A review by sav_22
House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I think this was a fun read if you like darker gothic stories. There are many sapphic characters at the focal point which I enjoy seeing in a complex narrative involving almost-vampires. It has its flaws and definitely keeps you on your toes. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Blood

Moderate: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Drug use, Sexual content, Trafficking, Grief, Cannibalism, and Classism

Minor: Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment

I think the worldbuilding started off strong but

I think it could have used a lot more context, especially with how drinking blood helps vs what happened with Cecilia and how she was drained of youth literally. I also think maybe this could thrive better as a series, as I feel like the end was exciting but ultimately widely open to interpretation on what is next. I think the characters all were promising and I enjoyed the horror aspect, but I would have liked to see a little more back and forth with Marion and the other characters like Mae or the sisters and esp Irene to drive home she’d be willing to give up her desire to belong and have authority. I think what was written was solid but personally I would have liked to see why they would take her word for it and see more conflict with Marion on her desires vs what’s the right decision for their safety. It also would have been interesting if there was maybe a romantic influence for Marion with Irene/another bloodmaid vs with Lisavet to have her struggle defining genuine love and lust. That can be done without another romance too, as I think that’s what her loyalty was meant to show at the end platonically, I just once again feel like more development there could have made the betrayal to Lisavet more fulfilling.