My Thoughts: House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

House of Salt and Sorrows
by Erin A. Craig
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Publication Date: August 6th 2019
Publisher: Delacorte
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9781984831927
Genre: Young Adult | Retelling | Fantasy
Source: Netgalley Review Copy / Finished Copy from Publisher

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In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.

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. (Goodreads)

The first thing that drew me to House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin A. Craig was the absolutely gorgeous book cover, (I cannot resist a pretty cover!). I was also completely intrigued by the summary for the book, and I knew I would have to check it out. I am SO glad I did! This story was deliciously creepy, while also being just a little familiar, and I loved every minute of it.

So, if you haven’t yet read the summary for the book, (you should), then I will tell you that this book is a retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses story! I have read a few retellings of this story, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. However, I cannot say that any of the books that I have read so far have had the creepy twist to it that this one had. I’m not usually a fan of creepy, but this book had me hooked, and once I started the story, I couldn’t stop!

I don’t like comparing books to other books, but the feeling that I got while reading this book reminded me very much of Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand, (which is another really awesome, creepy read), and though these stories are not similar AT ALL, they still gave me the same vibe, and I loved it. AND I also really loved that the story felt familiar as well, with the 12 Dancing Princesses theme. I definitely need more books like these in my life.

Overall; If you’re looking for a creepy read to add to your Halloween TBR, or just to read ANYTIME, definitely check out House of Salt and Sorrows! This book had me flying through the pages, and I loved it. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more books by Erin in the future!