House of the Beast Review

Hello, all!

Friends, we're nearing the best time of the year, and House of the Beast by Michelle Wong needs to be on the top of your fall TBRs. Big thanks to the publisher for the copy!

Pub Date: 8-5-25
Adult - Fantasy

Growing up a bastard, Alma learned not to take the scorn of others to heart. She had her mother, and though they didn't have much, that was enough for Alma. But when her mother gets gravely ill and has no other prospects, Alma reaches out to her estranged father, begging for help. Unbeknownst to Alma, her father is one of the four noble families that serve the gods of their land and are imbued with their power. Her father serves the most frightening god of them all, the harbinger of death, the Dread Beast.

In her desperation, Alma agrees to sacrifice her left arm in a ceremony to the Beast that will forever tie her to House Alvera and the deity. Despite doing everything her father asks, her mother soon passes, and Alma finds herself trapped within the confines of her father's estate, surrounded by family members who hate her. When Alma realizes she's nothing but a pawn in her father's dangerous scheme, she decides to fight back. She's going to destroy everything that House Alvera stands for, and she's going to use the strange connection to the Beast to do it. Her father may believe he's the next hand of the Beast, but Alma has carried a piece of the monster within her since she was young, and he's more than willing to help her seek her revenge.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, but I had a blast. I loved the dark atmosphere and rich world Wong created. I thought Alma was such a strong main character to follow. She started timid, but grew into someone pretty formidable. I loved the relationship she had with Aster. He was this all-powerful being, but he was completely at her mercy. Alma had him in the palm of her hand. I liked watching their connection grow and change throughout the story. It was interesting watching Aster go from being flirty and teasing towards Alma to this murderous beast at the drop of a hat. The pacing was a little too slow at times, and the action didn't take off until about 60 percent in, but it still had me hooked, and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Rating: 4/5