House of the Beast
A Novel
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4.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
NATIONAL BESTSELLER!
“As darkly whimsical as the most beloved fairy tales and soaked in gothic atmosphere. The gorgeous and evocative illustrations bring to life an unforgettably lush and hypnotically romantic story.” —Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning
Step into the dark coming-of-age fantasy debut from The Legend of Korra illustrator Michelle Wong, where a young woman bound to a mysterious god seeks revenge on her aristocratic family in a story of divine rituals, brutal magic, and twisted love—featuring illustrations throughout by the author.
Born out of wedlock and shunned by society, Alma found solace in solitude—so long as her mother was by her side. But when illness strikes, Alma reaches out to the father she’s never known and uncovers a dark truth: she’s a bastard of House Avera, one of the four noble families that serve the gods, and her father is a vessel of the Dread Beast, a harbinger of death.
To save her mother, Alma agrees to sacrifice her arm in a blood-soaked ceremony that binds her to the Beast. But the cure never comes, leaving her trapped in a hostile, gothic estate—despised by her relatives and used as a pawn in her father’s schemes.
Now vengeance drives her, guided by the god who shadows her every step. He appears only to her—a beautiful, monstrous prince—whispering that she’s destined to reshape the world. With his dark magic fueling her, Alma sets out to destroy the House that took everything from her. But as their bond deepens and their plans grow more perilous, she must decide if her god’s honeyed words—and her forbidden feelings for him—are leading her to victory, or dragging the mortal world to ruin.
“A beguiling tale of strange gods, cosmic horrors, and ruinous revenge, House of the Beast dazzled me. With compelling characters and masterful world building, Wong’s debut is sure to become a celebrated classic.”— Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Child
If you enter the House of the Beast, prepare to find:
Morally grey characters with toxic, codependent relationships (M/F, M/M)Vengeful heroine and her chaotic-evil trickster godSlow-burn yearning and forbidden attractionFamily rivalries and court intrigueDeadly trials and divine bargainsNightmare realm full of monsters and secretsMagic, violence, and madnessStunning black-and-white art by the author woven through the textFor fans of One Dark Window, Blood Over Bright Haven, and A Study in Drowning
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Intricately plotted with luxuriant worldbuilding, the dark fantasy debut from illustrator Wong announces her as an exciting new voice. Alma is 11 years old and living in disgrace with her unwed mother when her aristocratic father, Lord Zander Avera, comes to retrieve her. As head of one of the Four High Houses of Kugara, Zander needs an heir to serve as a vessel for their elder god, the Dread Beast. He amputates Alma's left arm and sacrifices it to the god. Soon thereafter she learns her mother has died, and falls into despair. Then, suddenly, a silver-haired boy appears before her, wearing her left arm as his own. This apparition is the Dread Beast, who has taken the form of her imaginary childhood friend and promises, "You're not alone, Alma." Going by Aster, he will oversee her training for the next eight years so she can join her father's mission to prevent a powerful falling star from bringing darkness to the land. Aster, however, fears that Zander is too selfish for the task and encourages Alma to seek revenge on her father for abandoning her and her mother. Wong masterfully constructs a gothic coming-of-age tale replete with love, politics, and betrayal, helmed by a wonderfully earnest heroine. Elegant illustrations peppered throughout enhance the experience. Fans of manga and heroic fantasy will be thrilled.
Customer Reviews
I’m not okay
It was really good!!
I’m absolutely distraught.
I loved every single second reading this.
I cried.
I fell in love.
I was heartbroken.
I started the process of healing.
And the ending left a delicious taste in my mouth that I shall not describe as to avoid any spoilers.
Loved it.