I received a copy of this book via Netgcalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I have trouble sometimes writing reviews for books that I thoroughly enjoy. They may not necessarily be profound, but magnetic, nonetheless. I fear that my representation and interpretation won’t do it justice. This is largely the reason why I am posting this review years after my initial read. That, and being a ruminator at heart. Some stories simply need time to be digested and their fruits absorbed. House of Salt and Sorrows has been my top read for 2019 so far. This being her debut novel, Erin Craig’s ability to build an atmosphere is astoundingly developed.

"We are born of the Salt, we live by the Salt, and to the Salt we return."

Told from the perspective of Annaleigh Thalmus, a daughter of the Duke of Highmore, and sister to eleven sisters, we are introduced to a world of built mythology and heartbreaking mystery. Immediately, we meet the remaining Thalmus family, wrought with grief. Another Thalmus sister, fourth-in-line to inheriting Highmore and the family fortune, met her untimely demise. The family seems to be overshadowed by an ominous “curse” that is picking off the heiresses one-by-one.

Annaleigh and the many other characters in this story are well fleshed out, each having their own voice and purpose. No one blends into the shadows of obscurity. I love that each character, even in a small role, is memorable.

"Had she been in the arms of a handsome consort, the pose would have been stunning. But with no one supporting her weight, she looked abnormal.
Unnatural.
Possessed."

House of Salt and Sorrows contains all of the main components of a solid Gothic novel. While I personally prefer the seemingly supernatural to be fully and practically explained away in the end as a trick of the mind (i.e. Jane Eyre), I didn’t mind that this story is set in a world with its own mythology. The atmosphere and setting absolutely fleshes this story into existence with its strong presence, formidable elements, and curious powers-at-be. Many times, the reader is tricked into questioning what is to be believed in a setting that continuously tests the senses.

With a good Gothic story also comes unpleasant realities and unwanted truths that are undoubtedly uncovered in the end. This, too, is the case in House of Salt and Sorrows. While the theme of family evidently leads much of the decision-making for the characters, we also see this pose some of the most difficult of challenges for them. Family can the best and worst, most beautiful and heartbreaking of relationships one can experience in life. The consequences of other's actions has the ability to mold and forever impact others, and this reigns true in HOSAS.

With nods to the Grimm Brother’s The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Edgar Allan Poe’s Annabel Lee and the tale of La Llorona, this Gothic fantasy is certainly one to pick up on a gloomy, rainy weekend. This remains to be one of my favorite reads of 2019, and 2025.

My Rating: ★★★★1/2

I absolutely adored this book. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a YA book.

House of Salt and Sorrows is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale. It was the first time I ever read a retelling of this fairytale, so going in I didn't know what to expect. The story is a perfect blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, with a sprinkling of romance on top. Basically it was perfection.

Out of all the sisters my favorite was Verity, and I loved every scene I saw her in.

I highly recommend this book.

2023: It's been four years since I first read this excellent book. Back then I wasn't aware of how much I love a slightly spooky read. My reread was excellent as I forgot so much and it brought this up to a 5 star for me!

Really enjoyed this and how it didn’t just feel like a retelling. I enjoyed the changes and the darker nature of it more like the older gruesome fairytales. Definitely interested in the sequel as well.

I received a digital arc via Netgalley though all thoughts are my own.

I loved this book and was not expecting some particularly creepy aspects of the book and yet I found it fascinating.

I particularly loved the bonds of sisterhood and my heart ached for the girls as they mourned their sisters that passed on.

I also enjoyed the love interest and am so glad that he turned out to be different than I initially thought.

Highly recommend this book!

Trigger warnings: death, death of sisters, death of a Mother, stillborn child, some violence, traumatic birth, murder, drinking, creepy guests, fire, shipwreck

I really struggled with this one. While I think the premise is really interesting, I was easily waiting until 70 percent through the book for the real action to occur. A lot of the story is well placed foreshadowing, however the pay-off doesn't match the patience required to get there.

I also think this book suffers from purple prose - or just commonly used YA fantasy phraseology.

Skip this one.

3.8
Whelp, that was dark. Parts were lovely and lyrical, but it was kind of like a series of vignettes loosely roped together with paper thin and slightly weird segues.

This book was fantastic. It was creepy and enthralling and had me second guessing myself the entire time I read. At first I didn't trust Cassius, but quickly grew to love his character. I honestly thought Camille was the villain in this tale, although it didn't surprise me how things turned out in the end. Even so, the writing was phenomenal and the story was just perfectly told.

Since reading this book, it has become a bit of a classic in the genre. Craig's ability to weave in mystery and atmosphere into a dense yet navigable narrative has made her a stand out in the YA world. Can't wait to see what she puts out next.

This was a WILD ride. I don't normally like to read thrillers which is the main reason it took me so long to get to, but once started I had to keep reading to find out what happened! The story is really complex and immersive and it gets quite creepy! It bordered on too much for my taste at times but overall I liked it! The setting was awesome, the characters were very good and the plot was flawless. This would be a great October read, for anyone looking for a 12 Dancing Princesses retelling but darker.

Recommend for fans of:
- Atmospheric Spooky Reads
- Neil Gaiman or Agatha Christie
- 12 Dancing Princesses but darker

I really enjoyed the storyline in world building in the novel. I also really liked the characters. I thought this was a solid read, and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

Amazing tale in every way. If you are a fan of gothic houses, moody weather, stunning clothes, and grandiose theatrical set up, this might be just right up your alley. Sisters in a mansion facing up against the dark curse. This book turned me into Erin Craig reader for life. More please.

So very good in all of the best ways. Dark and spooky without being over the top. A slow burn romance. Magic. And oh, so much water. lol. Seriously. This retelling was fantastical and engaging and had me hooked from way early on. My first real 5* read in a very long time.

Prepare to be ensnared in the haunting beauty of "House of Salt and Sorrows" by Erin A. Craig. This gothic retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses is an intricate dance between suspense, horror, and vivid storytelling.

The tale unfolds in the eerie halls of Highmoor, where Annaleigh resides with her sisters, living under the weight of a sinister curse. The atmosphere is a character of its own, thick with suspense that grips you from the first page. The deaths of the sisters, each more tragic than the last, resonate with an otherworldly aura. The whispers of a curse add a layer of dark enchantment, creating an immersive and atmospheric setting.

Annaleigh, our guide through this spectral journey, is a protagonist whose every step I eagerly followed. Her transformation from a sheltered observer to an investigator of her sisters' mysterious deaths is compelling. The characters, from the enigmatic stranger to Annaleigh's sisters, are crafted with depth, adding layers to the intricate narrative. Vivid descriptions breathe life into the characters, making them linger in the mind long after the final page.

The events unfold like a dance of shadows, where glittering balls and forbidden trysts under the moonlight weave a spellbinding tapestry. The question of who, or what, the sisters are dancing with adds an element of mystery that keeps you guessing.

While this tale weaves a spell that is hard to break, I must acknowledge the minuscule flaws. Some readers may find the pacing a touch measured, but I argue that it heightens the suspense, allowing the revelations to unfold with poignant impact.

All in all, "House of Salt and Sorrows" is a literary gem. Erin A. Craig's masterful storytelling ability, combined with the rich atmosphere and compelling characters, creates a reading experience that is both chilling and enchanting. For fans of gothic retellings and atmospheric mysteries, this novel is an absolute must-read.

A haunting reimagining of the tale of the twelve dancing princesses. Once there were twelve, but as they start dying off each worse than the last Annaleigh starts to think that they werent accidents and rumors start that the family is cursed by the gods. But the real question is who are the sisters really sneaking out to dance with? Annaleigh must answer this or she just might be next.

I've tried to get into this book, but it's just not jelling for me. It does start off slow. World building is solid.

Annaleigh just put another sister to rest. It seems something is always happening to tjem and theu constantly live in mourning clothes.

Annaleigh thinks this is more than a curse. Her sister wouldnt have just fallen... she believes something else is causing this, or maybe a someone. She now takes it upon herself to figure it out.

I do have to say, it took me a few tries to get through this book. I had to put it down a few times as the first 10 chapters alone were just so boring and slow paced. Annaleigh is the only character that made it somewhat bearable to get through this book.

The stepmom reveals a surprise which all of a sudden mourning period isn't going to happen. Instead they plan to just skip the sadness and go right into the next stage of life. Picking out colors for new dresses and shoes and planning a ball for the triplets birthday.

It took until about 80% of the book for it to finally grab my attention. Finally things are being reveald. Why people are dying, this curse isnt what it seems and so much unraveling occurs. At the very end is where it was for me and while I did like it and will read the second book, I won't exactly be jumping to it.

It is simialr to Dark and Shallow Lies, so if you read that book and enjoyed it, this style is very similar and would.be right up your alley!

Absolutely thrilling and awesome tale. It started a bit slow for me, but once it got going it was good. I always thought I knew what was going to happen, but It kept me guessing. The characters and story were written in a magical way that will grab the reader and make them want more. I know I can't wait for more from this author.

I wasn’t able to finish this book. Because of this, it is my policy not to review the book on my site or on Goodreads/Amazon. I also didn’t mark it DNF.

This has definitely become one of my
favorite books. Such an incredible
dark gothic retelling of The Twelve
Dancing Princesses. I loved the fact that
there was so much attention to detail
and the world building. The character
development was meticulously done.
It was pretty unique and had amazing storytelling.
I loved the relationship between the sisters. I was
surprised by the outcome, I didn't see it coming.
I haven't read anything like this before, I immediately
fell in love with the world and its characters. Can't
wait for the next book in this series.