“In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed…”

This sequel to 2019s House of Salt and Sorrows, was FANTASTIC. The world building is mysterious and dark without being overly complicated. The story is a beautiful blend of gothic, creepy and the slightest touch of sci-if.

While a sequel, I think you could get away with reading this without having read HoSaS recently, if at all (this reviewer does recommend you read it FYI, as it was very very good). House of Roots and Ruin does a wonderful job of gently reminding us of the key elements from the previous book that will come into play here.

I love that this book focuses on Verity, who while not the lead in the last book, played a key part. It was lovely seeing her come into her own and really shine as a character. She is flawed, but is constantly growing and adapting (not without stumbles along the way) to really find her place.

From running away, to a whirlwind courtship that looks to be ending in a ceremony, Verity finds herself uncovering more than she bargained for at Chauntilalei.

@penchant4words .. We need to talk about that cliff hanger!

I highly recommend picking this up if you love:
-Strong Female Leads
-Twists & Turns
-Gardening
-Things That Scream In The Night

My review: House of Roots and Ruin is the young adult fantasy follow up to the 2019 bestseller House of Salt and Sorrows. It has elements of gothic suspense and romance.

Verity is the youngest sister of the cursed Thaumas sisters and nearly 18. After a life in seclusion in the family manor with her sister Camille and her family Verity is ready to spread her wings. The perfect opportunity comes with a commission to paint the son of the Duke of Bloem but Camille fears sending her youngest cursed sister out into the world. After the devastating revelation of Verity’s curse comes to light Verity flees her island for Bloem and is immediately drawn to her new subject Alexander. But the beauty of the estate and grounds is matched by its mystery and dark secrets and Verity’s curse makes her especially sensitive to its pull.

Like its predecessor this novel is rich in beautiful detail, romance and gothic creepiness. You can’t help but root for Verity who has lost so many of her sisters and now fully realizes the depth of her curse.
I think a lot of readers will relate to her desire to find love and adventure out in the world. I highly recommend both books in this creative and beautifully written series.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ugh I don't even know how many stars to give this book.

The mystery was good. The twists were good. The spooks were good. The magic and worldbuilding were good. The characters were interesting. It was one of my most anticipated reads of the year as I love Craig's other two books, but this being Young Adult I can't recommend it for that age group.

I don't care for the "innocent girl gets a sexual awakening" subplot a la Belladonna and it was a distraction from an otherwise good story. I am all for an "addressing toxic purity culture" subplot but this book has spice and I have a low tolerance for spice in Young Adult books. It had several scenes that were imo too explicit for that age category (specifically Chatper 22: Verity finds a book of victorian pornography; Chapter 40: descriptive sex dream).

There was also discussion of infertility and EDs, which are definitely topics that should be discussed more often, but I'm not sure if the ED discussion was really addressed properly for teenagers (especially since that topic is more appropriate for those on the cusp of marriage). Just a strange choice, and I understand she was trying to be realistic about Alex's situation, but...it was just another thing that made me pause.

Unfortunately, this removes the author from my auto-buy list and I'll be screening her books more carefully in the future so I am aware of the content before reading.

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

Craig does it again! She continues in her known creativity to share Verity's story and is filled with deception and mystery. Her story telling pulled me right in and held me until the last page. I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this book!

I have read every one of Craig’s books and every time I am blown away by her creativity and her story. Verity’s story did not disappoint. Equally mysterious and creepy as the first Sisters of the Salt book, this is a creative world full of deception and mystery. And that ending?!

I can’t wait to see what she does next!

I loved this book! The author writes such dark and atmospheric settings that I felt completely immersed in this mysterious place. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one is even better! The writing is beautiful, the plot is complex, and there is such an air of mystery that I couldn’t put it down! There were twists and turns around every corner that kept me guessing and I was truly shocked several times! The romance was a bit rushed at times for me but I think that also leaves room for growth in the next book.

I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a spooky, twisty read.

I really should have recognized earlier that this is the second in a sequel, but I think it reads well as a standalone, as well, which is one mark of good storytelling. I love gothic tales and this is about as gothic as it can get! All the hallmarks of classic gothicism resonate through the entire book with great effect.

Verity, an isolated 17-year-old, discovers she can and has been seeing and interacting with ghosts of her dead sisters and nanny and runs away from the proection of her older sister Camille, so she can find and live a life away from the cloistered life she has known. She seeks adventure. She finds love and a future, but also almost too late discovers the danger she has put herself in. There are a lot of twists and turns, some of which seemingly came out of left field and left me thrilled in the most positive of ways.

I'm so curious now if there will be a third book, and if there is, I will read it with anticipation. It wasn't until the end I tied a few strings together, remembering the other characters who featured in the first installment of the series. Perhaps it had been too long since I had read it. But I enjoyed this book a lot and recommend it for those who love gothic suspense!

Verity is a talented painter who longs to see the world and leave the stuffy walls of Highmoor, so, when she receives an invitation to stay as a guest at the Bloem estate in order to paint a portrait of a duchess’ son, she jumps at the opportunity. However, once she arrives, she begins to realize that dark secrets lurk in Bloem’s gardens.

House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig paints an eerie and disorienting gothic fantasy that hits so many of my favorite niche tropes and appealed to me on so many levels.

There’s trippy, nonsensical architecture and doors appearing where they weren't before. There’s a bit of mad science thrown into the mix, and, without giving too much away, the story even veers into cosmic horror/Bloodborne territory.

Unfortunately, the weakest element of this book for me was Verity's relationship with her love interest, Alex. At first, he starts off as a person with interesting philosophical ideas, but then his personality quickly devolves into simply mooning over Verity. He insists that he cannot live without her even though he just met her and they have zero chemistry together. Really, I wish their connection could have been deeper and less superficial.

While readers looking for a compelling romance may be left disappointed, the story still delivers on some serious thrills and chills, and I feel like even if you haven’t read the first book set in this world (House of Salt and Sorrows), this one can still be read as a standalone.

What I remember most about reading House of Salt and Sorrows was the atmosphere and suspense. The author expertly weaves in the details that keep you wondering what’s going on, and how things will unfold.

The same is true of House of Roots and Ruin. You don’t need to recall the details from House of Salt and Sorrows. You could probably read HORAR without reading HOSAS without any issues. While there are some characters who carry over, we have enough information to follow their journey in this book. HORAR centers on Verity, and there’s very little time spent with the one sibling who makes an appearance. Also, HORAR takes place at a different location. Although the setting may differ, its kinship to HOSAS lies in the atmosphere and the mounting sense of dread.

There were plenty of revelations throughout that served as hairpin turns, changing the course of the story, or making you wonder if Verity’s course would change. She does a lot of growing up here, and has to resolve some things in her own mind. Her internal conflicts feel very real and relatable.

I only had one question from this book, and it has to do with something that occurs at the end. So stop reading here if you don’t want even the vaguest hint about all the things that happen in the intense ending.

In good faith, I’m going to assume there was some reference I missed that explains why JL didn’t anticipate what happened.

Aside from that, that ending!!!!!!! It’s an incredible feat, pulling off an ending that’s both happy and terrifying. That’s going to sit with me for a long time.

Definitely recommend this one. 5 stars.

Erin A Craig always paints a creepy & spooky atmosphere and makes characters who you can relate to. I am always so deeply impressed by her writing & this story was no different! I hope to see what she has next in store for us!

This outstanding novel completely surpassed my expectations! It's even better than "House of Salt and Sorrows," and now I can't help but compare every other YA fantasy/sci-fi novel to it. The mind-blowing ending had me screaming in excitement, and I'm desperate for a sequel ASAP! The author's brilliant twists and gothic atmosphere transported me into the story. Following Verity's journey at Chauntilalei was both intriguing and disturbing. The plot, the characters, and the writing style are pure perfection. I can't get this book out of my head, and I'm officially a fan of Erin A. Craig's work. Gothic fiction lovers will be enthralled by this masterpiece!

Thank you to Netgalley and Erin Craig for this ARC.

What a brilliant gothic fantasy! This book builds the tension expertly and offers a clever plot. Loved it!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

If you are looking for a new book to add to your favorites, you've found it! (At least I did) It comes as no surprise to me that I was/still am completely enamored by this book.
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Erin A Craig is an absolute genius when it comes to storytelling and is unbeatable when it comes to creating the perfect, lush, gothic atmosphere.
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This book wasn't nightmare fuel but will definitely make you uneasy and give you chills. Full of ghosts and dark family secrets, it will have you questioning so much from beginning to end. (Speaking of which, you cannot even be prepared for this ending! As the pages were dwindling I could see what was coming and was still shocked when it happened.)
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The pace is fairly consistent throughout the story, staying around medium pace until the last few chapters where it really picks up. It's a fairly quick read once you are engrossed in the book.
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The characters are perfectly fleshed out for their parts in this story. I absolutely adore Verity and her mild (not annoying) naivety. And Alex 👀 are you kidding me?! So cute and sweet! 😍 (Kind of a side note but if you are looking for more Annaleigh and Cassius you will not find it here. This is Verity's story but it's fantastic so don't let that deter you.)
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I can't even properly explain how perfect I found this book so please just read it for yourselves to see what I mean! 🖤 Thank you again to TBR and Beyond Tours, NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an e-ARC (and finished copy) in exchange for an honest review.

House of Roots and Ruin takes place years after Erin A. Craig’s excellent House of Salt and Sorrows. Craig could have easily left the world of Sisters of the Salt behind after her first novel, but took a gamble with exploring the world from a younger sister’s point of view.

This time around, the central character is Verity, a young and naïve girl who has spent most of her life sheltered on a remote island. When Verity learns that she’s been seeing ghost for years without realizing it, she runs away, somehow thinking that will make her problem disappear. Over the course of the book, Verity realizes her sister’s concerns are well-founded. Verity’s “gift” has put her in great danger.

Verity is a bit wishy washy to begin with, but if you keep in mind her past, you are able to see growth as House of Roots and Ruin moves forward. As a reader, it’s clear from the beginning that things are not all that they seem; it just takes Verity a little longer to catch up.

Is House of Roots and Ruin better than its predecessor? No. Is the ending more than a little jolting? Yes. Should you still read it? Yes. Craig is masterful at setting a scene, and that alone should get you to open the book. That, plus, it’s a fairly engrossing read.

I need to scream! I don't know where to start? I am spellbound, shocked, I can't even express my own feelings. Whatever adjectives I use to describe this book won't do justice. I LOVED it.

The author has given us a thrilling story that had me biting my nails. This had so many twists, secrets and multiple events that I didn't expect. It was creepy and I am usually not a reader of such books, but the atmosphere the author created was mind-blowing and had me hooked.

The cliffhanger! I knew the ending was wrong, but still reading the epilogue and end of last chapter, I need the next book immediately. I don't think we are done with Verity's story yet and I am glad because I need answers.

This gothic fantasy thriller is definitely a masterpiece. I feel my brain is about to explode. Is that even a thing?

A bit of serious stuff other than my ranting review - the vivid writing, characters, plot. It was complex, intelligent and dark and I urge you all to pick this up. Please!! I suggest going in blind, but if not, read the blurb or my 2 sentences below.

It is about Verity, a girl who feels caged in Highmoor with her elder sister Camille. She gets a chance to visit Bloem for a portrait commission which her sister asks to reject and runs away one night to the place after knowing that she can see ghosts. This is where everything starts and also the romance.

I can go on and on about this book and highly recommend it.

Erin A. Craig never disappoints! I have enjoyed all of her books, and this one was no different. Immersive world building, a compelling story line, a budding romance, and a house, (and family line) where something horrible seems to be lurking just under the surface. This book, a 544 page book, was so captivating that I finished it within a week, and a busy summer week at that! At first I was hoping that I would get some more time with the other Thaumas sisters, especially Annaleigh, but Verity held her own as she began to venture out of the Highmoor estate and find out who she was and what she wanted from life, especially after the revelation that she could still see ghosts around her, she just didn't know it. She was smart and cunning, and I enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the new manor, Chauntilalie, and discovering the dark rot underneath the beautiful facade together. But more than that, I loved the softer moments in the book as I watched Verity and Alex fall in love, and find comfort in each others presence. I could definitely see myself recommending this book to patrons at my library, especially as we enter the fall months.
Thank you to Erin A. Craig for the opportunity to return to Highmoor, and the experience of another exciting adventure with a Thaumas sister. I would do it again if given the chance. (*cough* book three *cough*) (*cough* that ending was open enough *cough*) :)
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the digital arc!

Verity, tired of being kept at home by her older sister, accepts an invitation to paint the portrait of the son of a duke in a nearby dutchy. Bloem is beautiful, full of fragrant flowers, very different from Verity's seaside home. But under the beauty lurks a deep, dark secret.

This was a really good read! I devoured a House of Salt and Sorrow in about a day, and this one almost lives up to the bar set by that book. It's a bit slow in the beginning, but it really grabs you by the end of the book. Highly recommend that if you liked the first book and are curious about what has happened to the six remaining sisters, espeically the youngest one Verity, pick this one up.
Craig paints a wonderful picture, both of light and dark, with her words, and her world building is amazing.

I really love that the ending of the book has left it wide open for a third book!

What a wonderful sequel to book 1, taking place years after the first book ended.
I felt like the story was better and that the characters were perhaps a bit more flat. The world was beautiful if a bit low described. The ending and the last half actually were phenomenal (I loved when more uncanny things started happening) Erin A. Craig is pretty much a auto-read author for me. While I think Small Favors was a stronger story I think this was a divine sequel to HoSaS

I had high hopes for this novel, but it fell flat and I struggled to even finish it. I did not know that this was the second book in a series, but that did not matter as events of the past are adequately explained. There is a slow, long build up that could not keep my attention at all. The characters were hard to get attached to, and the plot was hard to understand, as if the writing had no end point.

I may revisit this one after I read the first, but I have no inclination to read the first at this time.

I want to thank Netgalley and Delacorte Press for an eARC of this book.

Ahoy there me mateys! When I heard there was going to be another book in this series, I was very excited.  Sadly this was a flop.  There were three problems: Verity, the romance, and the plot.

Verity is the main character and she got on me nerves.  She is naïve and childish.  Dare I say stupid?  Aye, stupid. She disregards evidence of evil doings and doesn't consider anything.  She seemingly has the inability to use her brain for critical thinking.  Verity also seems both stubborn and selfish.  I wasn't really rooting for her.  I was waiting for her to show both initiative and spark but it never happened.

The romance was odd and unrealistic even for this gothic setting.  I couldn't tell if the author wanted her to be in love with Alex or not.  Actually, it never seemed like Verity knew if she wanted to be in love with him either.  So, when we are finally told Verity does love him, it seems to be out of nowhere.  As a character, Alex was light on real substance.  Plus the thrown in lust triangle was ridiculous.

The plot was just convoluted and nonsensical.  Verity is supposed to see ghosts but this is not used as a plot point particularly well.  Also the set-up to the story was amnesia about Verity's past.  I thought that was a weird choice.  The mystery of the house was seriously laughable as were the hints about the number 3.  Even the timeframe was awkward.  The pace was slow so it seemed like no action happened at all for 3/4 of the book.  Then, sadly, the action was a soap opera with a ridiculous twist that seemed obvious.  The cliff hanger ending was also super lame.  How can Verity be THAT stupid?  Actually all of the characters had flaws when it came to logic and long range planning.

I could write a lot more about the specifics that irked me (peacocks, tea, manservant, experiments, Alex's parents, etc.) but I don't want to think about this book anymore.  Shame because the first one was fun.  Arrr!