Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

House of Furies is legitimately creepy YA horror that doesn't pull punches. Madeleine Roux (of Asylum fame) knows how to build gothic atmosphere, and the premise—a boarding house where supernatural staff execute judgment on morally corrupt guests—is genuinely intriguing.

The good: It's well-written, beautifully illustrated, and tackles real moral complexity. Louisa is a compelling protagonist navigating trauma, trust, and impossible ethical choices. For teens who want actual horror (not sanitized scares), this delivers.

The reality check: This is dark. Multiple gruesome deaths, morally gray characters doing morally gray things, and an overall atmosphere of judgment and violence. It's rated 14+ for good reason. Kid reviewers on Common Sense Media call it 'quite dark and a bit gory,' and they're not wrong.

If your teen loves horror, gothic settings, and complex moral questions, this is a solid pick. If they're sensitive to violence or prefer lighter fare, steer clear. It's not trying to be cozy—it's trying to unsettle you, and it succeeds.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14-17 who actively enjoy horror and dark fantasy. Common Sense Media's 14+ rating is spot-on—the gruesome deaths and gothic horror atmosphere make this too intense for middle grade readers. Teens who loved Asylum or are ready for adult horror-lite will find this compelling, but it's not for everyone.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

55

The book features a protagonist escaping abuse (harsh school environment) and finding employment, showing resilience. However, the dark gothic horror atmosphere, morally gray characters executing 'justice' through death, and the overall tone of judgment and violence undercut emotionally healthy modeling. Louisa shows kindness and courage in trying to save Lee, but the setting is fundamentally about punishment and execution rather than cooperation or emotional growth.

Imaginative

78

Strong gothic fantasy world-building with a boarding house that serves as a place of supernatural judgment. The concept of Mr. Morningside and his staff executing their own justice on guests creates an intriguing moral gray area. Stunning interior illustrations by Iris Compiet and photo-collages add visual creativity. The premise of a 'house of distortions and lies' invites readers to question reality and truth. Historical fiction blended with fantasy and occult elements shows originality.

Safe

45

Common Sense Media rates this 14+ with good reason. The book features 'a handful of gruesome deaths, some by magic, some by natural means,' swearing, and is described by kid reviewers as 'quite dark and a bit gory.' This is explicitly a horror book with violent content that would be inappropriate for younger readers to encounter unexpectedly. While books have more latitude than visual media, the graphic nature of the deaths and the horror genre elements create legitimate safety concerns for unprepared readers.

Enriching

68

The book tackles complex moral questions about justice, judgment, and who deserves punishment versus redemption. Louisa's journey from abuse survivor to someone who must make difficult ethical choices about saving others offers meaningful character development. The historical setting (Victorian-era boarding house) provides period context. Themes of trust, deception, and discerning truth in a world of lies encourage critical thinking. However, the entertainment leans heavily on horror and gore rather than deeper insight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely creepy gothic atmosphere with beautiful illustrations that enhance the horror without being gratuitous
Tackles complex questions about justice, redemption, and whether some people are 'past saving'—meaty ethical territory for teens
Strong female protagonist who's an abuse survivor finding her agency and moral compass in a world of lies
Historical fiction meets fantasy and occult in a way that feels fresh, not recycled YA tropes
For teens who actually want to be scared and challenged, not coddled—this delivers real horror

⚠

What to Watch For

Multiple gruesome deaths described in detail—this isn't metaphorical violence, it's actual gore
Dark themes about execution and 'justice' that might disturb sensitive readers or those dealing with trauma
Morally gray characters who kill people they deem irredeemable—not exactly role models
Some swearing throughout (though not excessive for YA)
The horror is real horror, not Goosebumps—think more adult in tone despite the YA label

Conversation Starters

"Do you think some people are beyond redemption? What would make someone 'past saving'?"
"If you had the power to judge whether someone deserved punishment, how would you decide? What would your criteria be?"
"Louisa had to figure out who to trust in a house full of lies. How do you usually tell if someone's being honest with you?"
"The book shows people executing their own justice outside the law. When, if ever, is that okay?"
"How did escaping the harsh school shape who Louisa became? Do you think trauma can make people stronger or does that idea romanticize suffering?"

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House of Furies, Book 1 Madeleine Roux