Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Starling House

by Alix E. Harrow

A new novel from New York Times Bestselling author Alix Harrow, Starling House is a contemporary Kentucky Gothic about a small town haunted by the history it can't quite seem to bury, and the clever, surly young woman who finds herself drawn to the house that sits at the crossroads of it all.

No one in Eden remembers when Starling House was built. But everyone agrees that it's best to let the house—and its last lonely heir—go to rot.
Starling House is uncanny and ugly and fully of secrets, just like its heir. Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but it might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden.

It feels dangerously like something she's never had: a home.

But Opal isn't the only one interested in the house, or the horrors and wonders that lie beneath it. If Opal wants a home, she'll have to fight for it. She'll have to dig up her family's ugly history and let herself dream of a better future. She'll have to go down, down into Underland, and claw her way back to the light.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

5 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Opal has always been a little bit fascinated by the Starling House. Maybe it's because it felt like a kindred spirit. Both she and the house are looked down upon and shunned. Or maybe there's something more compelling lurking under those neglected shutters.

When given the opportunity to work within the house, Opal knows she can't say no. Not only will this be a chance to see inside – but she desperately needs the money. But by entering the grounds, she'll kick off a strange and deadly series of events.

My Review:

If you're looking for a spooky book to absolutely fall in love with, check out Starling House! I've been a fan of Alix E. Harrow's work for a while, but I was blown away by what unfolded within these pages.

Okay, I may be a bit biased. I'm a little obsessed with all things sentience house. By that, I mean I love it when a house (or building) has opinions. And boy, does the Starling House have opinions. Throw in two complex character backgrounds, and it's no wonder I fell in love.

Admittedly, getting to know Opal and Arthur takes some time. It takes a little bit longer to love them, but I was hooked by the end. I enjoyed reading their interactions and found myself trying to put the puzzle pieces together before the grand reveal.

Starling House had everything I was looking/hoping for. It's compelling, has strong dark academia vibes, and even a romantic fantasy element. It's perfect.

Highlights:
Gothic Horror
Living House
Buried Secrets
Romantic Fantasy

Trigger Warnings:
Classism, Racism
Slavery

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 16 October, 2023: Finished reading
  • 16 October, 2023: Reviewed