A review by bookish_selkie
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Thirteenth Child is an enchanting retelling. Hazel has known her whole life that she has been promised to a god. A god who would come for her and change her life. But when no god appears, Hazel and her family are forced to make difficult choices to survive. As she grows up, Hazel is finally claimed by the formidable god known as The Dreaded End. Hazel’s new godfather has a gift for her- she will become a healer. As she learns how to give and take life, Hazel must decide when to use her power and when she is meddling with fate. 

The Thirteenth Child was mesmerizing! I couldn’t put it down. This is a dark fairy tale retelling and there are no simple happy endings here. Hazel had such a unique healing power gifted to her and I appreciated her strong desire to help as many people as possible. Every piece of power that Hazel is given or seeks demands a price in return. The romance felt a little rushed at the end, but I enjoyed how the focus of this story was always on Hazel and her choices. The Thirteenth Child is an atmospheric and enchanting retelling that I would recommend to anyone. 

Thank you to Erin A. Craig, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.