out of this stroy. The romance is weird to me and doens't spark my interest. The main charcter is kind of blah and so is the story line. To me there is a lot of fluff that is dragging this stroy on instead of getting to the point. I really wanted to love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

This was a debut?! I loved it so much. The plot was incredibly unique in my own opinion and I thought the world immersive. I'm so excited to see what comes next from this author.

"House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong is an impressive dark fantasy debut that follows a cast-out girl and a vengeful eldritch being. As someone who loves "fairy tales soaked in gothic atmosphere," the blurb immediately caught my eye - and boy, what a ride it was!

Alma, our heroine, is the illegitimate daughter of House Avera, one of the four noble houses of Kugara that serve the gods and are imbued with their powers. Her father is a vessel of the Dread Beast, the most terrifying god of all - a harbinger of death. When her mother becomes gravely ill, Alma strikes a deal with her estranged father: she will sacrifice her left arm to the Beast in a binding ceremony in exchange for treatment for her mother. Tragically, her mother dies anyway, leaving Alma isolated and unwanted in a house that doesn't feel like a home, a mere pawn in her father’s plans.

Rejected by her arrogant relatives and kept at a distance, Alma dreams of revenge. Heartbroken, isolated, and consumed by anger and hatred, she longs to bring down her cruel father. Her only friend is Aster, a mysterious eldritch being that only she can see. Together, they plot and prepare to challenge their circumstances. Thus begins a gripping story of revenge, resilience, and angst that kept me hooked until the very last page.

I absolutely loved this story and rooted for Alma from start to finish. She is a wonderfully complex character. At the story's start, she is just 11 years old, but after a few chapters, the narrative jumps ahead eight years. Watching her grow, change, and grapple with the realization that the world is not simply black and white was incredibly compelling. Her grief over her mother’s death is heart-wrenching, and her journey is relatable and deeply moving.

While Alma is full of resentment and hatred for her relatives, she also possesses remarkable compassion. She can be spiteful and selfish, but she is also soft-hearted and genuinely cares for others. Even in her darkest moments, she recalls her mother’s gentle admonishments to avoid harming others. Aster complements her, supports her, and shares a complex dynamic that adds depth to the narrative. They don't always see eye to eye, which adds to the realism of their relationship.

The side characters, including Fion, Kaim, Six, and Sevelie, are also well-developed, with enough detail to make them feel real and relatable. The themes of loneliness, abandonment, family, revenge, and the power of love are beautifully woven throughout the story. It also explores forgiveness, selflessness, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.

The dark atmosphere, intricate relationships, and rich lore were fascinating. This is truly a dark tale - limb amputation to bind oneself to the gods is no small thing - but somehow, it all fits together seamlessly. The world-building and lore were outstanding. While there’s little focus on a magic system, the lore more than compensates for it. I also appreciated the subtle references to other countries and their lack of magic, highlighting the uniqueness of Kugara’s divine connections.

The illustrations deserve a special mention. They were not only visually striking, but also beautifully enhanced the story’s gothic and atmospheric tone, bringing the world and its characters vividly to life. The ending was unexpected, but after some reflection, I realized it was the right choice - it stayed true to the story’s tone and message.

With a story told from the first point of view, a well-constructed world, beatific black-and-white illustrations, likeable protagonists, and an enthralling narrative, we have an enjoyable and engaging read. The romance is very light, and never overshadows the story’s primary focus.

The pacing of the book was steady and engrossing for most of the story, but the last section picked up significantly, delivering a fast-paced, gripping climax. This shift worked well to build suspense, keeping me fully engaged until the very end. That said, I did find the use of the word "fuck," to be jarring in the otherwise unique world.

Overall, I adored this book and highly recommend it. House of the Beast is a gritty and captivating read, perfect for fans of flawed characters, intricate lore, and dark tales. Readers who enjoy emotionally-driven stories that delve into themes like trauma, loneliness, and the search for belonging will likely appreciate it.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC, however this is my honest review.

I truly do no think this is 'High-Fantasy'. To my taste, it was incredibly lacking in that department. Is there even a magic system? I personally don't think so. This wasn't fantasy enough for me. I was expecting more magic powers. More interesting world. There was a quick and info-dumpy page about the world and then that was it. Now lets move on the to cast of characters.... They all were a flat one-note. I feel like if the family dynamic was done better, it could have saved the book for me. I did not care for any of the characters nor their relationship with each other. I didn't hate this book but it was boring.

So I first marked this book as will not give feedback because I thought it was a physical book, but that was my mistake so I decided to give it a chance.
I'm not usually one to read romantasy but this one may have hooked me like Fourth Wing did.
I thought their relationship was perfect but like other reviews I did wish there was more. I do hope there's more world building in a sequel (if there is one eventually), but I still give this one 4 stars. Will definitely be picking it up.

House of the Beast presented an intriguing premise, though its execution fell slightly short of its potential. Alma, the FMC, was a compelling and engaging narrator, and the side characters, especially Six and Sevelie, were welcome additions to the story. I enjoyed Alma and Aster’s relationship well enough, but, in end, it left me wanting more development between those two.

The dark world Wong created was exciting and showed promise. However, the world building felt a bit underdeveloped, and the lore often left me confused.

Overall, House of the Beast is an enjoyable debut from Michelle Wong, and I’m curious to see what she writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! When I first stumbled upon an announcement of this book's upcoming release, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of the story and the gorgeous artwork accompanying it.

Michelle Wong's debut novel is a dark fantasy with rich world-building and captivating characters. This is such an impressive start to her author career. The story was brimming with emotion as we journey through our main character's struggles and victories. The book felt whimsical at times, and I imagined an animated film playing in my head as I read on.

Alma, our MC, has the perfect balance of rage and compassion that kept her character interesting. I really enjoyed her dynamic with Aster, to whom she makes a deal with and keeps by her side for most of her life. Alma and Aster get more compelling as time goes on and more secrets unfold. I loved their banter, their flaws, and tragically imperfect and twisted bond. It was kind of a toxic hold they had on each other, but still aware enough to make sacrifices. Sad they had to meet under these circumstances. I love doomed duos though, what can I say LOL

"Took advantage of my only weakness, huh?" will live in my head rent free forever...

Fion and Kaim were also the stars of the show, with another complex relationship to add on. Fion is literally the sweetest and deserves only the best. Kaim, with his burdening societal expectations and need to succeed, added some angsty-boy-magic to the story.
"Fion is my aide. He is bound to me, and his power is mine to use."

"Under his perfect facade, that beloved veneer of the handsome young lord born to rule, he was just a jealous, maladjusted boy who had somehow learned to care for someone who no longer wanted to be by his side."

Lastly for characters, both Sevelie and Six were absolutely delightful. So happy with how everything turned out for them in the end.

The overall plot was mystical and fascinating, constantly keeping me engaged. The action scenes were written so well and evoked strong imagery.
I love the illustrations Wong incorporated throughout the novel and it made this read a fun experience.
The ending made me turn my device off and just sit there like....OH-

I did not expect this book to be such a banger. This story was so twisted and wonderful and utterly heartbreaking in the best possible ways. It was such a fascinating journey and I'm a little bit of a sucker for how only Alma can see our mmc. Not to mention the physicality of Aster. All the little touches in their relationship I was eating up. If physical touch is your love language I think you'll like this. Even if it's not their bond is such a precious thing. The story really hit its stride when they were together.
The craft could have been a touch better. It didn't flow quite as well as I would have liked but it's been a while since I've read 1st person pov. All in all, the art was beautiful, the world fascinating and I just had fun reading this. Absolutely can't wait to get this book and see it in all its glory.

A young woman cast out of society and a destructive dark God join forces to seek revenge on all those who wronged them, perfectly well done!!
You must immediately add this to your reading lists, you won't regret it!!

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a chance at this book.

Seeing that the author is an artist and her medium is comic / graphic novel / animation it makes a lot of sense. Book has a aura about it that screams anime - FullMetal Alchemist with dark themes of loneliness, abandonment, and family / honor.

I did like the protagonist, and the overall of the story, it just fell apart in the details. For example, the cousin's betrothed / intended having an 'affair' (?) with his father, the low key relationship that was developing on the side due to that. The gods / goddesses and their reason / intention in the world / purpose not really giving any sort of reason to exist if just to explain how the supernatural aspect can 'work'.

The relationship between the God and our female lead is good, but when you have all of this alongside, and the reason why she has to go into the portal needing weight... it just doesn't really come clean / make sense visually. Yes, we know that because the author has made it so that she is training / existing to venture into this portal for this fallen star, but what of it? Why not 'now'? Why does it have to be eight years later? Why / what are the gods backstories exactly besides the less than a page info dump? Why does the word seem to go on without the gods but only the gods become important when needing to go into this portal?

Needs fine tuning in my opinion. The ending was good, but wadding through mess one must do so with beautiful artwork.

This is a story brimming with eldritch horror and a love story that will rend your heart. I enjoyed everything about House of the Beast. From the struggles our duo went through to the world they live in and the beautiful illustrations through out done by Michelle Wong herself.

Alma and Aster were my favorite part of the story. Getting to see their interactions and how everything was playing out had me devouring this book. I was hoping for the best, but planning for the worst. Their story is still stuck in my brain days after finishing the book.

The description of the world Alma and Aster inhabit was very fascinating and dark. The different houses and the gods they worshipped was fascinating and I would have happily read more about that aspect. The Umbral plane was also very dark and had all the elements I love from the descriptions of the things found there and all the unsettling environments.

This story was beautiful and devastating. I look forward to adding this book to my collection and will be on the lookout for anything Michelle Wong does in the future, especially if it involves Alma and her world.

Thank you Netgalley as well as Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this book.

Wow, and ow. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! This was sublime. Despite the fact that it’s December, The House of the Beast is pure fire. Here are some more thoughts:

-this book had some powerful, brutal, and beautiful scenes that left me in awe. I will be thinking about those for a long, long time. Can’t say much more than that, but when you read them you’ll know.

-The illustrations added as much to the book as footnotes or epigraphs would. They also brought so many scenes to life. We need more illustrations in books, please. Publishers, take a note

-I feel like the author was most definitely inspired by Spirited Away. While dark and gritty, this book has plenty of whimsy, and Alma and Aster share some moments that remind me of Chihiro and Haku.

-the reveals were both fascinating and threw me for a loop. Love what we discovered about the lore and the Umbral Plane in particular. The world building was so cool in general, and very unique. Of course, more and more is revealed about the world as you go through major plot points, but even the basics were fierce. The gate, the stars, the 4 denominations, the despot queen. I love the magic here too: following the thread of death, being possessed by a god, making flesh robots. How pussy boots snatch my wig

-Lets talk characters. Our mcs Alma and Aster are compelling, tragic, and overall addicting to follow. Alma was a powerful narrator and easy to relate to, while Aster was wholly alluring and compelling. Much about those two remind me of Zuko and Azula, which if that doesn’t tell you to read this book then I don’t know what does. Their character arcs are heart wrenching and moving to boot. Our side characters were also commanding and wonderful to follow. I’m an Uncle Max apologist, and Sevelie stan.

-the relationship between Alma and Aster is the focal point of the book, but it’s also a breath of fresh air. This is not romantic, this is not normal, and this is not healthy. This is not a happy book. You’re looking at two fucked up individuals who very much act like fucked up individuals. It’s doomed, it’s toxic, it’s heart wrenching, and it’s a fascinating read. This is most definitely one of my favorite relationships I’ve read about this year.

-the ending... I’m going to walk into the Hudson River

-Song I associate with this book: Dreams by Aurora. Might hit too close for Alma tho!

To truncate this like a limb, I’ll say this: talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same. No seriously, I won’t be the same. Yes. Just yes. -5 codependent relationships

Oh. My. Gosh. This book is EVERYTHING. Like, think gothic fairy tale vibes, dark fantasy drama, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. Alma’s journey is so raw, intense, and totally unforgettable. The revenge plot? Chef’s kiss. The romance? Twisted and hypnotic. And don’t even get me started on the illustrations—black-and-white art by the author that’s just as stunning and moody as the story itself.

The Beast? Ugh, perfection. He’s terrifying, seductive, and somehow still feels like the ultimate ride-or-die. Their dynamic is messy in the best way possible, and the whole "starlit hair" thing? I am deceased.

This one had me clutching my metaphorical pearls and fully spiraling. Like, how do you even move on after reading something so darkly beautiful? It’s haunting, gritty, and brimming with emotions that’ll make your soul ache in the best way. ALL the stars! This is the kind of book you’re gonna see everywhere, trust me. Read it ASAP—you won’t regret it!

Huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

So so so good! I can't believe this is Wong's debut. The gothic atmosphere is everything. And the revenge aspect is so good. I can see this being one of 2025's top romantasys!