This book left me in a state of awe. It is so gorgeously written, a book that captures the growing pains of life. Of striving to be better, of handling what you have been given and the pain that comes with it. Of being tasked with hardships because of the people around you, but not knowing how to do anything but care for them. It is truly brilliant, and my love for it is immense.

I know that the book is going to be good and haunt me for weeks to come when it's Erin A. Craig. The Thirteenth Child is no exception. It's gothic, spellbinding, and exactly what you want out of a tale inspired by the Brothers' Grimm. This is the perfect book to ease us into fall. It's scary but not too scary and just the right amount of unsettling.

4/5 stars
Recommended if you like: Gothic settings, fantasy, fairytale retellings, healer + death

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 7/8, my book blog on 7/25, and Instagram on 8/8.

This was another one of my most anticipated releases this year and once again it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I'm not familiar with the fairytale it's based on, so perhaps it is following that more closely, but this book lacks the creepiness I've come to expect and love from Craig's books. Between one of the characters being a god of death, the plague sweeping the kingdom, and the ghosts Hazel sees, you would expect this to be on par with House of Salt and Sorrows in terms of spookiness...but it wasn't, nor did it have the less creepy but still tension-filled vibes of House of Roots and Ruin.

The story follows Hazel from when she quickens in her mother's stomach to when she is 18 and being called on by the king. While there's a decent mix of good and bad things happening to her throughout her life, I felt a distinct lack of forward moving tension throughout a lot of the book. When she's a kid, there's a lot of rich tension between how she's treated and the fact she's been promised to the god of death, Merrick. And then there's ~some~ tension after she begins training as a healer, but it doesn't feel active, it feels passive. The plague that's causing its victims to weep gold from their skin and eyes should be creepy and have lots of tension for Hazel....but she solves it almost immediately and then there's kind of just a lot of nothing going on. Even when Hazel is making things happen, she is very much a reactionary character. Curiosity kept me turning the page, but mostly from a "how is there still 40% of the book left" perspective.

All that being said, I did like Hazel as a character and I thought the concept was interesting (the concept, of course, is Death's goddaughter and not the mysterious plague). Merrick cares deeply for Hazel, but he's also a god and doesn't totally understand how humans think or work. Of course twelve years is a long time to a human...but to immortal Merrick it's nothing, and he doesn't understand why Hazel is miffed by his absence. Likewise, the idea that Death is training his goddaughter to be a healer is an interesting twist, made even more interesting by the flip side of that coin.

We do get to learn a lot about Hazel as she grows and I enjoyed following her as a character. In a way, I actually think this book would've worked a lot better if it really had been following Hazel throughout life, or at least farther through life than it did. Nettle & Bone is my favorite T. Kingfisher book and has a similar plot structure of following one character into adulthood, then having the bulk of the tension + plot occur, and imo it works very well. That aside, Hazel has a lot going on in her life and is no stranger to tragedy. She's able to keep a level head while also being compassionate to those she's caring for.

Leo is an infuriating prince...but he's also someone willing to listen and change. As snarky as he is, it's clear that he's also lost and at least some of his acting out is a result of that. When Hazel rightly calls him out (on more than one occasion), he actually reflects on his words and actions, and then takes steps accordingly. While I did think they knew each other too little for a romance to be feasible, I did think the budding romance between them was cute and I was rooting for them.

Hazel also grows close with Leo's two sisters, Bellatrice and Euphemia, though this largely happens off page. I would've liked to see more of this development because while Euphemia is a child and thus easy to like, Bellatrice is more closed off and I have a hard time believing she'd so easily make friends with Hazel. But apparently the two end up close enough to read each other's expressions with ease and for Bellatrice to tell Hazel her deepest secret.

There's a lot of scheming going on behind the scenes as well and while I guessed some of it, some of it still left me surprised. In that vein, I have to say that there's a lot of worldbuilding in this book, but Craig does it in such a way that it never feels infodump-y. There's quite a bit about the gods of the realm (obviously) but there's also some interesting information about medicine from Hazel's studies as well as about the politics of the country, thanks to Hazel treating the king. The way it's written definitely makes the world feel more expansive than just what's going on with Hazel and the rest of the country. I also liked the tidbits we saw of the gods and the various religious sects that follow them.

Overall, not my favorite Craig book and definitely not horror. I did enjoy the characters and particularly seeing how Hazel grew up. While there were some things I had issue with in this book, I still plan on reading A Land So Wide and Lenore's book.

*Wipes tears away to write my review.*

I think this is the most emotional book Erin has written. It's still got her signature beautiful prose, haunting atmosphere, unique heroine, and surprising twists at the end. But there were also several points where I teared up and my heart ached.

Hazel is possibly the most tragic heroine we've gotten from Erin. Her parents didn't want her, she's adopted by a god that is essentially Death, yet he doesn't claim her for years and leaves her alone for long stretches of time when he does show up. She's blessed to be a healer that can see how to cure people, but if someone can't be saved, she is responsible for ending their life. And obviously, she struggles with this! It's SUCH a heavy burden, and she feels so isolated. But wow, her conversation when she finally tells Merrick (Death) that yes it does bother her is SO powerful.

There is a bit of body horror with the plague that Hazel has to battle, and there are some ghosts, but for me this wasn't nearly as scary as House of Roots & Ruin. The romance was sweet, and I actually really loved Merrick.
This is yet another Erin Craig book I'll happily recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley and PRH Audio for the preview. All opinions are my own.
I also enjoyed the narration and would recommend the audiobook.

I'll be the first to admit that I am extremely picky when it comes to fantasy/romantasy books. Seven out of ten times, I leave a fantasy book disappointed. I did not have that experience with The Thirteenth Child! I thought this was a fantastic book. The author's voice was compelling and the writing flowed smoothly. As a new reader to Craig, I found her voice similar to Sarah J. Maas's in the sense that I didn't want to stop reading. The beginning of the book stared off very strongly. I liked that the story started with Hazel's childhood. Those beginning chapters were heart wrenching. I really enjoyed Hazel's character. I liked her perspective and inner voice. The Merrick plotline was interesting and I thought the author did a great job showing the complexity and love between Hazel and the god. I thought the character development was done nicely. I especially enjoyed Leo's development. He was such a fun foil to Hazel at the beginning! I was rooting hard for their relationship. For those who are wondering, there is very little spice in this book. The climax at the end had some good twists. I do wish the ending was a little bit longer. I finished the book wanting more resolution to the story. I thought the candle scene was quickly glossed over. I also thought there could have been some closure on the Divided Ones and Bertie. Overall, this was a fun and captivating read. Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC.

A huge thank you to #Netgalley and @delacorte press for a chance to review #TheThirteenthChild.

Erin A. Craig does it again. I had read her previous books and thoroughly enjoyed them so when I saw she had another story coming out I knew I couldn’t wait to read it. This story did not disappoint.

The main character Hazel was born the thirteenth child unloved and unwanted by her family. When she was chosen to be blessed by the God of Death who chose her as his goddaughter. He gave her life, blessing her with the gift of healing, but Hazel comes to learn that all gifts come with a price.

What I loved about this story was the plot. I thoroughly enjoy fairytales and loved that the author incorporated fairytale themes within this story. Occasionally the pacing got to me, but overall this story was really good and I would definitely recommend others to read.

Erin Craig has crafted a dark and twisted fairy tale with a brave and resilient female heroine named Hazel. Being the 13th child is hard enough. Adding the God of Death as her godfather makes her a little like Cinderella but with no glass slipper, only amazing healing powers.
The Thirteenth Child is more than a dark fairy tale though, it's a tale of a young girl's challenge to be normal in a time and place where she has very little control over where she lives and who she heals with her talents. Mercurial Gods and a tormented King, with their own agendas, make her challenge to lead a normal life almost an impossibility.
The Thirteenth Child is reminiscent of the Grimm's Fairy Tale about Father Death but is so much more. Looking for a little dark adventure and so much more? This is your next book.

Erin A. Craig, the master of dark fantasy, returns with another spellbinding tale that promises to be as enchanting as it is unsettling. The Thirteenth Child reimagines the classic Grimm fairytale with a fresh and haunting perspective.

Hazel's extraordinary destiny, intertwined with the enigmatic figure of Death, sets the stage for a captivating exploration of life, death, and the complexities of moral choices. Craig's ability to blend intricate world-building with complex characters is evident once again. The promise of a forbidden romance and a high-stakes battle against fate adds further intrigue to this already compelling story.

With its stunning special edition, The Thirteenth Child is a must-have for collectors and fans of the author's work. This novel is poised to be a dark, atmospheric journey that will leave readers captivated and pondering the delicate balance between life and death.

I love Erin A Craig's books I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint. I specifically fell in love with her work because of her amazing magic systems and the surreal vibes of her work and this book delivered on those so well. The way the gods work and magic bestowed on Hazel are really intriguing and work well to help shape the plot. I loved the settings and overall vibe of the book it kept me glued to the page. This book was a little different in that it had less of the horror elements from some of her other books but also really delved into morality and mortality. I enjoyed this thought provoking change and also enjoyed seeing a retelling of a fairy tale I am less familiar with. The characters were well written and it was interesting to see Hazel's relationship with her godfather change throughout the book. All the gods were interesting characters and it was cool seeing a world with them simultaneously so present and so distant from peoples lives. All around this is a well written and engaging read.

This was my first book from Erin A. Craig and while I enjoyed it I found myself struggling to stay engrossed in the story. I enjoyed the plot for sure but the pacing I think was really where I had issue. The characters were interesting but not really captivating enough for me to remember much about them upon completion of the book itself.

Thank you for the chance to read this one early!

Hazel Trépas’ parents weren't looking to have a thirteenth child. They planned to creatively depose of her, but then an unlikely Godfather laid his claim: Death himself.

Raised in the shadow of her Godfather’s infamy, Hazel’s childhood in a strange world filled with royals and gods never felt accepting or loving. Death (aka Matthias) has predetermined Hazel's life trajectory, leading to a stilted relationship between them as she grows into a teen and longs for independence. Soon, Hazel’s gifts from Death begin to haunt her… literally.

When Hazel is called to the royal palace as the next in a long line of healers meant to cure the king of a rapid, fatal illness, her gifts and her relationship with Death (the entity and state of being,) are put to the test, especially as she grows closer to the surly yet charming prince.

Erin A. Craig is a new(er) favorite author of mine. I <i>squealed</i>when I saw the approval come through for this ARC. She maintains her trademark mix of spooky atmosphere and gruesome details with a splash of romance. Hazel, in lesser hands, could be a tough narrator to navigate because she's often so isolated, but the author handles the various transitions in her life pretty smoothly and keeps it interesting.

The surrounding cast of characters is also really memorable. Hazel has a different but equally precarious relationship with each of the royals and, of course, Death. Leo, the teen heir to the nation’s throne, is equal parts cocky and sullen. Naturally, it's all a facade. Hazel and Leo play off each other really well. They're not my favorite pairing from the author, but there's still plenty of charm to be had. Leo's sisters, Daphne and Euphemia, also add a lot to the story with their distinct personalities and conundrums. The king— the man who must live to stop a war, but who may also be the undoing of them all— added so much delightful tension to the story. 

I do wish some other characters, particularly members of Hazel’s birth family, were fleshed out a little more. They're threaded throughout the story but seem to disappear after serving a quick, singular purpose in the narrative.

I really enjoyed this book overall, but I can't give it five stars for one reason: While I love Erin A. Craig’s style, things are getting a little repetitive. “Human must deal with the fallout of gods sowing chaos” is a fantastic concept and it can be used a million different ways, but there are a lot of smaller plot elements that mirror her older works too. I especially felt this in the third act. The Thirteenth Child is a standalone, but it just felt a little too much like her other novels. That doesn't mean I won't line up for the next one, but my enthusiasm wavered for a moment.

There are ups and downs, including some really captivating and shocking scenes, but the book ends on a really bittersweet note that brings its underlying messages full circle.

I don't know why, but it feels like cheating to request an ARC of a book you know you're going to love. I've read and adored every book Erin A. Craig has come out with, and The Thirteenth Child is no exception. There's something about a really good fantasy horror that gets me every time (although this book is far less "horror" than Craig's previous books).

I've always been fascinated by the Godfather Death fairy tale, so when this book was announced as a retelling, I was intrigued. The idea of a child adopted by a god and given a bit of that god's power, only to betray that trust, is such fertile ground for a book. I think Craig did an excellent job of building an atmospheric setting, establishing the reader in Hazel's life, and then introducing the magic and mystery into the novel. I always get swept away by Craig's prose, and once I started The Thirteenth Child I couldn't put it down. There's also a bit of romance, though I wouldn't label this book as romantasy by any means.

Erin A. Craig has been a favorite author since their debut, but The Thirteenth Child cements them as a favorite author of all time for me. Absolutely and auto-buy.

Thank you to Random House Children's and to Netgalley for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Erin A. Craig has smashed it out of the park once again! I have read every one of her books (and loved each one by the way) but this one is by far my favorite. The Thirteenth Child is her break through into Adult Books instead of the Young Adult she is so well known for.

Hazel is born the Thirteenth Child to her mother and father. On the night of her birth Hazels parents discuss what could be done to be rid of her as they had the perfect amount already, but then the Gods come knocking at their door. The Holy First asks for the child and is turned away, then the divided ones ( an entity filled with several Gods ) also comes asking for Hazel but they too are turned away (odd for parents that don't want Hazel anyways). Finally a final knock comes at the door and this time its Death knocking. He refuses to allow any harm to come to Hazel because she is his.
Promising she will always be cared for and that she will achieve great things with her very long life he tasks her parents with taking care of her until he comes to collect the child.
So Hazel spends years waiting and being treated with scorn until one day death again shows his face to take her home and so begins Hazels journey with the God she calls Merrick, her Godfather.

Her journey is filled with wonderous things but being the goddaughter of death comes with much strife and alot of responsibility.

Its so hard not to just lay out the story for you, it was mesmerizing in how its told and the characters grow beautifully. I also didn't see a few of the twists and turns that came my way. By the end I was enchanted with Hazel, Merrick and Leopold (can't wait for you to meet him!).
I was so sad when I reached the end,I wasn't ready to close the journey with them.

I hope Erin is able to pull you in the way she does me with the stories she puts down on paper and well wishes to her on her first foray into Adult books.

I want to thank #Netgalley for the chance to read #TheThirteenthChild by #ErinA.Craig in return for a fair and honest review.

The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig is a lush fantasy that draw inspiration from “Godfather Death” by the Grimm Brothers and follows Hazel, a thirteenth child who is promised to a god.

I don’t want to say anything else because it’s better to go into this book not knowing much but this was absolutely fantastic. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about reading it. And when I was reading it, I was trying to slow down and stay in the story as long as possible.

This book is so atmospheric. I feel like I was really in this world. The reader gets to see a lot of Hazel’s life and the author manages to make everything seem important to the story, no matter how small it is.

There is magic and mystery and a smidge of romance (though I would never classify this as a romantic book). There are gods and royalty. There are themes of morality and mortality and they are woven so well into the narrative.

This will, without a doubt, be in my top books of the year and I cannot wait to get a physical copy to reread because I always miss Hazel.

Erin A. Craig made me love fantasy horror with House of Roots and Ruin so I was so excited for this book. I really enjoyed The Thirteenth Child. The system of the magic and the gods was intricate, which allowed for some amazing twists. I enjoyed the mistakes made by characters because they felt so real and fleshed out how much of a spectrum morality is. The romance was a sweet side plot that I would have loved more of before the last few chapters. I also hoped for a bit more of the deliciously horrifying elements (you’ll have to read it to find out). Don’t let the somewhat slow start fool you. This book is definitely worth reading if you’re already a ya fantasy horror fan or if you’re interested in trying it out!

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

There's something about the way Erin A. Craig worldbuilds that is so enticing and fun. Hazel was such an easy protagonist to root for and Craig has such a gothic touch with fairy tales that always leaves you wanting more.

The Thirteenth Child
By: Erin A. Craig

5 Stars

This was a story for lovers of fantasy and magic. This story told of Hazel, a Thirteenth Child. Also, the god child of the dreaded end. Death, or Merrick to Hazel. When she reaches 12 she is plucked from her life to become a healer. Her life changes drastically with the snap of a finger.

This story was filled with drama and romance, all wrapped in darkness. I really enjoyed this story. It had a captivating storyline that brought intrigue and wonderment. It was a story that grasped on the idea of life as a whole and at the small moments. It looked at death in all the ways that it can appear. The good and the bad. The shortness that is a human life.

This was a great example of supreme writing, solid characters, and emotional development. I loved the characters, the descriptions. I honestly loved this story.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

OMG. Loved The Thirteenth Child! Merrick is fabulous and I cannot wait for more of this new series! Craig has hit I put of the park with this one!

Addie LaRue meets Erin Craig. I fell hard for Merrick and the sumptuous gothic vibes—though someone needs to see about giving Craig 100 extra pages because I need much, much more Leo. Moar. MOAAAAAAR.

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. Can’t wait until it’s released. Hazel was born as the thirteenth child in her family. This was a rare occurrence; gods usually gave the thirteenth child a special gift. Hazel's parents did not accept those of the Holy First or the Divided Ones but did accept the ones from the Dreaded End, the god of death. The Dreaded End, Merrick, becomes Hazel's godfather but leaves her with her parents until her twelfth birthday. That is finally when Merrick returns to claim Hazel and starts her on the path he chose for her before her birth. He shares some of the details of her life, but not all of it. Part of it that he shares is that she will be a great healer who will be well known, even among royalty. Her path eventually leads her to the royal family of Martissienes when King Marnaigne comes down with The Shivers, and gold fluid starts pouring out of his body. It is also called The Brilliance, and people think it is evidence of their sins spilling out of their bodies. He is not the only one to suffer from this condition, and most people die from it as eventually, the fluid turns black, and finally, the organs can't handle it anymore. She has to make some tough decisions and her godfather might not like them, but she is trying to do what she thinks is best.