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.

3.5 stars. This was promising, but it became too convoluted and messy as it went on. Pacing-wise, it was too slow and then way too fast. Some of the horror elements felt forced/lame as the story went on. I was SUPER hooked for a while, until I saw where it was going. I did like it, but I was ultimately disappointed.

Erin A. Craig is a very talented writer. In both her novels, it's clear that she is skilled at writing descriptive settings and creating an intriguing world. However, once again I was unfortunately underwhelmed by the plot. My issue with Small Favors was that for a majority of the book, not much happens. And because of the slow moving pace and lack of action, the story had trouble keeping my attention. The book has an interesting premise and definitely gives off some creepy The Village vibes, but the execution fell a bit short.

Thank you to Random House Children's and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to review this title.

While Small Favors starts out feeling a bit creepy, there wasn't much to it beyond a family going about life in a small village and squabbles amongst neighbors as they run low on supplies for the winter. There were some tense moments and feelings of dread throughout the book, but I honestly don't know that I would classify this as horror.

The setting was never explained and I didn’t know what time period this was set in. I’m sure it was intentional but it was hard to set myself in the story if I didn’t even know where I was placing myself.

I wanted to like this book but I couldn't get through it... the beginning was boring and dragged on. I love the author and her previous book but this did not read like that one. Maybe I will try again later but this didn't hold my attention.

I enjoyed reading this book and I loved the storyline. The characters were great and thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

*Spoilers*

3.5 stars probably, but I'll round up since this is the first book I've actually wanted to finish in quite awhile.

So, I really enjoyed *most* of this book. There was a lot happening. Everything was very mysterious, and I was very very intrigued. The small, remote town, the special town rules, the family histories and feuds, the supernatural elements, oh and the bees! It was all very exciting and interesting. I really enjoyed the idea behind the story, I really enjoyed the mystery, however, when it actually got down to the details, things sort of unraveled.

I feel like the main plot points and premise were fairly predictable, but I didn't mind because I was very interested in the world building and the brilliant reveal that would explain everything. Unfortunately we never really got there. All of the important elements to the story seemed to either get vaguely wrapped up off screen and explained to Ellerie after the fact, or were just never explained at all. Where was God's Grasp? And why were they so isolated from all other towns? When was this even taking place? Did Ellerie's father and mother actually make it to town or were they murdered on the way? Why didn't they come back? What was the reason for her brother to be such a loser? He seemed to go from a great brother to a total psycho willing to sacrifice his sister for no good reason. What was the point of the bees?? And for that matter what was the point of Whitaker? The love story felt very tacked on and half hearted. I could go on but I don't want to pull the whole book apart.

I really did enjoy reading probably 75% of it. However, it felt like a LOT of build up and no payoff to speak of. The ending felt like and she could be with Whitaker so they all lived happily ever after, the end. Never mind that the town was in flames and where were they even going and oh Ellerie barely knows Whitaker.... Frustrating. They had one good scene together but the rest was mostly Ellerie pining and Whitaker being MIA.

Like I said, I'm going to round this to 4 stars, because the idea was there. And this is the first book I've wanted to finish since my horrendous pandemic reading slump set in. So, points for that. I just wish it had felt more complete. It felt like it fell apart at the end, all the great ideas weren't fully fleshed out, and that was disappointing.

Completely adored the authors first book so I definitely had to give this a try and while I didn't love this book as much, I still greatly enjoyed it. Enough so that I made it the August YA pick for my Instagram book club.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured Erin A. Craig's HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS so I was excited to get my hands on her next novel, SMALL FAVORS.

The small town of Amity Falls is isolated from society by an impenetrable forest. The townspeople live a simple life following the rules the founders of Amity created. The early settlers had to fight off monsters and they lined the woods around Amity with bells believing the sound would keep the town safe.

As odd events start happening in town, talk of the monsters returns. Eighteen year old Ellerie Downing just wants to prove to her father that she's just as capable of tending to their bees as her twin brother (who keeps shirking his chores to run off... somewhere), then she meets a stranger at the edge of the woods - when no strangers ever come to Amity. While he's handsome, Ellerie is wary. As much as the town doesn't want to admit it, the monsters are real, and they grant the people of Amity their biggest wishes... for one small favor.

As the town begins to fall apart, Ellerie tries to figure out what's going on before it's too late. While some of the twists were fairly obvious, that didn't detract from the plot. SMALL FAVORS is a study in how discord can destroy society.

This is a different tone and feel from HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS but I got hooked on SMALL FAVORS just as quickly. I enjoyed the strife and the outcome, though I wish there had been just one more chapter taking the end a little bit further so that readers would know what happened next.

The horror, the chaos, the immense feeling of eldritch gods messing things up behind the scenes. Dead bodies, mutilated bodies, burnt bodies. Introducing the world’s most deceiving cover and bees. I originally posted that as a comment on Goodreads at a measly 40% of the way through the book. But, oh, has a comment never been more true. I'll admit I didn't read as much research about this book as I should have, which may have led to some of its deceiving storyline. I've been following Erin A. Craig on Instagram and Twitter for a while now and kept seeing and hearing about this book, so the minute it popped up for request, I said OF COURSE.

And then I read the inside which said it was a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin tale and there was no hope for me not loving this book. Enter the mutations. Followed by the dead bodies. Followed by a whole slew of morally grey and kind of a bunch of butthole characters, and we're introduced to the pure chaos Amity Falls has become. No one trusts anyone and it starts to feel like the Salem retelling you've always wanted in your hometown. Ellerie Downing just wants to be the one to take care of her family's bees, contributing to the town, following its rules, and maybe, further down the line, fall in love. She's a family girl first, which is why she can't understand how her twin brother Sam doesn't feel the same way. He's been missing more often than home, leaving Ellerie to get her wish sooner rather than later.

She notices the town feels more hateful as late, starting with diminishing supplies, missing supply runs, accusations left and right, and some despicable actions that have horrible consequences, including something that sends Ellerie's mother and father into the city, leaving her and Sam in charge of their younger sisters. The town spirals deeper into chaos as long lost relatives come back to town, a mysterious group of trappers arrive, and people begin to see silver eyes everywhere. And those silver eyes tend to come with people only some of the town can see.

Taking the power of a simple small favor, Erin A. Craig explores just how much humans are willing to sacrifice to have what they want...and the consequences those favors can have when granted. While much of the book kept me on the edge of my seat, literally skipping over words and paragraphs to discover just what was going to happen next to this town, the ending disappointed me just a little. I don't know what I expected, but I think a big part of me wanted the ending you believe Ellerie will give into when it's offered. However, the path she chose is the one that more closely follows who she was before the chaos rather than who she was starting to be during the chaos. I'm leaving it vague for a reason people! Enjoy your descent into the horror that happens to Amity Falls.