I found this fantasy novel to be full of twists and turns that kept me wondering what was going to happen. In essence, this is a story about wanting change, and then dealing with the consequences of the unexpected. Thank you for the e-arc.

Small Favors was the quintessential summer read, in my opinion. Let's start with that cover. Has a more beautiful cover ever existed? I think not. I was a big fan of Craig's writing in HOSAS, so much so it was my favorite read in 2019. And that pretty much held true for Small Favors. No one masters atmosphere in her books the way that Craig does. Her writing is so elegant and really just effortlessly sucks you into Ellerie's world and life in Amity Falls. The chaos and struggle for survival that overtakes Amity Falls gets louder and more creepily terrifying as the book goes on, which I found reflective of the issue of mob mentality and hysteria both in the novel and real life. I also like the way that Craig writes families in her novels and resilient young heroines who step up for them. Ellerie's story gets more and more interesting as lines are drawn and loyalties broken. I very much liked Ellerie and Whittaker and hated Sam. So much. I was VERY interested in the turn the book took in the latter half of the novel with the Kindred and the Brotherhood of Light, and I do wish that this had been more emphasized in the first half, which moved a bit slow and was the main reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me. But all in all, I think that Small Favors was a solid novel that transcends genre and has a bit of mystery, horror, fantasy and romance all mixed together into one package. Small Favors is a story of survival and how it can either fortify a community, or rip it apart.

4.5 stars.

SMALL FAVORS is the second novel I've read by author Erin A. Craig. Here we have a small, mostly self-sufficient town, where everyone knows one another.

There is danger though--deep in the surrounding woods. Creatures--or something--whose eyes glow in the darkness.

In the town's list of Rules you'll find:
"Enter not the forest deep. Beyond the Bells, the dark fiends keep."

Ellerie Downing and her family are one of the farms on the outskirts of the town. The tension starts out immediately, with slow burning intensity. A series of malicious rumors set more "vicious" acts into action.

I really enjoy the author's writing style. I loved the characterization, and the continuous changes they went through emotionally. Everything felt a "natural response" to the events unfolding. This is one of the biggest aspects fo a book that get me into believing in the characters and the story.

While there were some parts to the mystery I quickly guessed, there were many more aspects that I did not. This tale had such depth to it! When one thing was happening before us, there were so many more layers to peel off in order to get the COMPLETE picture. I was kept speculating until the very end.

Overall, this was the type of novel I love to get lost in. The multi-layered approach made it so nothing could be taken at face value. Rather, each event hinged on a multitude of others. The complexity of the story and well developed characters made this an instant favorite for me. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Recommended.

**I received an arc copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
Publication is July 27, 2021.

Well that was wild.

You know, this is not my typical taste. I like fantasy, but I'm not usually into when things become warped and chaotic. Deformed animals? Lord of the Flies mentality? Murder frenzy? Not usually my thing. However, this author writes in a style that just speaks to me. She did the same thing with her debut. There is something about her writing that my brain responds with "more please."

Let me just say - I love the name of this book. When I finally figured out what it meant, I felt like it was so clever and kind of went with the theme of the book itself.

So let's see... What did I love... The atmosphere was fantastic. I felt the same about House is Salt and Sorrows - she can really create a creepy setting and make it feel as if you're there. I also found Ellerie, Merry, and Sadie all likable and Whitaker was intriguing throughout the book. I think that twist was easy to guess, but I also think it was meant to be easy to guess because you spend the whole book on edge that Ellerie isn't seeing what's right in front of her.

What did I not love... Deformed animals representing an evil presence kind of makes my stomach churn, but that's more of a personal thing. I think my main complaint is that there were *a lot* of characters and it was hard to keep them straight at times. Also, why such a heavy focus on bees and sugar and making cakes? I feel like cakes were mentioned in almost every chapter. Just seemed a little weird to me.

Also, Sam sucked. Really sucked. It's been a while since I hated a character so much. I honestly did not find a single thing about him redeeming and I didn't like that his storyline with Rebecca didn't really have a conclusion or explanation.

I really think this is going to be an auto-buy (or auto-request) author for me. I enjoy her writing style so so much and I'm already pumped to see what she'll come up with next.

"I wasn't a man. My place in the world was nebulous, a malleable concept only given definition by the space I occupied. When I was in the classroom, I was a schoolgirl. At home, I was a daughter. When someone eventually courted me, I'd be a wife, a mother. But until then, what was I? Who was I?"

Again, Erin A. Craig slays me with her immersive world-building and atmosphere-- homey and creepy by turn, veering steadily towards the latter as the story slinks onwards. As the bizarre, catastrophic events striking the town of Amity Falls multiply and worsen, hysteria creeps in, neighbor turning on neighbor, friend betraying friend. Everything is covered in a film of suspicion. There's that ominous teeling that you don't have all the puzzle pieces to understand the horrific events unfolding, and you're just as mystified and nervous as the characters. It's DARK on all kinds of fronts: psychological, gore, social critique. I found myself eating it up.

Our protagonist, Ellerie, is a stalwart guide through all the dark chaos. She's a dutiful, big-hearted, tough-as-nails heroine who cares for everyone around her, especially her family. She carries the weight of others' needs and wants on her back while holding their secrets safely locked away. Ellerie wants recognition from her father and her community, but she is in the awkward position of being a girl, leaving her with limited opportunity. On the flipside, I wasn't sure for most of the book if her twin brother was actually evil or just a terrible, obnoxious person, but he fueled my hate fire singlehandedly.

God, this book was good. It defies a single genre with historical homesteader elements, creepy thriller vibes, a dash of fairy tale inspiration, and lurking supernatural presence. It's a slow, consuming build and I highly recommend it.

I am so very thankful to have been given the opportunity to receive an ARC as this book was amazing. It has been a long time since a novel kept me guessing while holding my breath with high hopes for the characters. This has got to be made into a movie!

Ellerie Downing lives a simple life on her family farm. She helps her mother with her younger sisters and helps her father with the bees. The town she lives in, Amity Falls, is quiet, peaceful but rumored to be surrounded by monsters. When a new trapper stops by the farm, strange things start to happen in the town including phantom sightings, mysterious animal deaths, mutations, and Ellerie's long-lost uncle turning up again. Will Ellerie's town survive not only these things but also a winter without supplies?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. Once I started this book, I found it difficult to put down. I hurried home, so I could read more. It was so compelling. I loved the characters Craig crafted (Ellerie and Whitaker especially) and knew she did a fantastic job when I soon began to loathe Sam. This book was such a perfect mixture of fantasy, horror, and romance. I loved every minute of it and cannot recommend this enough!

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I’ll be waiting in line for her third no matter what it is.

Don’t be deceived by the calming, flower-filled cover. Inside is a chilling, dark fantasy that will make you hesitate before entering the woods ever again. I count the movie The Village directed by M. Night Shyamalan as one of my favorites, and this book shares many similarities with it – a small, tightly knit community, strange activities in the town, deadly creatures in the forest, and a MC who’s determined she and her family will survive. There are also shades of Stephen King’s Needful Things with some of the townfolks’ deepest desires being fulfilled.

The first few chapters introduce readers to a simpler kind of life and allow them to become acquainted with the isolated town, its residents, and their daily activities. Ellerie’s idyllic life of learning beekeeping from her father, cooking with her mother, and playing with her little sister begins sliding away a piece at a time after a supply party goes missing. Visitors, a rare event, show up in town, and one is especially intriguing to her. Whitaker’s motivations were a mystery to me throughout the story, and I wasn’t sure if I should trust him. Soon the town is plagued with deformed animals, strange bouts of weather, and lack of food before neighbors turn against each other in vengeance and hatred. I’m talking a serious spiraling of events, folks. Some of these scenes aren’t for the faint of heart.

This slow burn dark fantasy pulls you in a page at a time, and before long you’ll notice the book is super glued to your hands. It felt like 350 pages instead of nearly 500 to me. Fans of The Village, Needful Things, and dark fantasy will spend several engrossing hours reading Small Favors and shutting out the world around them. Just be careful when you go into the woods.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a delightfully creepy read with a great heroine, creepy monsters in a dark and dangerous forrest, and an evil that can see into your deepest and darkest desires. Although the pacing is a little slow it does build up to a spectacular ending that will keep you reading until the end.

Ellerie was a delightful young lady to spend time with. She is the sole narrator and she starts off being a bit on the naive side, but by the end she is determined to save her family and her town whatever the cost. Ellerie is the oldest girl in the family with a twin brother and two younger sisters. The family was wonderful, they for the most part cared deeply for each other. Ellerie really has to step up as the head of the family when her mother is injured and her parents leave to get her some better care, and she does an awesome job of it. Sam, her brother, was a troubled young man who didn’t always step up and take ownership of his life. Some of this may have been in part because of what was going on, but deep down I think he did care about his family. The two younger sisters were fun and delightful.

There is a romance between Ellerie and a new young man that is nicely done. It does build up to something by the end although it starts off with a bit of insta-love or like on the part of both of them. But I really liked Whitaker, although there were many times when I wasn’t sure if he should be trusted. Although he has a lot of secrets, when he was with Ellerie you could tell that he really cared about her and wanted to help and protect her and her family.

The setting of a small, isolated western town was perfect for this story. The town is basically on its own, with a larger city a week or so’s ride over the mountains. Everyone knows everyone and for the most part all get along. But as with many small towns there are slights and grudges carried by all in their hearts. It is these grudges and secrets that become the downfall of the town due to what is lurking in the woods. Although the overall pacing is a bit slow, the last part of the book makes up for that with all of the action when the true horror really begins.

You may have seen some reviews, like I have, that refer to this book as a Rumplestiltskin retelling and I can see why they might think that, but truthfully I have got to say nope, I’m not buying it. There is only one small part in the whole story that reminds me of that fairytale which in my book doesn’t make it a retelling. There is more of a mixture of a lot of old folktales and other horror stories that make up this one, but when it comes down to it, it is it’s own unique tale.

If you liked House of Salt and Sorrow I think you will find this book just as good. There is a bit more of a horror story feel to it than there was in the first book, and the ending is a bit gruesome, but overall a delightful story about what lies in the deepest parts of a person’s heart and how the choices we make can determine our lives. I highly recommend that you read this when it comes out at the end of July.

I adored House of Salt and Sorrows, so when I saw Erin A. Craig was coming out with another dark fantasy/horror fairy tale retelling, I knew I had to read it.

Small Favors is a twist on a Rumpelstiltskin retelling, but instead of straw being spun into gold we have the gold of honey dripping fresh from the comb. I do wish the bees had been a bit more involved in the overall story, though. They're such an integral part of it for some scenes and then suddenly just... aren't.

Ellery lives in a quiet, small town that's huddled in "God's hand," a sheltered valley in the middle of a creepy and sinister forest. All the bells and Gathering and Elders and whatnot give it a very The Village sort of vibe, which I loved. What is it about small, secluded villages that lends itself so well to a horror setting? I really loved the dynamic between Ellery and the rest of her family, and between all the villagers. Small town dramaaaa!

I love this sort of dark fantasy, quiet horror. It did get quite creepy and borderline gory at certain parts. I'm quite squeamish and it was the perfect borderline of creepy but not TOO gross for me. I can't wait to see which fairy tale Erin A. Craig approaches next, and how she will present it in an entirely new, dark and creepy way.

CW: Animal death, gore, violence, murder, birth defects (animal)
And because it's a personal trigger that I was leery about, I want to specify - nothing bad happens to the baby(s).

Thank you to Random House Children/Delacorte Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ellerie and her family live in a quiet town with quite a history. Visitors are rare and the families that live there tend to go back for many generations, many even to the town’s founding. Speaking of, the town’s founders spoke of beasts in the forest and had an extensive security system put in place, with large bonfires and bells. When a supplies mission goes south and a mare returns without her rider, the devastation that these creatures may have returned is discovered. Ellerie discovers, with help of a rag tag group, that the creatures are magical and will grant you a wish—a small favor, if you will—but at what cost?

Did this one take me a little while to get into? Sure. Was it worth it? Holy crap, yes. I loved it. Once I was sucked in, I was a goner. I was reading everywhere I could until I was done. And then I was sad and wished I could read it again for the first time.

Ellerie is such a great character. She’s strong willed, opinionated, and smart. She knows when something is up and doesn’t rest until she figures it out. It just kind of takes a whole book.

Whitaker? Well don’t get me started. I loved him. He’s a little devil but he could play games with me any day of the week. His friendship with Ellerie is like a match, you think you’re safe from the flame until it goes up and you’re on fire.

Is the ending predictable? I don’t know—maybe. I don’t think it’s a huge twist, but there are definitely parts you may not see coming. And for me, at least, I found it compelling. I love Craig’s writing style and sense of storytelling. I give it

5/5 stars

I am a real sucker for a book set in a secluded town in an undeterminable time that's surround by very spooky woods that house monsters. I loved that the cover was a complete juxtaposition for what the book entails. This was a good mystery/horror/suspense. There are a lot of characters (as noted before the book starts, so FYI). There's so much good tension and suspicion.

Erin A. Craig has quickly become a new favorite author, and this book just keeps the good vibes going. So so good - kind of the movie "The Witch" meets Alma Katsu's "The Hunger." That is to say, historical, pioneer kind of history, combined with some very creepy supernatural goings on, mistrust in the town, and I suppose some dark fairy kind of legends. As with "House of Salt and Sorrows," the book defies true definition and Craig has created a wonderfully haunting, unnerving, nail-biting story that you won't want to put down.

#smallfavors #Netgalley

I just couldn't get into this book, it just wasn't the right fit for me. Sorry, I really tried to like it.

This is a book about falling in love with darkness and making it light.
This book was okay, it was a bit too weird for me and I didn’t like the ending. It kept me turning the pages though.

**Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

I loved Erin Craig's first book, House of Salt and Sorrow, so I was excited to pick up Small Favors. It's a slow burn mystery, with danger and intrigue around every corner. The novel really makes one remember how hysteria and suspicion can spread like a fire with nothing but the smallest spark., The only reason this gained 4 instead of 5 stars, is mainly because the ending felt...rushed. The final confrontations just were lackluster, Ellerie didn't even have final words with her brother. I just felt that there was a scene missing. Overall I enjoyed the novel and hope to read more from Erin Craig!

Ellerie Downing is 18 and wants nothing more than to have her family's respect and responsibility. She wants to be treated like her twin brother, except that she is only a lady, but she yearns for more. Quickly she gets more than what she wishes when a series of accidents and attacks leave the little village she belongs to without supplies enough for the winter. As the days turn darker, monsters emerge from the nearby dark forest and the town begins to destroy itself. Can Ellerie hold her family together AND keep them safe as rumors turn to murderous intent? A great tale.

There are things in the woods that mean the people of Amity Falls harm. At least, that’s the superstition. The edges of the forest are lined with bells and are meant to ward off these beings from town. However, it has been many years since their small village has seen any sign of the creatures that exist in the dark beyond the pines, and the stories have been slowly edging toward superstition. That is until the winter supply run goes terribly awry and the only thing left of the group is a terrified horse in the town square sporting large, claw-like gouges from a huge, unknown animal.

Ellerie Downing, the beekeeper’s daughter, questions what could possibly have made this happen and the town is divided. Is it really just large, ferocious wolves that peer out of the woods at night with silver eyes? Or is it the creatures? And who is this mysterious boy that showed up one day and refuses to give her his name? Why are people suddenly beginning to show up in their isolated village?

However, The most pressing question on everyone’s minds is how are they going to survive the winter when every attempt at survival seems to be thwarted?

Suspicions soar as something sinister overtakes the town. Are basic instinct and long held grudges causing the townspeople to sabotage their neighbors or is something more sinister occurring? And can Ellerie convince the town to start taking the old tales seriously before it’s too late?

Craig is an amazing author. This book is the kind I love. Is something supernatural going on or is there a logical explanation as to what is happening? Plus the small town suspicions, mystery, and survival aspects are everything I want in a book. The only thing I had a tough time with was the ending, but it’s because it feels very abrupt. Otherwise, everything else is fantastic and I absolutely swallowed up every last honey-sweet bite.

3.5 Stars

"Others see me as a means to an end... But to you, I was only ever a man."

Small Favors was a dark fairytale retelling of Rumpelstiltskin set in a small town with rustic country style vibes. I've read a few retellings but never of Rumpelstiltskin hence I was so excited and intrigued on how Erin Craig would put a spin on this widely known fairy tale!

First, let me tell you that I was deceived by the bright and joyful looking cover. Mind you, there's nothing bright and joyful in Small Favors - it was dark, gruesome and spooky, at least for my standards (which is low because I get scared easily, lol).

Small Favors was set in the secluded town of Amity Falls with a small community who knows each and everyone in the neighborhood. Every single family has a role in the community and they all live by the rules drafted by the Elders. All was well until one day strange happenings started - gossips were formed, petty quarrels turned into chaos. But what causes it?

The story may have a small town dynamic but it came with a huge cast of characters - one that I really enjoyed but also struggled with as it was difficult to remember all of their roles. The main character Ellerie was very likeable, she was observant and highly perceptive. I also loved that Ellerie wasn't just the focus of the story but also her family with their various storylines.

The events happened in over a year so expect slow burn but pacing was written well. Erin Craig’s writing set the mood and atmosphere effectively that made me feel the tension even when there was no action, I was kept alert and high with anticipation. Erin Craig is a masterful storyteller which some may already know because of her House of Salt and Sorrows which, unfortunately I haven't read yet.

Overall was an enjoyable and spooky read that felt like more than 30 chapters of non stop discord and drama. I was hoping for a more eventful ending but would still recommend to people who loves suspense and mystery!

Trigger warnings:
Violence
Cruelty
Death
Burn
Trauma

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Delacorte Press for providing me an advanced digital copy to review!

Small Favors is perfect for anyone who loves that eerie tension where you aren’t sure what’s real, unreliable narrators, and story about community. Craig develops these strands of tension and atmosphere from the beginning. I never knew who to trust and what was happening which made me devour this book! What I loved about Small Favors is the way that Craig explores this split between individual and community. If their beliefs and suspicions can hold against a tide of anger and doubt.

While Small Favors is slower paced than one might expect, it’s a book which consistently keeps you on your toes. I am developing an obsession with unreliable narrators and situations and so Small Favors fits the bill! What I also loved about Small Favors was the ways Craig delves into wondering what happens if we expose what lies under the surface of people. Are there just niceties on the surface with rot, intolerance, and anger underneath? Small Favors also examines the monsters men make and the breakdown of trust within the community.

This book is wonderful. The characters are so vivid, the story flies beautifully. Despite being able to guess at some parts of the climax from clues along the way I was still very satisfied and surprised by the ending. Only issue is I needed a bit more, I needed perhaps an epilogue or even better a second book to tell how things changed for the characters.