Dickens & Rumi
Cover of HOUSE OF ROOTS AND RUIN

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HOUSE OF ROOTS AND RUIN

Erin A. Craig

In this sequel to "House of Salt and Sorrows," Verity runs away to the land of Bloem, where she is attracted to the impossibly handsome Alexander Laurent. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Gothic horror, threatening situations, deaths, disturbing imagery, grief, and romantic tension make this better for mature teens; sexual content and language appear limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Graphic injury3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Deals with the legacy of tragic deaths and the presence of spirits of the deceased.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of decay and eerie bodily harm associated with the hauntings.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal coarse language; generally mild.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Includes minor LGBTQIA-related character or thematic elements, but they are not prominent or central to the story.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Features a subplot of budding romantic attraction within the narrative.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Maintains an unsettling, ghostly atmosphere with moments of suspense and supernatural dread.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild; limited to innocent romantic tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Substance use is not a focus of the story.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes intense, dark, and occasionally violent imagery related to the gothic setting and curse.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist shows significant courage in exploring the haunted estate.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative world-building and gothic atmosphere.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Provides some representation beyond standard fantasy tropes, though diverse identities and backgrounds are not a major focus.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into art and narrative structure, but is primarily for entertainment.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Interpersonal kindness exists despite the dark themes.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of overcoming the past, truth, and self-discovery.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display resilience and determination in the face of fear.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in HOUSE OF ROOTS AND RUIN would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in HOUSE OF ROOTS AND RUIN, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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