Alix E. Harrow's Starling House

 

This book… it’s good! I can see why Reese Witherspoon wanted this book to be her book clubs’ monthly choice. The writing is fantastic, it’s engaging and everything just flows. I did the audiobook version and it was almost relaxing. The reader was wonderful to listen to and, like I said, the story was a smooth ride. I wasn’t pulled out of it at all…well… other than to have to pause and work here and there. *Winks*

We find ourselves wandering through the pages of mystery, adventure, magic, and light horror within the walls of Starling House as Underland gets stronger and the monsters more frequent. I enjoyed the research and information on the past. It really helped inform on the present predicament Arthur and Opal find themselves trying to fight. I loved how sentient the house is and the magic within it- the house can accommodate whatever the warden needs, or the house decides is needed, even updating itself with the changing times for things like plumbing and electricity! I also loved the idea of the magic fighting the outside world so you can’t map it, photograph it, describe it… it’s almost a living thing, deciding who is a trespasser and who is welcome. Starling House protects its own.

This is my first Alix Harrow book and after reading Starling House, it has given me the push I need to finally read her 10,000 Doors of January. I will admit I have been moving it down my TBR pile. I think it’s the “10,000” in the title, my mind says, “that’s how long the book is” and I shy away. I just checked, less than 400 pages. *Phew* I will also share, I felt Starling House had tones of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House and Stephen King’s Fairy Tale. I’m just delighted I pushed myself to read this book and find a new author to follow. I hope you do to. Let me know!