Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by alookinsideri
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
Erin A. Craig’s The Thirteenth Child blends eerie, atmospheric horror with a touch of dark romance, crafting a captivating YA fantasy novel that will grip readers from the very first page. The story of Hazel Trépas, the titular thirteenth child, stands at the crossroads of fate and morality, exploring themes of sacrifice, destiny, and self-discovery.
Hazel’s journey begins with the ominous knowledge that she was promised away to Merrick, the Dreaded End—an embodiment of death—upon her birth. From the outset, Craig weaves a gothic tone into the narrative, immersing readers in a world where death isn’t just inevitable but personified. As Hazel grows, her fate is laid bare: Merrick has designed her future as a healer, one destined to be renowned for her unparalleled skill in curing ailments. However, this gift comes with a price—Hazel is cursed to see when a patient’s time has run out, forcing her to end their suffering. This moral conflict becomes the heart of her character arc, as she grapples with her role as both a savior and a harbinger of death.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in Hazel’s development. She’s a complex protagonist, torn between duty and desire, power and vulnerability. Her unique gift, though extraordinary, isolates her from those she loves, and Craig does an excellent job of illustrating the emotional toll that Hazel’s abilities take on her. The ghosts of her past linger in her mind, creating a sense of constant dread and regret, and readers will feel her internal struggle as she questions whether she should follow the path laid out for her or carve a new one of her own. This deep, emotional conflict makes Hazel relatable despite the fantastical setting, grounding the novel in universal themes of agency, identity, and consequence.
The plot thickens when Hazel is drawn to the royal court, where she meets Prince Leo, a character who challenges and complicates her journey. Leo, with his sardonic charm and seemingly carefree nature, adds an element of dark romance to the story. He is a prince disillusioned with life, and his budding connection with Hazel unfolds in a slow-burn, deeply affecting way. Their relationship is not without tension, as both characters are marked by death—Hazel by her cursed gift, and Leo by the looming fate of his father, the king, whom Hazel is destined to condemn. Their dynamic teeters between duty and desire, adding layers of complexity to both the romance and the larger narrative.
The looming presence of Merrick, the god who shaped Hazel’s fate, casts a shadow over the entire story. As Hazel’s godfather, Merrick is a chilling figure who walks the line between mentor and tormentor. His influence on Hazel’s life serves as a constant reminder of the darker forces at play, reinforcing the idea that power often comes with unimaginable cost. Craig’s portrayal of Merrick is both sinister and intriguing, allowing readers to see him not as a traditional villain, but as a force of nature that Hazel must contend with.
In terms of world-building, The Thirteenth Child is richly textured with dark, mystical elements that create an immersive setting. The contrast between the grim underworld of Merrick and the glittering court of the royal family enhances the novel’s tension, as Hazel must navigate these two realms. The stakes rise as Hazel faces an impossible choice—will she fulfill her duty to end the king’s life, or will she risk everything to defy her fate?
Erin A. Craig masterfully intertwines horror, fantasy, and romance, making The Thirteenth Child a compelling read for fans of atmospheric storytelling with morally complex characters. The novel invites readers to question the boundaries between life and death, love and duty, all while keeping them enthralled with its eerie, suspenseful plot. Hazel’s journey is one of heartbreak, bravery, and self-determination, leaving readers eager for more as she steps into the unknown. Fans of dark fantasy with strong female protagonists and hints of romance will find this book a spellbinding addition to their collection.
Hazel’s journey begins with the ominous knowledge that she was promised away to Merrick, the Dreaded End—an embodiment of death—upon her birth. From the outset, Craig weaves a gothic tone into the narrative, immersing readers in a world where death isn’t just inevitable but personified. As Hazel grows, her fate is laid bare: Merrick has designed her future as a healer, one destined to be renowned for her unparalleled skill in curing ailments. However, this gift comes with a price—Hazel is cursed to see when a patient’s time has run out, forcing her to end their suffering. This moral conflict becomes the heart of her character arc, as she grapples with her role as both a savior and a harbinger of death.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in Hazel’s development. She’s a complex protagonist, torn between duty and desire, power and vulnerability. Her unique gift, though extraordinary, isolates her from those she loves, and Craig does an excellent job of illustrating the emotional toll that Hazel’s abilities take on her. The ghosts of her past linger in her mind, creating a sense of constant dread and regret, and readers will feel her internal struggle as she questions whether she should follow the path laid out for her or carve a new one of her own. This deep, emotional conflict makes Hazel relatable despite the fantastical setting, grounding the novel in universal themes of agency, identity, and consequence.
The plot thickens when Hazel is drawn to the royal court, where she meets Prince Leo, a character who challenges and complicates her journey. Leo, with his sardonic charm and seemingly carefree nature, adds an element of dark romance to the story. He is a prince disillusioned with life, and his budding connection with Hazel unfolds in a slow-burn, deeply affecting way. Their relationship is not without tension, as both characters are marked by death—Hazel by her cursed gift, and Leo by the looming fate of his father, the king, whom Hazel is destined to condemn. Their dynamic teeters between duty and desire, adding layers of complexity to both the romance and the larger narrative.
The looming presence of Merrick, the god who shaped Hazel’s fate, casts a shadow over the entire story. As Hazel’s godfather, Merrick is a chilling figure who walks the line between mentor and tormentor. His influence on Hazel’s life serves as a constant reminder of the darker forces at play, reinforcing the idea that power often comes with unimaginable cost. Craig’s portrayal of Merrick is both sinister and intriguing, allowing readers to see him not as a traditional villain, but as a force of nature that Hazel must contend with.
In terms of world-building, The Thirteenth Child is richly textured with dark, mystical elements that create an immersive setting. The contrast between the grim underworld of Merrick and the glittering court of the royal family enhances the novel’s tension, as Hazel must navigate these two realms. The stakes rise as Hazel faces an impossible choice—will she fulfill her duty to end the king’s life, or will she risk everything to defy her fate?
Erin A. Craig masterfully intertwines horror, fantasy, and romance, making The Thirteenth Child a compelling read for fans of atmospheric storytelling with morally complex characters. The novel invites readers to question the boundaries between life and death, love and duty, all while keeping them enthralled with its eerie, suspenseful plot. Hazel’s journey is one of heartbreak, bravery, and self-determination, leaving readers eager for more as she steps into the unknown. Fans of dark fantasy with strong female protagonists and hints of romance will find this book a spellbinding addition to their collection.