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samfox 's review for:

House of Night by Celia Aaron
dark sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to audiobook of House of Night by Celia Aaron. Narrated by Emilia Bauer. 

I felt the narrator did a good job voicing the different characters as well as matching the emotions with the different events. 

The plot is intriguing and I was curious how the story unfolds. I feel this story is marketed incorrectly. It has gothic vibes and more of paranormal not fantasy. Dystopian vibes as well. There’s a hint of romance but it feels confusing. I don’t want to give spoilers but this felt insta love with rage at the world in the mix. Just not in a passionate manner. 

There wasn’t enough world building for me. The angst is immediate, which can work but I need to know why I’m rooting for the main character. It feels as if we’re dropped in the middle of a conversation, trying to understand why certain people and situations are significant. 

I think this story needed more time to flush out the characters, transitions and story in general. 

Due to the alarming about of comments regarding this story and the author responding as well. I feel rating this would be lumped in with the escalation.