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House of Idyll
From the New York Times bestselling author of Bloom and Guillotine comes a darkly seductive tale of beautiful rock stars, sinister cults, and a magical oasis where dreams come true... for a price.
Angelina Yves is a struggling singer/songwriter offered the chance of a lifetime to join the experimental luxury compound sponsored by the most famous band in the world, Black Idyll. With her every need accommodated, she finally has the time and space to perfect her music. Her muse? Reclusive rock star Jesper Idyll, who lives up to her every high school daydream. But this paradise has a haunted underbelly heralded by screaming horses, mysterious figures in the night, and dreams too twisted to be real. When people start to disappear and Jesper's ex turns up dead and hideously mutilated, Angelina begins to suspect that something malevolent lurks behind the cult that's grown around the band...
A disturbing, decadent and wickedly compelling tale of a Hollywood dream turned nightmare, Delilah S. Dawson’s darkly delicious prose will seduce you, tie you up, and never let you go….
Angelina Yves is a struggling singer/songwriter offered the chance of a lifetime to join the experimental luxury compound sponsored by the most famous band in the world, Black Idyll. With her every need accommodated, she finally has the time and space to perfect her music. Her muse? Reclusive rock star Jesper Idyll, who lives up to her every high school daydream. But this paradise has a haunted underbelly heralded by screaming horses, mysterious figures in the night, and dreams too twisted to be real. When people start to disappear and Jesper's ex turns up dead and hideously mutilated, Angelina begins to suspect that something malevolent lurks behind the cult that's grown around the band...
A disturbing, decadent and wickedly compelling tale of a Hollywood dream turned nightmare, Delilah S. Dawson’s darkly delicious prose will seduce you, tie you up, and never let you go….
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2025
35 people are currently reading
2139 people want to read
About the author
Delilah S. Dawson
173 books2,802 followersDelilah S. Dawson is the New York Times-bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Black Spire: Galaxy's Edge, and The Perfect Weapon. With Kevin Hearne, she writes the Tales of Pell. As Lila Bowen, she writes the Shadow series, beginning with Wake of Vultures. Her other books include the Blud series, the Hit series, and Servants of the Storm.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
September 1, 2025
I'm not even a fan of rock star or fame-centered stories, but if Delilah S. Dawson writes it, I read it, and this method has yet to disappoint me. If the whole rock star thing usually bothers you too, I can report that the book isn't that heavy on that part. The main character is an amateur singer-songwriter and gets involved with a band, but the story doesn't take place on stage or on tour or anything. Instead it's set almost entirely at this artist compound founded by the band. That's also where the protagonist Angelina Yves ends up. Jobless and homeless, she is randomly picked up by a gorgeous man and brought to the compound where she gets free housing, free food, free clothes, free everything, and doesn't even have to work to earn any of it. How lucky, right? Everyone is beautiful and talented and clad in all-white, and everyone is meditating or doing yoga or enjoying nature until they are struck by inspiration. Absolutely nothing wrong with that and totally not a cult, I don't know what you're talking about.
It's a novella and therefore a fairly short and fast-moving story. Angelina arrives at the compound, is a bit weirded out at first but gets dragged into this way of living more and more. I am actually impressed that the book feels somewhat relaxing at first but is increasingly interwoven with unsettling undertones. From the cover I thought that it would be similar to Guillotine by the same author, a book that is all gas and no breaks, but it's actually closer to Bloom, especially structure-wise. I am not complaining, because Bloom was one of my top favorite reads last year. House of Idyll also feels strangely calm and features a main character facing a new situation that is seemingly very good for them. There are red flags everywhere if you look for them, but also constant reassurance that everything is fine and normal. Eventually the situation gets dire to a point of no return and then the book ends rather abruptly. The ending didn't really answer any questions, but I liked it anyway (and honestly, good for her). Overall, an easy recommendation for everyone who has read from Delilah S. Dawson before.
The book also delivered on that unicorn cover, for your information.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
It's a novella and therefore a fairly short and fast-moving story. Angelina arrives at the compound, is a bit weirded out at first but gets dragged into this way of living more and more. I am actually impressed that the book feels somewhat relaxing at first but is increasingly interwoven with unsettling undertones. From the cover I thought that it would be similar to Guillotine by the same author, a book that is all gas and no breaks, but it's actually closer to Bloom, especially structure-wise. I am not complaining, because Bloom was one of my top favorite reads last year. House of Idyll also feels strangely calm and features a main character facing a new situation that is seemingly very good for them. There are red flags everywhere if you look for them, but also constant reassurance that everything is fine and normal. Eventually the situation gets dire to a point of no return and then the book ends rather abruptly. The ending didn't really answer any questions, but I liked it anyway (and honestly, good for her). Overall, an easy recommendation for everyone who has read from Delilah S. Dawson before.
The book also delivered on that unicorn cover, for your information.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2025
I wanted to read this book because I read Guillotine earlier this year and absolutely loved it.
I loved this one as well.
As soon as the story kicks in, the feelings of unease and concern start, but the writing is so good that you also question everything. Is it reality, dream, or just paranoia?
Are the monsters supernatural or just human?
I'm not usually a fan of the rockstar subgenre but this story is great, fast, sexy and gripping. And the ending is absolutely perfect.
Thank you so much Titan Books for this ARC!
I loved this one as well.
As soon as the story kicks in, the feelings of unease and concern start, but the writing is so good that you also question everything. Is it reality, dream, or just paranoia?
Are the monsters supernatural or just human?
I'm not usually a fan of the rockstar subgenre but this story is great, fast, sexy and gripping. And the ending is absolutely perfect.
Thank you so much Titan Books for this ARC!
July 21, 2025
Currently hovering betwixt 3.5/4 ⭐ If you like Delilah S Dawson's style and wild tales, and I do, you'll like this. Full review is percolating.
December 20, 2025
“Dreams are the mind’s playground, and even nightmares have stories to tell. Storms have their own magic.”
i normally don’t like reading about musicians, but make it horror and a rock band? of course I’m intrigued. Angelina is someone who has always wanted that feeling of belonging, so when her favorite band— Black Idyll offer her everything she dreamed of.. she easily becomes enamored. this had all the cult vibes, but the pacing dragged and not much really happened until the very end. the whole story was predictable and cliché, it had a few good moments but it’s not that memorable. i prefer the authors other two novellas, Bloom and Guillotine a lot more and recommend those all the time.
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Titan Books for the arc, all opinions are my own.
i normally don’t like reading about musicians, but make it horror and a rock band? of course I’m intrigued. Angelina is someone who has always wanted that feeling of belonging, so when her favorite band— Black Idyll offer her everything she dreamed of.. she easily becomes enamored. this had all the cult vibes, but the pacing dragged and not much really happened until the very end. the whole story was predictable and cliché, it had a few good moments but it’s not that memorable. i prefer the authors other two novellas, Bloom and Guillotine a lot more and recommend those all the time.
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Titan Books for the arc, all opinions are my own.
November 9, 2025
2 1/2 stars rounded down to two.
Okay, here’s my brief take on House of Idyll: a beautiful woman named Angelina Yves is a singer/songwriter but works as a barista. That’s it. We get zero character development in 248 pages. She is invited to live in a sort-of commune by a member of the number one rock band in the world (also her personal favourite since her teen years). She does a bunch of things, lots of boring stuff happens, and then in the last ten pages she makes a deal with a demon and becomes the Queen of Rock&Roll. Seriously. I was hoping this would be a blood-soaked, leather-bound nightmare of a rock novel. There are decadent descriptive passages, passionate prose. The writing is expressive, with a melodic undertone. It ferries us through the story on a gentle river of words. Delilah S. Dawson can write, no question. It’s just that herein, she really has nothing concrete to say. I literally oozed praise for her novella Bloom, rave review, four stars, the works. What happened? Is it just me? Sigh.
Okay, here’s my brief take on House of Idyll: a beautiful woman named Angelina Yves is a singer/songwriter but works as a barista. That’s it. We get zero character development in 248 pages. She is invited to live in a sort-of commune by a member of the number one rock band in the world (also her personal favourite since her teen years). She does a bunch of things, lots of boring stuff happens, and then in the last ten pages she makes a deal with a demon and becomes the Queen of Rock&Roll. Seriously. I was hoping this would be a blood-soaked, leather-bound nightmare of a rock novel. There are decadent descriptive passages, passionate prose. The writing is expressive, with a melodic undertone. It ferries us through the story on a gentle river of words. Delilah S. Dawson can write, no question. It’s just that herein, she really has nothing concrete to say. I literally oozed praise for her novella Bloom, rave review, four stars, the works. What happened? Is it just me? Sigh.
July 12, 2025
i've always wanted to read a book by this author and i'm glad i finally did! even though this book wasn't my favourite, i still had a fun time. this is coming out 9th of september!
the characters were fine, angelina was a bit too naive for my liking though. 😭 girl has no survival instincts unless she's directly threatened lol. i could relate to her regarding major celebrity crush, i think we've all been there. 😂
the band seemed cult-y as hell from the get go and honestly if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
the writing style was fine, it was interesting enough to continue and held that mysterious atmosphere well. it definitely makes you question what's actually happening. the problem was men having erections all the time lol, it always gives me the ick. i don't need that to be unsettled.
i thought i loved reading about rock bands/hollywood celebrities but the only book i actually loved was daisy jones & the six by taylor jenkins reid. this was enjoyable but a bit unrealistic. some parts did get a bit repetitive as well and i wanted something more unhinged to happen. this was quite mild than what i was expecting going into this book.
i wanted to know more about the women in the story and the unicorn aspect itself. i feel like we didn't get enough of that considering that was a huge thing.
i would still recommend reading this, especially people who want to try reading horror. it was interesting, just not my favourite!
the characters were fine, angelina was a bit too naive for my liking though. 😭 girl has no survival instincts unless she's directly threatened lol. i could relate to her regarding major celebrity crush, i think we've all been there. 😂
the band seemed cult-y as hell from the get go and honestly if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
the writing style was fine, it was interesting enough to continue and held that mysterious atmosphere well. it definitely makes you question what's actually happening. the problem was men having erections all the time lol, it always gives me the ick. i don't need that to be unsettled.
i thought i loved reading about rock bands/hollywood celebrities but the only book i actually loved was daisy jones & the six by taylor jenkins reid. this was enjoyable but a bit unrealistic. some parts did get a bit repetitive as well and i wanted something more unhinged to happen. this was quite mild than what i was expecting going into this book.
i wanted to know more about the women in the story and the unicorn aspect itself. i feel like we didn't get enough of that considering that was a huge thing.
i would still recommend reading this, especially people who want to try reading horror. it was interesting, just not my favourite!
September 1, 2025
3.0 Stars
I have read and loved many of this author's books so I was excited to read her latest release. This one was objectively fine, but admittedly it did not work for me the same way her previous books have.
This is largely due to subject matter. This is part of the widely popular subgenre of musician horror. This genre seems to ride on a nostalgic love of rock style culture that I personally have no connection with.
I would recommend this one primarily to readers who love these kinds of stories. If you don't have that attachment, then you'll likely have a similar experience to mine.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I have read and loved many of this author's books so I was excited to read her latest release. This one was objectively fine, but admittedly it did not work for me the same way her previous books have.
This is largely due to subject matter. This is part of the widely popular subgenre of musician horror. This genre seems to ride on a nostalgic love of rock style culture that I personally have no connection with.
I would recommend this one primarily to readers who love these kinds of stories. If you don't have that attachment, then you'll likely have a similar experience to mine.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 15, 2025
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
Delilah Dawson is becoming an author that I love to read!
I absolutely loved Bloom and Guillotine which I read earlier in the year. When I got an advanced reader copy of her new book, I jumped on it.
I do think House of Idyll is okay but it’s not as strong or scary as her older books.
I’ll go into what worked and didn’t work below.
PROS:
1. The writing is great in this, and I finished it in record time. The suspense is excellent and I wanted to know what was up with this luxury compound!
2. The song lyrics after each chapter is a great touch. I loved the immersion into the plot that she does with this.
CONS:
1. I think what I struggled the most was the plot. It’s too beautiful and unrealistic.
I needed more strangeness, odd behavior and sketchiness to really get the horror juices going with this cult.
2. The characters are okay, but I struggled with the main character of Angelina the most.
Without going into spoilers, she felt naïve until the ending. When her character does a 180, it’s too much and I didn't buy it.
3. The Black Idyll band members were interesting, but I felt like something was missing on the “rock god image”.
Maybe it’s the whole white clothing bit? White clothes don’t scream rock and roll to me.
Horror is subjective and what scares one person will not necessarily scare another.
At no time in House of Idyll did a feel terror or fear.
I felt a sense of unease and suspense as the book progresses, but I wasn’t horrified, disgusted or reading with the lights on.
I will say that there’s some good moments in the book with decent creepy vibes, but I wished for more.
I’m still glad that I read this one and I’ll always pick up a new book by Delilah Dawson!
I would still recommend this one if you love cult-like settings. Maybe it will unnerve you more than me?!
Delilah Dawson is becoming an author that I love to read!
I absolutely loved Bloom and Guillotine which I read earlier in the year. When I got an advanced reader copy of her new book, I jumped on it.
I do think House of Idyll is okay but it’s not as strong or scary as her older books.
I’ll go into what worked and didn’t work below.
PROS:
1. The writing is great in this, and I finished it in record time. The suspense is excellent and I wanted to know what was up with this luxury compound!
2. The song lyrics after each chapter is a great touch. I loved the immersion into the plot that she does with this.
CONS:
1. I think what I struggled the most was the plot. It’s too beautiful and unrealistic.
I needed more strangeness, odd behavior and sketchiness to really get the horror juices going with this cult.
2. The characters are okay, but I struggled with the main character of Angelina the most.
Without going into spoilers, she felt naïve until the ending. When her character does a 180, it’s too much and I didn't buy it.
3. The Black Idyll band members were interesting, but I felt like something was missing on the “rock god image”.
Maybe it’s the whole white clothing bit? White clothes don’t scream rock and roll to me.
Horror is subjective and what scares one person will not necessarily scare another.
At no time in House of Idyll did a feel terror or fear.
I felt a sense of unease and suspense as the book progresses, but I wasn’t horrified, disgusted or reading with the lights on.
I will say that there’s some good moments in the book with decent creepy vibes, but I wished for more.
I’m still glad that I read this one and I’ll always pick up a new book by Delilah Dawson!
I would still recommend this one if you love cult-like settings. Maybe it will unnerve you more than me?!
July 22, 2025
3.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a quick read that kept me hooked. I enjoyed the descriptions and the writing style - detailed and vivid, but not tedious. I liked the protagonist, too - I know people are going to say "oohh she's so stupid, why didn't she see the red flags!" To which I say a) it's a horror story; if the protagonist sees the red flags in time and leaves, there's no horror story, is it? get a grip; and b) the story was told in such a way that the red flags were easy to brush off. I might have stayed, too. I liked that the chapters were separated by fragments of the band's lyrics. These are the devil-worshipping rockstars our parents warned us about! 🤪 (not mine, tbh)
At the same time, though, it was predictable where it was headed, and I don't think it added much of a twist to the premise of . There's an unsettling atmosphere, and creepy things happen, but it didn't get horrifying until around the 90% mark. I thought the ending was good, but at the same time, there were too many unanswered questions. They weren't pressing questions, but they were there, and it feels like loose ends that were there just to make it creepy.
I'd still recommend reading it if you enjoy horror stories about cults and/or bands!
Thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a quick read that kept me hooked. I enjoyed the descriptions and the writing style - detailed and vivid, but not tedious. I liked the protagonist, too - I know people are going to say "oohh she's so stupid, why didn't she see the red flags!" To which I say a) it's a horror story; if the protagonist sees the red flags in time and leaves, there's no horror story, is it? get a grip; and b) the story was told in such a way that the red flags were easy to brush off. I might have stayed, too. I liked that the chapters were separated by fragments of the band's lyrics. These are the devil-worshipping rockstars our parents warned us about! 🤪 (not mine, tbh)
At the same time, though, it was predictable where it was headed, and I don't think it added much of a twist to the premise of . There's an unsettling atmosphere, and creepy things happen, but it didn't get horrifying until around the 90% mark. I thought the ending was good, but at the same time, there were too many unanswered questions. They weren't pressing questions, but they were there, and it feels like loose ends that were there just to make it creepy.
I'd still recommend reading it if you enjoy horror stories about cults and/or bands!
July 6, 2025
ARC for review. To be published September 9, 2025.
4 stars
Angelina Yves is a very much struggling singer/songwriter who has just gotten fired from her barista job in LA when she’s offered the chance of a lifetime - sponsorship and a life in residence by the biggest band in the world, Black Idyll. Life on the compound is amazing (if monochromatic) and soon Angelina falls for Jasper Idyll, the lead singer. But is everything what it seems to be?
Angelina, the first thing I would have done would have been to have searched for people who were successful AFTER the house to make sure they were still alive, OK (I know you don’t have any money, because the real first thing I would do is always my first instinct….call my lawyers!)
Anyway, the place sounds incredible, it would be great if there were such places. The end was quite rushed and a small letdown (for me) but I enjoyed the book overall. I have several Dawson books on my list so I’m glad to have finally read one of her books. Many thanks for the ARC.
4 stars
Angelina Yves is a very much struggling singer/songwriter who has just gotten fired from her barista job in LA when she’s offered the chance of a lifetime - sponsorship and a life in residence by the biggest band in the world, Black Idyll. Life on the compound is amazing (if monochromatic) and soon Angelina falls for Jasper Idyll, the lead singer. But is everything what it seems to be?
Angelina, the first thing I would have done would have been to have searched for people who were successful AFTER the house to make sure they were still alive, OK (I know you don’t have any money, because the real first thing I would do is always my first instinct….call my lawyers!)
Anyway, the place sounds incredible, it would be great if there were such places. The end was quite rushed and a small letdown (for me) but I enjoyed the book overall. I have several Dawson books on my list so I’m glad to have finally read one of her books. Many thanks for the ARC.
October 29, 2025
movies this reminded me of: Him, Nope, Blink Twice
the main character was super annoying, but I get the desperate desire to be loved and belong. the end scene was pretty sick, but I'm not sure how I feel about the "After" chapter and how everything turned out. overall not my favorite by her, but still a fun, quick read.
the main character was super annoying, but I get the desperate desire to be loved and belong. the end scene was pretty sick, but I'm not sure how I feel about the "After" chapter and how everything turned out. overall not my favorite by her, but still a fun, quick read.
July 27, 2025
3.5⭐️
I absolutely LOVED Bloom and Guillotine by this author so I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into her newest release especially when I found out it was about a cult.
Overall I did really enjoy it. It’s classic Delilah S Dawson, she’s very good at creating that sense of dread throughout her books and this one was no different. However for me it just wasn’t unhinged enough and it just felt a bit tame in comparison to the other two books of hers I loved.
That being said I would still recommend it especially if you are a fan of her previous work.
Thank you so much Titan Books for the netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review
I absolutely LOVED Bloom and Guillotine by this author so I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into her newest release especially when I found out it was about a cult.
Overall I did really enjoy it. It’s classic Delilah S Dawson, she’s very good at creating that sense of dread throughout her books and this one was no different. However for me it just wasn’t unhinged enough and it just felt a bit tame in comparison to the other two books of hers I loved.
That being said I would still recommend it especially if you are a fan of her previous work.
Thank you so much Titan Books for the netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 3, 2025
This is like those One Direction kidnaps you fanfics except they’re actually in a weird demonic cult. This was deranged and highly entertaining, I enjoyed the horror elements and suspense a lot. I will say the end was super abrupt, I wish it was fleshed out further. A fun horror read regardless!
June 27, 2025
I didn’t actually mean to read two books about rockstars back to back today but here we are.
First and foremost for all my unicorn girlies, there’s actually a unicorn in this book! Did I request this book partly because there was a unicorn on the cover? You bet. But also because I can rely on Delilah S. Dawson to write about women’s wrongs.
I don’t want to give too much away but this book is like, what if someone wrote that fanfic about being sold off to One Direction but make One Direction like, Tokio Hotel (idk don’t ask that’s just who I pictured the whole time) and the band wants to sell you to a demon for, well, the usual, fame and fortune.
I wish I could give this 5 stars but the ending was really abrupt and I just needed to know like, more about what was going on? Or showing Angelina putting the pieces together? But hey, I got a unicorn when I wasn’t expecting one and it really is that easy to make me happy.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost for all my unicorn girlies, there’s actually a unicorn in this book! Did I request this book partly because there was a unicorn on the cover? You bet. But also because I can rely on Delilah S. Dawson to write about women’s wrongs.
I don’t want to give too much away but this book is like, what if someone wrote that fanfic about being sold off to One Direction but make One Direction like, Tokio Hotel (idk don’t ask that’s just who I pictured the whole time) and the band wants to sell you to a demon for, well, the usual, fame and fortune.
I wish I could give this 5 stars but the ending was really abrupt and I just needed to know like, more about what was going on? Or showing Angelina putting the pieces together? But hey, I got a unicorn when I wasn’t expecting one and it really is that easy to make me happy.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
June 26, 2025I'VE GOTTEN THE ARC. EVERYONE STAY CALM, DO NOT PANIC. *squeals in circles*
July 9, 2025
Oh no. This was not good. This did not live up to the hype in my head.
Bloom and Guillotine were so fantastic and I had such high hopes for this.
Angelina is trying to make it out as a singer. After having a really bad day of losing her job and where she is living, is mysteriously made an offer she cannot refuse.
Angelina is stupid. You knew were this was heading right from the beginning. It's a short read and the ending, well it just ended, felt like Dawson just gave up on it. I wanted more of a backstory. This book has been described as a horror and terrifying, I didn't feel either of these. I'm so disappointed it was so flat for me. This needed to be fleshed out more.
Boooooo
Thanks Netgally and Titan for a copy in return for an honest review
Bloom and Guillotine were so fantastic and I had such high hopes for this.
Angelina is trying to make it out as a singer. After having a really bad day of losing her job and where she is living, is mysteriously made an offer she cannot refuse.
Angelina is stupid. You knew were this was heading right from the beginning. It's a short read and the ending, well it just ended, felt like Dawson just gave up on it. I wanted more of a backstory. This book has been described as a horror and terrifying, I didn't feel either of these. I'm so disappointed it was so flat for me. This needed to be fleshed out more.
Boooooo
Thanks Netgally and Titan for a copy in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
House of Idyll was an atmospheric tale that pulled me in almost from the onset. We've got music, a fantastic setting that gives of cult vibes, attraction and the sense of foreboding that makes you unsettled.
I wasn't thrilled going in, because even though I love music, I am rarely a fan of rockstar/band reads, but I love Dawson's brand of horror and jumped in. I am so glad that I did because this dark tale pulled me in and never let go.
We meet Angelina Yves, a starving artist who loses her job and is facing eviction when a customer offers her dream opportunity. He takes her to the House of Idyllic, a commune of sorts run by the legendary rock band, Black Idyll. She is given the opportunity to live there and offered the chance to pursue her musical passions without the stress of rent or financial responsibilities.
To Angelina, everything feels like a dream come true at first, from her own private villa to meeting her teenage rock crush, but strange things happen, friends disappear, and she is invited to join an elite group. Fire jams, sex, strange beings and confusion soon follow.
The tale wrapped up with a twist that left me stunned. The audiobook is narrated by Cassandra Campbell, who did an excellent job of capturing not only the tale of the story by the key characters as well.
If you are looking for an atmospheric horror thriller with cult-like vibes, you'll want to grab your earbuds for this one. At just around six hours, it's the perfect weekend listen. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I wasn't thrilled going in, because even though I love music, I am rarely a fan of rockstar/band reads, but I love Dawson's brand of horror and jumped in. I am so glad that I did because this dark tale pulled me in and never let go.
We meet Angelina Yves, a starving artist who loses her job and is facing eviction when a customer offers her dream opportunity. He takes her to the House of Idyllic, a commune of sorts run by the legendary rock band, Black Idyll. She is given the opportunity to live there and offered the chance to pursue her musical passions without the stress of rent or financial responsibilities.
To Angelina, everything feels like a dream come true at first, from her own private villa to meeting her teenage rock crush, but strange things happen, friends disappear, and she is invited to join an elite group. Fire jams, sex, strange beings and confusion soon follow.
The tale wrapped up with a twist that left me stunned. The audiobook is narrated by Cassandra Campbell, who did an excellent job of capturing not only the tale of the story by the key characters as well.
If you are looking for an atmospheric horror thriller with cult-like vibes, you'll want to grab your earbuds for this one. At just around six hours, it's the perfect weekend listen. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Read
September 28, 2025My first book to read by Delilah Dawson and it was a total “mic drop” for me! No pun intended since it’s based around a rock band! This quick, adult horror book did not disappoint…I’m all in on the horror reads for the Fall season! Nothing says fall/spooky season like a good cult theme!
October 20, 2025
This is my third Delilah S. Dawson book, and at this point, I would read her grocery lists. This was a fast-paced read. I am obsessed with the House of Idyll, even after that ending that just suddenly taps you on the shoulder and then slaps you in the face, I would still totally want to live there. I'll do crazy shit, I don't care.
September 9, 2025
This was a 3 star read until the climax of the book was 3 pages and went completely unexplained. The ending let it down massively.
Thank you Titan Books for this arc!
Thank you Titan Books for this arc!
September 29, 2025
The nitty-gritty: Sex, drugs and rock and roll collide in Delilah S. Dawson's latest, a tense horror story with a fantastic twist.
Music horror is one of my favorite sub genres, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read House of Idyll. This short, fast-paced horror story takes the idea of “Be careful what you wish for” and cranks it up to eleven. Dawson successfully combines music, fame, cults and unicorns (yes, you read that correctly!) into a fun, bloody story that hit all the right notes.
Angelina Yves is a struggling musician who wants more than anything to share her music with the world, but she’s finding it impossible to be heard. On the worst day of her life—she’s fired from her barista job and loses her apartment on the same day—an attractive man calling himself Sol saves her. Sol seems to know things about Angelina and he connects with her on an emotional level. Urging her to “take a risk and jump off the cliff,” he invites her to stay at a lavish, secret commune called House of Idyll, where artists can live stress free lives and spend their time creating art.
With nowhere else to go, Angelina jumps at the chance, and she’s even more surprised when she realizes that House of Idyll is owned and run by her teenage crush, a band called Black Idyll. Jesper Idyll, the lead singer of the band, welcomes Angelina with open arms, and in no time at all, Angelina has embraced the odd—but fascinating—lifestyle. Everyone at the House of Idyll must wear white clothing, participate in hot yoga and drum circles, and live in their own tiny house. Meals and clothes are provided, but no cell phones are allowed. It seems idyllic, and even better, Jesper seems interested in starting something up with Angelina.
But when one of the artists is found dead, an apparent suicide, Angelina begins to suspect that things are not quite what they seem. Why does she keep seeing someone wearing a unicorn mask? What actually happened the night of the full moon? And who is stalking her? It seems everything her heart desires is within reach, but the price might be too steep.
I loved the contemporary Los Angeles setting, which tied in well with the “famous rock band” set-up. Dawson includes Black Idyll song lyrics at the beginning of each chapter, which set the tone for what’s happening. I thought it was a clever idea, and I liked the way the lyrics become increasingly sinister as the story takes some dark turns. I actually wish these songs were recorded, because it would be a fantastic soundtrack to listen to while reading!
The House of Idyll complex is menacing right off the bat. The all white clothes, the full moon bonfire dances, and the weirdness of the masked unicorn that Angelina keeps seeing, all of this and more create a “something’s not quite right” vibe. Angelina is pressured into doing drugs as well, so some of the scenes have a hallucinogenic quality to them, and the reader isn’t quite sure what’s real and what isn’t. There’s a sense that House of Idyll is a perfect place for artistic creativity, maybe too perfect, in fact. Angelina even asks herself a few times whether it’s a dream come true or a nightmare, and eventually we find out which one.
I also want to mention how beautiful the finished hardcover is, with decorated end papers and images of unicorns plastered throughout the book. The unicorn symbol turns out to be important to the story, although I can’t tell you why because of spoilers!
I had no idea what to expect at the end, but I absolutely loved the final, epic twist. Angelina goes from victim—going with the flow and not asking questions—to realizing that she’s going to have to do something drastic if she wants to survive. This was so much fun! House of Idyll is highly recommended for readers who are looking for something a little different.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
Music horror is one of my favorite sub genres, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read House of Idyll. This short, fast-paced horror story takes the idea of “Be careful what you wish for” and cranks it up to eleven. Dawson successfully combines music, fame, cults and unicorns (yes, you read that correctly!) into a fun, bloody story that hit all the right notes.
Angelina Yves is a struggling musician who wants more than anything to share her music with the world, but she’s finding it impossible to be heard. On the worst day of her life—she’s fired from her barista job and loses her apartment on the same day—an attractive man calling himself Sol saves her. Sol seems to know things about Angelina and he connects with her on an emotional level. Urging her to “take a risk and jump off the cliff,” he invites her to stay at a lavish, secret commune called House of Idyll, where artists can live stress free lives and spend their time creating art.
With nowhere else to go, Angelina jumps at the chance, and she’s even more surprised when she realizes that House of Idyll is owned and run by her teenage crush, a band called Black Idyll. Jesper Idyll, the lead singer of the band, welcomes Angelina with open arms, and in no time at all, Angelina has embraced the odd—but fascinating—lifestyle. Everyone at the House of Idyll must wear white clothing, participate in hot yoga and drum circles, and live in their own tiny house. Meals and clothes are provided, but no cell phones are allowed. It seems idyllic, and even better, Jesper seems interested in starting something up with Angelina.
But when one of the artists is found dead, an apparent suicide, Angelina begins to suspect that things are not quite what they seem. Why does she keep seeing someone wearing a unicorn mask? What actually happened the night of the full moon? And who is stalking her? It seems everything her heart desires is within reach, but the price might be too steep.
I loved the contemporary Los Angeles setting, which tied in well with the “famous rock band” set-up. Dawson includes Black Idyll song lyrics at the beginning of each chapter, which set the tone for what’s happening. I thought it was a clever idea, and I liked the way the lyrics become increasingly sinister as the story takes some dark turns. I actually wish these songs were recorded, because it would be a fantastic soundtrack to listen to while reading!
The House of Idyll complex is menacing right off the bat. The all white clothes, the full moon bonfire dances, and the weirdness of the masked unicorn that Angelina keeps seeing, all of this and more create a “something’s not quite right” vibe. Angelina is pressured into doing drugs as well, so some of the scenes have a hallucinogenic quality to them, and the reader isn’t quite sure what’s real and what isn’t. There’s a sense that House of Idyll is a perfect place for artistic creativity, maybe too perfect, in fact. Angelina even asks herself a few times whether it’s a dream come true or a nightmare, and eventually we find out which one.
I also want to mention how beautiful the finished hardcover is, with decorated end papers and images of unicorns plastered throughout the book. The unicorn symbol turns out to be important to the story, although I can’t tell you why because of spoilers!
I had no idea what to expect at the end, but I absolutely loved the final, epic twist. Angelina goes from victim—going with the flow and not asking questions—to realizing that she’s going to have to do something drastic if she wants to survive. This was so much fun! House of Idyll is highly recommended for readers who are looking for something a little different.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
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November 8, 2025
God, Delilah S. Dawson knows how to write a story. I just love reading her work; her writing is sharp and full of energy, and she can pack a punch in such a short time. House of Idyll has all the elements I love in a good horror.
We follow struggling songwriter Angelina Yves, who, on the same day she loses her job, receives an unbelievable opportunity to live in an artist’s retreat run by one of her music idols. At first, everything seems too good to be true… she’s surrounded by like-minded artists, everything is paid for, and she writes a new song within days of arriving. But soon, strange things start happening at the compound, and Angelina realises that her beloved band, Black Idyll, aren’t quite what they seem.
There’s something about the way Dawson keeps you guessing right up until the grand reveal. You know something’s off, but every suspicion is just plausible enough to dismiss until the ending hits, and it’s beyond anything you could imagine. House of Idyll is the perfect example of that slow-burn tension. While it fell apart a little for me at the end, everything leading up to it was *chef’s kiss*: mysterious, thrilling, and absolutely unputdownable. Another banger from this author!
We follow struggling songwriter Angelina Yves, who, on the same day she loses her job, receives an unbelievable opportunity to live in an artist’s retreat run by one of her music idols. At first, everything seems too good to be true… she’s surrounded by like-minded artists, everything is paid for, and she writes a new song within days of arriving. But soon, strange things start happening at the compound, and Angelina realises that her beloved band, Black Idyll, aren’t quite what they seem.
There’s something about the way Dawson keeps you guessing right up until the grand reveal. You know something’s off, but every suspicion is just plausible enough to dismiss until the ending hits, and it’s beyond anything you could imagine. House of Idyll is the perfect example of that slow-burn tension. While it fell apart a little for me at the end, everything leading up to it was *chef’s kiss*: mysterious, thrilling, and absolutely unputdownable. Another banger from this author!
January 16, 2026
Got my dumb worm brain to lock in long enough to finish a novella…the bar has never been lower
I’m frustrated with this. I think the main concept and some of the mechanics were fairly successful, but it really fell apart pacing-wise as things continued. So much time was dedicated to establishing the compound and the dynamics between characters, and all that time was effective in crafting the world and developing my personal interest.
But, all of that development almost disappears when it comes to the climax/conclusion. I really wanted to see that same attention paid to latter half of the story, especially bc I was invested. I liked the story up until it was suddenly over.
Other than that, I kinda dogged on Angelina bc at times she was embodying Dumb Bitch behavior. Like, I kind of get the impulse to accept free housing and food and such in these economic times, but also let’s be a lil more suspicious? Anytime she questioned something, she was immediately distracted by something else. Girl same, but how is it then believable that she would have any chance against any of the sinister things at play??
All in all, what’s most disappointing is that I was into this and then all of a sudden we were done
I’m frustrated with this. I think the main concept and some of the mechanics were fairly successful, but it really fell apart pacing-wise as things continued. So much time was dedicated to establishing the compound and the dynamics between characters, and all that time was effective in crafting the world and developing my personal interest.
But, all of that development almost disappears when it comes to the climax/conclusion. I really wanted to see that same attention paid to latter half of the story, especially bc I was invested. I liked the story up until it was suddenly over.
Other than that, I kinda dogged on Angelina bc at times she was embodying Dumb Bitch behavior. Like, I kind of get the impulse to accept free housing and food and such in these economic times, but also let’s be a lil more suspicious? Anytime she questioned something, she was immediately distracted by something else. Girl same, but how is it then believable that she would have any chance against any of the sinister things at play??
All in all, what’s most disappointing is that I was into this and then all of a sudden we were done
September 29, 2025
Solid 3.5 almost 4.
Good suspense, so so ending.
Good suspense, so so ending.
September 29, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a quick and entertaining read. It’s fairly predictable since you know not everything is as it seems at this artist’s compound, but it was still enjoyable despite knowing where things were heading. I especially liked the horse and unicorn imagery, which added a fun twist to an otherwise familiar trope. Overall, this was an engaging cult-horror novel that reminded me a bit of the movie Opus.
This was a quick and entertaining read. It’s fairly predictable since you know not everything is as it seems at this artist’s compound, but it was still enjoyable despite knowing where things were heading. I especially liked the horse and unicorn imagery, which added a fun twist to an otherwise familiar trope. Overall, this was an engaging cult-horror novel that reminded me a bit of the movie Opus.
October 20, 2025
2.5
First Delilah S Dawson is one of my favorite authors. I have read all her mainstream novels and loved them. So I was really excited to receive this Arc. The cover is beautiful and I love the bloody unicorn on the cover.
Unfortunately though it just didn't live up to her previous works. I really wanted this to be as unhinged as guillotine but it was a bit tame. The cult aspect is interesting and I enjoyed the lyric pages each chapter.
For being a a novella it took me a really long time to finish this book. I felt it just kind of dragged on and the pace was slow for being a shorter book. It was just kind of boring. The main character was annoying, I'm not sure how she could just be picked up off the street and be like this is ok. This is my life now in this s*x cult.
I will continue to read anything Dawson published as the writing style in this book was fantastic. She usually does such an amazing job pulling in the reader and taking them in a wild ride. This just wasn't it and I sadly did not like it 😭😭
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Book for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
First Delilah S Dawson is one of my favorite authors. I have read all her mainstream novels and loved them. So I was really excited to receive this Arc. The cover is beautiful and I love the bloody unicorn on the cover.
Unfortunately though it just didn't live up to her previous works. I really wanted this to be as unhinged as guillotine but it was a bit tame. The cult aspect is interesting and I enjoyed the lyric pages each chapter.
For being a a novella it took me a really long time to finish this book. I felt it just kind of dragged on and the pace was slow for being a shorter book. It was just kind of boring. The main character was annoying, I'm not sure how she could just be picked up off the street and be like this is ok. This is my life now in this s*x cult.
I will continue to read anything Dawson published as the writing style in this book was fantastic. She usually does such an amazing job pulling in the reader and taking them in a wild ride. This just wasn't it and I sadly did not like it 😭😭
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Book for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
September 1, 2025
3.5⭐
This book we follow Angeline a singer song writer. She's invited to a Luxury Compound run by Black Idyll a Rock and Roll band that's she's followed for years.
I did like the tension building throughout the story, it was creepy, dark and slightly unhinged at times 🦄
The characters emotional development watching the doubt really set in and how cult behaviour really had a hold over Angeline was my favourite thing in this book.
I thought the pacing of this book was ok, I would've loved more exploration in to what the cult was trying to do. if the book was a little longer I think that would've helped.
This book we follow Angeline a singer song writer. She's invited to a Luxury Compound run by Black Idyll a Rock and Roll band that's she's followed for years.
I did like the tension building throughout the story, it was creepy, dark and slightly unhinged at times 🦄
The characters emotional development watching the doubt really set in and how cult behaviour really had a hold over Angeline was my favourite thing in this book.
I thought the pacing of this book was ok, I would've loved more exploration in to what the cult was trying to do. if the book was a little longer I think that would've helped.
September 12, 2025
I received a gifted eARC copy of HOUSE OF IDYLL by Delilah S. Dawson from Titan Books!
HOUSE OF IDYLL is an adult horror following Angelina, a singer and songwriter trying to make ends meet in Los Angeles without a ton of success. When she rather spectacularly flames out at her barista day job, she feels like she's running out of options. She has been a longtime fan of the band Black Idyll, so when she is approached by members of the van with an opportunity, she can't say no.
The House of Idyll is a commune of those like her, those in pursuit of creative arts. The band provides everyone with everything they could possibly need so that they can put all their focus into their work and success. Sure it feels a bit like a cult, but it also feels a lot like an opportunity Angelina can't turn down.
I have recently started digging into Delilah S. Dawson's horror works (middle grade and adult alike) and I am definitely a fan. I went into this one with high hopes and I am happy to say that I did have a great time with it. It took me a bit to get into it as the opening of the book feels very contemporary, poor struggling artist struggle, but once we got to the commune, things definitely started to pick up.
This was a super fast read, even though it was one I did entirely via eyeball reading on ebook. I actually chose it for @mel_lenorereads Mel's Readathon Rebellion as my 'out of comfort zone' read because I've been struggling with reading without audio recently, so I'm so glad it worked well! Once things started going weird, the unsettling 'something is not quite right' feeling that this author definitely can pull off, I had a hard time putting it down!
I liked Angelina as our main character. She makes some decisions I certainly wouldn't have made, but I also understood what pushed her to make them. I did like the way she grew into having more agency as the book went along and I did like the way this one wrapped up!
Trigger warnings for drugs and alcohol, suicide, mental health, violence and gore, dubious consent situations.
HOUSE OF IDYLL is an adult horror following Angelina, a singer and songwriter trying to make ends meet in Los Angeles without a ton of success. When she rather spectacularly flames out at her barista day job, she feels like she's running out of options. She has been a longtime fan of the band Black Idyll, so when she is approached by members of the van with an opportunity, she can't say no.
The House of Idyll is a commune of those like her, those in pursuit of creative arts. The band provides everyone with everything they could possibly need so that they can put all their focus into their work and success. Sure it feels a bit like a cult, but it also feels a lot like an opportunity Angelina can't turn down.
I have recently started digging into Delilah S. Dawson's horror works (middle grade and adult alike) and I am definitely a fan. I went into this one with high hopes and I am happy to say that I did have a great time with it. It took me a bit to get into it as the opening of the book feels very contemporary, poor struggling artist struggle, but once we got to the commune, things definitely started to pick up.
This was a super fast read, even though it was one I did entirely via eyeball reading on ebook. I actually chose it for @mel_lenorereads Mel's Readathon Rebellion as my 'out of comfort zone' read because I've been struggling with reading without audio recently, so I'm so glad it worked well! Once things started going weird, the unsettling 'something is not quite right' feeling that this author definitely can pull off, I had a hard time putting it down!
I liked Angelina as our main character. She makes some decisions I certainly wouldn't have made, but I also understood what pushed her to make them. I did like the way she grew into having more agency as the book went along and I did like the way this one wrapped up!
Trigger warnings for drugs and alcohol, suicide, mental health, violence and gore, dubious consent situations.
June 30, 2025
Delilah S. Dawson’s House of Idyll is a chilling, atmospheric descent into beauty, dread, and seduction. If you were captivated by Dawson’s Guillotine or are drawn to the psychological dread of films like Hereditary and Midsommar, this novel was written for you.
This is a final girl story at its core. Dawson creates a dreamlike, otherworldly setting that feels too good to question, and therein lies the genius of her protagonist. As a reader, you rarely feel the urge to scream at her to run. Even as things begin to unravel, her decisions remain painfully relatable and, most importantly, reasonable. You understand why she stays. You might even stay too if it were you.
The characters are likeable, the pacing is steady, and the writing is both lyrical (pun intended) and raw. Dawson is not afraid to jar the reader with crude or cutting language, using it as a powerful contrast to her usually elegant writing style. This creates moments that are deeply unsettling, giving weight to the horrors without relying on cheap scares.
The atmosphere of House of Idyll lingers. It’s beautiful, but it bites. It offers comfort, but always with a whisper of unease. And as the story spirals toward its climax, there’s a perfect moment when you know it’s time to go, but you also understand why she doesn’t. That emotional clarity is rare in horror, and Dawson nails it.
House of Idyll is a standout horror in 2025. Smart, stylish, and deeply unsettling, it's a must read for fans of dark fiction.
Thank you to the author, Titan Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a final girl story at its core. Dawson creates a dreamlike, otherworldly setting that feels too good to question, and therein lies the genius of her protagonist. As a reader, you rarely feel the urge to scream at her to run. Even as things begin to unravel, her decisions remain painfully relatable and, most importantly, reasonable. You understand why she stays. You might even stay too if it were you.
The characters are likeable, the pacing is steady, and the writing is both lyrical (pun intended) and raw. Dawson is not afraid to jar the reader with crude or cutting language, using it as a powerful contrast to her usually elegant writing style. This creates moments that are deeply unsettling, giving weight to the horrors without relying on cheap scares.
The atmosphere of House of Idyll lingers. It’s beautiful, but it bites. It offers comfort, but always with a whisper of unease. And as the story spirals toward its climax, there’s a perfect moment when you know it’s time to go, but you also understand why she doesn’t. That emotional clarity is rare in horror, and Dawson nails it.
House of Idyll is a standout horror in 2025. Smart, stylish, and deeply unsettling, it's a must read for fans of dark fiction.
Thank you to the author, Titan Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
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