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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Wow! This book was not what I expected at all. It was pretty gory and kept me on the edge of my seat for sure! Once there were 12 sisters and one by one they were dying off. The townspeople called the family cursed, but was it possible there was more at play here?
This was the perfect spooky read for the season. Just when I thought I had it figured out, it would go another direction. I will admit I suspected the person who was ultimately behind it all from early on, but I had NO CLUE it would go here.
This was pretty gory. For some reason I thought I was getting a YA fantasy, and it probably could be deemed as such, but there is definitely horror elements to this story. I really enjoyed it way more than I was expecting and will look for other stories by this author. This was my first one!
Recommend: Yes – it was an enjoyable read that moved quick and had a great aesthetic that I could really get into!
Note: Some spoilers below this point.
Pros:
I thought it was a really neat retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses which is honestly an overlooked fairy tale. The curse honestly puts some urgency on the story that works really well to raise the stakes. The world building around the religion of the world was one of my favorite things about the story. Their god, Pontus, is the god of the sea and salt and their family crypt essentially returns them to the sea (dope). The world building around the culture was neat and feminist leaning- which is always a plus for me.
Another strong plus was the imagery and aesthetic that is woven throughout the story and I love how a lot of Gothic themes are incorporated without the stereotypical Gothic setting. Instead of reds and blacks and violets, the sea imagery carries over with blues, greens and grays keeping it with a very fresh feel while working the themes of Gothic madness and forces beyond those of humanity at play and even a dash of unreliable narrator! Anneleigh was a believable character – serious-minded, kind of a mother figure, modest and sensible. All of which I could buy and just the fact that there were eight (remaining) daughters, a step-mother and maid there is an abundance of women who all carry their own personalities well. Morella was an interesting villain character – essentially making a deal to get what she thought she wanted then getting in over her head, ultimately developing something close to tenderness to some of her new daughters and making Anneleigh’s devotion to all parts of her family their saving grace. The final temptation of the trickster was a nice final dagger for the protagonists.
Cons:
I have no major cons for the book that spoiled my reading of it. There is sort of a love-triangle? It honestly distracted me a bit from the major urgency of the story a little. It had some plot relevance but it swings heavily in favor of one before swinging fully towards the other and doesn’t really look back. Fisher sort of disappears from the narrative for a little bit after the first dance, coming back in to offer a warning about Cassius and then vanishing until the end. And still I honestly preferred him to Cassius as Fisher had his own motivations as a character (advancing his social position, a relationship with his mother) beyond his romantic interest in Anneleigh. Cassius felt like his only real drive was his interest in Anneleigh. And (as a positive point) enough suspicion was sprinkled around him that I spent most of the book wary of him, preventing me from bonding with him as a character. By the time I’m on board with him, the characters are at the “you are my world” stage whereas I am at the “we can get coffee” stage.
The pacing overall was pretty good – the main character is a thorough person, added on with societal constraints it usually placed her on the side of restraint and observation over direct action. Which is fine and is in line with her character, but as of half way through the book and she is still flip flopping on whether there is an issue really that she is supposed to be dealing with. There is just so much danger she is AWARE of even if she doesn’t fully understand it. When Cassius whisks her away to his mother’s temple for a bit, I honestly lost a lot of his exposition (and perhaps his motivation- in which case that fault is on me) as I was still in the urgency of the scene before where Anneleigh is desperately trying to reach Lenore to keep her younger sister from being killed off as well. Cassius’s exposition came off as more ‘That’s nice but we DON’T have time for this.” Throwing the reader into a total new setting is jarring and I felt like I didn’t take in all the (stellar) imagery and backstory that Cassius was bringing. On the plus side that could only be accomplished by making me invested in the sister’s relationship and protection enough – so that was well done.
I picked this book at on a whim, and finished it in less than a week. For the first time in what felt like forever, I had found a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and which lived up to and even exceeded my expectations. The characters were lovable, each with their own quirks and enough personality to set them each apart (not easy, considering you start the story with eight sisters, not counting the other supporting characters), and the world in which the story takes place had a unique magical feel to it. Though I somewhat saw the twist coming, Craig took it in a direction I hadn’t even remotely considered. She did a fantastic job of maintaining the dark yet mystical tone throughout the novel, and I’d happily reread this book in a heartbeat.
That said, no novel’s perfect. Some storylines could definitely have been expanded on, and the worldbuilding could have been a bit clearer, particularly as far as the gods and, to an extent, the afterlife are concerned, as this plays a central role in the story and yet at times feels almost neglected within the plot. While there were a number of things I wish she had done differently, at the end of the day it’s still a wonderful read that I’d recommend for any fan of fantasy and fairy tales.
Upon reflection…
At first, I really enjoyed this book. But after I have been thinking about it for a few days, I’ve realized that there were a lot of plot holes and issues throughout that make it feel amateurish. It’s still worth a read and I would recommend it. It’s a good, though VERY loose, retelling of the 12 dancing princesses.
A beautiful, tragic retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses
i love this book with my entire being
All the happy awes are overflowing from my heart!! This novel was haunting and tragic but also intriguing and hopeful! Some passages were extra frightening but just ramped up the must keep reading feeling. It was quite interesting trying to decipher the mystery that clouded so many events. I loved the sisters and wanted the curse to skip over the remaining ones. Their lives had already been so tragic when we were introduced to them. I thought we’d have more of a love triangle and honesty I’m relieved that it wasn’t that stretched out. As the book was concluding, I totally put some of the last puzzle pieces together and was enthralled to see just what would happen next! Rethinking everything was utterly mind blowing and quite the mind bender! Annaleigh most definitely pulled upon my heart and I just needed to see that she’d be all right! This was brilliantly magnificent and magcial and I didn’t really want to read that last word! I loved, loved, loved the ending!! Wishes absolutely do come true!!!
There was a lot I loved about this book! I thought the setting was phenomenal. It had that dark and dreary vibe, while not being overpowering. It tied in with the world-building in a nice way.
The spin on the Twelve Dancing Princesses tale was done in a clever way. At first, I’d forgotten this was a retelling. The parallels were there, once I started paying attention. But it wasn’t so overpowering as to be predictable.
With so many characters, I was surprised to discover that each had their own voice and personality–especially all the sisters. How the author grouped them together helped, i.e the triplets, the fates.
I really enjoyed this journey to the world of salt.
This retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses is a little dark and a little unexpected. I read this without having read the summary so my only expectation was that it’s based on the Brothers Grimm tale. I love that Erin stayed true to the more sinister version of the original story rather than what one could expect from a Disney cartoon.
The book is from the perspective of Annaleigh, one of the older sisters. She’s endearing, curious, protective, slightly gullible, and loyal. Annaleigh is easily relatable.
Erin’s prose is graceful, if a bit gritty in certain scenes. The horrors described are tasteful though.
It’s a murder mystery, a fantasy, a tragedy, and a love story all wrapped up in bitter seaweed.
If I could give 10 stars I would. This book was wild from start to finish. It draws you in and is interesting right from the beginning. The plot, character development and everything else is amazing! Nothing is overdone in this book and nothing is cliche. 10/10 you have to read!
I was generous giving this book 4 stars and I really don’t care. Did it take me too long to finish this book? Yes. Were there parts that dragged on I got a little bored? Yes.
But. I. Don’t. Care. Why?
Erin A. Craig writes a very spooky and horrifying tale. I could totally picture watching this on my television as a scary movie. The authors ability to completely creep you out with her detailed writing alone is enough to make me say, “to hell with it” and give this book 4 stars. The story itself is really good. I had no idea what was going on and thought I was going just as crazy as our main character Annaleigh. This book was very haunting with each page and I loved every second of it.
The other thing I loved was these sisters. For there to be so many of them in this book, the author does a great job giving them their own voice and personality. Annaleigh was very protective of her sisters and I loved that while reading this book. Additionally, Cassius was another wonderful character who I adored. The team that Annaleigh and Cassius form to get to the bottom of the mystery of her sisters death was a nice addition to the story.
But, yes, there are some very slow parts that kind of drag on. I think its about that point where the story takes a pivotal turn and things get real trippy. It slowed up my reading for a while, but I’m so glad I powered through it to the end because I was so surprised.
House of Salt and Sorrows was very good. I seriously want to see this is as a movie and see all the horrific and scary details brought to life. I only wish I read it closer to Halloween and got a scary treat with this book, but that is totally fine. I recommend this to those who love scary tales. Erin A. Craig will not disappoint.
This book has a new turn at every page. I could not put it down, so many plot twists, it keeps you guessing. Absolutely, loved the way the author captured every character.
An eerie, thrilling and dark retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Will keep you turning pages late into the night.
A book that I definitely enjoyed! I loved how the author took us in a fantasy world that was dark and kept me interested. I also liked that it wasn’t a hard book to understand, I feel sometimes fantasy novels are too complicated and hard to follow but this one was simply pleasant in my mind.
It’s a story about a family that originally had 12 sisters who in their mind believed that were cursed by death. The story unravels with magic and darkness, are they cursed? Can this curse be broken? Great book, loved it from beginning to end!
Audiobook: Narrator – Emily Lawrence
A really good narration by Ms. Lawrence. This could have easily been overdone but this narrator knew just when to pull back and when to give a voice more distinction.
Not the horror story I was expecting or hoping for. I thought we might get a bit of true life psychological thrills. Added with the indeterminate time period and the gothic setting, that would have creeped me the heck out. But this was more of a paranormal read with a light dusting of romance – both elements well written, just not what I was hoping for.
While it wasn’t what I wanted, there is no denying this was a well plot out and developed storyline with characters that could be quite chilling when the occasion warranted it. I did enjoy it once I let go of the fact I was reading a way out there paranormal. Of course that fact doesn’t arrive for some time, so yeah…it was a nice enough read/listen.
Thank you to Book of the Month YA for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
“Once there were twelve of us: the Thaumas Dozen. Now we stood in a small line, my seven sisters and I…”
Annaleigh Thaumas is one of 12 daughters of Ortun, the Duke of Salann. The sisters live at Highmoor, on the island of Salten, with their father and stepmother, Morella. Annaleigh’s mother died 6 years ago followed by her sister, Ava, who died of an illness. Next was Octavia, who was found in a heap at the bottom of a tall library ladder. Elizabeth died next, found floating in a bathtub, and it was assumed to be a suicide. Eulalie was the most recent death, found on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff walk. Did she jump or slip and fall?
Annaleigh hears the whispers. People say the Thaumas family is cursed. Camille is next in line to inherit the estate but she’s also next in line to meet a tragic end. Annaleigh starts to wonder if Eulalie could have been pushed. Strange events start happening. Annaleigh starts seeing horrific visions of her sisters, the same type of gruesome visions that her sister, Verity, has been drawing. The girls are sneaking out at night to different balls so they can dance the night away. Annaleigh joins at first but starts to worry that the sisters will be killed one by one. A handsome stranger enters her life and Annaleigh starts to fall for him but his reactions to questions concern her. She begins to question his involvement with her and considers the possibility that he is the murderer.
I loved this book. YA Fantasy is not a genre I frequently read but I was completely captivated by this story. I stayed up way too late finishing this book because I could not put it down. The author does an amazing job of creating a richly detailed, nautical world while building suspense. The fantasy elements were so well done and I came to care about Annaleigh and her family. This is a fantastic book that will transport you to a world of gods and romance, death and mystery. A must read!
I love the culture and mythos built around this world.
I really enjoyed it. This is like a fairy tale well written and entertaining. Try it you’ll like it.
When I saw that it was the book I got in my august Owlcrate box I was really happy. It was one of the book i wanted to buy eventually.
House of Salt and Sorrows is the first book I was reading from this author and I wasn’t dissapointed. Its a retelling of a fairy tale I’m not familliar of, “The Twelve Dancing Princesses”. This book mixed fantasy, fairytales, murder, horror…
In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.
Annaleigh and her sisters, live a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea with her father and stepmother.
Over the years, four of the sisters dies of tragic death,
the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge. Rumors are that they’re family is cursed by the Gods.
But Annaleigh begins to suspect that these deaths are not accidents when she started being disturbed by ghostly visions.
Her sisters as started sneaking every nights to attempts mysterious balls. Annaleight will soon be involve with a mysterious stranger who as secrets of his own and it will be a race to solve the mysteries of her sisters death before theres more.. or her own.
I have really loved this book.