Starling House
Grade : A-

Alix Harrow's latest offering, Starling House, transports readers to the heart of Eden, Kentucky, a town wrestling with the ghosts of its past—racism, environmental decay, and the decline of coal mining. Against this backdrop stands Starling House, a foreboding gothic mansion with a sinister reputation. Harrow's narrative deftly weaves together elements of a hero's journey (times two), supernatural intrigue, and a deft exploration of love and connection.

At the center of this narrative is Opal McCoy, a young woman whose life is mired in hardship. Working a dispiriting job at Tractor Supply and sharing a rundown hotel room with her gifted younger brother, Jasper, Opal has long abandoned any dreams of a brighter future for herself. Her determination lies in securing a better life for Jasper, whose brilliance shines as a beacon of hope in their otherwise gloomy existence. Yet, Starling House, a place most in town dare not approach, inexplicably draws Opal in her dreams.

Arthur Starling, the last surviving member of the enigmatic Starling family, is the guardian of the haunted mansion. His solemn duty is to protect the house and its surroundings from the menacing Beasts of the Underland. Harrow artfully paints Arthur as a man isolated by his responsibilities, doomed to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors who perished in the same quest. When Opal disregards his warnings and breaches the gates of Starling House, their lives become inexorably intertwined.

The chemistry between Opal and Arthur is palpable, an ever-present undercurrent of attraction, mistrust, and vulnerability. Their relationship, marked by secrecy and heated exchanges, unfurls gradually amidst the backdrop of supernatural threats, corporate greed, and the town's painful history.

However, Starling House is more than a love story; it is a captivating tale of self-discovery within the eerie confines of the mansion's hidden chambers. As Opal navigates the mysteries and enchantments concealed within Starling House, readers are treated to a richly atmospheric experience that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.

Harrow's writing is both evocative and lucid, immersing readers in the labyrinthine corridors and mystical incantations of the house. Her narrative doesn't shy away from tackling weighty themes, such as environmental degradation, corporate avarice, and the darkness within human nature. As Opal and Arthur confront supernatural threats and the formidable Gravely Power, a corporation that holds the town in its grip, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Starling House is a genre-defying tapestry—a mesmerizing blend of gothic haunted house tale, intricate puzzle, and a love story that pulses with intensity. Harrow's storytelling prowess shines through, and readers will find themselves irresistibly drawn into the enchanting world she has crafted.

Prepare to be spellbound.

Reviewed by Dabney Grinnan
Grade : A-

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : October 4, 2023

Publication Date: 10/2023

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  1. Except for the obvious adult situations, Astrid sounds like she has the maturity of a child with the “no hockey…

Dabney Grinnan

Impenitent social media enthusiast. Relational trend spotter. Enjoys both carpe diem and the fish of the day. Publisher at AAR.
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