What do you think?
Rate this book
The House's Daughter: Book One of The House of Prey: Origins Duology | A Haunting Psychological Horror
She lived the life they gave her. Then she found the one they took.
A hidden room. A ghost in the mirror. A girl unraveling everything she was raised to forget.
Emily was raised to obey.
To pray.
To forget.
For as long as she can remember, her family has been her whole world. Her safe place. Her calling.
But when late-night noises lead her to a hidden room inside her bedroom wall, Emily begins to see things she can’t explain. A destroyed teddy bear. A scrap of pink fabric. A girl in the mirror who isn’t her.
As buried memories rise from the cracks, so do questions – about her past, her identity, and what really happened to the girl who came before her. The more Emily remembers, the more dangerous it becomes to stay.
But she’s not alone.
A quiet man who doesn’t follow the rules she was raised to obey.
A friend who helps her find the courage to ask forbidden questions.
Together, they become her lifeline through the dark.
Because the house isn’t just haunted by a ghost.
It’s haunted by everything she was made to forget.
The House’s Daughter is Book One of the Origins Duology, the haunting foundation of the House of Prey series.
A slow-burn psychological horror with gothic atmosphere, religious trauma, and a thread of quiet romance and found family.
For fans of The Haunting of Hill House, The Last House on Needless Street, and Mexican Gothic, this story blends haunting suspense with raw emotional depth.
A House of Prey Novel
Don’t Miss Book Two of The House of Prey – Origins Duology, Let Her Be Silent, releasing September 2025.
A hidden room. A ghost in the mirror. A girl unraveling everything she was raised to forget.
Emily was raised to obey.
To pray.
To forget.
For as long as she can remember, her family has been her whole world. Her safe place. Her calling.
But when late-night noises lead her to a hidden room inside her bedroom wall, Emily begins to see things she can’t explain. A destroyed teddy bear. A scrap of pink fabric. A girl in the mirror who isn’t her.
As buried memories rise from the cracks, so do questions – about her past, her identity, and what really happened to the girl who came before her. The more Emily remembers, the more dangerous it becomes to stay.
But she’s not alone.
A quiet man who doesn’t follow the rules she was raised to obey.
A friend who helps her find the courage to ask forbidden questions.
Together, they become her lifeline through the dark.
Because the house isn’t just haunted by a ghost.
It’s haunted by everything she was made to forget.
The House’s Daughter is Book One of the Origins Duology, the haunting foundation of the House of Prey series.
A slow-burn psychological horror with gothic atmosphere, religious trauma, and a thread of quiet romance and found family.
For fans of The Haunting of Hill House, The Last House on Needless Street, and Mexican Gothic, this story blends haunting suspense with raw emotional depth.
A House of Prey Novel
Don’t Miss Book Two of The House of Prey – Origins Duology, Let Her Be Silent, releasing September 2025.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2025
274 people are currently reading
2244 people want to read
About the author
April Boulware
15 books80 followers April Boulware writes haunting psychological horror with a heartbeat.
She blends gothic atmosphere, slow-burn suspense, and raw emotional depth to explore what it means to survive the unimaginable – and still hope. Her work often centers on women reclaiming their stories after spiritual abuse, trauma, and isolation, with threads of found family and quiet romance woven through the dark.
April draws inspiration from her own past in a cult-like, abusive environment, and the long road of healing that followed. When she’s not writing or reading something ghostly, she’s probably reorganizing her planner, sipping strong coffee, or chasing a story idea down a rabbit hole.
She lives in rural South Carolina with her husband, three children, and a bunch of chickens, where she homeschools by day and writes by night.
She blends gothic atmosphere, slow-burn suspense, and raw emotional depth to explore what it means to survive the unimaginable – and still hope. Her work often centers on women reclaiming their stories after spiritual abuse, trauma, and isolation, with threads of found family and quiet romance woven through the dark.
April draws inspiration from her own past in a cult-like, abusive environment, and the long road of healing that followed. When she’s not writing or reading something ghostly, she’s probably reorganizing her planner, sipping strong coffee, or chasing a story idea down a rabbit hole.
She lives in rural South Carolina with her husband, three children, and a bunch of chickens, where she homeschools by day and writes by night.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 21, 2025
I had the privilege of being given a review copy of this book. As usual, April’s descriptive writing pulls you into both the plot and the characters. Add a cult like setting (some taken from the author’s own childhood), as well as some paranormal spookiness and you have a story that you won’t want to put down. The first of a duology, I am already looking forward to the next book which is due in September. Highly recommend this book!
July 19, 2025
Couldn't put it down! Started and finished it in one day! The story is intriguing, the main character and her battle with what she has been raised to think is right or wrong vs. what her heart is telling her about right and wrong kept me reading to see which side wins out. Just when I thought I was figuring it out there was a change or a twist that made me second guess that. Love the collide of natural and supernatural, and the realism of strict upbringing. Also highlighting the dilemmas one raised in a cult or strict religion who would face, the guilt of thinking, feeling or experiencing certain things you've always been told were wrong or sinful. The inner battle as you start to explore who you want to be in the world as a human especially raised a certain way were freedom of self is practically prohibited. I can't wait for part two!
July 25, 2025
No spoilers. Read via kindle (ARC).
Wow. I haven’t read anything like this before, and it had my attention. It gives you the creeps and feels. The ending does end on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for book two to see how it ends. You get captivated in the whole story. There are so many twists and turns, and it’s a wild ride. Definitely a binge-able read.
Would I recommend? Yes, check trigger warnings though.
Wow. I haven’t read anything like this before, and it had my attention. It gives you the creeps and feels. The ending does end on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for book two to see how it ends. You get captivated in the whole story. There are so many twists and turns, and it’s a wild ride. Definitely a binge-able read.
Would I recommend? Yes, check trigger warnings though.
Read
September 1, 2025Wonderful haunting story
This book brought many memories back. Its intense. The plot is riveting. I could not put it down. I recommend it to anyone who likes to be haunted a little
This book brought many memories back. Its intense. The plot is riveting. I could not put it down. I recommend it to anyone who likes to be haunted a little
July 27, 2025
I’ve been given an arc copy for my honest review of this book.
I’ve never really read horror but I’ve been trying to get into it for a while. I feel like this book was the perfect intro. It wasn’t too overwhelming while also being insanely creepy at times. The story pulled me in from the very beginning. Just when I thought I knew where things were going there would be a major shift. I really respected the way this story spoke on religious trauma and mental health issue. There were some parts where I was a little confused but I think everything will be cleared up as the story progresses. Truly well done! Can’t wait for part two!
I’ve never really read horror but I’ve been trying to get into it for a while. I feel like this book was the perfect intro. It wasn’t too overwhelming while also being insanely creepy at times. The story pulled me in from the very beginning. Just when I thought I knew where things were going there would be a major shift. I really respected the way this story spoke on religious trauma and mental health issue. There were some parts where I was a little confused but I think everything will be cleared up as the story progresses. Truly well done! Can’t wait for part two!
September 1, 2025
I think this one just may not have been for me. there was more atmosphere than plot and too many mysteries
December 31, 2025
Wow, I FLEW through this book.
Was it the most well written book I’ve read?? No, not really. There wasn’t much in the way of physical character descriptions. Kade (one of the secondary characters) got more physical descriptions than any of the main characters, and I didn’t even know Don and Allie’s hair color until like 3/4 of the way through the book. And I figured out that the dad/Don was the killer 100 miles away.
But was it still fiercely addicting to where it sucked me into the story and I didn’t want to put the book down?? HELL YES. I’ve already got the next book in the series queued up on my Kindle.
It somehow managed to be both predictable and exciting at the same time. But I think much of the predictability for me personally came from my familiarity with the type of religious background the main character is part of, because I knew how someone in that group would respond to certain things.
As a horror novel, I definitely noticed elements of the “gothic atmosphere” that’s mentioned in the description - house with a hidden past, mysterious creepy noises (scratching, tapping, etc.), secret rooms, weird time slips, spirit led visions of the past and apparitions of the dead, objects appearing and disappearing on their own and appearing where they shouldn’t be… I could go on. Those were definitely creepy. But for me, the most tense, stressful parts to read were honestly the scenes where the main character Emily’s parents confronted her in some way about things she said or did that ran contrary to their strict Christian fundamentalist ways.
“My mind couldn’t take it. The spinning. The back and forth. This slow, splitting crack in the perfect world I’d been taught was whole.”
“Something about leaving felt right, even if it hurt like hell. Something about stepping away, stepping out, speaking up. It was exhausting, painful, like plunging my entire body into an ice-bound river in the middle of January. But it felt right.”
YES. SPOT ON. This is exactly how it feels to start questioning the religious beliefs and worldview you were raised with. Anyone with religious trauma or anyone who grew up in fundamentalist or evangelical Christianity will be able to relate a lot to Emily, especially if they’ve since left or drifted away into a less legalistic denomination.
It doesn’t matter to me that it could be improved from a technical standpoint because it made me feel something and I connected with it emotionally. IMO, that’s the most important thing. I’m definitely excited to continue the series
Was it the most well written book I’ve read?? No, not really. There wasn’t much in the way of physical character descriptions. Kade (one of the secondary characters) got more physical descriptions than any of the main characters, and I didn’t even know Don and Allie’s hair color until like 3/4 of the way through the book. And I figured out that the dad/Don was the killer 100 miles away.
But was it still fiercely addicting to where it sucked me into the story and I didn’t want to put the book down?? HELL YES. I’ve already got the next book in the series queued up on my Kindle.
It somehow managed to be both predictable and exciting at the same time. But I think much of the predictability for me personally came from my familiarity with the type of religious background the main character is part of, because I knew how someone in that group would respond to certain things.
As a horror novel, I definitely noticed elements of the “gothic atmosphere” that’s mentioned in the description - house with a hidden past, mysterious creepy noises (scratching, tapping, etc.), secret rooms, weird time slips, spirit led visions of the past and apparitions of the dead, objects appearing and disappearing on their own and appearing where they shouldn’t be… I could go on. Those were definitely creepy. But for me, the most tense, stressful parts to read were honestly the scenes where the main character Emily’s parents confronted her in some way about things she said or did that ran contrary to their strict Christian fundamentalist ways.
“My mind couldn’t take it. The spinning. The back and forth. This slow, splitting crack in the perfect world I’d been taught was whole.”
“Something about leaving felt right, even if it hurt like hell. Something about stepping away, stepping out, speaking up. It was exhausting, painful, like plunging my entire body into an ice-bound river in the middle of January. But it felt right.”
YES. SPOT ON. This is exactly how it feels to start questioning the religious beliefs and worldview you were raised with. Anyone with religious trauma or anyone who grew up in fundamentalist or evangelical Christianity will be able to relate a lot to Emily, especially if they’ve since left or drifted away into a less legalistic denomination.
It doesn’t matter to me that it could be improved from a technical standpoint because it made me feel something and I connected with it emotionally. IMO, that’s the most important thing. I’m definitely excited to continue the series
January 3, 2026
A powerful story
This is the scariest book I read in all of last year, not because of the ghosts or supernatural threats, but because many of the things in this book parallel things I experienced in my own childhood. I used to think I was completely alone in what I experienced because my family wasn’t a member of a clearly recognizable religious organization that I could label a “cult.” We didn’t belong to any organization or even attend church. My parents believed that major churches and denominations were full of false Christians and teachings. We had to stick to the KJV bible and recorded messages from the few non-denominational bible teachers who they considered “true Christians.”
There wasn’t quite as much focus on purity as in this book. More emphasis rested instead on sin, the end times, and God’s judgment. I was taught that 99% of Christians were false and on their way to hell. In response to these teachings, my siblings and I were severely isolated from the world to “protect” us from being “corrupted.” We were homeschooled K-12. We moved frequently and tended to live in rural areas, which made making friends difficult. Even homeschool groups were out, as my parents feared they would turn lists of the participants’ names over to the government.
Growing up in such severe isolation, where all our information came from the same biased sources, of course, we believed what we were taught. These beliefs were things I clung to, even defending them and pushing for stricter adherence. Our eternal souls were on the line, after all. It was not until after living independently for a number of years that I gradually began to question those long-held convictions. The process of shifting my perspectives in these areas produced a level of disillusionment that could put any psychological thriller to shame. As such, I fully relate to how the experience of having one’s world completely turned inside out is the perfect setting for a horror story.
I applaud the author for coming out with this work and providing much-needed representation for all of us who have lived through similar repressive circumstances. 👏👏👏 Representation matters!
This is the scariest book I read in all of last year, not because of the ghosts or supernatural threats, but because many of the things in this book parallel things I experienced in my own childhood. I used to think I was completely alone in what I experienced because my family wasn’t a member of a clearly recognizable religious organization that I could label a “cult.” We didn’t belong to any organization or even attend church. My parents believed that major churches and denominations were full of false Christians and teachings. We had to stick to the KJV bible and recorded messages from the few non-denominational bible teachers who they considered “true Christians.”
There wasn’t quite as much focus on purity as in this book. More emphasis rested instead on sin, the end times, and God’s judgment. I was taught that 99% of Christians were false and on their way to hell. In response to these teachings, my siblings and I were severely isolated from the world to “protect” us from being “corrupted.” We were homeschooled K-12. We moved frequently and tended to live in rural areas, which made making friends difficult. Even homeschool groups were out, as my parents feared they would turn lists of the participants’ names over to the government.
Growing up in such severe isolation, where all our information came from the same biased sources, of course, we believed what we were taught. These beliefs were things I clung to, even defending them and pushing for stricter adherence. Our eternal souls were on the line, after all. It was not until after living independently for a number of years that I gradually began to question those long-held convictions. The process of shifting my perspectives in these areas produced a level of disillusionment that could put any psychological thriller to shame. As such, I fully relate to how the experience of having one’s world completely turned inside out is the perfect setting for a horror story.
I applaud the author for coming out with this work and providing much-needed representation for all of us who have lived through similar repressive circumstances. 👏👏👏 Representation matters!
July 20, 2025
This. Girl. Gets. It.
I picked this book up devoured it in under 42 hours. (It would've been less if I wasn't so busy this weekend). At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like it because the prose can feel a bit choppy, and the first chapter was a little slow/confusing. What *ABSOLUTELY* hooked me was how this author hits the nail on the head every time when it comes to expressing what spiritual/emotional abuse is like. It is extremely hard to convey the subtlety and brainwashing components of abuse, but this book has an incredible knack for putting those experiences into words. The dynamics between the characters are to die for. I read the whole thing, wondering how the author could capture the relationships so perfectly without literally transcribing these behind-the-scenes interactions as they occured.
I really enjoyed the way horror, mental health, and literary expression weave together in this work. I didn't find myself extremely triggered/scared by this book, but 1) I don't read much horror so maybe that's just a "me" thing and 2) I like not being scared, so it made the book more enjoyable. The plot kept me guessing and had me looking back to previous chapters, trying to piece together the mystery as I read. The stakes are real. The characters are lifelike but perfectly eerie. Those inevitable chapters of the book where you scream "No!! Why did you say/do this?!" were perfectly juxtaposed with the obvious answer to people who have lived lives like Emily's: because that's *exactly* what people in these situations do.
I wish to the moon and back that this had been one book and not two, because it means I would still be reading it right now and I would have the answers I want. I can't wait to read part 2 and I hope this book reaches many people, to remind the world that we women are resilient in the face of real life horror, and to encourage girls like Emily that we are seen, valid, and that those experiences we overcame are true horror.
I picked this book up devoured it in under 42 hours. (It would've been less if I wasn't so busy this weekend). At first, I wasn't sure if I'd like it because the prose can feel a bit choppy, and the first chapter was a little slow/confusing. What *ABSOLUTELY* hooked me was how this author hits the nail on the head every time when it comes to expressing what spiritual/emotional abuse is like. It is extremely hard to convey the subtlety and brainwashing components of abuse, but this book has an incredible knack for putting those experiences into words. The dynamics between the characters are to die for. I read the whole thing, wondering how the author could capture the relationships so perfectly without literally transcribing these behind-the-scenes interactions as they occured.
I really enjoyed the way horror, mental health, and literary expression weave together in this work. I didn't find myself extremely triggered/scared by this book, but 1) I don't read much horror so maybe that's just a "me" thing and 2) I like not being scared, so it made the book more enjoyable. The plot kept me guessing and had me looking back to previous chapters, trying to piece together the mystery as I read. The stakes are real. The characters are lifelike but perfectly eerie. Those inevitable chapters of the book where you scream "No!! Why did you say/do this?!" were perfectly juxtaposed with the obvious answer to people who have lived lives like Emily's: because that's *exactly* what people in these situations do.
I wish to the moon and back that this had been one book and not two, because it means I would still be reading it right now and I would have the answers I want. I can't wait to read part 2 and I hope this book reaches many people, to remind the world that we women are resilient in the face of real life horror, and to encourage girls like Emily that we are seen, valid, and that those experiences we overcame are true horror.
October 16, 2025
The House’s Daughter: A House of Prey Novel by April Boulware takes the haunted house trope and ramps it up. The author’s experience in a “family cult” gives her insights into the everyday horrors of high-control religion. Add to that the spiritual manifestation of what that control creates, and it’s a perfect recipe for a novel that will make your hair stand up on end.
Twenty-two-year-old Emily has been raised to obey, unquestioningly and unthinkingly, but even her parents can’t control her thoughts. Deep down, she knew things in her home weren’t normal. “But when you’re taught that your wants are selfish and your discomfort is disobedience, you learn to shrink. To disappear. To forget what you want, because what they want is supposed to make you happy too.”
For six years, they’ve lived in a house built by a long-gone cult leader whose curriculum is used by a network of churches. Even her father reads them for their family devotions. Emily has always heard a strange tapping and scraping in the old house, but now, she’s catching whiffs of sour air and envisioning life-like horrors. Among it all, she sees flashes of what life could be when the local librarian and the librarian’s brother become the friends her parents always warned her about.
If you love a good spine-tingling novel, get The House’s Daughter at once!
*Contains strong language*
Twenty-two-year-old Emily has been raised to obey, unquestioningly and unthinkingly, but even her parents can’t control her thoughts. Deep down, she knew things in her home weren’t normal. “But when you’re taught that your wants are selfish and your discomfort is disobedience, you learn to shrink. To disappear. To forget what you want, because what they want is supposed to make you happy too.”
For six years, they’ve lived in a house built by a long-gone cult leader whose curriculum is used by a network of churches. Even her father reads them for their family devotions. Emily has always heard a strange tapping and scraping in the old house, but now, she’s catching whiffs of sour air and envisioning life-like horrors. Among it all, she sees flashes of what life could be when the local librarian and the librarian’s brother become the friends her parents always warned her about.
If you love a good spine-tingling novel, get The House’s Daughter at once!
*Contains strong language*
July 25, 2025
🪦 Haunted house
🪦 Family secrets
🪦 Generational Trauma
🪦 Forbidden love
🪦 Found family
🪦 unveiling a cult
Emily has only known herself as the child of God that her father carefully raised her to be. Obedient, submissive, and silent! She has only ever known the way of the church and the men that control it but something isn’t sitting right with her anymore.
Emily starts to experience things that can only be explained as supernatural but she can not confide in her family or they will think she has strayed from her righteous path, they will think she is letting the devil into her mind.
As these experiences progress she starts to suffer anxiety and other mental illnesses but that is not tolerated in her religion it is a sign of worldly behavior and a sign that the devil has a hold on her mind.
Emily decides to face this alone until it becomes to much for her to bare and her mind begins to crack from the pressure and panic. She finds comfort in her local librarian Wanda and Wanda’s brother Kade. Who not only help her unravel the supernatural occurrences but also the deep rooted religious traumas that surround Emily and her family.
can Emily escape the hell she has grown to know or will she expose the church for what it really is? A cult!
🪦 Family secrets
🪦 Generational Trauma
🪦 Forbidden love
🪦 Found family
🪦 unveiling a cult
Emily has only known herself as the child of God that her father carefully raised her to be. Obedient, submissive, and silent! She has only ever known the way of the church and the men that control it but something isn’t sitting right with her anymore.
Emily starts to experience things that can only be explained as supernatural but she can not confide in her family or they will think she has strayed from her righteous path, they will think she is letting the devil into her mind.
As these experiences progress she starts to suffer anxiety and other mental illnesses but that is not tolerated in her religion it is a sign of worldly behavior and a sign that the devil has a hold on her mind.
Emily decides to face this alone until it becomes to much for her to bare and her mind begins to crack from the pressure and panic. She finds comfort in her local librarian Wanda and Wanda’s brother Kade. Who not only help her unravel the supernatural occurrences but also the deep rooted religious traumas that surround Emily and her family.
can Emily escape the hell she has grown to know or will she expose the church for what it really is? A cult!
October 14, 2025
I LOVED this book. As someone who was also raised very (almost cultly) religious and deeply in purity culture, I knew I was going to like it, but how SEEN I felt, reading this amazing thriller, it just shook me to my core.
The writing was good- modern, well thought out language. I do feel like the begining was a little slow, but once I settled in to the book, I could not put it down. I was completely sucked in, and every time a chapter ended and I told myself I was going to sleep, I'd read the first line of the next chapter and think "oh just one more". Boulware writes her main character in an abusive household perfectly- the constant fear of getting in trouble, the concequences of being isolated, isolation as punishment, being told "your place", and some people could view this as a weakness of the main character, but for someone inside that structure of control, it is very real and so well written. The characters- I want to know more and I can't wait to read the next book. But the characters that are supposed to be fleshed out are fleshed out very well, things are all tied together. This book is going to stick with me for quite some time. It's truly one of the best fiction representations of high demand religion that I've ever seen, and the story itself is compelling.
The writing was good- modern, well thought out language. I do feel like the begining was a little slow, but once I settled in to the book, I could not put it down. I was completely sucked in, and every time a chapter ended and I told myself I was going to sleep, I'd read the first line of the next chapter and think "oh just one more". Boulware writes her main character in an abusive household perfectly- the constant fear of getting in trouble, the concequences of being isolated, isolation as punishment, being told "your place", and some people could view this as a weakness of the main character, but for someone inside that structure of control, it is very real and so well written. The characters- I want to know more and I can't wait to read the next book. But the characters that are supposed to be fleshed out are fleshed out very well, things are all tied together. This book is going to stick with me for quite some time. It's truly one of the best fiction representations of high demand religion that I've ever seen, and the story itself is compelling.
December 2, 2025
3.5 rounded up
I found a couple of things about this story that I didn’t find authentic.
The girls have cell phones and laptops that the parents obviously bought for them, because they are never given money or allowed in public or allowed to talk to strangers, but they both hide the laptops as if they’re secret, and the parents who are completely overbearing… don’t check or limit the internet on these devices?
The girls also have social media, but have never made a single friend (aside from the librarian).
The verbiage used by the MC was also very oddly worldly. She used certain phrases like, “it’s all good” to a former pastor… kids brought up in these weird offshoot faux Christian groups don’t speak like that.
Otherwise the story was unique. I ended up piecing together the entire storyline well before any of it was revealed, which made reading tedious towards the end. There were some grammatical errors, where editing should have made changes… or maybe did and then didn’t re-read.
Overall a good ghost story.
I found a couple of things about this story that I didn’t find authentic.
The girls have cell phones and laptops that the parents obviously bought for them, because they are never given money or allowed in public or allowed to talk to strangers, but they both hide the laptops as if they’re secret, and the parents who are completely overbearing… don’t check or limit the internet on these devices?
The girls also have social media, but have never made a single friend (aside from the librarian).
The verbiage used by the MC was also very oddly worldly. She used certain phrases like, “it’s all good” to a former pastor… kids brought up in these weird offshoot faux Christian groups don’t speak like that.
Otherwise the story was unique. I ended up piecing together the entire storyline well before any of it was revealed, which made reading tedious towards the end. There were some grammatical errors, where editing should have made changes… or maybe did and then didn’t re-read.
Overall a good ghost story.
August 14, 2025
Well. This is what I get for starting a duology with only one book out: sitting on the edge of my seat for an indeterminate amount of time until the next comes out. And I’m not even mad about it, because these characters are worth the wait! The characters are really well written- I really love when I read a book, and each character has their own voice, they don’t feel like they’re saying/doing things just because of the plot needing it! I especially love our main character- she riding this INCREDIBLE whirlwind of soooo many messed up things, and she’s struggling, but she’s so strong through it- even when reality seems to blur around her! The intersection of realistic trauma with supernatural horror is especially effective- it leaves me questioning what is really happening along with our main character. I have theories and ideas that I think Emily hasn’t been able to allow herself to think yet- and I’m looking forward to the second book to confirm/deny those theories!
July 29, 2025
This book ruined my sleep schedule. I had to finish, I was creeped out enough to stay in bed for 4 hours, despite having to pee because there was no way I was going through the dark bathroom. (Disclaimer: I am easily frightened. Your mileage may vary)
I think the clues are distributed well and the pacing is competent, the mystery/horror is balanced with the exposition about the family’s religious rules, drama, and the MC’s rebellion against it.
Something I liked: The clear explanation of the characters financial and educational background, it prevents that thing in thriller’s where you are just screaming at the MC for being a dumb bitch, because ‘why the hell don’t they just get the hell out of there?’. And also, in this case, the MC has been conditioned to accept some very weird shit that her natural instinct is opposed to.
I think the clues are distributed well and the pacing is competent, the mystery/horror is balanced with the exposition about the family’s religious rules, drama, and the MC’s rebellion against it.
Something I liked: The clear explanation of the characters financial and educational background, it prevents that thing in thriller’s where you are just screaming at the MC for being a dumb bitch, because ‘why the hell don’t they just get the hell out of there?’. And also, in this case, the MC has been conditioned to accept some very weird shit that her natural instinct is opposed to.
August 20, 2025
Holy Shit!
I’m really not a horror reader, but The House’s Daughter completely surprised me. The atmosphere is eerie and unsettling without being too much, and I found myself completely obsessed with Emily’s story. Watching her struggle between what she was taught to believe and what she starts to uncover about herself had me flipping pages like crazy. The religious trauma, the psychological tension, and the supernatural were so well done- creepy, yes, but also incredibly emotional.
By the time I hit the ending, I was impressed and annoyed because now I have to wait for book two. I honestly can’t wait to see where this story goes next. I’m so glad I gave it a shot, even though horror isn’t my usual thing, this one was absolutely worth it. You'll want to add this to your TBR!
I’m really not a horror reader, but The House’s Daughter completely surprised me. The atmosphere is eerie and unsettling without being too much, and I found myself completely obsessed with Emily’s story. Watching her struggle between what she was taught to believe and what she starts to uncover about herself had me flipping pages like crazy. The religious trauma, the psychological tension, and the supernatural were so well done- creepy, yes, but also incredibly emotional.
By the time I hit the ending, I was impressed and annoyed because now I have to wait for book two. I honestly can’t wait to see where this story goes next. I’m so glad I gave it a shot, even though horror isn’t my usual thing, this one was absolutely worth it. You'll want to add this to your TBR!
August 28, 2025
What a wonderful first book for this author! I could not put it down and am trying to source a paperback version of her second book in this duology. April certainly has a natural gift for writing, and she builds her characters chapter after chapter in a captivating way. I'm not one for paranormal stuff, however, she weaves this in minimally and with impact to her characters and the storyline. Knowing that she draws on some of her personal, traumatic experiences in her stories makes this more interesting to me as a lover of nonfiction. Your heart wants to hug Emily and Gracie. Kade and Wanda are the friends you wish you had. I enjoyed her traditional timeline and actually found it refreshing, as I've read many dual timeline novels and non-linear novels recently.
October 27, 2025
Whoa, this book was super good! It surpassed my expectations. If you have ever been involved with a church that borders the line of controlling and or possible cult, then you will really feel this one, and really know the chatacters situation. That aside, this book is super intense. The story line is strong. It is both spooky and a murder mystery. I think I figured out the mystery, but the way the story unfolds is so intreging, even if you know you just have to see it unfold. The story ends rather abruptly, so I will garunteed be reading the next book. This author did a really great job getting us into the characters mind set and life style and kept a strong plot. I hope to see a lot more books from her.
October 28, 2025
An Absolute Gem
I'm actually shocked by how good this book is. I like to download random stuff from Unlimited, but it's rare that those random finds deliver like this. You can really feel how the author wove her own experiences into her protagonist. The descriptions of the cult in the story are raw and genuine, the dysfunctional family interactions are disturbingly realistic. The whole thing is just incredibly well written, I'm looking forward to finishing the series.
The horror bits are primarily psychological. I'd recommend this book primarily to people who have left Fundamentalism, people who don't fit the mould, or women who are tired of being told to be silent.
I'm actually shocked by how good this book is. I like to download random stuff from Unlimited, but it's rare that those random finds deliver like this. You can really feel how the author wove her own experiences into her protagonist. The descriptions of the cult in the story are raw and genuine, the dysfunctional family interactions are disturbingly realistic. The whole thing is just incredibly well written, I'm looking forward to finishing the series.
The horror bits are primarily psychological. I'd recommend this book primarily to people who have left Fundamentalism, people who don't fit the mould, or women who are tired of being told to be silent.
August 23, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was so good. It’s the right amount of eerie, mystery and suspense. I read Aprils first book she wrote and I knew she would be someone to keep an eye on and this book proves I was right. She did such a good job with this next book and I’m waiting on bated breath for the next book in the series. Emily’s story is sad and April draws you in and makes you feel for her from the beginning. I can see all the characters in my head and imagine the scenery as I’m reading. Bravo April for knocking your second book out of the park.
This book was so good. It’s the right amount of eerie, mystery and suspense. I read Aprils first book she wrote and I knew she would be someone to keep an eye on and this book proves I was right. She did such a good job with this next book and I’m waiting on bated breath for the next book in the series. Emily’s story is sad and April draws you in and makes you feel for her from the beginning. I can see all the characters in my head and imagine the scenery as I’m reading. Bravo April for knocking your second book out of the park.
September 16, 2025
MA'AM
I ate that book in a day, WOW
Boulware has such a stunning, chilling, wonderful way with words and stories. I'm swooning for Em and Kade. I'm terrified for her in that house. I have so many questions, not because I can't see the story or because anything is undeveloped, but because I'm exploring it like the three of them in the attic, only able to see what the author is shining our flashlight on.
MY GOODNESS I am so glad I stumbled on this book on Facebook while sitting in the airport weeks ago. And now please excuse me because I need to immediately buy the next one.
🥂 cheers, ma'am. Well done!
I ate that book in a day, WOW
Boulware has such a stunning, chilling, wonderful way with words and stories. I'm swooning for Em and Kade. I'm terrified for her in that house. I have so many questions, not because I can't see the story or because anything is undeveloped, but because I'm exploring it like the three of them in the attic, only able to see what the author is shining our flashlight on.
MY GOODNESS I am so glad I stumbled on this book on Facebook while sitting in the airport weeks ago. And now please excuse me because I need to immediately buy the next one.
🥂 cheers, ma'am. Well done!
January 1, 2026
I love reading horror. I bought this based on a brief summary I saw on social media, and honestly, zero regrets. It's GREAT, well done horror. The characters and setting are so rich, the pacing is impeccable. I absolutely loved reading this. I got the sequel immediately. I got the next book in the world immediately after that. This is horror about religious trauma and isolation, but it's very smart and well done. I recommend it very, very highly. I carpool with a friend who loves but can't handle reading horror, and she basically demanded a summary of what was next every day I got in the car--it was even gripping second hand. Buy it. Read it. Help the author make more books.
July 29, 2025
So CREEPY! This book weirded me out but in the best way. It was exactly what I was hoping for. Emily is stuck in a never ending cycle of “be submissive, subservient, holier than thou, and be BENEATH men”. The things that occur around her leave her questioning reality, questioning faith, and questioning her own identity. Emily seems to be the last to know that she’s in a full blown cult and that its “core values” were created by someone closer to her than she could ever imagine. The House’s Daughter ends on a cliffhanger and will 100% leave you wanting more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to read this novel. I was immediately drawn in by the very real struggle between loyalty to the life that is known and "safe" and the urge to question and discover one's identity. There is a lovely mixture of suspense, mystery, and just enough goosebumps. It wasn't long before I couldn't stop swiping the pages to see what truths would unfold. I'm eagerly waiting for the arrival of part two of the Duology! I'm so excited to have discovered April Boulware's work.
July 31, 2025
April’s writing has done it again. This book was fantastic, drawing inferences from her own life into the story. I will admit that when I started reading, I was indecisive as to whether or not I like it, but as more and more unraveled, I couldn’t put it down. Emily is such a courageous woman who has endured a lot in her life from she believed and was taught to what was the truth. Her knowledge for more and friendships are what will make her come out on top in the end…I hope!!! The story does end on a cliffhanger but I cannot wait to find out what happens.
August 18, 2025
I truly could not put this book down. As someone who grew up in a similar environment to Emily, parts of it were all too familiar and more than a little painful, but that was part of the appeal for me. It’s always comforting to read about survivors (or read things written by survivors, fiction or nonfiction). I’m not usually a horror kind of reader, but I’m so glad I made an exception. I was SO bummed when I reached the end and realized it was just part one of two, but then I realized I only have to wait a little over a month to find out how it ends. Gracious, I can’t wait!
August 31, 2025
I usually don’t rate books I read by stars but this one was 5/5. The House’s Daughter was such a wonderfully written book and has the right amount of suspense and mystery surrounding the characters situation (no spoilers! 🤫). The books was very emotional and I can feel the pain and tension through the story. I actually teared up a few times while reading. I haven’t had a book impact me this much in a long time, and I just loved the writing. This book is a piece of art, and I can’t wait to see what else the author will write in the future.
Read
September 1, 2025I DNFed this book at about 19%. I think this author is an excellent writer and built up suspense very well, but this book was too dark for me, and I did not appreciate the cussing (On average one f word per chapter) I did try with this book, and was very excited to read initially, but I do not think this is a healthy book for me personally to read. It's the type of darkness that seeps inside and weighs heavily on your heart.
If this type of thing does not bother you, you might enjoy this book. It is well written.
If this type of thing does not bother you, you might enjoy this book. It is well written.
September 24, 2025
This book gripped me at chapter 1! It was honestly meant to be a filler book that I sometimes read just when I’m trying to go to sleep. But once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down and I was reading it long before bedtime and as soon as I woke up some days. Amazing book with a haunting background. I really enjoyed the spotlight on toxic Christianity. It was similar to some things that I saw as I grew up, although much more harsh. Now what I’m wondering is is this book one of a series? Because it definitely ended on a cliffhanger.
July 27, 2025
The FMC's inner battle between how she was raised and what she truly believes. Hidden secrets, a mystery to solve, and a ghost. Found family and a little bit of slow burn romance. There is a lot going on in this story, but it never felt confusing or like it was too much. April Boulware did a masterful job of tying everything together for an amazing story, and I can't wait for book 2 so I can find out how it all ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews