Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - House of Hunger

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

109 reviews

thelongroadtosanity's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this Gothic horror novel. I loved the author's "Year of the Witching" and I did absolutely enjoy this read one as well.

Marion, poor and living in the slums, has an opportunity to leave behind her past and join the ranks of becoming a Bloodmaid. She takes the train North and is indentured to a Countess, Lisavet, and begins her training as a Bloodmaid in the House of Hunger. But something sinister is going on and Marion isn't sure if her feelings for Lisavet are getting in the way of uncovering the truth of who, and what, Lisavet is becoming.

This has a very very unique take on 'vampire' lore, with young women practically selling the blood in their veins to their respective lords and ladies of the North. Although a tradition, and not actual vampires, it builds on a Dracula-inspired world. I enjoyed Marion's character and her development as she discovered the truth of what was occurring in the House of Hunger. (06/2024)

4 out of 5 stars

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shugentobler's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

To say that I was quite literally GRIPPING this book was an understatement--I had a small idea of what to expect but the ending still surprised me! This novel is decadent, opulent, and deliciously Gothic to the core.

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maddy707's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was a quick and enjoyable atmospheric gothic horror. The writing style flowed well and I was able to picture this book perfectly while reading. The story was fast paced and intriguing and the goreyness of the story was well done. I enjoyed the casual queerness of this book. The relationship being WLW adds to the seduction the author tries to create with the whole blood stuff. If it was MLW the vibes wouldn’t be the same.

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llams's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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crybabybea's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Nothing crazy. Not bad, not amazing. Just a fun, twisty read with some good horror moments.

I wanted a bit more out of pretty much every part of this. For the first time I actually felt like this book was too short to accomplish a really good payoff. For some reason it felt simultaneously way too slow during the beginning and then way too fast at the end. I was especially disappointed by the characters and how quickly the relationships move. Marion was a bit of a confusing character considering her backstory, and Lisavet was almost compelling but just fell a bit short for me. I did enjoy the relationships between Marion and the other girls but still felt like they were quite flat.

The plot itself is interesting and there is just enough mystery threaded through the story that it keeps your interest. I can't say that the twist itself was particularly surprising, but I still enjoyed the journey there and the resolution after.

There are a couple sapphic moments but the relationship is incredibly imbalanced power-wise and abusive, so don't expect a good time in the average sense of the word :)

The ending gave me Sucker Punch vibes which was cool.

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