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!

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.

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! 📚

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.

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.

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.

House of the Beast was a complete treat to read an ARC for, so thank you NetGalley for this opportunity!

If you're looking for a book with dark, whimsical, fantasy vibes, this book will give you that and more. This should be considered an Adult Fantasy novel with hints of romance. The world we're immersed in takes place in an otherworldly, almost ancient Asian vibes, society that has 4 major Houses of power (and each House worships a different major God).

We follow Alma from childhood, growing up knowing she's a bastard child with no father. It isn't until her mother is gravely ill that she finds out who her father is and seeks his help in treating her mother. Unfortunately, her father agrees to help in exchange for Alma's arm to be sacrificed to the Dread Beast per family tradition. She makes this sacrifice to no avail, as her mother soon passes anyway. Consequently, Alma embraces a mysterious friend that only she seems to see from childhood and embarks on revenge to bring her whole family house down. This monster helps train her for upcoming trials while continually testing her morals, as her arm is accepted by the Dread Beast, and she becomes a vessel for her House.

We experience Alma's resiliency when facing adversity and major prejudice, while also navigating a mysterious and dark romance. Who can she trust, and can she maintain her self-respect while achieving her ultimate revenge? Her journey on self-discovery is pretty epic, but the romance is so entrancing on top of that.

The twists and turns this novel provides will catch you off guard. You'll never see them coming! It's truly amazing how well this story is crafted.

Michelle Wong weaves this fantastical story that captivated me from beginning to end. On top of that, the illustrations that are sprinkled throughout are amazing! I was sorry when it ended because I wanted to read it all over again for the first time. Alma's story and relationship with her monster made me question everything and feel all the feelings. I predict this will be a huge hit and have nothing but good things for this debut novel.