macaylahbortner's review against another edition
3.0
i wouldn’t categorize this as “spooky” or “gothic” really…it’s a modern fantasy about a mysterious house, and nor would I go so far as to call it “haunted” either. I heard all those words when this book was first described to me, so I was expecting something entirely different than what I got which was a bit disappointing.
To me, this felt murky & slow at the beginning, and the first 100 pages were sooo repetitive. Finally about three quarters of the way through, as more & more parts of the story fell into place for me, I began to have more sympathy and appreciation for the slow start…but only 3 stars worth
To me, this felt murky & slow at the beginning, and the first 100 pages were sooo repetitive. Finally about three quarters of the way through, as more & more parts of the story fell into place for me, I began to have more sympathy and appreciation for the slow start…but only 3 stars worth
hannahmitcham's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Good book and good writing, just not my style?
sacrill's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookishbethie's review against another edition
4.5
The thing that is so compelling about haunted house stories is that they are always about so much more than just a scary house.
And in Starling House, Alix E. Harrow expertly combines elements of the horror, Southern Gothic, paranormal, and romance genres to weave an extremely compelling and entertaining tale about a house, a town, and generational trauma in the American South.
That probably makes this sound incredibly serious and deep – and aspects of this book certainly are – but this book is so atmospheric, and the characters are so relatable and funny and flawed, and the writing is so gorgeous and gripping that it’s a pretty quick read.
This is a perfect read for that post-Halloween, pre-Christmas lull in November, delivering a chilling mystery, a house that is very much a character, a few laughs, some swoons, and a big dose of found family.
Though this is my first Alix E. Harrow book, it certainly won’t be my last.
4.5🌟
1.5🌶️
And in Starling House, Alix E. Harrow expertly combines elements of the horror, Southern Gothic, paranormal, and romance genres to weave an extremely compelling and entertaining tale about a house, a town, and generational trauma in the American South.
That probably makes this sound incredibly serious and deep – and aspects of this book certainly are – but this book is so atmospheric, and the characters are so relatable and funny and flawed, and the writing is so gorgeous and gripping that it’s a pretty quick read.
This is a perfect read for that post-Halloween, pre-Christmas lull in November, delivering a chilling mystery, a house that is very much a character, a few laughs, some swoons, and a big dose of found family.
Though this is my first Alix E. Harrow book, it certainly won’t be my last.
4.5🌟
1.5🌶️
espeonesque's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It is so refreshing to have a main character and romantic interest who aren't super hot and desirable. I love that this story allows their characters actually ugly and flawed. I thought the story was very creative and original.
usskrantz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mor_7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
wildreaderkim's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0