Today's review is about House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. It is a debut novel that is published by Delacorte. It's a mixture of fantasy and "thriller" and it is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses story but in a more dark way.
This book was another one that I read thanks to #booktalkwithwifey and their readalongs. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have picked this one to read or I would read it much much later.
Anyway, back to the book now...
We follow Annaleigh who 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 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.
I really liked House of Salt and Sorrows, especially the second half of it. It's well-written with an interesting story. The fantasy element was very subtle and well introduced to the story.
It is a kind of spooky read, for me anyways, and I wasn't prepared. When I though I knew who was responsible for everything, something happened and made me doubt it. The mystery of the story was done very well by the author.
I liked the characters and especially the bond between the sisters. Also Cassius was one of my favorites. The romantic aspect of the book was not too much. It was sweet and so real.
As I said, this is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses story but it is a dark retelling of the original fairy tale, brilliantly executed.
This book keeps you hooked all the time and you should definitely read it!
Rating : 4 Stars
See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!
Athina
You can buy this book from Book Depository using this link (affiliate link)
