Scan barcode
A review by bethfern04
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
Starling House was a great way to start the year. With its dark and Gothic setting and loveable and complex characters it really draws you into the story almost immediately.
Opal is a great main character who isn't obviously a good or bad person. She suffers from some serious unresolved trauma and has become skilled at pushing everyone away. She's jaded, cynical and a thief. She's far from perfect, but watching her grow as a character was one of the best parts of the book. Her realization that she had so many people who truly loved and cared about her all along was incredibly touching.
I think the side characters were well flushed out and felt like whole people, especially Jasper her brother, her landlord, and her librarian friend.
I loved Arthur and Opal together. It was so fascinating watching these two people who had both worked so hard to stay isolated and emotionally distant, get under each other's skin!
The fantasy plot of the story was pretty strong as well. I especially liked the reveal of Eleanor Starlings true life story at the end. The themes of justice versus revenge, and the ripple effect of one family's cruelty over several generations were very well done.
4.0 ⭐ is my final rating.
As always, reviews are subjective, and love what you love. XOXO 😘
Opal is a great main character who isn't obviously a good or bad person. She suffers from some serious unresolved trauma and has become skilled at pushing everyone away. She's jaded, cynical and a thief. She's far from perfect, but watching her grow as a character was one of the best parts of the book. Her realization that she had so many people who truly loved and cared about her all along was incredibly touching.
I think the side characters were well flushed out and felt like whole people, especially Jasper her brother, her landlord, and her librarian friend.
I loved Arthur and Opal together. It was so fascinating watching these two people who had both worked so hard to stay isolated and emotionally distant, get under each other's skin!
The fantasy plot of the story was pretty strong as well. I especially liked the reveal of Eleanor Starlings true life story at the end. The themes of justice versus revenge, and the ripple effect of one family's cruelty over several generations were very well done.
4.0 ⭐ is my final rating.
As always, reviews are subjective, and love what you love. XOXO 😘
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Chronic illness, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury