Book Review #8: House of Salt and Sorrows, by Erin Craig

 Review of House of Salt and Sorrows, by Erin Craig

Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows is a gorgeously dark gothic fantasy that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. Loosely inspired by the “Twelve Dancing Princesses” fairytale, the novel follows Annaleigh Thaumas, once one of twelve sisters living in a crumbling manor by the sea, where death has become an unsettlingly frequent visitor. As more of her sisters die in increasingly suspicious circumstances, Annaleigh begins to unravel the truth behind the strange balls they secretly attend and the eerie forces haunting both the house and her family. From the very beginning, the story feels steeped in mystery, grief, and salt-soaked dread—in the best way possible.

What truly makes this book exceptional is its atmosphere. Every page feels heavy with tension: the roaring sea, the decaying halls, the candlelit dances, and the constant sense that something is wrong. Craig’s writing is vivid and immersive, making it easy to lose track of what is real alongside Annaleigh. Her grief, fear, and confusion are written so convincingly that the reader fully understands why she doubts her own mind. Instead of being frustrating, this unreliability adds depth and emotional weight, making the mystery even more compelling.

The characters, especially the sisters, are another major strength. Each one feels distinct, and their shared grief makes their bond believable and heartbreaking. The novel explores themes of loss, control, femininity, and the pressure placed on young women, all woven naturally into the plot rather than feeling forced. The romance is effective, offering moments of warmth and grounding without overpowering the darker elements of the story and not becoming the unrealistic in-your-face Instant LoveTM.

The impact of House of Salt and Sorrows lies in how beautifully it balances horror and emotion. It’s unsettling without being gratuitous, tragic without being melodramatic, and magical without losing its edge. The twists are satisfying, the imagery is unforgettable, and the story lingers long after the final page. This is the kind of book that doesn’t just scare you—it haunts you, and honestly? That’s exactly why it’s so good (And the main ship of course; it’s just AWESOME :) ).

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