MINI-REVIEW: “House of Salt and Sorrows” by Erin A. Craig

Previously, on Book Princess Reviews . . . 

❝  Probably contender for one of the best atmospheric reads of this year for me . . .  it never fully dived into a horror novel, but instead kept the feel and lush, lyrical writing and feel of a fairytale . . . The characters were likeable, and Annaleigh was a fantastic heroine. An Anna rating.❞

Mandy, September 28 2019 : read in full HERE.

Title: House of Salt and Sorrows
Author: Erin A. Craig
Pages: 416

Release Date: August 6 2019
Publisher: Delacorte
Format: Hardcover

Genre: Fantasy
Goodreads Rating:  4.04 (of 4, 738  ratings)

Yep, Mandy read and reviewed House of Salt and Sorrows not three weeks ago. But here I am, about to review it again, because the book needs to be talked about, okay? And no, of course I didn’t look at Mandy’s review to help me write mine.

(no I seriously didn’t this is all authentic Sha)

📌 From the moment I saw the cover of this book I said, “I feel like I can taste the salt,” and the atmosphere within the book was no different. I was on the Salann Islands, battered by sea winds with salt on my tongue and water staining my the hem of my dress. I was fully immersed in the cursed lives of the Thaumas Twelve, unable to decipher reality from fiction. Gaaahhh the writing skills in this book!!

📌 I liked the characters better after the first third of the book. It’s like everyone got to know themselves better after a hundred pages, and their personalities truly bled onto the page. I didn’t love the love interest though, and who is surprised by this. His introduction was too, um, let’s say cliche. Erase the introduction and he’s a good guy.

📌 As a twelve dancing princesses retelling, this book could have done better. Not a lot of the original tale was included, and one scene in particular was really forced to match the real story. House of Salt and Sorrows shines much more for its originality and dark, twisting denouement.

look at me getting all fancy and french

A high recommendation from me, especially in this month of spooktacular fun.

representation: n/a
content warnings: death of principal characters, death of a child, descriptive gore/dead bodies

  
Book Princess Reviews receives a percentage of commission from purchases you make after following Book Depository links on our site.

What do you think? Let’s discuss in the comments below!