A review by ms_morri1
House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig

4.0

In some ways, I like this book better than the first. I felt more drawn into Veriy’s story and fearful for her. I liked Alex too at first as well. It’s actually nice to see a disabled individual who has a more positive outlook on life. It also didn’t hide away from some of the more frightening parts of having someone disabled. My main issue with the book was actually with Verity’s supposed intelligence. Maybe it’s that the mystery didn’t feel as well thought out, but the length of time it took for Verity to realize who the villain was bothered me. She’s able to tell the difference between nearly identical people but not who the murderer is despite them being so clearly sketch? Most of the choices Verity makes could be trumped up to her inexperience and desperation for connection beyond her family. But I feel the mystery needed to be a little better written or Verity needed to be a little less smart.
That was my only real gripe with the story. Otherwise, I loved the world building, the representation of disabled individuals, and the vibrancy in the story. IMO, not a bad sequel.