I really enjoyed going back to the world I was introduced to in House of salt and sorrows, but this time with Verity leading it. She is such an interesting character and as an artist (she paints portraits), she is commissioned to do one for the duke’s song at Chauntallie. Only when she arrives nothing is as it seems. Majestic gardens surround the manor, as well as hidden pathways within its walls.

Not all roses are beauty, you have to be careful with their thorns and she realized there is more than what appearances look like. Secret pasts, twisted motivations, ghostly appearances, and gods meddling with mortals. This is more than what she came for, but will she be able to escape? Or will it be too late once she has given heart away?

Genre: YA/Paranormal Fiction
TW: PLEASE CHECK
Spice: None
Format: E-Book
Review written by: M
*Thank you Netgalley & Random House for an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review*
 
Plot:
Seventeen-year-old Verity Thaumas has never ventured beyond the Salonn shores where she lives with her sister Camille. Her sister Mercy send word that the Duchess of Bloom would like to invite her to paint her son Alexanders portrait and Verity jumps at the chance, but Camille would not allow it. Baffled as to why her sister would keep her locked up, she forces Camille to revel her deepest secret. Verity has seen ghosts her whole life; she just didn’t know it.
 
Confused and outraged with this new revelation Verity flees her home to travel to Bloem where she is captivated by the beauty of her surroundings and begins to blossom a relationship with the handsome Alexander. Before long the charm and beauty of Bloem begins to fade revealing the darkness that slithers in the shadows.
 
Thoughts:
Erin A Craig does it again with her eerie atmospheric writing. She has a way of writing that lulls you into the darkness that lurks within her book and wary of the shadows. Even though House of Roots & Ruin is technically connected to the House of Salt & Ruin it can also be read as a standalone and can be seen more as a companion novel.
 
The twists within this book had me always guessing who I could trust and who the “villain” would be. When it all finally started to unravel, I was shocked to find out the truth. It felt almost like slowly removing the veil to uncover piece by piece the image in front of you.
 
The romance in this book as opposed to HOSAR felt more developed and had a heavier focus, which was great since it allowed me to feel more invested in the characters.
 
If you are into paranormal fiction, eerie atmospheric settings, and love to be kept guessing over who to trust, then I recommend you read this series.

I read this immediately after finishing HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS (my review isn’t live yet), but I don’t think you would need to read one read the other. Verity is a minor character and very young in the first book of the series. There are a couple of references to what happened, but they’re pretty carefully explained.

I think the pacing of this book is a lot smoother than the first one. At least, that’s how it felt to me. The last several chapters are pretty intense, but they didn’t feel as rushed as the same part of the story in the first book.

I also really enjoyed Verity’s character and the relationship between her and Alex. They were so sweet together, which was really cool in contrast to the dark, intense plot of the story. I thought it was cool to see this book feature a love interest who uses a wheelchair. I am not qualified to evaluate the representation, but I enjoyed the inclusion.

Of the two Sisters of the Salt books, this one is easily my favorite. I think readers who enjoyed A FORGERY OF ROSES by Jessica S. Olson would like the romance and creepy gothic setting of this book.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

This second offering for Sisters of the Salt from Erin A. Craig is appropriately spooky and mysterious, with a dash of romance and echoes of many late 19th-c penny dreadfuls tied all together in a poison bouquet. Craig is mastering the elusive atmospheric storytelling that rides the line between creepy and curious. Delightful.

This better get a sequel because that ending! I loved the first book in this series so much because there are not a lot of retellings about the 12 dancing princesses and I was eager to see how this story continued on. I could have never imagined where this book took me. I am a huge fan of plant horror so this was right up my alley. Plus, the crazy magical triplets were like a psychotic cherry on the top of the cake. I will always pick up this author as this book has solidified them as a new favourite and autobuy author for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

This book took me a while to get into but I ended up loving it.

This was perfectly spooky and gothic. The feel of it reminded me a lot of Crimson Peak or Mexican Gothic. I didn’t feel like you necessarily had to read the first one even though I had.

This book jumps forward in time a bit and focuses on Verity who realizes she can see ghosts.

I did feel like it drug on in some spots but overall I loved it.

4/5 stars!

I haven’t read the first book but I found it wasn’t super important. I was able to read this one with no problem. I found it interesting and I had to keep reading. It was a little bit creepy but in a good way. Really liked it!

**4.5-stars**

🥀🌾🥀🌾🥀🌾🥀🌾🥀🌾🥀🌾🥀🌾🥀🌾🥀

House of Roots and Ruin is the second book in Erin A. Craig's tremendous YA-Fantasy series, Sisters of the Salt.
I looooooooved the first book, House of Salt and Sorrows, so much and I couldn't wait to return to this beautifully-eerie world. It was one of my most anticipated YA-releases of 2023 and it did not disappoint.

This story takes place years after the conclusion of the first story. In this one, we're following Verity, who I believe is the youngest of the remaining Thaumas sisters. Verity is 17-years old and has spent her whole life living at the family estate, Highmoor, now run by her older sister, Camille. The rest of the remaining sisters are all all living in various places around Arcannia.

While Verity loves Camille and loves Highmoor, she's beginning to feel stifled. She wants more. Any time she broaches the subject of leaving the estate with Camille, however, her hopes are quickly dashed. It seems her sister wants to keep her trapped there, but why?

It's as Verity is struggling with this issue that she receives word from her sister, Mercy, that the Duchess of Bloem is interested in hiring Verity to paint a portrait of of her son. Verity is more than intrigued. This sounds like exactly the kind of opportunity she needs and the son, Alexander, is a young man just her age. This could be just what she needs, but how will she ever convince Camille to let her go?

As the sisters battle it out, the truth about why Camille wants to keep Verity at Highmoor is revealed, leaving Verity more confused than ever and more determined. Verity decides she can't wait any longer. Under the cover of darkness she flees, making her way to Bloem.

Once there, she's entranced and impressed with her new surroundings. Bloem is stunning. The Duke is a celebrated botanist and the entire estate is replete with vibrant gardens and active greenhouses. Additionally, Verity is smitten with Alexander. He's handsome and charming. Their days together fill her with a sense of happiness she has never felt before. Unfortunately, before long, Verity begins to be plagued by nightmares and dark feelings. Is her past catching up to her, or is something more going on in Bloem?

Reading House of Roots and Ruin was such a beautiful journey. It's different than the first book, because of the setting. We're now removed from the sea and thrust into a more botanical scene, but I still really enjoyed it.
In my opinion, Craig's brand of gothically-infused horror imagery is unmatched in the YA genre. She brings such a rich atmosphere and the spooky imagery is A++.

The romance between Verity and Alexander was so pure and it was sweet watching it evolve. Verity has never had any sort of relationship like this, so she struggled a bit fitting her experiences with her expectations. I thought that felt very real for a young woman and I enjoyed how Craig let her work through that versus just following a standard romance format.

I also enjoyed very much the complexity of the familial relationships, both Verity's and Alexander's. While the atmosphere was the highlight for me, I think the character work and the way the relationships played out deserve top marks as well.

We know a lot of Verity's family history from the first book, and we do get a bit more here, but learning about Alex's family, the Laurents, was so intriguing. Without giving too much away, I sort of feel like their last name should have been Moreau...

Craig did a great job of steadily building intensity. There is also an overriding mystery that kept me on my toes.
As the end approaches, everything begins to move at warp speed. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end. I wasn't sure how it was going to work out and there were some twists getting there that I definitely didn't see coming.

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a darker Fantasy story, particularly if you enjoyed House of Salt and Sorrows. While I could see people enjoying this as a standalone novel, I think it would be most impactful if you read the first book prior to this one.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Delacorte Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm not sure if there are going to be more books in this world, but if there are, I will absolutely be picking them up!!

House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig was another great horror story by this author. I like that she took Verity out of her original setting in order to add to the world.. The story with the three brothers and the disturbing experiments made this an interesting gothic tale. Verity being able to see ghosts but having trouble telling who was real and who was not added to the mental anguish that we could feel for her. I would definitely recommend this book to the teens in the library.

This book is, in the best way possible, Spooky Girl Summer. Brimming with lush flowers (some benign, some poisonous, all meaningful), a heady first romance, twists and betrayals, and the gothic gloom and glamor of a noble family’s fantasy manor, this is a story that will keep you rooted in place (pun intended) and unable to stop turning the pages, particularly as it barrels toward an explosive finale. And though it is a sequel–or perhaps, more accurately, a companion novel–to House of Salt and Sorrows, it can just as easily be read on its own, as it takes place twelve years later and follows a different main character. (That said, if you read it on its own and decide to read book one later, you will have picked up some rather large plot spoilers. You’ve been warned.)

lift installed specifically to help him navigate the halls. You may note that I said “primary” romantic interest; there is a bit of a subplot that resembles a weak love triangle in the second half of the book, but given its large plot implications and pretty clear trajectory, I can’t really fault it.

I can’t say much more about the book without spoiling things, so I will force myself to conclude here. I will, however, include a final parting note that the very conclusion of this book–the very last chapter and the epilogue–was phenomenal and absolutely the right kind of ending for this particular story.

I highly, highly recommend this one for all fans of gothic fantasy, even if YA isn’t usually your cup of tea–this one just might change your mind.

(Postscript: I have read two books this year with major characters named Verity. This one is, in every way, vastly superior.)

Similarly to book 1 (House of Salt and Sorrow), there are many layers to thus story... eeverytime you think you got all if them, something else comes up and there are details left unexplained by the theory you think is the correct one. I loved unpeeling the book layer by layer woth Verity (the MC) till we got to the truth. But seriously, everytime I thought "That's it! We now know everything"... something else was revealed and surprised me!

That said, the final twist(s) didn't surprise me (I was sure that particular situation was going to happen)... but I was still shocked!😭

And the weirdly sinisters events that kept happening, together with the somewhat creepy plants (seriously, what's with plants begin scarier than people??) made the atmosphere perfectly scary but not too much...so that it didn't make you stop reading to go hide somewhere 😆

However, Verity's cluelessness sometime got to my nerves. She was supposed to be smart, but it took her so long to realise some things (to her defense, she is a naive girl).

I now really hope there is going to be another book because I cannot cope with this ending!

And here are some of my favourite quotes:
- A wilting flower holds just as much splendor as one on the cusp of opening. People are so quick to idolize the fresh and the new. They fetishize it. Why should we celebrate one without the other?”

- She startled at the sound of my knocking and turned to face me. With a sharp twist, her neck wrenched at a terrible angle, an impossible angle. It looked as though it had snapped from her body. Then she opened her mouth and screamed again.

- It wasn’t a hand at all, but some sort of stump, malformed and a horrible shade of verdigris.

I loved this so much! What a great follow up to House of Salt & Sorrows. I love the time jump and its focus on Verity because I thought Annaleigh's story was wrapped up quite nicely. Verity's story took a completely different path with her ability to see ghosts and not realizing that's what she was seeing.

Erin A. Craig writes stories that don't seem like they would be hits with me since they get a little gory and unsettling in terms of the fantastical, but I've really enjoyed each novel she's written so far. She's become an auto buy author me.

And now I'll impatiently wait for the next installment....

House of Roots and Ruin continues the story of the Thaumas girls from House of Salt and Sorrow. Verity is ready to leave Highmoor and explore the world despite the counsel of her sister Camille and the secret that is revealed about her life and abilities. Commissioned to paint the next Duke of Laurent, Alex, Verity steals away in the night and makes for the land of Bloem.

Bloem is a land rich with gardens and color, quite the opposite of Highmoor with grey heavy salt air. Verity instantly becomes enamored with Bloem and the Laurent family while instantly forming a sweet innocent romance with Alex. Just when she believes that happily ever after will be but a dress away, the secrets of the Laurent family bloom. Gerard Laurent, the patriach and current Duke, has a multitude of skeletons in the garden that will change the course of Alex and Verity's lives forever.

Through a series of dark twisted events, flowers and gods are the obsession of a mad scientist who pushes the perfection of family to its limits. Verity learns the horrible truth that what blooms is not always beautiful and that she will need the comfort of Highmoor more than she ever thought she would.

House of Roots and Ruin is a delightfully dark mash up of any Jane Austin novel, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and Geek Love. Less

Seventeen year old Verity lives a sheltered life with her sister, Camile, the duchess and her family. When Verity receives a letter saying that the Duchess of Bloem, who is the wife of a famous botanist, wants Verity to paint a portrait of her son, Alexander, Verity is determined to see what the world is really like and do things on her own for once. That's when Camile tells her the truth: Verity sees ghosts. But Verity is not letting that prevent her from the opportunity of a lifetime. Chantilale welcomes Verity with open arms, and she begins to feel at home there. But Chantilale has its own secrets, and what Verity finds out just might bring about her ruin.

This is a much better entry into Craig's House series. I thought Salt & Sorrows was okay, but Roots & Ruin was much better. It's definitely giving horror. I do have a few complaints though. First of all, there was way too much weird sex stuff in this book, and for YA it just came off as a "no, thank you" from me. Also, this book is long and there were times when I felt the story dragged. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story and the unique group of characters Craig has crafted here.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Thank you, Random House for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely love everything that Erin writes. It took me so long to get through his book because I did not want the magic to end. Her writing is so deeply dark and gorgeous. This book gave me total Crimson Peak/Dr Frankenstein vibes and I loved every moment of it. There were twists and turns that I did not see coming and that ending I am still in shock. I need more Erin! I’ll be not so patiently waiting for more.

Yeeeees! That feeling when one of your favorite books has a sequel come out and it is as good if not better...I'm feeling it!!! The House of Roots and Ruin follows along the gothic fantasy-romance that its predecessor had, focusing on the youngest sister's experiences/abilities. This a stunning atmosphere filled with mystery, curses, dire situations, and a menacing romance, I was propelled into the plot following the thrills and unknown along with Verity whom has left one haunted estate for a new one with new ghosts haunting the corridors. I adore the dark beauty of the estate setting filled with hidden passages, a poison garden, and a gothic atmosphere. The mystery at the heart of the book isn't necessarily a surprise, but it is satisfying and unputdownable as the clues and purpose are revealed in a high-action ending. I hope to hear about more amazing adventures with the other sisters from Highmoor estate!

4.5 stars

I loved returning to this world and the Thaumas sisters! The story is so atmospheric and creepy, with a mystery than unfolds so beautifully.

After all that happened in the first book, I wondered what insanity awaited me in the sequel. We already know the youngest sister can see ghosts, so this jumped right in to the spooky stuff. Verity is young and sheltered, so there were times I was frustrated with her actions, but it was understandable and I think fairly accurate for a teenager to think she knows everything.

The only part I wasn't a big fan of was the romance. It was too quick and I never thought the characters had any chemistry beyond friendship. There's even a line where someone says they only fell for each other because that was the only option. Though I think Craig intentionally set up the romance this way, I kind of wish it had played out differently.

I loved reading a story where things constantly surprised me and the ending was great. This series has been fantastic and I hope to see book three soon!

I don’t know, I liked the first book, but this one felt creepier and it wasn’t my vibe. In all honesty, I don’t think a sequel was needed.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the advanced copy of one of my most anticipated reads of the year! I so enjoyed the first in this series that I was overjoyed when I learned there was going to be another. Erin, of course, did no disappoint. This installment is just as chock full of dark gothic vibes that create an atmosphere that will drip cold into your bones and leave you shivering. It sinks its roots into you and absolutely ruins you for other novels.

We start our journey here with Verity Thaumus, a talented painter, who is stuck in her family estate with her older sister, Camille. However, an opportunity arises in the form of a job. Though Camille pressures her to say no, Verity steals away in the dead of night to the mansion of the Duchess and Duke of Bloem-- the former of whom has asked the artist to paint a portrait of her son. Though this seems like the perfect decision at first (what with Verity finding an interest in said son, Alex), our protagonist is haunted by screams, ghosts, and the buzzing of her own mind. Can you tell what's real? Is the Thaumus misfortunate following Verity?

The answers to these questions and more can be found within the pages of this absolutely stunning release. I cannot hide my excitement for the next in this series, nor can I impress upon readers just how crafty and brilliant Erin is. She has delivered an eerie masterpiece that will further cement the Sisters of the Salt books as one of the top tier fairytale retellings. Don't sleep on this collection. If you like Haunting of Hill House or Bly Manor-- those types of vibes reverberate through these pages. Be prepared to have some sleepless, spooky nights!

Good Monday, my friends ❤️

I hope everyone had a good weekend.

We lost my sweet mother-in-law, Bonna, on Saturday evening. She was a bright light in everyone’s life and I was so blessed to have her in my life. I will miss her terribly but she’s no longer suffering and there’s comfort in this. You can swipe to see a photo of her beautiful smile 👉

Despite everything going on lately, I was still able to finish 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘶𝘪𝘯 and I was smitten with it, as I am with all of Erin Craig’s writing. I loved the first 𝘚𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘵 book, 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴 and if you scroll way down to October of 2019, you’ll see my review! Same goes for Small Favors 🖤

Thank you to @PRHA for the gifted ALC and to @DelacortePress for the gifted physical copy!
House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig
@Penchant4Words
Pub date: July 25, 2023
Read by: Phoebe Strole
Duration: 14H 32M

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

The youngest Thaumas sister, Verity, dreams of leaving Salann and seeing what the world has to offer. When she’s offered an art commission in exotic Bloem, she jumps at the chance.

Leaving Highmoor on the sly and at odds with older sister, Camille, she arrives at the beautiful Chauntilalie, so exotic and lush in comparison to seaside Salann. She’s soon enchanted with more than the scenery, though, when Alex, the subject of her painting commission, turns out to be both charming and handsome.

As her time in Bloem passes, Verity begins to notice that things aren’t all what they seem on the surface and with warnings from the other side, Verity realizes she’s in grave danger but from who and why?

I love the way Craig writes an eerie gothic atmosphere. It is omnipresent, even amongst the beautiful blooms of Bloem and the creepiness of Chauntilalie with all its secrets is hair-raising. And then there’s the plot! So complex and diabolical! I cannot wait for the next book! Where will it take us? I loved the ending in the way I love Hot Cheeto’s, you know? They burn my mouth but I still love them. That’s how I felt about the ending 😂

I need more so please don’t make me wait 4 years!

What are you feeling grateful for lately?

Stay bookish, my friends 🖤

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