House of the Beast

Alma would not have chosen the Beast. But when her mother falls ill, she is not left with the luxury of choice. After all, luxury was never something they could afford.Forced into a desperate bargain with her estranged father and his house, one of the noble families that serve the gods and wield their powers, she irrevocably binds herself to the Dread Beast, the most fearsome of the gods. However, it is a vow made in vain when death comes for her mother anyway.Now vengeance is Alma’s sole aim. And she has a god on her side – a beautiful, eldritch monster with starlit hair. The Beast that has chosen her.

“Intricately plotted with luxuriant worldbuilding, the dark fantasy debut from illustrator Wong announces her as an exciting new voice. . . Wong masterfully constructs a gothic coming-of-age tale replete with love, politics, and betrayal, helmed by a wonderfully earnest heroine. Elegant illustrations peppered throughout enhance the experience. Fans of manga and heroic fantasy will be thrilled.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“As darkly whimsical as the most beloved fairy tales and soaked in gothic atmosphere. The gorgeous and evocative illustrations bring to life an unforgettably lush and hypnotically romantic story, framed in shadows and sharp edges.” — Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning

“A beguiling tale of strange gods, cosmic horrors, and ruinous revenge, House of the Beast dazzled me. With compelling characters and masterful world building, Wong’s debut is sure to become a celebrated classic.” — Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Child

“Beautifully atmospheric, dark, and intoxicating. House of the Beast gripped me from beginning to end, and I was swept away by the lore of the Dread Beast. A wondrous tale of self-discovery, this is one novel that will have you cheering, gasping, and weeping all in the same breath.” — Maxym M. Martineau, author of House of Blight

“Equal parts high fantasy and romance, Michelle Wong’s skilled storytelling will completely sweep you away.” — Reactor