One-line summary:

House of Salt and Sorrows is a haunting and atmospheric retelling of the classic fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” filled with mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural.

The Mysterious Deaths:

In the small island kingdom of Salann, the Thaumas family has been plagued by tragedy. The story follows Annaleigh, one of twelve sisters, as she navigates a series of unexplained deaths that have befallen her family. One by one, her sisters are found dead under strange circumstances, and the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred. As Annaleigh delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a dark secret that could unravel everything she knows.

The Forbidden Dances:

The Thaumas sisters are known for their love of dancing, and their father, the Duke, has forbidden them from dancing since the death of their mother. However, the sisters find a secret passage that leads them to a magical ballroom where they can dance the night away with mysterious, otherworldly partners. These dances offer an escape from their grief and the constraints of their lives, but they also come at a price. As the deaths continue, Annaleigh becomes convinced that the key to solving the mystery lies within the forbidden dances.

A Journey into the Afterlife:

As Annaleigh unravels the secrets of her family’s curse, she embarks on a journey into the afterlife. With the help of a mysterious stranger named Cassius, who seems to know more about the supernatural happenings than he lets on, Annaleigh discovers a hidden world beyond the veil of death. She must confront vengeful spirits, make difficult choices, and ultimately face her own fears in order to break the cycle of tragedy that has haunted her family for generations.

The House of Salt and Sorrows is a captivating blend of fantasy, mystery, and romance. Erin A. Craig’s vivid descriptions bring the island kingdom of Salann to life, with its rugged cliffs, stormy seas, and eerie atmosphere. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the truth behind the deaths of the Thaumas sisters.

At its core, House of Salt and Sorrows explores themes of grief, loss, and the power of sisterhood. Annaleigh’s journey is not only a quest to solve a mystery but also a personal journey of self-discovery and healing. The bond between the twelve sisters is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the strength they find in each other during times of darkness.

Key takeaways from House of Salt and Sorrows:

• The power of family and sisterhood in overcoming adversity.
• The consequences of forbidden desires and the dangers of unchecked curiosity.
• The importance of facing one’s fears and confronting the past in order to find closure and move forward.

As the story reaches its climax, readers are left questioning what is real and what is merely a product of the characters’ imagination. The atmospheric setting and the author’s skillful storytelling create a sense of unease and suspense that lingers throughout the book. House of Salt and Sorrows is a hauntingly beautiful tale that will captivate fans of dark fairy tales and lovers of atmospheric storytelling.

Memorable quote from House of Salt and Sorrows:
“We were a family of sisters, a ghost of girls.”