Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing well. I’m coming back with yet another horror novel. I know I should save these for fall, but I’m in the mood for something a little spooky. It has been a while, but I have reviewed a different novel by Alexis Henderson. If you want to, feel free to check out my review of The Year of the Witching. But now, let’s talk about House of Hunger

Content Warning: Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Sexual Content, Explicit Language, Substance Abuse, Abusive Relationships

Marion Shaw has spent her entire life struggling to survive. Her menial job as a housemaid pays next to nothing, and her brother spends what little he earns on drugs. One day, Marion spots the opportunity to change her life. She decides she will become a bloodmaid, a young woman whose only purpose is to provide her blood to nobles. In exchange, a bloodmaid gets to live a life of luxury. Marion seizes the offer and travels to the North. When she arrives, she meets the mysterious Lizavet, the Countess of the House of Hunger. Underneath the glamor and riches, a dark secret lurks in the walls. Marion must discover what’s truly happening in the House of Hunger before she and her fellow bloodmaids are consumed by something far more dangerous than they could have ever imagined.

House of Hunger is tense, Gothic horror with plenty of intrigue and thrills. If you know me, you know I love a classic Gothic horror that takes place in a mysterious manor. Alexis Henderson perfectly captures the best parts of Gothic horror, while incorporating plenty of steamy scenes and interesting twists. While this book is not about vampires, it is certainly vampire-adjacent and could easily appeal to any fans of classics like Dracula and Carmilla. Speaking of Carmilla, this novel is undeniably sapphic and presents a whole host of compelling female characters. I had such a hard time putting down this book and devoured it (pun intended). I don’t want to say too much more because I don’t want to give away anything else. Go read House of Hunger ASAP!