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House of Hunger
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Horror (2022)WANTED - Bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have a keen proclivity for life's finer pleasures. Girls of weak will need not apply.
A young woman is drawn into the upper echelons of a society where blood is power, in this dark and enthralling gothic novel from the author of The Year of the Witching.
Marion Shaw has been raised in the slums, where want and deprivation is all she knows. Despite longing to leave the city and its miseries, she has no real hope of escape until the day she spots a peculiar listing in the newspaper, seeking a bloodmaid.
Though she knows little about the far north--where wealthy nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in their service--Marion applies to the position. In a matter of days, she finds herself the newest bloodmaid at the notorious House of Hunger. There, Marion is swept into a world of dark debauchery--and at the center of it all is her.
Countess Lisavet, who presides over this hedonistic court, is loved and feared in equal measure. She takes a special interest in Marion. Lisavet is magnetic, and Marion is eager to please her new mistress. But when her fellow bloodmaids begin to go missing in the night, Marion is thrust into a vicious game of cat and mouse. She'll need to learn the rules of her new home--and fast--or its halls will soon become her grave.
A young woman is drawn into the upper echelons of a society where blood is power, in this dark and enthralling gothic novel from the author of The Year of the Witching.
Marion Shaw has been raised in the slums, where want and deprivation is all she knows. Despite longing to leave the city and its miseries, she has no real hope of escape until the day she spots a peculiar listing in the newspaper, seeking a bloodmaid.
Though she knows little about the far north--where wealthy nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in their service--Marion applies to the position. In a matter of days, she finds herself the newest bloodmaid at the notorious House of Hunger. There, Marion is swept into a world of dark debauchery--and at the center of it all is her.
Countess Lisavet, who presides over this hedonistic court, is loved and feared in equal measure. She takes a special interest in Marion. Lisavet is magnetic, and Marion is eager to please her new mistress. But when her fellow bloodmaids begin to go missing in the night, Marion is thrust into a vicious game of cat and mouse. She'll need to learn the rules of her new home--and fast--or its halls will soon become her grave.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2022
About the author
Alexis Henderson
7 books3,016 followersAlexis Henderson is a speculative fiction writer with a penchant for dark fantasy, witchcraft, and cosmic horror. She grew up in one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah, Georgia, which instilled in her a life-long love of ghost stories. When she doesn’t have her nose buried in a book, you can find her painting or watching horror movies with her feline familiar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,532 reviews
October 26, 2022
THIS IS EVERYTHING!!! Whaaaat a spooky good messed up time I had! :D
October 3, 2022
↠ 4.5 stars
The advertisement in the paper seems almost written in blood. It comes on behalf of the illustrious houses of the far north, where wealthy nobles live for the finer pleasures of human blood, relying on young women known as bloodmaids to supply it. Happening upon this strange advert is Marion Shaw, a young woman desperate to leave her current circumstances, yet with no hopes of doing so –until now. When a taster deems her blood an exquisite and rare taste, Marion is taken north to be presented as a potential new bloodmaid, where she finds herself the newest member of the notorious House of Hunger. Drawn into the dark world of which Countess Lisavet rules, Marion is quickly swept up in her allure and a hopeless desire to please her. The walls of the house cannot hide everything, and when an expulsion of the head bloodmaid reveals a pattern of past bloodmaids gone missing, Marion learns that deep within the house, lies something truly wretched.
House of Hunger is the unforgiving gothic horror of my dreams, soaked in blood and depravity. One look at its premise, and I could feel in my soul that this was going to be an instant favorite. With vivid descriptions and luscious prose, Alexis Henderson paints an alluring picture of a desolate house set on a sprawling estate and the noble families for whom the taste of blood still holds sway. Where desperate young women plucked from poverty are traded comfort in exchange for the endless supply of blood they can provide. Right from the get-go, this novel scorched a direct path to my heart, assisted by a devastating gothic atmosphere that slowly captured an essence of disquiet, building like a horrific symphony I could not look away from. Of course, no gothic horror is complete without its resilient leading lady, and Marion Shaw is certainly that, a sensational protagonist to follow as the truth behind the house of hunger is unveiled. Entangled in a hypnotic seduction with Countess Lisavet and set off by an unsettling discovery, Marion’s journey was everything I could have possibly asked for, fraught with disillusion and a descent from unwavering devotion into violence. Henderson did an amazing job balancing why someone in Marion’s position would be willing to enter into a bloodmaid contract, and how the wealthy took advantage of these women, that in their eyes, were easily expendable. Coupled with intensifying house politics, the claustrophobic feel of the narrative, and the revelation to the inner workings of the houses, this story takes a depraved and horrifying final bow. House of Hunger is everything I could possibly want in a horror novel, a fearsomely dark tale with a corrupted center.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Trigger warnings: blood, death, violence, gore, murder
The advertisement in the paper seems almost written in blood. It comes on behalf of the illustrious houses of the far north, where wealthy nobles live for the finer pleasures of human blood, relying on young women known as bloodmaids to supply it. Happening upon this strange advert is Marion Shaw, a young woman desperate to leave her current circumstances, yet with no hopes of doing so –until now. When a taster deems her blood an exquisite and rare taste, Marion is taken north to be presented as a potential new bloodmaid, where she finds herself the newest member of the notorious House of Hunger. Drawn into the dark world of which Countess Lisavet rules, Marion is quickly swept up in her allure and a hopeless desire to please her. The walls of the house cannot hide everything, and when an expulsion of the head bloodmaid reveals a pattern of past bloodmaids gone missing, Marion learns that deep within the house, lies something truly wretched.
House of Hunger is the unforgiving gothic horror of my dreams, soaked in blood and depravity. One look at its premise, and I could feel in my soul that this was going to be an instant favorite. With vivid descriptions and luscious prose, Alexis Henderson paints an alluring picture of a desolate house set on a sprawling estate and the noble families for whom the taste of blood still holds sway. Where desperate young women plucked from poverty are traded comfort in exchange for the endless supply of blood they can provide. Right from the get-go, this novel scorched a direct path to my heart, assisted by a devastating gothic atmosphere that slowly captured an essence of disquiet, building like a horrific symphony I could not look away from. Of course, no gothic horror is complete without its resilient leading lady, and Marion Shaw is certainly that, a sensational protagonist to follow as the truth behind the house of hunger is unveiled. Entangled in a hypnotic seduction with Countess Lisavet and set off by an unsettling discovery, Marion’s journey was everything I could have possibly asked for, fraught with disillusion and a descent from unwavering devotion into violence. Henderson did an amazing job balancing why someone in Marion’s position would be willing to enter into a bloodmaid contract, and how the wealthy took advantage of these women, that in their eyes, were easily expendable. Coupled with intensifying house politics, the claustrophobic feel of the narrative, and the revelation to the inner workings of the houses, this story takes a depraved and horrifying final bow. House of Hunger is everything I could possibly want in a horror novel, a fearsomely dark tale with a corrupted center.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Trigger warnings: blood, death, violence, gore, murder
July 21, 2024
House of Hunger follows Marion Shaw. Marion has been raised in the slums of the South and her life is pretty bleak.
She works in domestic service for a grumpy old woman. Her parents are dead and she lives on the edge of poverty with her drug-addicted and abusive brother.
She does have a friend though, so that seems to be a highlight. She and this friend frequently get-together on their allotted break from work and read classified ads.
Basically, in their area, men will sometimes advertise when they are looking for a wife. It's actually a way for some of these girls to climb out of poverty, if they find a man wealthy enough to take care of them.
So, Marion and her friend will sometimes read these ads and joke around about responding to one of them, and the odds of being selected.
On one occasion though, Marion actually sees something that piques her interest; an advert from the notorious House of Hunger, one of the richest houses in the North. It seems they're in need of a bloodmaid.
Even though she's practically clueless about life in the wealthy North, she applies for the position. How bad can it be? It certainly has to be better than the meager existence she currently has.
She applies and meets the Taster. A job interviewer of sorts, who tastes her blood and is blown away.
He offers her the position with confidence. The Lady of the House will go batshit-crazy over the delictableness of her blood. It's a fine vintage, indeed.
The trip North and subsequent introduction to the House of Hunger and their ways is completely off the charts for Marion. It's all new. She's like a newborn baby, learning everything from scratch.
The castle is full of debauchery. The Lords and Ladies milling about live hedonistic lives. It's an odd environment, with Marion and the other bloodmaids simply bearing witness to it all.
One scene, featuring a game called Fox and the Hounds literally gave me chills. These people are nuts. They have no repercussions for the things they do. They can get away with anything. It's a real precarious position for Marion to be in, but honestly, what are her other options?
Marion discovers the bloodmaids have a bit of a competitive side to them. Apparently, Countess Lisavet, the enthralling Lady of the House, always has a favorite. Her go-to girl, who she'll spoil with things the other girls don't get.
As Lisavet begins to show a particular liking for Marion, the old favorite gets ticked. Marion definitely didn't make a friend there. Additionally, as Marion gets drawn more and more into Lisavet's inner sanctum, she begins to see that not all is as it appears in the House of Hunger.
This book was absolutely everything I wanted. I fell in love with Henderson's writing and the vivid Horror imagery, including top-notch Body Horror, she was able to conjure up on the page.
There were some toe-curling scenes, anything involving teeth is gonna get me, soooo, I'm not okay. I was living for this atmosphere.
In fact, I was having so much fun that I gave daily status updates on the plot to my coworkers, and their eyes didn't even glaze over. That's how passionate I was about it.
I liked that Marion didn't know anything about the North, or their customs. It offered up the perfect chance for the Reader to learn about the world through her eyes, without it seeming info dumpy.
I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding the House. As Marion begins to figure out that something is off and then the build-up to the final reveal of what was happening. I thought that was so well done.
Henderson built out the tension perfectly and kept me fully-engaged the entire way through. This narrative is vividly-described and I felt like I could picture everything perfectly. It was dark, gothic, gory and stunning. I loved it!!!
I cannot wait to read more from Henderson. Well done!
She works in domestic service for a grumpy old woman. Her parents are dead and she lives on the edge of poverty with her drug-addicted and abusive brother.
She does have a friend though, so that seems to be a highlight. She and this friend frequently get-together on their allotted break from work and read classified ads.
Basically, in their area, men will sometimes advertise when they are looking for a wife. It's actually a way for some of these girls to climb out of poverty, if they find a man wealthy enough to take care of them.
So, Marion and her friend will sometimes read these ads and joke around about responding to one of them, and the odds of being selected.
On one occasion though, Marion actually sees something that piques her interest; an advert from the notorious House of Hunger, one of the richest houses in the North. It seems they're in need of a bloodmaid.
Even though she's practically clueless about life in the wealthy North, she applies for the position. How bad can it be? It certainly has to be better than the meager existence she currently has.
She applies and meets the Taster. A job interviewer of sorts, who tastes her blood and is blown away.
He offers her the position with confidence. The Lady of the House will go batshit-crazy over the delictableness of her blood. It's a fine vintage, indeed.
The trip North and subsequent introduction to the House of Hunger and their ways is completely off the charts for Marion. It's all new. She's like a newborn baby, learning everything from scratch.
The castle is full of debauchery. The Lords and Ladies milling about live hedonistic lives. It's an odd environment, with Marion and the other bloodmaids simply bearing witness to it all.
One scene, featuring a game called Fox and the Hounds literally gave me chills. These people are nuts. They have no repercussions for the things they do. They can get away with anything. It's a real precarious position for Marion to be in, but honestly, what are her other options?
Marion discovers the bloodmaids have a bit of a competitive side to them. Apparently, Countess Lisavet, the enthralling Lady of the House, always has a favorite. Her go-to girl, who she'll spoil with things the other girls don't get.
As Lisavet begins to show a particular liking for Marion, the old favorite gets ticked. Marion definitely didn't make a friend there. Additionally, as Marion gets drawn more and more into Lisavet's inner sanctum, she begins to see that not all is as it appears in the House of Hunger.
This book was absolutely everything I wanted. I fell in love with Henderson's writing and the vivid Horror imagery, including top-notch Body Horror, she was able to conjure up on the page.
There were some toe-curling scenes, anything involving teeth is gonna get me, soooo, I'm not okay. I was living for this atmosphere.
In fact, I was having so much fun that I gave daily status updates on the plot to my coworkers, and their eyes didn't even glaze over. That's how passionate I was about it.
I liked that Marion didn't know anything about the North, or their customs. It offered up the perfect chance for the Reader to learn about the world through her eyes, without it seeming info dumpy.
I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding the House. As Marion begins to figure out that something is off and then the build-up to the final reveal of what was happening. I thought that was so well done.
Henderson built out the tension perfectly and kept me fully-engaged the entire way through. This narrative is vividly-described and I felt like I could picture everything perfectly. It was dark, gothic, gory and stunning. I loved it!!!
I cannot wait to read more from Henderson. Well done!
September 28, 2022
Bloody good!
4.5⭐
This is a dark and delicious gothic horror set against my favorite cold weather setting. Alexis Henderson did a wonderful job with vivid descriptions and held me mesmerized from clothing, and food to ruby red tea cups. The slums of Prane, a little brick shack with a twisted chimney that Marion Shaw calls home, to the night train journey that took her north to serve Lisavet, Countess of the House of Hunger as her bloodmaid. Per the written contract, Marion will be rewarded handsomely at the end of her indenture.
House of Hunger is repulsive yet seductive, a poor slum girl bleeds for the nobles. It gets quite steamy too! I want to say I love it, but there are times I want to scream when the protagonist does silly stuff and there's a tiny plot hole.
Love the steady pace of the story that leads to a rollercoaster pulse-pounding ending. It's one of those books I want to know the ending but at the same time don't want it to end. A perfect read for the spooky season!
Thank you Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for this DRC.
Publication date September 27, 2022!
4.5⭐
This is a dark and delicious gothic horror set against my favorite cold weather setting. Alexis Henderson did a wonderful job with vivid descriptions and held me mesmerized from clothing, and food to ruby red tea cups. The slums of Prane, a little brick shack with a twisted chimney that Marion Shaw calls home, to the night train journey that took her north to serve Lisavet, Countess of the House of Hunger as her bloodmaid. Per the written contract, Marion will be rewarded handsomely at the end of her indenture.
House of Hunger is repulsive yet seductive, a poor slum girl bleeds for the nobles. It gets quite steamy too! I want to say I love it, but there are times I want to scream when the protagonist does silly stuff and there's a tiny plot hole.
Love the steady pace of the story that leads to a rollercoaster pulse-pounding ending. It's one of those books I want to know the ending but at the same time don't want it to end. A perfect read for the spooky season!
Thank you Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for this DRC.
Publication date September 27, 2022!
October 2, 2022
Wealthy mistresses and masters hire young, poor, naive, desperate girls to suck their bloods in return of food, a temporary roof on their heads, a sufficient pension promise! Definitely hideous, intriguing, bleak plot line promises us corrupted, hunger of power 27 houses’ big rivalry, teaming up against each other to keep the balance! And poor and miserable people who are serving them are doomed to be feast of those powerful people!
This is hideous, gothic, claustrophobic thriller story about a young maid’s decision to leave her hell of life behind and choosing to get lost into the upper echelons of the society in expanse not only losing her blood but also giving up her soul slowly.
Marion Shaw reads a peculiar ad which may be the answer to her biggest predicament: they are looking for a blood maid in exceptional taste, not older than 19 years with a keen proclivity for life’s finest pleasures.
She is tired of scrabbling for survival in the slums, working under scrutinizing eyes of Lady Gertrude till her hands get blisters, lost her parents to tuberculosis at young age, and may breadwinner to take care of her I’ll fated brother who spends their each dime to drugs and alcohol.
She needs a second chance to start over and it seems like occupation as bloodmaid at Hunger House can change her life even though her brother has no intention to let her go.
She goes to the interview as it’s instructed at the paper and meets the notorious Taster who gets impressed by the rich taste of her blood, offering her a ticket to night train to leave her hometown to start her new job at North.
When she accepts the offer, she finds herself in gothic Hunger house which ruled by Countess Lisavet: a lovable and quiet hatable character presides over the hedonistic court. Marion meets with other five bloodmaids, being taught the rules of the place by Mother of the house and two serious instructors. It seems like Countess Lisavet already gets invested in her, questioning her past, secrets. But as soon as she spends more time in the house, being swept in a dark web of debauchery, depravity, viciousness, she realizes she is going to be real prey to the monsters. She couldn’t choose the wrongest place to build a new life!
Overall: a mind spinning, spin tingling, intense and dark tale with bitter end! I absolutely enjoyed it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
This is hideous, gothic, claustrophobic thriller story about a young maid’s decision to leave her hell of life behind and choosing to get lost into the upper echelons of the society in expanse not only losing her blood but also giving up her soul slowly.
Marion Shaw reads a peculiar ad which may be the answer to her biggest predicament: they are looking for a blood maid in exceptional taste, not older than 19 years with a keen proclivity for life’s finest pleasures.
She is tired of scrabbling for survival in the slums, working under scrutinizing eyes of Lady Gertrude till her hands get blisters, lost her parents to tuberculosis at young age, and may breadwinner to take care of her I’ll fated brother who spends their each dime to drugs and alcohol.
She needs a second chance to start over and it seems like occupation as bloodmaid at Hunger House can change her life even though her brother has no intention to let her go.
She goes to the interview as it’s instructed at the paper and meets the notorious Taster who gets impressed by the rich taste of her blood, offering her a ticket to night train to leave her hometown to start her new job at North.
When she accepts the offer, she finds herself in gothic Hunger house which ruled by Countess Lisavet: a lovable and quiet hatable character presides over the hedonistic court. Marion meets with other five bloodmaids, being taught the rules of the place by Mother of the house and two serious instructors. It seems like Countess Lisavet already gets invested in her, questioning her past, secrets. But as soon as she spends more time in the house, being swept in a dark web of debauchery, depravity, viciousness, she realizes she is going to be real prey to the monsters. She couldn’t choose the wrongest place to build a new life!
Overall: a mind spinning, spin tingling, intense and dark tale with bitter end! I absolutely enjoyed it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
April 1, 2024
‘My mother once told me beautiful was the worst thing a girl could be. I’m now inclined to believe her.’
I eagerly picked up "House of Hunger" by Alexis Henderson, hoping for a gripping tale of magic, mystery, and suspense. However, what I found within the pages of this novel left me deeply disappointed and disengaged. Firstly, the pacing of the story felt sluggish and disjointed. Instead of building tension and momentum, the narrative seemed to wander aimlessly, lacking a clear direction or sense of urgency. As a result, I found it difficult to stay invested in the plot or connect with the characters on any meaningful level.
Speaking of characters, I found them to be one dimensional and lacking in depth. The protagonist, in particular, felt more like a caricature than a fully realised individual, with little to no development throughout the story. I struggled to empathise with her plight or understand her motivations, which made it challenging to root for her success or care about her fate.
Furthermore, while the premise of the novel held promise—a remote castle plagued by dark forces and a young woman with a mysterious power—Henderson failed to deliver on its potential. The world building felt shallow and underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers about the magical elements and supernatural beings that populated the story.
Additionally, I found the writing style to be overly verbose and melodramatic, with prose that often distracted from the narrative rather than enhancing it.
House of Hunger left me feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed. While it may appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and eerie imagery, those seeking a compelling plot and well rounded characters are likely to be disappointed by this lackluster novel from Alexis Henderson.
I do not Recommend.
I eagerly picked up "House of Hunger" by Alexis Henderson, hoping for a gripping tale of magic, mystery, and suspense. However, what I found within the pages of this novel left me deeply disappointed and disengaged. Firstly, the pacing of the story felt sluggish and disjointed. Instead of building tension and momentum, the narrative seemed to wander aimlessly, lacking a clear direction or sense of urgency. As a result, I found it difficult to stay invested in the plot or connect with the characters on any meaningful level.
Speaking of characters, I found them to be one dimensional and lacking in depth. The protagonist, in particular, felt more like a caricature than a fully realised individual, with little to no development throughout the story. I struggled to empathise with her plight or understand her motivations, which made it challenging to root for her success or care about her fate.
Furthermore, while the premise of the novel held promise—a remote castle plagued by dark forces and a young woman with a mysterious power—Henderson failed to deliver on its potential. The world building felt shallow and underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers about the magical elements and supernatural beings that populated the story.
Additionally, I found the writing style to be overly verbose and melodramatic, with prose that often distracted from the narrative rather than enhancing it.
House of Hunger left me feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed. While it may appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric settings and eerie imagery, those seeking a compelling plot and well rounded characters are likely to be disappointed by this lackluster novel from Alexis Henderson.
I do not Recommend.
October 28, 2022
This book has a great premise, and it is very compulsively readable but I unfortunately can't say that I loved it. The characters all fell a bit flat for me, the atmosphere while indeed a bit uncomfortable, never gave me a real sense of danger or urgency that would place the book in severely spooky territory. The world building was a bit too vague to leave me satisfied either. Major thing that I really enjoyed was the casual queerness of the world and the commentary on the ways that the rich and powerful routinely prey upon the poor and use their vulnerability to their advantage. The intrigue was certainly high in this book and as a result I couldn't put it down but I also can't claim this is a book that I will remember in month.
October 25, 2022
I swear I clenched my mouth the entire time I read this book hoping that my teeth wouldn't fall out of my head. As my second book by Alexis Henderson, I was looking forward to seeing what she would attempt to create through this gothic horror novel. As usual, I enjoyed Henderson's lyrical writing; however, the book fell a little short on the world building and had some pacing issues. 3.5 Stars CW: death, blood letting, body horror, abuse (physical, mental & emotional), gaslighting, attempted sexual assault
House of Hunger is a sapphic gothic horror novel that follows Marion Shaw who has spent her life in the slums. When the opportunity arises for her to leave the city and become a bloodmaid, she takes her chances hoping to acquire a sufficient amount of wealth to help provide for herself and brother. Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily go as planned and once she arrives in the far north to the House of Hunger she learns that things are more sinister than she expected.
One of the most disappointing things about this book is the fact that it suffers from a lack of extensive world building. There are some interesting points possibly pointing towards race and class that could have afforded to be explored in more detail. Unfortunately, readers are confined to the space and house where Marion and the rest of the girls reside so we are left with less knowledge than expected about the outside world. In a lot ways it made the novel feel static and the containment to the the house took away from the potential of a greater world. I wanted to know more about the houses and their interactions. In a lot of ways, readers are teased with this information, but never truly get the full satisfaction of getting to know the world at large. For some reason, this made me feel claustrophobic. I'm not sure if this was the intention of Henderson, but I didn't really like that feeling.
I did enjoy Marion as a character. It was quite interesting to watch her completely lose her resolve at the opportunity/chance for wealth. Not only was there money involved, but she becomes completely enthralled with Lisavet in a way that emotionally impacts her. To be honest, it was a great comparison of how easy it is to lose oneself when class, race, wealth, and even emotions such as love shift to give what we think is social elevation. It's even more fascinating to watch when readers recognize that Marion technically has the skill set and intelligence to avoid a lot of the shenanigans that occur. Nevertheless, Henderson illustrates to readers that difference in class and wealth can weaken and completely change that keen sense of awareness. Marion does, in some ways, gain that resolve back, but it comes at the expense of being naïve for such an extended period of time. And let's talk about Henderson's writing. It's beautiful, lyrical and damn right terrifying. That's one thing I feel will always be guaranteed in a Henderson novel. The vampiric, sensual vibes of the text were fascinating and did lend greatly to the themes of obsession, desire, and hunger. The pacing of this book was a little off in some areas and it did resolve a little too perfectly, but I did enjoy the story overall.
If you're looking for queer, gothic horror that makes commentary on some interesting social issues I think that you'll enjoy it. I still think that I like The Year of the Witching a little better, but overall it was a good read and I'm looking forward to what Henderson puts out in the future.
House of Hunger is a sapphic gothic horror novel that follows Marion Shaw who has spent her life in the slums. When the opportunity arises for her to leave the city and become a bloodmaid, she takes her chances hoping to acquire a sufficient amount of wealth to help provide for herself and brother. Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily go as planned and once she arrives in the far north to the House of Hunger she learns that things are more sinister than she expected.
One of the most disappointing things about this book is the fact that it suffers from a lack of extensive world building. There are some interesting points possibly pointing towards race and class that could have afforded to be explored in more detail. Unfortunately, readers are confined to the space and house where Marion and the rest of the girls reside so we are left with less knowledge than expected about the outside world. In a lot ways it made the novel feel static and the containment to the the house took away from the potential of a greater world. I wanted to know more about the houses and their interactions. In a lot of ways, readers are teased with this information, but never truly get the full satisfaction of getting to know the world at large. For some reason, this made me feel claustrophobic. I'm not sure if this was the intention of Henderson, but I didn't really like that feeling.
I did enjoy Marion as a character. It was quite interesting to watch her completely lose her resolve at the opportunity/chance for wealth. Not only was there money involved, but she becomes completely enthralled with Lisavet in a way that emotionally impacts her. To be honest, it was a great comparison of how easy it is to lose oneself when class, race, wealth, and even emotions such as love shift to give what we think is social elevation. It's even more fascinating to watch when readers recognize that Marion technically has the skill set and intelligence to avoid a lot of the shenanigans that occur. Nevertheless, Henderson illustrates to readers that difference in class and wealth can weaken and completely change that keen sense of awareness. Marion does, in some ways, gain that resolve back, but it comes at the expense of being naïve for such an extended period of time. And let's talk about Henderson's writing. It's beautiful, lyrical and damn right terrifying. That's one thing I feel will always be guaranteed in a Henderson novel. The vampiric, sensual vibes of the text were fascinating and did lend greatly to the themes of obsession, desire, and hunger. The pacing of this book was a little off in some areas and it did resolve a little too perfectly, but I did enjoy the story overall.
If you're looking for queer, gothic horror that makes commentary on some interesting social issues I think that you'll enjoy it. I still think that I like The Year of the Witching a little better, but overall it was a good read and I'm looking forward to what Henderson puts out in the future.
October 2, 2022
Alexis Henderson brings a chilling atmosphere to her latest novel,
House of Hunger
. I’ve seen this book classified as historical fantasy and gothic horror. Both are fitting for this tale of wickedness, deceit, lies, and passion. Marion Shaw was raised in the slums of Prane, works as a maid for the hateful Lady Gertrude, and lives with her older brother who spends most of his time drunk or high. She longs to escape her life of deprivation and finally sees an opportunity when she reads a newspaper listing seeking a bloodmaid.
Marion doesn’t know much about the far north where nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in service to them. She soon finds herself the newest bloodmaid for the House of Hunger where Countess Lisavet and her court engage in their ideas around the pursuit of pleasure. Marion wants to please Lisavet, but there’s more going on than meets the eye. When another bloodmaid disappears one night, Marion is determined to find out what happened to her.
Marion is a convincing protagonist and is well-drawn. She feels guilt, but is determined to make a better life for herself. However, she’s somewhat naïve for someone who grew up on the streets and comes across as too trusting. The other characters had various degrees of depth, but a few weren’t developed as much as I would have liked.
The premise is great, and while there was a sense of potential danger, it didn’t quite create the suspense and sense of urgency that I expected during most of the book. After a strong beginning, the pacing slows during the middle section of the story. However, the last 25 percent is very dramatic and action-packed, but somewhat rushed. There are many disturbing scenes scattered throughout the novel. While vampires are never mentioned, there are plenty of hints around why Lisavet needs blood. However, why do her nobles need it? Any more details would be spoilers. The world-building is fantastic from the slums of Prane to Lady Gertrude’s home to the huge isolated mansion on an island in the far north. Themes include class, race, jealousy, contempt, mistrust, depravity, despair, power, wealth, gender, passion, friendship, and exploitation of others.
Overall, this story is engrossing, original, and has an impactful horror conclusion. If you enjoy gothic horror and historical fantasy, then this is a book to consider reading. It seemed right to read this during the fall.
Berkley Publishing Group –Ace and Alexis Henderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------
My 3.12 star rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
Marion doesn’t know much about the far north where nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in service to them. She soon finds herself the newest bloodmaid for the House of Hunger where Countess Lisavet and her court engage in their ideas around the pursuit of pleasure. Marion wants to please Lisavet, but there’s more going on than meets the eye. When another bloodmaid disappears one night, Marion is determined to find out what happened to her.
Marion is a convincing protagonist and is well-drawn. She feels guilt, but is determined to make a better life for herself. However, she’s somewhat naïve for someone who grew up on the streets and comes across as too trusting. The other characters had various degrees of depth, but a few weren’t developed as much as I would have liked.
The premise is great, and while there was a sense of potential danger, it didn’t quite create the suspense and sense of urgency that I expected during most of the book. After a strong beginning, the pacing slows during the middle section of the story. However, the last 25 percent is very dramatic and action-packed, but somewhat rushed. There are many disturbing scenes scattered throughout the novel. While vampires are never mentioned, there are plenty of hints around why Lisavet needs blood. However, why do her nobles need it? Any more details would be spoilers. The world-building is fantastic from the slums of Prane to Lady Gertrude’s home to the huge isolated mansion on an island in the far north. Themes include class, race, jealousy, contempt, mistrust, depravity, despair, power, wealth, gender, passion, friendship, and exploitation of others.
Overall, this story is engrossing, original, and has an impactful horror conclusion. If you enjoy gothic horror and historical fantasy, then this is a book to consider reading. It seemed right to read this during the fall.
Berkley Publishing Group –Ace and Alexis Henderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------
My 3.12 star rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
July 10, 2024
Do you want this, Marion? Are you hungry?
Maybe one of the most fucked up books I’ve ever read in my life (honorific, loving, appreciative).
House of Hunger is a horror novel following Marion, who rips herself from her own life to become a bloodmaid for Countess Lisaveta, the alluring count of the powerful House of Hunger. Yet even as she and the other four bloodmaids—Irene, Elize, Evie, and favorite Cecilia—drain their blood for Lisaveta, she finds that being a bloodmaid is a more dangerous game than she’d been promised.
Part of the horror of the vampire novel is not just that the vampiric subject fears being consumed: It’s that we fear we’ll like it. Since Dracula, fiction of blood consumption has grappled with the consumed subject’s desire to be eaten themselves. What do you do when you are being drained of your life, and all you want is more?
Within the House, blood contains memories. The bloodmaids give themselves in giving their blood. Marion is crippled with guilt from killing her brother Raul, and there’s something really fascinating to read in Lisaveta’s viewpoint on her. Marion wishes to be understood. Whether she can be is a harder question.
I loved this book and I deeply, deeply adored the ending. This book let me tear through in a day and I absolutely loved it.
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November 5, 2022
This has all the vibes I want and need. This has Dowry of Blood energy. Love that.
However, it didn't execute them well, in my opinion.
Mainly, I never understood Marion's obsession with Lisavet. It seemed instalove and unbelievable to me. Especially for how deep and traumatizing it is. Without that connection, the plot really falls apart.
I enjoyed it but I could have LOVED it given more realistic emotional depth.
I give it a 3 because these vibes are immaculate and I desperately NEED more stories like this.
Does that make sense??
However, it didn't execute them well, in my opinion.
Mainly, I never understood Marion's obsession with Lisavet. It seemed instalove and unbelievable to me. Especially for how deep and traumatizing it is. Without that connection, the plot really falls apart.
I enjoyed it but I could have LOVED it given more realistic emotional depth.
I give it a 3 because these vibes are immaculate and I desperately NEED more stories like this.
Does that make sense??
September 15, 2022
Alexis Henderson completely wowed me with The Year of the Witching and I went into this book with high hopes. Henderson has the knack for creating unique and original words.
WANTED - Bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have a keen proclivity for life's finer pleasures. Girls of weak will need not apply.
Marion Shaw was tired of living in poverty and living in the slums. She yearned for more. She wanted out and when she saw an advertisement in the newspaper, she decided to apply. The ad was for a blood maid for a home in the North. The North is where the wealthy live and feed on the blood of those in their service.
Once accepted, Marion finds herself living with Countess Lisavet in the House of Hunger. Marion wants to please her new mistress. Lisavet is drawn to Marion. Things seem to be going well....
Gothic, dark and atmospheric. This one will get into your blood. The author has a way of writing unique female characters. Those who are searching for a better life and those who are powerful and prey on others. Henderson gives readers a young woman who was destined to live in the slums for as long as she lives, under the cruel eye of her brother. Marion wants more and is willing to do what it takes to elevate her status. But is she biting off more than she can chew?
High marks for originality and gothic horror. There is a sense of unease and tenson in the book. I loved the gothic and atmospheric feel of this book.
3.5 stars rounded up
#HouseofHunger #NetGalley
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ace and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
WANTED - Bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have a keen proclivity for life's finer pleasures. Girls of weak will need not apply.
Marion Shaw was tired of living in poverty and living in the slums. She yearned for more. She wanted out and when she saw an advertisement in the newspaper, she decided to apply. The ad was for a blood maid for a home in the North. The North is where the wealthy live and feed on the blood of those in their service.
Once accepted, Marion finds herself living with Countess Lisavet in the House of Hunger. Marion wants to please her new mistress. Lisavet is drawn to Marion. Things seem to be going well....
Gothic, dark and atmospheric. This one will get into your blood. The author has a way of writing unique female characters. Those who are searching for a better life and those who are powerful and prey on others. Henderson gives readers a young woman who was destined to live in the slums for as long as she lives, under the cruel eye of her brother. Marion wants more and is willing to do what it takes to elevate her status. But is she biting off more than she can chew?
High marks for originality and gothic horror. There is a sense of unease and tenson in the book. I loved the gothic and atmospheric feel of this book.
3.5 stars rounded up
#HouseofHunger #NetGalley
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Ace and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 1, 2022
3.5⭐️
After how much fun I had with The Year of the Witching
, I was really excited to pick this one up. This one sounded so amazing and it had so much potential, but it was lacking a bit.
I was very drawn to the main character, Marion Shaw, and was invested mentally in her journey, even to the end. Her life has never been the best and she lived with an abusive brother. I was rooting for her to get out of there as soon as possible and do what she needed to do to live a better life. Once she got to the House of Hunger though, the story couldn’t keep me as interested as how it started. Sure it was intriguing at first, but it felt a bit dragged after a while, and the characters became less and less interesting.
Something that also somewhat bothered me was how Marion’s blood was “special.” I was hoping that they’ll explain more about that since she was still an average character to me, at least compared to the other characters in the book.
The ending does pick up though. This is a common thing I’ve seen books do where they leave all the good stuff for the end. I don’t think this is a bad thing necessarily, I just think it can be tricky because this could easily lead to it being in the “did not finish” category because a lot of us will not put ourselves through a book just for the hope of a fun ending. I will still be picking up Henderson’s books because there is definitely so much potential I want to get to enjoy.
After how much fun I had with The Year of the Witching
, I was really excited to pick this one up. This one sounded so amazing and it had so much potential, but it was lacking a bit. I was very drawn to the main character, Marion Shaw, and was invested mentally in her journey, even to the end. Her life has never been the best and she lived with an abusive brother. I was rooting for her to get out of there as soon as possible and do what she needed to do to live a better life. Once she got to the House of Hunger though, the story couldn’t keep me as interested as how it started. Sure it was intriguing at first, but it felt a bit dragged after a while, and the characters became less and less interesting.
Something that also somewhat bothered me was how Marion’s blood was “special.” I was hoping that they’ll explain more about that since she was still an average character to me, at least compared to the other characters in the book.
The ending does pick up though. This is a common thing I’ve seen books do where they leave all the good stuff for the end. I don’t think this is a bad thing necessarily, I just think it can be tricky because this could easily lead to it being in the “did not finish” category because a lot of us will not put ourselves through a book just for the hope of a fun ending. I will still be picking up Henderson’s books because there is definitely so much potential I want to get to enjoy.
January 14, 2024
This was incredible. I could not pace myself. Once I settled into it I absolutely could not wait to see what would happen next. Full review to come! Patreon will likely get it this week
October 18, 2022
Marion finds herself working as a bloodmaid in a manor owned by a mysterious countess with an allure she just can't resist.
As far as building the atmosphere and character, I thought Alexis Henderson did better with that in The Year of the Witching. In the beginning of House of Hunger there were a lot of descriptions right down to little details of the meals Marion ate on the train. And I braced myself for the rest of the book to read the same way but it did not. I had a hard time envisioning the manor because she stuck to more simplistic descriptions of it. It would've helped to get a clearer vision of how the manor was laid out. The scenes with blood being drawn were the most descriptive and fascinating scenes in the book Those were written in a way that was sure to make you squirm and keep you reading.
Marion came across so strong in the beginning of the book that I just found it unbelievable how quickly she became jealous and determined to be first bloodmaid. She never felt like someone who was naïve because she grew up basically on her own and her experience with past relationships should've made her aware about being used the way she was. So the desperation for Lisavet who was very obvious with the way she toyed with the other girls, never rang true.
The other girls had very little to them for me to have any feelings towards them and I was confused as to why they all seemed to except the ways of the house without question until one day Marion reveals the truth. There should've at least been some reluctance there. Even the dynamic between her and Lisavet was being painted as a dark and twisted romance but they lacked the chemistry needed for me to look past the power imbalances and feel anything towards them.
Though hints and brief explanations are dropped about the world outside the manor we never get a proper explanation about how race and politics work which makes everything feel very restricted to just the house. For instance it was pointed out that many darker skinned people live in the South while many pale people live in the North but we didn't really see a difference between the treatment within the house.
Maybe this book would've benefitted from more pages but I also think starting with Marion first arriving at the house would've helped tremendously. Because there were also parts of the middle that felt a little slow and redundant. So for me it was less of a length problem and more how it was executed.
I'll still be checking for her future books but this one didn't quite hit the mark. I think she had interesting ideas but I could tell she wasn't quite sure where to go with this one and just went the safe and easy route.
Full review below
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
As far as building the atmosphere and character, I thought Alexis Henderson did better with that in The Year of the Witching. In the beginning of House of Hunger there were a lot of descriptions right down to little details of the meals Marion ate on the train. And I braced myself for the rest of the book to read the same way but it did not. I had a hard time envisioning the manor because she stuck to more simplistic descriptions of it. It would've helped to get a clearer vision of how the manor was laid out. The scenes with blood being drawn were the most descriptive and fascinating scenes in the book Those were written in a way that was sure to make you squirm and keep you reading.
Marion came across so strong in the beginning of the book that I just found it unbelievable how quickly she became jealous and determined to be first bloodmaid. She never felt like someone who was naïve because she grew up basically on her own and her experience with past relationships should've made her aware about being used the way she was. So the desperation for Lisavet who was very obvious with the way she toyed with the other girls, never rang true.
The other girls had very little to them for me to have any feelings towards them and I was confused as to why they all seemed to except the ways of the house without question until one day Marion reveals the truth. There should've at least been some reluctance there. Even the dynamic between her and Lisavet was being painted as a dark and twisted romance but they lacked the chemistry needed for me to look past the power imbalances and feel anything towards them.
Though hints and brief explanations are dropped about the world outside the manor we never get a proper explanation about how race and politics work which makes everything feel very restricted to just the house. For instance it was pointed out that many darker skinned people live in the South while many pale people live in the North but we didn't really see a difference between the treatment within the house.
Maybe this book would've benefitted from more pages but I also think starting with Marion first arriving at the house would've helped tremendously. Because there were also parts of the middle that felt a little slow and redundant. So for me it was less of a length problem and more how it was executed.
I'll still be checking for her future books but this one didn't quite hit the mark. I think she had interesting ideas but I could tell she wasn't quite sure where to go with this one and just went the safe and easy route.
Full review below
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
October 12, 2022
Video: https://youtu.be/GW9fZye3H2w
Dark, sensual, and dangerous. House of Hunger is a queer fantasy horror novel drawing on the history of the Countess of Bathory (known for bathing in the blood of virgins to stay young). In this world pretty young woman can become bloodmaids to wealthy patrons. The consumption of their blood can cure illness and is considered a delicacy for the elite. Marion is a young lesbian woman who has lived her life in poverty and is a survivor. But an advertisement for a bloodmaid to the mistress of the House of Hunger could change her life, introducing her to luxuries and passions she has never experienced.
I'm still processing what I think about this book. Thematically, it's literalizing the exploitation and "consumption" of women, particularly this young woman of color. Arguably the text is in conversation with ideas about gender, race, queerness, class, and colonization. In some ways it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of intentional proximity to power, wealth, and whiteness - of allowing yourself to be exploited in hopes of personal gain.
But it is also an engaging horror novel that feels in line with vampiric traditions of dark sensuality and obsession that are genuinely dangerous, as well as the gothic tradition of a mouldering estate that can feel claustrophobic. I feel like there is a lot that could be unpacked with this book and it is full of atmosphere and creeping dread. At the same time, I wanted more sense of urgency from the book, which we don't get early enough. And the reveals weren't really surprising- they were telegraphed perhaps a bit too clearly.
The ending felt...a bit too neat for the length of the book. I think if this had been a novella with faster pacing that ending would have worked for me, but as it is, I think we needed something more. I don't want to get too detailed or spoilery, but mixed feelings on the ending. That said, overall I did really like this and it certainly delivers all the creepy vibes for fall. And it is VERY queer with lots of sapphic trysts. (just don't expect a real romance) I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include depictions of blood letting and consumption, body horror, physical and emotional abuse, torture, murder, gore, gaslighting, death of a family member, mentions of child abuse, attempted sexual assault, explicit sex scenes with dubious consent due to power dynamics, drugging, gun violence, violence toward animals.
Dark, sensual, and dangerous. House of Hunger is a queer fantasy horror novel drawing on the history of the Countess of Bathory (known for bathing in the blood of virgins to stay young). In this world pretty young woman can become bloodmaids to wealthy patrons. The consumption of their blood can cure illness and is considered a delicacy for the elite. Marion is a young lesbian woman who has lived her life in poverty and is a survivor. But an advertisement for a bloodmaid to the mistress of the House of Hunger could change her life, introducing her to luxuries and passions she has never experienced.
I'm still processing what I think about this book. Thematically, it's literalizing the exploitation and "consumption" of women, particularly this young woman of color. Arguably the text is in conversation with ideas about gender, race, queerness, class, and colonization. In some ways it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of intentional proximity to power, wealth, and whiteness - of allowing yourself to be exploited in hopes of personal gain.
But it is also an engaging horror novel that feels in line with vampiric traditions of dark sensuality and obsession that are genuinely dangerous, as well as the gothic tradition of a mouldering estate that can feel claustrophobic. I feel like there is a lot that could be unpacked with this book and it is full of atmosphere and creeping dread. At the same time, I wanted more sense of urgency from the book, which we don't get early enough. And the reveals weren't really surprising- they were telegraphed perhaps a bit too clearly.
The ending felt...a bit too neat for the length of the book. I think if this had been a novella with faster pacing that ending would have worked for me, but as it is, I think we needed something more. I don't want to get too detailed or spoilery, but mixed feelings on the ending. That said, overall I did really like this and it certainly delivers all the creepy vibes for fall. And it is VERY queer with lots of sapphic trysts. (just don't expect a real romance) I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include depictions of blood letting and consumption, body horror, physical and emotional abuse, torture, murder, gore, gaslighting, death of a family member, mentions of child abuse, attempted sexual assault, explicit sex scenes with dubious consent due to power dynamics, drugging, gun violence, violence toward animals.
July 5, 2022
Henderson's debut book, The Year of the Witching, was one of my favorite books of 2020, so naturally I was very excited to see a saphhic gothic horror loosely based around Elizabeth Bathory.
However, as much as this pains me to say, this book just didn't land. I felt the quality of writing just wasn't as strong as Year of the Witching, the pacing was completely off, and the saphhic/romantic elements just didn't work.
While I think Henderson did a great job of building up the atmospheric tension that is necessary in a gothic horror, I think a lot of the pacing was off in the book. There was too much build up for each problem, with very little reward and then everything resolved too quickly. Things that didn't need to be long and drawn out were, and things that needed more detail and care felt rushed and hurried. I would have liked the first 1/2 of the book to have been culled some and the last few chapters be fleshed out SIGNIFICANTLY! I have so many questions about those final interations...
I also think the way the interactions between women were written interestingly... it even spawned a conversation with one of my friends about when something is actually sapphic because some of these scene were written in way that catered so heavily to the male gaze I struggled to call them sapphic... it was just pandering??? Felt very old school horror but like, not in a good or feminist way.
I don't know. This one was not a slam dunk for me; this was an absolutely FABULOUS premise but the execution wasn't there. It needed a little more TLC in my opinion but I do still think that there are a lot of people who will find somethings in this that they will like and it was still an incredibly readable novel. As a librarian, this is a book that I think is still very recommendable and will still do well on the shelves.
I still am a fan of Henderson and look forward to seeing what else she puts out in the future, but this one just wasn't my favorite.
Final rating: 2.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and Ace Books for an advace copy of the book that allowed me to do this review.
However, as much as this pains me to say, this book just didn't land. I felt the quality of writing just wasn't as strong as Year of the Witching, the pacing was completely off, and the saphhic/romantic elements just didn't work.
While I think Henderson did a great job of building up the atmospheric tension that is necessary in a gothic horror, I think a lot of the pacing was off in the book. There was too much build up for each problem, with very little reward and then everything resolved too quickly. Things that didn't need to be long and drawn out were, and things that needed more detail and care felt rushed and hurried. I would have liked the first 1/2 of the book to have been culled some and the last few chapters be fleshed out SIGNIFICANTLY! I have so many questions about those final interations...
I also think the way the interactions between women were written interestingly... it even spawned a conversation with one of my friends about when something is actually sapphic because some of these scene were written in way that catered so heavily to the male gaze I struggled to call them sapphic... it was just pandering??? Felt very old school horror but like, not in a good or feminist way.
I don't know. This one was not a slam dunk for me; this was an absolutely FABULOUS premise but the execution wasn't there. It needed a little more TLC in my opinion but I do still think that there are a lot of people who will find somethings in this that they will like and it was still an incredibly readable novel. As a librarian, this is a book that I think is still very recommendable and will still do well on the shelves.
I still am a fan of Henderson and look forward to seeing what else she puts out in the future, but this one just wasn't my favorite.
Final rating: 2.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and Ace Books for an advace copy of the book that allowed me to do this review.
October 25, 2023
This book starts incredibly slow 😵💫 but I’m glad I stuck with it. It’s definitely a horror book ☠️ Disturbingly dark gothic…. Which is not my cup of tea… Yet it’s the perfect read for haunt month 🎃
March 29, 2024
Instant ulubieniec.
April 4, 2024
Heartbreaking sapphic gothic horror? Obsessed with every minute! This was gorgeous and spooky and just plain strange, just trying to unravel what was really going on as a sort of mystery was intriguing! 4*!!
October 8, 2022
4.5 Stars!
House of Hunger is what I would consider True Gothic Horror. This book was pure vibes. The atmosphere was dark and creepy. I haven't read Alexis Henderson's first book The Year of the Witches but trust me I will be reading it before the end of this year.
Alexis Henderson's writing reminded me of the Queen. The Icon. Anne Rice. Alexis' writing isn't as dark as Anne Rice but it gave the same feeling, the same vibes.
I don't want to give you too much, by way synopsis because I usually don't even read synopsis but I will give some key words...
•Sapphic
• Blood
• Yearning
That's all you really need to know.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because I think the ending was rushed. I wil also warn you that this book is a slow build but in my opinion Gothic Horror should build slow.
I had alot of fun reading this book and now I wanna watch some 1930's Horror movies.
I highly recommend House of Hunger.
House of Hunger is what I would consider True Gothic Horror. This book was pure vibes. The atmosphere was dark and creepy. I haven't read Alexis Henderson's first book The Year of the Witches but trust me I will be reading it before the end of this year.
Alexis Henderson's writing reminded me of the Queen. The Icon. Anne Rice. Alexis' writing isn't as dark as Anne Rice but it gave the same feeling, the same vibes.
I don't want to give you too much, by way synopsis because I usually don't even read synopsis but I will give some key words...
•Sapphic
• Blood
• Yearning
That's all you really need to know.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because I think the ending was rushed. I wil also warn you that this book is a slow build but in my opinion Gothic Horror should build slow.
I had alot of fun reading this book and now I wanna watch some 1930's Horror movies.
I highly recommend House of Hunger.
February 18, 2023
So I was upset because once again no vampires ☹️
This is a retelling of Elizabeth Bathory.
While the plot was good- had a lot of good characters, fights, creepy scenes, and sad parts. I just hated the ending it fell flat. Would recommend 98% of book was good - page turner but the ending was horrible, in my opinion.
This is a retelling of Elizabeth Bathory.
While the plot was good- had a lot of good characters, fights, creepy scenes, and sad parts. I just hated the ending it fell flat. Would recommend 98% of book was good - page turner but the ending was horrible, in my opinion.
December 26, 2022
A really good idea for a unique storyline. Just needed a bit more polishing and some sections were a bit unnecessary. Overall a nice read.
March 15, 2024
Omg, new job! Wonder what my new employer's like...
I mean, does she hate me? Why did she hire me if she hates me?
She did invite me to have a blood bath with her
Her court's a bit creepy, but we're getting along
She does favor the twins sometimes... wonder why
Do I really have to shoot the fox?
And where in hell is her previous favourite maid?
At least I'm getting an education
Still don't know where she goes at night...
Though we still get invited to her chambers
I have a bad feeling about this
I mean, does she hate me? Why did she hire me if she hates me?
She did invite me to have a blood bath with her
Her court's a bit creepy, but we're getting along
She does favor the twins sometimes... wonder why
Do I really have to shoot the fox?
And where in hell is her previous favourite maid?
At least I'm getting an education
Still don't know where she goes at night...
Though we still get invited to her chambers
I have a bad feeling about this
October 25, 2022
This is one of those books which has such an intriguing start that you keep reading way beyond the point you should have stopped. There's little to no depth to the characterisation save Marion who was neither likeable nor interesting once she left her hometown, the petty female infighting of the Blood House has been done before (and better), the middle stretched out to infinity, and the end could be seen a mile away. A waste of time.
ARC via Netgalley
ARC via Netgalley
October 12, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I saw the premise of this shared on Twitter, I knew deep in my bones that I desperately needed to read this, it sounded so finely attuned to my specific tastes, like it was written for me.
House of Hunger is a loose Elizabeth of Bathory (yes, the female serial killer who drank/bathed in blood and killed tons of servants) retelling, with a gothic horror fantasy setting, that I would pitch as sapphic Hannibal but with blood-drinking.
In the far north, noble Houses still cling to power and wealth, enjoying the delicacy of human blood, employing young women as bloodmaids to fulfill their hungers.
In the more industrialized south, Marion Shaw knows that backbreaking work and poverty are slowly killing her. When she’s had enough, she decided to respond to a listing in the paper. “WANTED - Bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have keen proclivity for life’s finer pleasures. Girls of weak wills need not apply.”
After a blood tasting, Marion is raised from the slums and placed in the infamous House of Hunger, ruled by Countess Lisavet Bathory. Her life transformed by the hedonistic court, full of debauchery and decadence, her every desire fulfilled so long as she bleeds for the Countess. But Lisavet is magnetic, an irresistible force both loved and feared equally, that draws eager Marion in to a game far deadlier than Marion signed up for… and shows exactly how wretched a woman can be.
To say this is one of my favorite reads of the year is an understatement. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t put it down. Seeing the pacing being called breathless? Agreed!
The atmosphere was sublime, and House of Hunger was easily an exemplary gothic horror, true to its genre. An old, sprawling estate with the architecture the genre gets its name from, hidden passageways, filled with taxidermy of hunts long past, isolated and surrounded by foggy marshes. Deeply hidden secrets, skeletons in the closet. Even more acutely, female gothic horror following specific tropes: fleeing from a villainous controlling male, discontent with traditional roles in society, exploring sexuality, entrapment, and murder.
Everything was so finely described, each of the five senses were given a feast. The smell of the tang of blood, the salt and the damp of fungus, coffee and clove cigarettes. Food treated as a rich luxury, oysters, roasted meat, fine pastries and cakes. The sound of music, of distant revelry, shattering glass, wind on the marsh. The sight of bright red blood springing up from the skin, of the black chokers on thin necks, exposed organs of Lisavet’s taxidermy projects. The sensations of the needle piercing a vein, Lisavet’s gold-capped canines sinking into flesh, a crushing, brutal kiss shared.
The undeniable magnetism that Lisavet had, pulling both Marion and the reader into deeper and deeper into a desire so dark and potent. Each interaction they shared had me on the edge of my seat, full to the brim with anticipation (insert the ever-iconic Angela Carter quote: “anticipation is the greater part of pleasure.”) with my breath trapped in my throat like a bloodmaid in Lisavet’s snare. How they differed, how they compared. For Lisavet to call Marion her equal, killers both.
I loved the sense of foreboding that the Bloodmaid quotes in the header of each new chapter evoked, little snippets into the psyche of other women who chose to take the role of Bloodmaid. And more broadly, how a society could develop to have blood-drinking be normal. House of Hunger even explored class conflict and what could make someone turn to a life as a Bloodmaid, and whether or not their choice in that permitted how they are treated by their owners.
As with most gothics, House of Hunger had a tight, claustrophobic plot, but we did see Marion’s city and the House of Hunger, but many more Houses and politics were mentioned, and lands further to the south, where Marion’s mother and Irene were from. But, as far as I could tell, blood does have a kind of power in this world. The night train ran on blood fuel, Lisavet could glean memories from blood, and blood-drinking did help her illness. As a fantasy reader, I would have liked to see more world-building and exploration into the magic, but I knew not to expect that from a gothic book.
There are simply not enough adjectives to describe House of Hunger. It was decadent, it was delectable, it was seductive, it was depraved, it was vicious, it was breathtaking, it was glorious. It was as horrifying as it was immensely indulgent.
House of Hunger was everything I wanted in one lush package and I quite literally cannot wait for it to be published so everyone else can read it. I desperately need to talk to someone about this.
Alexis Henderson, on reading my review: “The surreal and wonderful feeling when a reader picks up your book and just gets it in the way you dreamed someone would is absolutely unmatched. So grateful for this review.” ❤️❤️❤️
As soon as I saw the premise of this shared on Twitter, I knew deep in my bones that I desperately needed to read this, it sounded so finely attuned to my specific tastes, like it was written for me.
House of Hunger is a loose Elizabeth of Bathory (yes, the female serial killer who drank/bathed in blood and killed tons of servants) retelling, with a gothic horror fantasy setting, that I would pitch as sapphic Hannibal but with blood-drinking.
In the far north, noble Houses still cling to power and wealth, enjoying the delicacy of human blood, employing young women as bloodmaids to fulfill their hungers.
In the more industrialized south, Marion Shaw knows that backbreaking work and poverty are slowly killing her. When she’s had enough, she decided to respond to a listing in the paper. “WANTED - Bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have keen proclivity for life’s finer pleasures. Girls of weak wills need not apply.”
After a blood tasting, Marion is raised from the slums and placed in the infamous House of Hunger, ruled by Countess Lisavet Bathory. Her life transformed by the hedonistic court, full of debauchery and decadence, her every desire fulfilled so long as she bleeds for the Countess. But Lisavet is magnetic, an irresistible force both loved and feared equally, that draws eager Marion in to a game far deadlier than Marion signed up for… and shows exactly how wretched a woman can be.
To say this is one of my favorite reads of the year is an understatement. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t put it down. Seeing the pacing being called breathless? Agreed!
The atmosphere was sublime, and House of Hunger was easily an exemplary gothic horror, true to its genre. An old, sprawling estate with the architecture the genre gets its name from, hidden passageways, filled with taxidermy of hunts long past, isolated and surrounded by foggy marshes. Deeply hidden secrets, skeletons in the closet. Even more acutely, female gothic horror following specific tropes: fleeing from a villainous controlling male, discontent with traditional roles in society, exploring sexuality, entrapment, and murder.
Everything was so finely described, each of the five senses were given a feast. The smell of the tang of blood, the salt and the damp of fungus, coffee and clove cigarettes. Food treated as a rich luxury, oysters, roasted meat, fine pastries and cakes. The sound of music, of distant revelry, shattering glass, wind on the marsh. The sight of bright red blood springing up from the skin, of the black chokers on thin necks, exposed organs of Lisavet’s taxidermy projects. The sensations of the needle piercing a vein, Lisavet’s gold-capped canines sinking into flesh, a crushing, brutal kiss shared.
The undeniable magnetism that Lisavet had, pulling both Marion and the reader into deeper and deeper into a desire so dark and potent. Each interaction they shared had me on the edge of my seat, full to the brim with anticipation (insert the ever-iconic Angela Carter quote: “anticipation is the greater part of pleasure.”) with my breath trapped in my throat like a bloodmaid in Lisavet’s snare. How they differed, how they compared. For Lisavet to call Marion her equal, killers both.
I loved the sense of foreboding that the Bloodmaid quotes in the header of each new chapter evoked, little snippets into the psyche of other women who chose to take the role of Bloodmaid. And more broadly, how a society could develop to have blood-drinking be normal. House of Hunger even explored class conflict and what could make someone turn to a life as a Bloodmaid, and whether or not their choice in that permitted how they are treated by their owners.
As with most gothics, House of Hunger had a tight, claustrophobic plot, but we did see Marion’s city and the House of Hunger, but many more Houses and politics were mentioned, and lands further to the south, where Marion’s mother and Irene were from. But, as far as I could tell, blood does have a kind of power in this world. The night train ran on blood fuel, Lisavet could glean memories from blood, and blood-drinking did help her illness. As a fantasy reader, I would have liked to see more world-building and exploration into the magic, but I knew not to expect that from a gothic book.
There are simply not enough adjectives to describe House of Hunger. It was decadent, it was delectable, it was seductive, it was depraved, it was vicious, it was breathtaking, it was glorious. It was as horrifying as it was immensely indulgent.
House of Hunger was everything I wanted in one lush package and I quite literally cannot wait for it to be published so everyone else can read it. I desperately need to talk to someone about this.
Alexis Henderson, on reading my review: “The surreal and wonderful feeling when a reader picks up your book and just gets it in the way you dreamed someone would is absolutely unmatched. So grateful for this review.” ❤️❤️❤️
February 27, 2023
3.5 stars
I really liked the premise of House of Hunger and I'm glad I picked this one up from the library!
I haven't read anything by Alexis Henderson before and I'm excited to read more books by her.
House of Hunger has lots of promise with the story of a young woman living in the slums and finally taking a chance on a new life and riches.
Marion Shaw answers an ad in the paper for the position of a bloodmaid for one of the rich and powerful houses in the North.
When Marion finally gets to the House of Hunger, she’s introduced to a world of overindulgent behavior, debauchery and Countess Lisavet, who rules the House of Hunger.
This book is based on a retelling of a historical legend and I enjoyed the world building, gothic vibes and characters in this one.
Where I struggled with the book was the inconsistent pacing of it all.
The beginning was fantastic and really pulls you into the story, but the middle stalls and the ending is so rushed.
The ending feels like an action movie that ran out of budget and had to get to post-production fast because of a deadline.
If the ending was given more time to develop while building up the anxiety and tension, I would have rated this much higher.
If you enjoy gothic stories and historical fiction, you should still give this one a try regardless of my thoughts on pacing.
I still enjoyed this and loved the concept of it!
I really liked the premise of House of Hunger and I'm glad I picked this one up from the library!
I haven't read anything by Alexis Henderson before and I'm excited to read more books by her.
House of Hunger has lots of promise with the story of a young woman living in the slums and finally taking a chance on a new life and riches.
Marion Shaw answers an ad in the paper for the position of a bloodmaid for one of the rich and powerful houses in the North.
When Marion finally gets to the House of Hunger, she’s introduced to a world of overindulgent behavior, debauchery and Countess Lisavet, who rules the House of Hunger.
This book is based on a retelling of a historical legend and I enjoyed the world building, gothic vibes and characters in this one.
Where I struggled with the book was the inconsistent pacing of it all.
The beginning was fantastic and really pulls you into the story, but the middle stalls and the ending is so rushed.
The ending feels like an action movie that ran out of budget and had to get to post-production fast because of a deadline.
If the ending was given more time to develop while building up the anxiety and tension, I would have rated this much higher.
If you enjoy gothic stories and historical fiction, you should still give this one a try regardless of my thoughts on pacing.
I still enjoyed this and loved the concept of it!
April 19, 2023
Yeah I loved this. The historical setting, the stakes, the depravity. Kinda felt like a sapphic fever dream but also a Gothic horror nightmare. My only complaint is that there wasn’t MORE of everything.
November 2, 2022
4-4.5****
I really enjoyed the authors debut book “The Year of The Witching” and so when this was announced as the authors next work, I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint.
This was gothic, decadent and luscious, but also grotesque and dark…. Probably my favourite type of “theme/ambience”.
Alexis Henderson’s descriptions and writing in this book was hypnotic and alluring, dragging me right into this gothic, blood-filled world.
She explores themes of obsession, toxicity and manipulation that had me hooked- with a great dose of horror and the absurd as well.
This was great as it encompassed all of these things and yet it was also curious as you learn the character revealing the truths of the House of Hunger and its horrors.
I would say that my only gripe with this book is that at one point I did not understand the MC’s decision, and it seemed very out of character and not-well-thought-of, but this did not affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
I cannot wait to see what else this author brings out as I need more of her writing.
I really enjoyed the authors debut book “The Year of The Witching” and so when this was announced as the authors next work, I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint.
This was gothic, decadent and luscious, but also grotesque and dark…. Probably my favourite type of “theme/ambience”.
Alexis Henderson’s descriptions and writing in this book was hypnotic and alluring, dragging me right into this gothic, blood-filled world.
She explores themes of obsession, toxicity and manipulation that had me hooked- with a great dose of horror and the absurd as well.
This was great as it encompassed all of these things and yet it was also curious as you learn the character revealing the truths of the House of Hunger and its horrors.
I would say that my only gripe with this book is that at one point I did not understand the MC’s decision, and it seemed very out of character and not-well-thought-of, but this did not affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
I cannot wait to see what else this author brings out as I need more of her writing.
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