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Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they 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 the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters 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.
Review:
With a description so Gothic and a cover that is achingly beautiful, I was excited to read House of Salt and Sorrows, by Erin A. Craig. I was really impressed by the world-building, characters, and story. There was plenty of Gothic horror that was very creepy, making this a fun book to read.
What I Liked:
World-Building:The author did a wonderful job introducing the reader to the culture and society of the fictional Salann Islands. There is a complicated religion with gods and demons that, at times, appear and mix with humans. There are nobility kind of like in Europe, with the oldest offspring (not just men) inheriting and titles and property. Most pertinent to the story, there are many rituals that happen when a family member dies.
I also love the detailed descriptions of the clothes the characters wore (which did become important in the story). All of these details create a complex, satisfying world for the reader to immerse themselves in.
Characters:
Annaleigh and her many sisters have a life of sorrow. One by one, her siblings are dying. I found myself rooting for Annaleigh. She is so full of love for her sisters, and has compassion for everyone, even her very young step-mother. But she is also no pushover. She could go toe-to-toe with anyone trying to push their will on her. I also like that she was a Gothic Nancy Drew, questioning the string of deaths.
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Story:
The story had some truly creepy moments with twists and turns I didn't see coming. I loved that certain moods in the story were tied to the weather (storms are NEVER a good sign in this novel). There was plenty of suspense that made this book a page-turner.
What I Was Mixed About:
Ending:The ending was a bit too tidy for my taste. Given how suspenseful the story was I was surprised... Sorry I can't get too specific, but I hate:
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Rating:
Release Date: August 6th, 2019
Author: Erin A. Craig
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: YA Gothic Horror Fantasy
Page Length: 416 Pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: If you like Gothic Horror, this is the book for you. A super moody YA to be read on a rainy day with a warm cup of tea.
