I quite enjoyed this book and story overall. It’s slower paced but then finishes on a higher note, to keep it short and not spoil the story!

Gothic vibes with charismatic characters, especially Opal our main protagonist, the sole caretaker of her younger brother Jasper. The story gradually reveals main plot points, their relationship, history, and what is actually happening at Starling House and the town of Eden.

While the first half of the book felt quite slow to me, I’m coming to understand that might have been deliberate. I really liked many of the myths and stories detailed between the chapters, especially the various recollections of The Underland, drawn sketches of certain scenes as well as the overall atmosphere the author infused into the book. The characters we are introduced to start feeling like a family, always looking out for Opal and Jasper, even if Opal didn’t realize it at the beginning.

I would categorize this as a fantasy mystery, I wasn’t exactly horror-scared but some moments were a bit eerie. Generally feeling wholesome upon finishing, definitely a great autumn read!

Title: Starling House
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Genre: Fantasy Mystery
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️