A Review of Erin A. Craig's "The House of Roots and Ruin

“The House of Roots and Ruin” is Erin A. Craig’s follow-up to “The House of Salt and Sorrow.” Years after the setting of the first book, the narrative follows the youngest Thaumas sister, Verity. She’s recently learned a secret about herself and decides to flee home and strike out on her own. The opportunity comes in the commission to paint a young ducal heir on the far side of the country. Verity takes the job without consulting with her older sister. The duke, his wife, and his son (the subject of her painting) welcome her into their lush home. Verity is happy at first, but she begins to uncover secrets in the house that suggest something more sinister is going on. While her relationship with the duke’s son progresses beyond painter and subject, Verity learns she’s part of the plot and must decide to who to trust.

This was a thoroughly entertaining sequel to “The House of Roots of Ruin.” It starts a little more froufrou with flowers and pink candles, but the gothic qualities catch up by the end. There a few predictable bits that left me a smidge disappointed, but in all I was well satisfied by the story. I can’t say I loved it AS MUCH as the first in the series, but I eagerly await additional stories in this universe. I received this book from NetGalley.