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sennaje's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood
whatellisreadnext's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ต๐ช๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ธ๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ท๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ด๐ช๐ณ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ต๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐ช๐ท๐ฆ ๐ข๐ด ๐ข ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฆ.
Life for Ellerie in isolated Amity Falls, is pretty uneventful. It's surrounded by an impenetrable forest, and life has a predictable sameness to it. Until a bunch of townsfolk go missing on a trip to fetch supplies, sending waves of unease, and betrayal through the whole town.
I really bloody enjoyed this book, and bloody is the perfect way to describe it. For a YA horror I was pleasantly surprised at how gross this was, I'm talking skin hanging off, skulls being crushed, freaky hybrid animal creatures and a whole load of blood ๐คฃ
Ellerie Downing was just the kind of character I love to root for; she was so caring, and strong. She goes through hell and back, but still has the kindest heart. I even enjoyed her romantic arc, which isn't something I say often when it comes to YA. It felt believable, plus I also have a soft spot for weird men that live in the woods ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ
If you like your horror gory and supernatural with great characters, you need to add this to your spooky season TBR. Don't let the page count of just under 500 pages put you off, there isn't a dull moment in this book. The way Craig builds on the sense of unease and isolation throughout Small Favors was just so fun to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, and Violence
grasonwood's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I absolutely adore this book! Once I picked it up, I could not put it down. I would have given it 5 stars however the cast was not very diverse and I if that was included the book would be even better than it already is. Over all loved the characters and I was really invested in their growth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
caidyn's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Erin does it again! A really creepy read that kept me wondering. I did figure some things out early -- just because I know the fairy tale this is based on -- but I kept wondering where it was going to go. Really enjoyed this read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Religious bigotry, and Violence
whatmeganreads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Had I not read this author's previous work, House of Salt and Sorrows, I would have likely given this a 2.75 or 3. However, this felt much more like a debut novel than her actual debut did. It started off promising and I loved the premise--it felt like a mashup of M. Night Shyamalan's The Village and Stephen King's Needful Things. But the dilogue and oddly telenovela-ish romance that began to play a major role in the plot ruined things for me. I the dialogue was stilted and forced -- lot's of melodramatic exclamations and people using each other's full names fourteen times in the course of one conversation -- and I couldn't get past it. Readers who enjoy YA and dramatic young romance may find this an engaging read, but it just wsnt for me. Had I not known better, and you told me House of Salt and Sorrows and this novel were written by the same author, I wouldn't have believed you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Blood
betweentheshelves's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte for an advanced copy of this to review! House of Salt and Sorrows was such a creepy, atmospheric retelling, and I couldn't wait to read it. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Which makes me sad, because look at that cover! It is gorgeous!
The strongest aspect of this book is the way Craig creates this creepy atmosphere in the book. You can feel that something sinister is happening, but you don't really know what it is. You're drawn into this town that's extremely isolated, with these people that aren't quite what they seem. It feels a horror movie atmosphere and this was my favorite thing about the book.
As far as character goes, they're well fleshed out and interact well with the setting. I just didn't necessarily like any of them. Ellerie is probably the most likeable, but even then, there was just something that made it difficult to connect with her. Maybe it was the setting, maybe it was something else. I can't really put my finger on it, but it made the book hard to get into for me.
Also the plot. I'm not necessarily a plot reader, but I had a really difficult time seeing where this was going. Or seeing the point, really. By the end, I didn't really see the motivation behind the monstrous creatures. I wanted this to be expanded more, because this aspect of the plot fell flat for me.
Overall, I don't think this book was necessarily for me. If you like novels that really focus on creating a creepy, spooky atmosphere, this one might be for you! Keep an eye out for it when it comes out on July 27th.
---
Oh I wanted to like this more than I did. Review to come on Thursday!
Oh I wanted to like this more than I did. Review to come on Thursday!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
sarahmreads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I received a copy of this novel as an e-ARC from NetGalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can't tell you guys the last time I read a thriller so engaging and convincing as this story. And for my first book by this author, I now want to read even more of what she writes.
Ellerie Downing lives in Amity Falls, an isolated village on the edge of the woods surrounding God's Grasp. She lives with her family of farmers and siblings that she both loves and hates. Suddenly, threats of unseen monsters and destruction loom on the edges of the village, and Ellerie is scared for the safety of her family, and the mysterious boy that appeared at the edge of town just as everything bad started to happen. What will Ellerie do to make sure those she loves are okay, and who will make it out alive?
The world-building of this story is insanely good. With the way the story is set, it gives off very much prairie gothic vibes, but the entire story itself reminded me so much of the movie "Midsommar." There's no technology and Amity Falls is completely isolated, but there is the underlying assumption that other advanced cities lie somewhere else beyond the forest and mountains, which I believe helped to add to the tension of the story. Amity Falls is also built on this network of rules, as it is such a small rural area, so you really get the feel of everyone knows everyone, even though the overload of names at the beginning can be a bit overwhelming.
Small Favors also does well with the building of the thriller and the lore of what is going on in Amity Falls. I honestly didn't know who to trust, or what to trust, or if there were people disguised as those they weren't. It was just so horrifically beautiful in its execution and really left me on the edge of my seat with the fear that exuded from the page.
Craig makes you fall in love with a good portion of these characters (the main ones at least) only to rip your heart out with all the DRAMA. Whitaker Price deserves ALL THE LOVE AND I WILL NOT TAKE ANY SLANDER ABOUT HIM. I teared up so much with so many moments between him and Ellerie, and I actually liked Ellerie a lot as a main character. Clever, bound to her family, caring, I didn't hate her at all.
I will admit one of the big plot twists was a bit predictable once the right clues came into place around 70-80% through but I am not complaining. The end at least felt a little anti-climatic for me, however, and I kind of wish we got some closure on some points which I won't get into cause of spoilers.
Small Favors is the next best thriller with an unassuming yet captivating cover that will lure you in with every page. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a change in the thriller genre.
I can't tell you guys the last time I read a thriller so engaging and convincing as this story. And for my first book by this author, I now want to read even more of what she writes.
Ellerie Downing lives in Amity Falls, an isolated village on the edge of the woods surrounding God's Grasp. She lives with her family of farmers and siblings that she both loves and hates. Suddenly, threats of unseen monsters and destruction loom on the edges of the village, and Ellerie is scared for the safety of her family, and the mysterious boy that appeared at the edge of town just as everything bad started to happen. What will Ellerie do to make sure those she loves are okay, and who will make it out alive?
The world-building of this story is insanely good. With the way the story is set, it gives off very much prairie gothic vibes, but the entire story itself reminded me so much of the movie "Midsommar." There's no technology and Amity Falls is completely isolated, but there is the underlying assumption that other advanced cities lie somewhere else beyond the forest and mountains, which I believe helped to add to the tension of the story. Amity Falls is also built on this network of rules, as it is such a small rural area, so you really get the feel of everyone knows everyone, even though the overload of names at the beginning can be a bit overwhelming.
Small Favors also does well with the building of the thriller and the lore of what is going on in Amity Falls. I honestly didn't know who to trust, or what to trust, or if there were people disguised as those they weren't. It was just so horrifically beautiful in its execution and really left me on the edge of my seat with the fear that exuded from the page.
Craig makes you fall in love with a good portion of these characters (the main ones at least) only to rip your heart out with all the DRAMA. Whitaker Price deserves ALL THE LOVE AND I WILL NOT TAKE ANY SLANDER ABOUT HIM. I teared up so much with so many moments between him and Ellerie, and I actually liked Ellerie a lot as a main character. Clever, bound to her family, caring, I didn't hate her at all.
I will admit one of the big plot twists was a bit predictable once the right clues came into place around 70-80% through but I am not complaining. The end at least felt a little anti-climatic for me, however, and I kind of wish we got some closure on some points which I won't get into cause of spoilers.
Small Favors is the next best thriller with an unassuming yet captivating cover that will lure you in with every page. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a change in the thriller genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Blood, and Gore
Minor: Death
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"I wasn't a man. My place in the world was nebulous, a malleable concept only given definition by the space I occupied. When I was in the classroom, I was a schoolgirl. At home, I was a daughter. When someone eventually courted me, I'd be a wife, a mother. But until then, what was I? Who was I?"
Again, Erin A. Craig slays me with her immersive world-building and atmosphere-- homey and creepy by turn, veering steadily towards the latter as the story slinks onwards. As the bizarre, catastrophic events striking the town of Amity Falls multiply and worsen, hysteria creeps in, neighbor turning on neighbor, friend betraying friend. Everything is covered in a film of suspicion. There's that ominous teeling that you don't have all the puzzle pieces to understand the horrific events unfolding, and you're just as mystified and nervous as the characters. It's DARK on all kinds of fronts: psychological, gore, social critique. I found myself eating it up.
Our protagonist, Ellerie, is a stalwart guide through all the dark chaos. She's a dutiful, big-hearted, tough-as-nails heroine who cares for everyone around her, especially her family. She carries the weight of others' needs and wants on her back while holding their secrets safely locked away. Ellerie wants recognition from her father and her community, but she is in the awkward position of being a girl, leaving her with limited opportunity. On the flipside, I wasn't sure for most of the book if her twin brother was actually evil or just a terrible, obnoxious person, but he fueled my hate fire singlehandedly.
God, this book was good. It defies a single genre with historical homesteader elements, creepy thriller vibes, a dash of fairy tale inspiration, and lurking supernatural presence. It's a slow, consuming build and I highly recommend it.
Again, Erin A. Craig slays me with her immersive world-building and atmosphere-- homey and creepy by turn, veering steadily towards the latter as the story slinks onwards. As the bizarre, catastrophic events striking the town of Amity Falls multiply and worsen, hysteria creeps in, neighbor turning on neighbor, friend betraying friend. Everything is covered in a film of suspicion. There's that ominous teeling that you don't have all the puzzle pieces to understand the horrific events unfolding, and you're just as mystified and nervous as the characters. It's DARK on all kinds of fronts: psychological, gore, social critique. I found myself eating it up.
Our protagonist, Ellerie, is a stalwart guide through all the dark chaos. She's a dutiful, big-hearted, tough-as-nails heroine who cares for everyone around her, especially her family. She carries the weight of others' needs and wants on her back while holding their secrets safely locked away. Ellerie wants recognition from her father and her community, but she is in the awkward position of being a girl, leaving her with limited opportunity. On the flipside, I wasn't sure for most of the book if her twin brother was actually evil or just a terrible, obnoxious person, but he fueled my hate fire singlehandedly.
God, this book was good. It defies a single genre with historical homesteader elements, creepy thriller vibes, a dash of fairy tale inspiration, and lurking supernatural presence. It's a slow, consuming build and I highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Blood, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny and Pregnancy
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley and Delacorte in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I sat down to read a couple of chapters of Small Favors and ended up reading the entire book.
Erin A. Craig has a way of doing that, a way of weaving her spell around her readers so throughly with her compelling worlds and duplicitous characters that one more chapter becomes two, then ten, and then youโre reading the acknowledgements and wondering where the day went. The same thing happened to me when reading House of Salt and Sorrows and Iโm not sorry to see sheโs done it again.
If you enjoyed her debut, Small Favors takes the storytelling up a notch. Craig still paints the world with a fairytale feeling, but itโs far more Grimm Brothers than Disney. She knows when to focus on the details and she knows when itโs time to jump forward. I adore her storytelling because I fall into it effortlessly. There were shades of The Grace Year in Small Favors, but itโs also Rumpelstiltskin and Little House on the Prairie gone awry, with just a pinch of The Crucible. I love, love, loved it.
The characters as well are interesting and โฆ shadowed. I spent most the book trying to figure out who the true villain was. Sometimes I was right, at least a little, but I certainly didnโt guess the whole thing. Siblings Ellerie, Samuel, Merry, and Sadie paint an interesting quartet โ each one compelling but each one flawed. Small Favors is more than the story of a family โ itโs the story of a town. Be prepared to meet a lot of people and learn a lot of names. This may be off-putting for some, but for me it made the game more interesting. Some characters are developed better than others, but the ones we need to know the bestโฆ we do. Then thereโs the mythology, the edge of Van Helsingโฆ ah. You must read this. You simply must.
I know this may be controversial, but I so very much loved the ending. Itโs the sort of ending I think a lot of readers will be annoyed with โ Iโm sorry! But I think it made perfect sense and was clever and honest. Too may YA books wrap everything up with a lovely ribbon tied in a bow and that was not the case with Small Favors. Iโve probably said too much already, but know that this is the sort of ending you have to appreciate and rage over all at once.
Would I recommend Small Favors? Absolutely. With her sophomore novel coming hot on the heels of her first, not only would I recommend Erin A. Criagโs books, but sheโs become an insta-buy author for me. Small Favors is compelling and leaves you guessing about the darkness in everyoneโs hearts. I eagerly await her next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Vomit
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