Official Review: House of Pain by Denna Holm

Mouricia Allen · Post by **Mouricia Allen** » 11 Jun 2019, 07:46

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "House of Pain" by Denna Holm.]

4 out of 4 stars

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House of Pain by Denna Holm is classified as Sci-Fi/Fantasy, but it reads like a dark erotica novel. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at the discovery. The story is about Magdalena (Maggie) Shelbador a succubus, and her quest to find true love. She is a slave who dreams of being free of the life she has in the whorehouse in which she grew up. Her story becomes tangled with that of a widower named Daniel and all the troubles he encounters trying to rescue his kidnapped son. The story is set in the year 3515 and is very apocalyptic by all accounts. The story is filled with demons and magic, and people who are trying to survive in a time that seems almost prehistoric.

What I liked most about this story is that every area was well developed. The storyline was impeccable, and any questions that I had were answered as I read further. There was nothing I disliked about this book. While I don't agree with some parts, especially the bits including the abuse of children, the author was still able to write a captivating story. She was able to write a story that caused me not to use my real life biases to judge the book.

The character development was significant, and I was able to see the characters in a different way, which added to the quality of the story. The main characters were given enough of a back story to understand them, but not too much that it took away from the main story. The main themes I observed were pain, torture, friendship, loyalty, and love. Being able to find people loyal enough to risk their life for you is a gift that should never be taken for granted.

This book has lots of triggers and is not suitable for squeamish persons or children. It is very sexually charged and is only appropriate for a mature audience. I was very flabbergasted when I read some parts of the book. Some of the scenes depicted were not only taboo, but some were very disturbing, and they involved kids.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, as it is well written and edited. I found only one error, and I almost missed it. This book is perfect for book clubs, as many points can be discussed. I would not recommend this to people who do not like dark or sexual novels.

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House of Pain
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Fazzier · Post by **Fazzier** » 12 Jun 2019, 05:23

It seems there are so much action taking place in this novel with Maggie trying to extricate herself from slavery and Daniel trying to rescue his son. Abuse of children is gross, though! The fact that it's well-edited is also another plus that makes me want to read it. Thank you for this wonderful review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 12 Jun 2019, 08:41

Well, I do like the futuristic setting, but erotica is not my genre. I'm glad you enjoyed it, but it isn't for me. At least it was well done for the genre, though. Thanks!

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 12 Jun 2019, 12:28

This sounds very anime in concept but erotic in execution. I'm not sure I would have picked it up on its own, but I just might do so now. Thanks!

Scarlet Nicoll · Post by **Scarlet Nicoll** » 13 Jun 2019, 04:35

Seems like a good read but I don't appreciate the area of interest in this read. Thanks!

e-reeder · Post by **e-reeder** » 16 Jun 2019, 16:41

I like books with significant character-development. However, erotica is not my genre of interest. Great that you enjoyed it.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 14 Feb 2020, 08:53

This is a captivating paranormal dystopian romantic novel with well-built tension, drama, grief, abduction, a unique darkside, and mature content. The book is temporarily free on Amazon Kindle and has an awesome OnlineBookClub review. Congrats @dennaholm on the BOTD selection.

Elizabeth Pass · Post by **Elizabeth Pass** » 14 Feb 2020, 08:56

I like the supernatural feel to this book along with all the character development. It sounds like a lot of it might be too intense for me, though. The erotica and child abuse cause me to pause before picking this one up.

Salma_asa · Post by **Salma_asa** » 14 Feb 2020, 08:59

The book sounds really thrilling. I am impressed with collaboration of science fiction and crime thriller. I am very excited to read it.

Erick Muyesu · Post by **Erick Muyesu** » 14 Feb 2020, 09:05

The house of pain as the topic suggests seems like an interesting book to read. I am not a science fiction lover but this one has pricked my interest. I am eager to find out if Maggie's quest to find true love was successful. Insightful review.

Amy+++ · Post by **Amy+++** » 14 Feb 2020, 09:07

I love both classifications of this novel. I'm more into the romance and erotic genres so I think book will fit me perfectly.

slj3988 · Post by **slj3988** » 14 Feb 2020, 09:12

As it's an erotica, I will probably give it a miss. Although I do approve of the inclusion of a succubus. Thanks for the critical review.

Annclaire Gachie · Post by **Annclaire Gachie** » 14 Feb 2020, 09:16

I like the story line and the character development of this novel. The fact that its also sexually charged makes me want to read it even more!
Great review!

Tan TR · Post by **Tan TR** » 14 Feb 2020, 09:17

I enjoyed the honest review. It seems like the story is very captivating. Although, I am not sure what to think about the abuse of children, I understand it is part of the book. Sounds like a sexually charged, apocalyptic book. I am interested to see how the author intertwined those two aspects.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 14 Feb 2020, 09:28

Thank you for the review; I am intrigued by the book, and I would definitely love to see how the author utilises sex as a major component of the book's main themes.