"House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong

 

"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.

* For more info about the book: "House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong