Small Favors by Erin A. Craig (ARC Review)

Title: Small Favors
Author: Erin A. Craig
Type: Fiction
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date published: July 27, 2021

A complimentary digital copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ellerie Downing lives in the quiet town of Amity Falls in the Blackspire Mountain range–five narrow peaks stretching into the sky like a grasping hand, bordered by a nearly impenetrable forest from which the early townsfolk fought off the devils in the woods. To this day, visitors are few and rare. But when a supply party goes missing, some worry that the monsters that once stalked the region have returned.

As fall turns to winter, more strange activities plague the town. They point to a tribe of devilish and mystical creatures who promise to fulfill the residents’ deepest desires, however grand and impossible, for just a small favor. But their true intentions are much more sinister, and Ellerie finds herself in a race against time before all of Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves go up in flames.

⤖ My Review ⬻

When comparing the synopsis and how the story of Small Favors was executed as a novel, I have to say that I was definitely expecting something different. I anticipated more horror and/or faster pacing. In reality, while there definitely was some horror, there wasn’t as much as I’d expected, and the story also played out across three seasons rather than over the course of a few days, or even a few weeks.

I was really into the horror scenes, but found that they were few and far between and that the story stretched out a bit too long. That being said, I kind of sense that this was done for the sake of the plot and to let certain things play out the way that they did. I just wish that more would have happened within the time span used to tell the story is perhaps what I’m trying to say. Please keep in mind that this is an account of my personal experience with the book and that you might experience things differently.

I did enjoy reading about some of the characters, and found myself eager for scenes with them. Unfortunately, the main characters, also the story’s narrator, was not one of those characters. While I did appreciate having access to her inner thoughts, I didn’t find her to be as developed as some of the other characters. Her personality felt a little flat to me. Lastly, I think that aside from the horror scenes, and some of the side characters, my other favourite thing about Small Favors was the setting and atmosphere.

I think it was strategic how the valley the main character lives in is surrounded by an ominous forest. It made me feel trapped at times, alongside the characters, and definitely heightened that horror vibe. And lastly, a thing that caused unease for me was that I was unable to tell what time period Small Favors was set in. All in all, this book did give me goosebumps at times and made me feel a little uncomfortable, so I recommend it if that’s your jam!

⤖ About the Author ⬻

New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows and Small Favors, Erin A. Craig has always loved telling stories. After getting her B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, in Theatre Design and Production, she stage managed tragic operas with hunchbacks, séances, and murderous clowns, then decided she wanted to write books that were just as spooky. An avid reader, embroidery enthusiast, rabid basketball fan, and collector of typewriters, Erin makes her home in West Michigan with her husband and daughter. Her debut novel, House of Salt and Sorrows, has sold over 100,000 copies since it burst onto the scene in 2019 and her sophomore book, Small Favors, was an instant New York Times bestseller and selected as one of Barnes and Noble’s Best Books of 2021. She is represented by Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic.