Chilling, seductive, and captivating this book had me hooked and unable to stop turning pages. As someone who tends to avoid mysteries and horror this was out of my comfort zone - but even when scenes were giving me goosebumps or turning my stomach I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what happened next. A dark retelling of the twelve dancing princesses, the House of Salt and Sorrows follows Annaleigh and her hunt to find out what dark force threatened her family. I loved how this book kept me on my toes, never really knowing what was going on and who was a trustworthy character - I was left with the same questions as Annaleigh and I also fell in love with Cassius - the mysterious stranger - right along with her! A page-turning read for sure!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed The Lantern's Ember. I would describe this book as the perfect Halloween or fall read - or anytime read if you love witches and vampires and magic! Ember is an incredibly strong witch - and also incredibly fierce, independent and curious. Ember decides to allow a vampire to escort her to the Underworld - where all the magic and mystery is - and embarks upon a wild adventure. Pirate ships, secret islands, boogeyman - The Lantern's Ember will keep you on your feet, don't worry! Ember attracts the attention of not one, not two, but three men - although she never lets them put her aside and always fights her own battles. This is one love (square?) that will keep you on your toes! Houck plays around with all of our favorite Halloween tropes - A lantern, named Jack, who keeps his soul in a pumpkin. A vampire who decides to move to a town called Transylvania. A witch in desperate need of escape who enchants the only rideable object available to fly - a broomstick. The Lantern's Ember is charming and adventurous and a wonderful retelling of our favorite monsters, demons, and scary Halloween creatures.

Look…I read this bc I saw it on TikTok and I love all things ice skating. Was the quality what you’d expect from a TikTok recommendation? Yes. But did it read like fanfiction and did I enjoy it? Also yes.