The first thing I loved about this book: it jumped right into the action. There was no meandering until we got to the "good part", because the whole book was the good part. I will admit, this made me a little apprehensive in the beginning, because I thought it would lack adequate backstory, but there are lots of ways that the backstory is incorporated that make it work very, very well.
Let's discuss some of the things I loved about this book!
- Cults. I have a "thing" for cults. The thing is that I freaking love them. Let me rephrase that, I don't love them as in "I'd like to join one", I am just so, so fascinated by them. I just want to know how things get so out of hand, and how otherwise stable, intelligent people get caught up in such business. The whole psychological process of a cult is complex and unique, and I love trying to figure out how it all came to be, and of course, how it will all end. Quivira is so, so creepy. Creepier than most, really, because there's a supernatural element to it which adds to the mystery. Quivira also has roots, strong roots, from centuries ago. This is a cult dynamic that I hadn't read about before, and it absolutely upped the creep factor, because I feel like when you throw in anything from centuries ago, it tends to make the skin crawl a bit.
- The characters were fabulous and realistic. See, one thing that can usually throw me off in a paranormal/mystery book is when the characters just jump into the action and accept everything at face value. Not so here. Yes, Ash is more willing to accept it, but she's also seeing dead girls in her kitchen, so that makes sense. Rhys, Ash's twin brother, is having none of it. I love a healthy skepticism, it fosters realism, and Rhys has it in droves. He also has a fabulous humor that he brings to the table, which lightens the tone from time to time. Even as Ash tries to convince Rhys that the happenings in Quivira are real, he resists, and with charm:
Ash: "What if you're wrong? What if this is all real? And aren't you the slightest bit curious about our dad?"Rhys: "I'm curious about the Loch Ness Monster too, but you don't see me going to Scotland with a harpoon!"
But it isn't just Ash and Rhys that are great. There are a lot of people in Quivira who I connected to instantly, some I was on the fence about, some I did not like. Dane, the love interest, falls in one of those categories, but I am absolutely not telling you which. - The plot is unique and fabulous. Seriously, I have never read anything like this before, and I think that says a lot. I mean, when you read at least a hundred books a year, it takes quite a bit to feel fresh, but Blood and Salt has that special something that hasn't been done before. I will say that there were a few points that were slightly predictable, but not the plot itself, just a few things here and there. Overall, I was wondering what could be happening next, because there were just no guarantees in Quivira.
- The writing was so, so atmospheric. I could picture Quivira so vividly, it was almost frightening. It was a chilling setting, and one I was completely immersed in. I absolutely love when I feel like I can "see" the settings in a book, and wow, could I ever in this one! Even some of the smaller, more relaxed scenes, I felt like I could visualize so clearly.
Bottom Line: I want to flail a bit more, I do. But alas, you must read for yourself so I do not spoil anything. Blood and Salt is unique and chilling while still being full of romance, family, and life lessons. It's the kind of book that has something for every reader, and I will be anxiously waiting for the sequel!
Copy provided by publisher for review.