The House of Roots and Ruin read very similar to the House of Salt and Sorrow which was both a good thing and a bit of a disservice. It is fun for horror fans and reads quickly, but the plot itself tends to be a bit messy in areas that it shouldn't be.
Overall, it was. an ok read. But forgettable as a whole after the fact. Good for rainy October days and less for the summer beach or one that is taken as a favorite.

This was a perfectly chilling horror story with complex sister relationships, romance, and fantasy elements. I absolutely loved all of the twists and turns. I was scared of the dark in a way I haven’t been since I was a kid while reading this book at 2am. I read it in one sitting and was on the edge of my bed the whole time. I loved it even more than the first book since the horror elements were sprinkled a little more consistently and everything seemed planned with hints dropped throughout. This book has definitely put me into my horror era so if you want to join me here, definitely pick this up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Canada for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok, first of all, how dare this book be so good?! Also, second, if there’s not a sequel, I’ll be UPSET! I haven’t been so taken aback by a last sentence since I read HOSAB so if you’ve read that, you know I mean business!

This was horrifying and atmospheric and spooky and literally everything. I started this book last night at like 11pm (mistake for anyone who is easily spooked like I am) and finished at 6:25pm the following day. I have an 11 week old child and that’s how compelling this book is. Every spare second, I read.

Erin A. Craig makes me want to read more spooky books because she proves that they can be beautiful and horrifying and thought provoking all at the same time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is an amazingly well done dark and twisty tale. I think it might even be darker than the first book. It starts out a little slow, but the suspense slowly builds until you get to the fast paced and unbelievable twists at the end.

I really liked Verity, even in the first book, I felt like she was someone I would like. Now she is all grown up and so unsure of herself as she ventures off into the world. Much of her hesitancy and doubt in herself is due to her sister’s mishandling of her youth. I get why they did what they did, but what a way to mess a person up. Yes, she sees and talks to ghosts, but why not just admit that to her, it would have been far kinder I think. But it was good to see her grow throughout the book. Starting off rather timid and socially awkward, but slowly growing into a strong young lady, and someone not to be trifled with. It was a satisfying journey and even when things around her were going to hell, she was able to keep her wits about her.

Alexander was a bit harder to like, not that he wasn’t a nice person or difficult, he was just kind of a bit flat, and I’m not sure a good fit for Verity. But I could respect his feelings for her. Alexander is in a wheelchair due to a childhood accident, and I loved how that part of his life was handled. The author was up front about the hardships this caused, but no one seemed fazed by it, and it certainly did not impact their romance in any way.

The one thing I really liked about the romance, was how Verity reacted to Alex’s first kiss and touches. She was so unsure of herself and couldn’t shut her mind down with thoughts about whether or not she was doing it right, and was it suppose to feel like this, type of questions. It was nice to see a first kiss, and some other ones, that was not all heart melting and over the top sensations. This felt right for her character.

As soon as Verity reaches Highmoor, you can tell that something is off about the house and the family. The suspense is slowly spun out through the slow reveals of what is really going on and why Verity was asked to come to Highmoor. There are many twists in this dark tale, some a little hard to take, but the true horrors are not revealed until closer to the end. The pacing is a bit slow, but slowly picks up as the suspense mounts until it all comes crashing together at the conclusion. Even though the book ended a bit predictably, it was still done masterfully and so skillfully that I still felt the tension and the shocks as things were revealed. The ending was shocking, and I so hope there is going to be a sequel because it can’t end like that.

I don’t think you really need to have read the first book in order to enjoy this one. It wouldn’t hurt, as I think it sets up Verity’s character and her relationship with her sisters well. If you have read the first book, you will really want to read this one. It is so dark and twisty that it will keep you guessing until the end.

I can’t believe I was given an arc of this! Thank you netgalley!
We are thrown back into that eerie magical world from Erin’s prior novel.
Her writing was addicting and magical.
The character and world building was well done.
Erin is becoming an auto but author for me.

I am not usually a reader of the horror genre but there is something about Erin. C. Craig’s books that I just can’t resist. I first read House of Salt and Sorrows about two years ago, and I picked it up randomly in Target because I like the cover and the premise was right up my alley, I loved the twelve dancing princess. At the time I did not realize it was a horror novel and let me tell I was thoroughly creeped out but I couldn't put it down, I loved the story and writing too much to stop. To sum up I loved the first book and didn't ever expect a second but when House of Roots and Ruin was announced I got so excited. House of Roots and Ruin takes place in a very contrasting setting compared to the first books, in the first it takes place in Salann a very dark, gothic setting by the sea, and in this book we the bright, colorful, and romantic Bloem. Verity travels to Bloem against her eldest sister's wishes, commissioned to do a portrait of the young Alexander Duke-to-be. She finds herself on a journey of self-discovery and can’t help the romance that begins to blossom as her time there dwindles. But not everything is as it seems, the beauty of Bloem is hiding something dark and dangerous. Verity might not be the only one with a secret but who’s is more dangerous? Can she keep her own secret while she unravels the truth? And at what cost? Let me tell you House of Roots and Ruin did not disappoint, it might be one of the top books I have read this year. While I was reading this book my anxiety was sky-high and I was second-guessing everything up until the very end. What I mean by that is I was suspicious until the very last chapter and I'm still side-eyeing a certain character weeks after finishing this book because this book has given me serious trust issues. The setting is a perfect gothic romance, that will leave you with chills of various kinds. I love the characters, Verity was such a wonderful character, I really just love seeing her come into her own in this book. Also, I want to add that I absolutely love the disability rep in this book, as a wheelchair user myself it was fantastic to see a character similar to me and one that was written so accurately. The story is the perfect amount of eerie and romantic and I love the way Craig writes, it's just so easy to get lost in the fantasy of everything. That epilogue had me gasping, I can't freaking wait for what's to come. I have some theories but ill keep them to myself for the sake of not spoiling in this review.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for the eARC.

When I finished "House of Salt and Sorrows" in 2019, I desperately wanted more of this world and here in 2023 we've got it!

"House of Roots and Ruin" takes place over a decade after the first book and the point of view switches from Annaleigh to her younger sister, Verity.

Verity is still seeing ghosts but doesn't realize they're ghosts because older sister Camille doesn't tell her until she's 17.

And this only happens when poor Verity gets a chance to leave home and paint a rich family's son.

So, Verity is understandably angry and leaves by herself and that's where the book takes off.

I truly felt for Verity and I think I enjoyed her voice a smidge more than Annaleigh's. The scary parts in this book are pretty disturbed ng and the body horror fan in me was over the moon.
This is a fantastic gothic romance that you don't really need to read the first book to jump into (I'd recommend it,though)

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for giving me an advanced copy of this book!

4.5⭐️ Wow. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I must say, I only read this book during the day haha.

You will get to know the youngest of the Laurent sisters, Verity, and her longing to see more of the world and do more than what is available at Highmoor. When she is presented with an opportunity to do just that, she jumps at the chance. Little did she know she would be uncovering dark family histories and why it seemed as though her sisters tiptoed around her when it came to leaving Highmoor.

Brace yourselves, friends, because this book will take you on a wild ride! I had NO idea where the story would go and I was SHOCKED at every single reveal that happened throughout. I absolutely loved the growth you see in Verity and how much she learns about herself and the world around her apart from her sisters and Highmoor. As I said earlier, I had to read this book only during the day towards the end because I am a scardey cat and it got a little too spooky for me but I still very much enjoyed it! But lemme tell ya, THAT CLIFFHANGER!! I definitely am eagerly awaiting book 3!

I think I liked this one better than the first. While Salt and Sorrows is more of a horrific twist on a fairy tale, this is more of a traditional gothic horror story.

It was very clear as soon as Verity arrived at Chauntilalie that something there is not quite right. There are many things that she doesn't pick up on that are very obvious as a reader, but this naivety makes sense for her character. The tension builds throughout the book, and while there are many things that were predictable, they were still sinister enough to delight, and there were some surprises as well.

Though this is presented as YA, there are some pretty intense moments and themes, so I would probably only recommend for older teens. It really is more new adult, or just adult adult.

Myth: 4.5/5

The storytelling was impeccable. I found myself thinking about what would happen next with each break that I had to take from my kindle. The story was fantastically interwoven with chapters of seeming madness and horror.

Magic: 4.5/5

While so much was similar to the world of the first book, book two definitely got to play a lot more with the magic of the world. While still heavy on ghosts and paranormal, this book dives more into the magic of the gods.

Overall: 4.5/5

Dangerous secrets, forgotten truths, and so many ways that Verity’s story could go wrong, it is a terrifying delight to flip to the next page.

Quick summary: I LOVE this dark, YA fantasy story about an interabled couple and the ties that bind (or break) families. 4.5/5 stars and a strong recommendation!

Full review: "House of Roots and Ruin" by Erin A. Craig is as Gothic and romantic as its companion novel, "House of Salt and Sorrows". I read this book in one sitting because it's impossible to put down. Make sure you have an open schedule and a comfy chair because you will skip meals and sleep to read the ending!

I fell in love with this story's dark setting and sinister characters. Bloem's lush plants and floral candles hide a twisted truth. The complex cast of supporting characters and the well-timed revelations kept me guessing until the end. If you enjoyed the plot twists and hidden clues in Craig's other books, then you'll love the dark mystery in this one.

Verity is a sweet, relatable main character. After discovering a unique ability, Verity flees her family's estate to do a portrait commission in Bloem. She develops a special relationship with the portrait's subject, Alexander, who is witty, kind, and uses a special chair to accomidate his paralysis. I love Craig's positive portrayal of an interabled couple, and I thought her decision to highlight how differences can make us special is a great message.

And speaking of relationships, Craig knew how to write a compelling romance between Verity and Alex! The couple's journey through adversity and family secrets reinforced their connection, and I'm so happy with the events in the final chapter. The epilogue is equally satisfying...and possibly sets the scene for a third book. I'm here for it!

Concluding thoughts: "House of Roots and Ruin" is one of my favorite fantasy books this year. I love the gothic setting, intricate plot, and the range of emotional and physical ability among the characters. The epilogue was very lively (literally), and I can't wait to see if there's a third book. I'm grateful to have received an advanced reader's copy of this story; I recommend this series to fantasy, YA, and dark mystery readers.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Random House Children's Books and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

This book is the sequel to House of Salt and Sorrows. I remember loving that book when I read it. You don't have to read the first one to enjoy this book. There are some hints to what happened in the first one so that's nice. Almost everybody in the Laurent family is just horrible. There are deep family secrets and experiments, and they are just horrible. Alex is the only exception to that. He had no idea what was going on supposedly. Verity and Alex end up getting married after his brothers, his father, his mother, and his grandmother are all killed. They all had it coming. Except the epilogue sets up a third book. I will be reading it when it comes out.

What a fun read! Although there were times where us was pretty predictable, I still enjoy it! The writing is beautiful, the setting colorful. My main issue is the romance. It felt forced, even the main character questioned it the whole time! But it’s easy to overlook it with everything else the story has to offer. With the epilogue, I wonder if the story will continue!

I can barely write this review through my screams over that last sentence!!!!! Ok here we go.
Wow this was so creepy, so atmospheric, so unexpected. I thought I was prepared after House of Salt & Sorrows. But no, I was not prepared. This takes the same gothic feels, twists, and the uncanny and just ratchets it up. Plus we have a sweet romance (that again still has you questioning yourself). This isn’t exactly a short book but I read it in one sitting. I was on the edge of my seat with tension and dread the entire time. And seriously that last line left me gasping!
Highly recommended!

4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy to review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed House of Salt and Sorrows when I read it a few years ago, but for me, House of Roots and Ruin was even better! I loved Verity and the story that unfolds around her is delightfully creepy. I halfway figured out the twist and I was happy to be proven right. And then! That ending! Chillllllssss.

I am absolutely LIVING for this eerie, gothic, atmospheric thriller follow up to House of Salt and Sorrows! This is such a highly anticipates release for me and it was so well written and eerie, and I was so quickly thrust back into and immersed into the spooky and ghostly setting. Erin A. Craig is a voice to watch out for and an instant buy author for me.

OMG OMG!!! I was so excited to drive back into the eerie and atmospheric writing of Erin A. Craig. Verity was one of my favorite characters in House of Salt and Sorrows, so having a new book with her front and center had me highly anticipating this book.

Instead of the dark and moody island of Salann, we travel to the incredibly beautiful Bloem, where Verity is tasked with painting the portrait of Duke and Duchess Laurent’s son Alexander. Against her eldest sister, Camilla’s wishes, Verity flees their home in the night. In a last resort to convince Verity that traveling there is a bad idea, Camilla tells Verity a very devastating truth that shakes Verity’s whole world.

Upon her arrival in Bloem, it’s quickly evident this place is not what she is used to, though she is an adaptive girl. Alex, the kind and beautiful boy she is to paint, swiftly catches her eye… and her heart. But, there is a darkness in Bloem that begins to show itself and Verity starts to realize the danger she is in.

This place is full of secrets and uncovering them had me on the edge of my seat. The people Verity meets, the things she sees, GOODNESS!!! It had me reeling. This was everything I wanted it to be and more. There was a bit more intensity, a bit more heat, more ghosts… and that ENDING?!? I need there to be more!

Erin Craig never misses! This much-anticipated sequel to the amazing House of Salt and Sorrows delivers so many thrills and delves deeper into the haunting world of gods and monsters. Definitely more YA horror!

I will always loudly recommend Erin A Craig and anything she writes to anyone and everyone. It mystifies me that she isn't more well known. She has mastered the beautiful and slowly more and more creepy way of telling a story. I'm obsessed with her writing. Read this and all of her books.

"A modern masterpiece, this is a classic Gothic thriller-fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig, about doomed love, menacing ambition, and the ghosts that haunt us forever.

In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed.

Despite dreams of adventures far beyond the Salann shores, seventeen-year-old Verity Thaumas has remained at her family's estate, Highmoor, with her older sister Camille, while their sisters have scattered across Arcannia. When their sister Mercy sends word that the Duchess of Bloem - wife of a celebrated botanist - is interested in having Verity paint a portrait of her son, Alexander, Verity jumps at the chance, but Camille won't allow it. Forced to reveal the secret she's kept for years, Camille tells Verity the truth one day: Verity is still seeing ghosts, she just doesn't know it.

Stunned, Verity flees Highmoor that night and - with nowhere else to turn - makes her way to Bloem. At first, she is captivated by the lush, luxurious landscape and is quickly drawn to charming, witty, and impossibly handsome Alexander Laurent. And soon, to her surprise, a romance...blossoms.

But it's not long before Verity is plagued with nightmares, and the darker side of Bloem begins to show through its sickly-sweet façade...."

Oh, the question then becomes, who are ghosts and who aren't!