Thankyou to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan, Tor for a free e-arc in exchange on an honest review.

Wow i loved this! I quite literally have zero negative comments.
I loved the dual POV
I loved the characters
I loved the house
I loved the backstory
I loved the atmosphere
I loved the writing
I loved the pacing
I loved EVERYTHING

5 STARS EASILY!

Starling house by Alix E. Harrow was always going to be an auto-read for me. Ever since I picked up The Ten Thousand Doors of January, I have been an admirer of Harrow’s work and I’ve not once been disappointed. Starling House is a truly dark, beautiful, gothic, atmospheric tale of magical realism that draws you in, as one beautiful prosaic phrase flows after another, capturing you in its current until you are fully immersed and happily drowning.

Starling House stands on the outskirts of Eden, a down on it's luck town that is past it's best, the mines have been exploited, it is polluted and damaged and the town folk see the house as the epitome of never-ending bad luck that seems to plague the town. Opal and her brother are alone in Eden, their mother died in a tragic car accident, and the town has side-lined them as unwanted, nothing but trouble but, Opal is desperate to give her brother a route out of this dead-end town, desperate enough to take a job at Starling House. Thus begins Opal's journey into the secrets of Starling House and it's resident, a journey that she must take if she is to have any hope of saving her family from the sinister forces that are converging.

Harrow delivers a wonderfully crafted novella, that melds fantasy with gothic horror encompassed in a modern day setting so beautifully woven that you can envisage the damaged and pitted landscape, the tragic and worn characters and of course, the house itself in your mind. In my opinion Starling House is as much a character in its own right as Opal and Arthur, think puppy from the gates of hell, those puppy teeth are sharp! Its labyrinthine interior hides many secrets and untold tales, which will only open to those whose character and need align to its values, hopes and dreams.

Turning to more traditional characters, one of the main protagonists Opal is stunningly complex, flawed, brittle human, who has been shaped by the harshness and sharp corners of society, attack, sarcasm and an unsmiling image are her defence against all, including those who want to care for her, as she cares for and defends her younger brother with all that she has, working towards saving him from her path. In contrast, whilst Arthur is in many ways the opposite of Opal, he strives to save Starling House in a similar manner, carving a solitary route to save those around him from the perils and secrets of Starling House and the gateway to the Underland.

I absolutely loved Starling House and it will become one of my regular spooky season reads. I was so immersed in the story that it was definitely a 'one more chapter' night, I was unable to put it down until I'd read it cover to cover. The characters, the house, the stories within a story, the gothic magical realism had me hooked and I couldn't put it down, and all I can say is 'Run!' to that bookstore and pick up a copy now!

Finally, huge, huge thanks to Pan MacMillan, Tor and Netgalley for sharing an arc of Starling House by Alix E. Harrow with me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Alix E Harrow's latest book Starling House is the perfect addition to anyone's fantasy halloween TBR. Featuring brooding romantic interests, a female lead who defies stereotypes of the genre and the best thing of all - a haunted (ish) house!
I had a wonderful time reading this book, Alix E Harrow's plot is engaging and the writing is excellent. I would also like to draw your attention to the wonderful illustrations throughout the book which help add to the overall reading experience.
Opal, our main character, was a breath of fresh air in a genre that otherwise contains some stale characters. Opal is not someone who believes in ghosts and yet has a healthy respect for the fact that something fishy is going on. I can't remember the exact quote but it was along the lines of 'I know it's not sensible to annoy a potentially haunted house' - I just loved that. She's also a single parent (ish - she's caring for her brother) and I admired her strength and self sacrifice without feeling too 'holy'. All around a great protagonist for this kind of book.
I would describe this more as a dark fantasy than a true horror book mostly because of how the plot goes but I think that opens it up to be enjoyed by even more people than it might be otherwise. If you're the kind of person who enjoys a scare but doesn't want to be utterly traumatised I think this balances that quite well.
Overall I highly recommend Starling House to those looking for wintery spooky reads!
My rating; 4 stars
I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley - all opinions are my own.

This book really has everything I love in a story so it was only ever going to be brilliant for me! Magical realism in a way, haunted scary house but nobody really knows for sure, some kind of weird things with a fairytale book, just a little romance to keep us going too!

Yeah I just loved every moment of it. Even when I had no clue what was going to happen and was stressing that all my lovely characters that I’d fallen for were all just going to die, I was still having a good time!

I loved Opal, I loved her seeing Arthur and being like who is this weird ghost man that’s offered me a job and why have I taken it?!? The whole story with the history of the house and the legendary author herself and what is the true story behind that is so fascinating - especially because I feel like there’s so many stories from history that we’ll never know the true story for and I’m sure so many people have been made out to be something terrible / brilliant when they’re the opposite.

Just so good. I know this is a standalone and it’s ended as such, but I want more!!!! Perfect!

Opal and Arthur have my heart. I am always blown away with Harrow’s setting and atmosphere in her writing and this was no different.

Starling House reminded me of Monster House crossed with your grandma who was stern but lovable.

I got over it eventually but the focus on Arthur’s “ugliness” seemed unnecessary

Another quirky read for Spooky Season 👻 This is the of Starling House, and all the people who've been called to look after it over the years. There are many hidden secrets lurking in the house and underground. The residents of the nearby town of Eden fear the house and its owners above all else.. so when developers try to take over the Starling House land, should they be more afraid of the human inhabitants or something much darker that lives in the depths.. ?

This had me hooked from the opening chapters, Opal is a brilliant lead character who despite all her flaws you can't help but love 💖

This is @reesesbookclub pick for October so you're going to see it everywhere 🤩 4.5stars

Holy shit, this book was incredible, I could barely put it down. Alix E. Harrow has become one of my absolute favourite authors - an instant buy from now on for sure.

This is a lush, gothic, super atmospheric story. The prose is incredible, there were several times where I would just highlight descriptions and metaphors because they were just so good. The characters are just as good - rich and vivid, fully formed and imperfect. I just fell in love with all of them.

There were times towards the end when the writing felt a touch repetitive, especially the dialogue. I only noticed this once or twice, but it did take me out of the story slightly. Fortunately I just loved everything else so much this didn't matter to me that much.

Thank you Tor/PanMac and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Content warnings: blood/violence/gore, death by drowning, child abuse, house fire, death, slavery, racism

Five plus star dark fantasy!! Human progress comes from using what has gone before, re-imagining it, making it better, brighter, and here darker. That’s the fantasy vision that Alix E. Harrow’s imagination has given us in Starling House. When you are told to run, you really, really ought to run!! But maybe you can’t, and maybe in the end that’s a good thing. Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Title: A Captivating Exploration of Time and Family

"Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow is a beautifully crafted novella that explores the intricate bonds of family, the passage of time, and the enduring power of memories.

In this evocative story, Harrow introduces us to the inhabitants of Starling House, a place where time flows differently, and family members are reunited across generations. The narrative is tenderly told through the eyes of the protagonist, who navigates the whimsical yet poignant world of this unique household.

Harrow's character development is exquisite, making each member of Starling House come alive with their distinct personalities and stories. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the characters' lives, as they grapple with the complexities of memory, love, and the passage of time.

At the heart of "Starling House" is a profound meditation on the nature of memory and the ties that bind us to our loved ones. Harrow's writing is both lyrical and introspective, weaving a narrative that is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking. The novella's brevity does not diminish its impact; instead, it allows for a concentrated exploration of the themes at hand.

The concept of time as a fluid and mutable force is masterfully depicted, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with the past and the present. Harrow's descriptions of Starling House and its whimsical inhabitants create an immersive and enchanting atmosphere that lingers long after the story's conclusion.

"Starling House" is a gem of a novella, showcasing Alix E. Harrow's talent for crafting intimate and emotionally resonant narratives. While it may be a brief read, its impact is lasting, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and a renewed appreciation for the enduring connections that shape our lives. This book is a must-read for those seeking a beautifully written and thought-provoking exploration of family, memory, and the mysteries of time.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Starling House' by Alix E. Harrow.

'Starling House' was such a fun and intriguing read. I loved the worldbuilding and the atmosphere Harrow provided to this gothic beauty. Perfect for October, it provided me with such joy reading it and the art woven in also just made this book more interesting to read. I definitely would recommend it if this type of book is your comfort zone.

The perfect book for this time of year,
Very atmospheric and haunting.
Can my favourite character be the house? because it was. Written beautifully. Recommend for anyone looking for a cursed house based story and a pinch of romance.

I am a big, big fan of Alix Harrow. There is something almost magical about her writing, as though her words weave a literal spell. Her stories are unique and interesting and I love the rage that simmers in her main characters.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this, but it was extraordinary. Like a Gothic fairytale in a modern setting. It made me think of Charles de Lint and read like elegant urban fantasy. I loved the house, which was essentially like a big pet. I loved the main character and all her wounded eloquence. Her relationship with her brother is particularly touching, yet still realistic. Towards the end of the book there is conversation between the two of them while they're sitting in a car. I won't throw out any spoilers, but what he says to her about mothers.... It was one of the most beautiful statements I have ever heard from one character to another. Harrow excels at characterisation, so all of her characters really live and breathe on the pages of her book. There is a realism that lots of writers can't manage and it's one of the things that makes her books so compelling. Starling House is no exception. It's a book that stays with you and I find myself thinking about it in odd moments. I can't give a higher compliment to any book than that.

Starling House was the perfect October book. A fantastical Gothic horror that tugs on your heartstrings in all the right ways. It was so addictive, impossible to put down, and has made me feel 100 times more spooky than before. A sentient haunted house, a feral and frightening child, mysteries, twists and turns, a small town with dark secrets, found family (!!), complex sibling relationships, breathtaking writing and a romance with so much yearning it is truly to die for - this book has it all.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Starling House!
It was a beautifully written atmospheric gothic book.
This is surpringly the first book I've read by Alix E. Harrow and it certainly won't be my last! All of her other books look amazing as well!

I really liked the characters and the romance. They were so good.
Also this book definitely wasn't what I expected and really surprised me but I really loved that and thought it was unique.

I'm now extra excited to get my physical copy and its actually coming in my book box subscription.
It really is the perfect read for the spooky season! I definitely highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Starling House is a beautiful gothic dark tale, about a magical house and its pull on the surrounding town and its inhabitants.

I would highly recommend, this book is a must read

A haunting gothic fantasy (kinda romance) that draws you in with its creepiness & a need to know more about this mysterious haunted house, its warden & beasts! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and recommend it to fans of horror/fantasy - great characters and a well constructed & atmospheric fantasy world. A perfect Halloween read! However! My only criticism is that I felt the writer absolutely botched the romance aspect & missed an opportunity to create some intense chemistry between the main characters. I was actually oblivious they were even into each other for a good portion of the story, so when they suddenly fell for each other, it seemed out of place & not very believable. The romance aspect fell completely flat for me, which is a shame as their love story is actually quite integral to the overall story. Perhaps this is her first time trying to write romance, which is clearly harder than people give credit for. Otherwise an entertaining read, it feels like it could be turned into a Tim Burton film! - 3 Stars (would've been 4 or 5 if the author had pulled off believable romantic chemistry)
Thank you Pan Macmillan & NetGalley for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Alix E. Harrow did it again! The story is a fantastic example of an eerie gothic tale and I loved everything so much. One of the unique aspects of the book was that the house itself was a character, which added to the haunting atmosphere. The writing style is also incredibly lyrical and beautiful, which adds a great deal of depth to the story. I highly recommend this book, especially as we head into the coming months. It's the perfect read and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good gothic novel.

BOOK REVIEW: Starling House by Alix E Harrow @torbooks

3.5 Stars

I was excited to read this book but also nervous as it's said to be a horror and I am a wuss! Thankfully for me, this book is less horror and more creepy!

Firstly, the cover is STUNNING! As a bird lover, it's my dream cover!
Starling House is about Opal, a mid twenties woman who has been raising her 15 year old brother Jasper alone after the loss of their mother. They are struggling but Opal is desperate for him to have a better life.
Opal has dreams about a creepy house in their town named Starling House and is obsessed with a children's book written by a past owner of the house. The dreams plus town rumours makes her go to the house. It's current isolated owner Arthur gives her a cleaning job in Starling House.
The story has a dark fairytale theme to it and is creepy but not scary. My favourite aspects were the house and the relationship between Opal and Arthur.

I loved the characters! Opal has a tough exterior but cares so much and has a great sense of humour. Arthur was a mystery at first but I did grow to like him. The house was my favourite! It is an animated home that feels and changes dependent on it's moods and what people it cares about needs, which was SO inventive!
I loved the romance and relationship between Opal and Arthur. They had great banter and brought the best AND the worst out in each other!

Sadly I found the overall story to be weak, especially the ending. I was disappointed with the final twist too.
There was some miscommunication (a personal dislike) plus some scenes where problems were sorted out too easily to be believable. The pace was also pretty slow which is partly because of the amount of repetition.

Overall, it was an interesting read. I was glad it wasn't horror! It has a lot of potential, I just wish the storyline had been a bit stronger.

Please note that I was given this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved every book I have read by Alix E. Harrow, and this is true too of her latest gripping Southern Gothic, a reimagining of the darkest of fairytales, Beauty and the Beast, set in a rundown small town, the cursed and sinning Eden, certainly no paradise, in Kentucky. I read and listened to this on audio, almost 12 hours long, narrated thrillingly by Natalie Naudus, who sounds a lot like Canadian comedian, Katherine Ryan, who captivates as she brings alive the snarling, feisty, courageous, and resilient. character of Opal. Since the death of her mother, Opal, deprived of a childhood, has had to lie and deceive to be able to take care of her beloved, bright younger brother, Jasper, committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure he escapes and thrives away from Eden.

Life is far from easy, plagued by desperate poverty and freezing cold conditions, they are living rent free in Room 12 at the Garden of Eden motel, with an Opal experiencing recurring dreams of Starling House, but why? Her curiosity takes her to the disturbingly haunted place, about which rumours abound, known for 19th century writer and illustrator, E. Starling's Underland. Currently living there is reclusive scarred and tattooed Arthur Starling, battling to be the last warden with his sword, who hires Opal as a cleaner for a house that lives and breathes as a character in its own right. Entering Opal's life is the sleek, blonde, privileged predator, Elizabeth Baine, a monster, who threatens Opal and everything that matters to her. Opal may be no pushover as her complicated feelings for Arthur grow, he gives her a truck and his coat to keep her warm, she presents him with hellcat, but she is to be tested to her limits as she fights for what is important to her.

This is an enthralling, vibrant and atmospheric story of Starling House running through its wardens more quickly, its history, the horror, of family, home, its links with a sick, corrupt, dying and polluted town of mines and a power station, its variety of wild monsters, including those that are human, that roam free, sacrifice, and the repercussions of bitterness. A surprising love springs up, but how can it possibly survive with all that is stacked against it? Harrow is a marvellous story teller, and I could not help but be pulled in and entranced with her wonderful cast of larger than life characters, the mad, bad, dangerous to the good, if flawed, ones, not forgetting Starling House itself. A fabulous epic read for the coming Autumn and Winter nights, and I can definitely recommend both the audio and the book. Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC and ALC.

Starling House is the oddity in the town it resides in. It is the house the children cross the street to avoid. It is the house that teenagers dare each other to enter at night. It is the house that adults mutter about under their breath and curse quietly to each other. It is the house were Opal is now employed as its sole cleaner, although whether she chose the job or the house chose her to enter it remains to be seen.

I anticipated a haunted house story but what was delivered was something far more bewildering, magical, and unique. Just like Opal herself, Starling House and its sole inhabitant, are very misunderstood. They don't fit in with the town they reside in but have deep roots that prohibit them from leaving it behind. They are feared and disliked but once they have been given a proper polish you can see the beauty and the heart that they hide deep inside of themselves.

I found myself really loving this odd little tale. It is a difficult one to categorise or describe, but that is precisely the charm of it. Harrow's writing shone here and it was her lyrical quality than aided in bringing this house and this story to quirky life.