Get swept away by the New York Times bestseller that’s sold over 100,000 copies. As one by one her beautiful sisters mysteriously die on their isolated island estate, Annaleigh must unravel the curse that haunts her family. “Step inside a fairy tale.”—Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval“Haunting, atmospheric, and immersive.”—Bustle “Nothing short of both haunting and … Caraval
“Haunting, atmospheric, and immersive.”—Bustle
“Nothing short of both haunting and mesmerizing . . . a perfect step into escapism and away from real life.”—Hypable
In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.
Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor with her sisters and their father and stepmother. Once there were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls’ lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last–the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge–and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.
Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that her sister’s deaths were no accidents. The girls have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn’t sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who–or what–are they really dancing with?
When Annaleigh’s involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it’s a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family–before it claims her next. House of Salt and Sorrows is a spellbinding novel filled with magic and the rustle of gossamer skirts down long, dark hallways. Be careful who you dance with…
And don’t miss Erin Craig’s Small Favors, a mesmerizing and chilling novel about dark wishes and even darker dreams.
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Dark, mysterious and unpredictable; this one keeps you guessing until the final pages!
I thought I would like this one just because of the weird factor. I did like the story for awhile, bit then Cassius came into the story and things quickly became confusing. The scene at the lighthouse is confusing (can’t go into detail without giving spoilers). Why does his aunt work for the trickster? What happened to the father? Why did Annaleigh have to be next, when Camille was older? I could go on with a few more unanswered questions, and that is one of the biggest dislikes for me. This book still has many questions left even after completion with no hint or opening for a book two. I did like the final ending with the couple though.
This is an exceptionally deceptive short review of an exceptionally entertaining story. Don’t let the brief blurb turn you off – it’s a long and involved read and well worth the time!
I read another reimagining of the 12 Dancing Princesses not that long ago, set in the Jazz era, and it was a very good and very entertaining. As good as that one was, this was better… It was dark and Gothic and weighty and extremely well-written, with horribly creepy details and marvelous characterization. The sisters were unique and marvelously detailed in their presentation. The World created was wholly fresh and the way the plot and reveals played out was masterful. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Erin Craig!
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Delacourt for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good retelling and this is definitely a good one. This is a retelling of the classic fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses”. This is a Gothic retelling of the tale told through the POV of Annaleigh one of the middle of twelve sisters. The family resides at Highnmoor Manor on an Island and one by one each sister is found dead. Each death more tragic than the last one. Everyone believes that there is a curse upon the family and basically the sisters are just waiting to see who will die next. Annaleigh has gotten to the point that she can’t even cry anymore as she continues to lose her sisters.
After all of the grief Annaleigh’s step Mother suggest they start living again instead of always being in mourning. Annaleigh is not sure that this is something that she wants to do but for the sake of her sisters she decides to try. But, she also is determined to find out if the family really is cursed.
This is a beautiful and sad tale with a lovely creepy, Gothic vibe. Darkness around every corner. I really enjoyed this novel!
“We are born of the Salt, we live by the Salt, and to the Salt we return.”
Welcome to the House of Salt and Sorrows, where the wine is sweet and the Thaumas girls are dropping like flies. Erin A. Craig’s debut is one that will stick with me for years to come. The creativity and originality displayed truly shocked me. If you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries and stories of young women journeying to find the answers they seek, then this is the read for you. The Thaumas girls are all lovable and distinct and charming. You don’t get the unnecessary drama that usually comes with a gaggle of sisters in pretty dresses. For being up to their necks in grief and death, they support each other the best that they can, especially with the looming threats of the “family curse” on their backs. I especially adore Annaleigh. She’s tough through it all and determined to figure out what’s happening to her family. She doesn’t judge those lower than her, nor does she give up. Thank you Erin Craig for this beautiful story, I can’t wait to purchase a copy when it comes out!
The atmosphere of this book is lovely. Smoky and foggy, with a hint of old school mythology. I love the way this story makes me feel, blue and grays with the taste of fresh sea air.
The book starts out on a sad note that sets the undertone of the story, and adds to the mystery and magic. The author does a wonderful job of creating an atmosphere with color choices, names and flow; it reads like a magical version of a regency romance. I found the first half of this book a bit tedious. It felt bogged down with unimportant details, introduced characters too soon (then forgotten for a few hundred pages), and allowing too much internal dialogue between action. The characters were well developed and interesting to read. I liked the distinctive personalities and how they interacted with each other.
I liked the premise of this book, but it got a bit garbled in its climax. It felt like two very different books with the ending rushed and not as well fleshed out as the beginning of the story. I did love the way the story ended, I loved the authors choice of “bad guy,” and I really loved the way she wove years of mythological history.
This was a new and fresh read, it might a bit dark for younger readers at times, but a good read. I received an ARC vis NetGallery and I am leaving an honest review. #HouseOfSaltAndSorrows #NetGalley