Review: The Salt Grows Heavy

by Cassandra Khaw

published May 2, 2023 from Tor Nightfire

What a weird, gruesome, wonderful little novella.

Cassandra Khaw is quickly becoming one of my favourite horror writers.  Their writing style is so distinct and immersive.  I love their use of language and imagery.  

The Salt Grows Heavy involves a mermaid on land after marrying a prince; she destroys his kingdom, letting her daughters eat the people there, and she goes on the run with a plague doctor.  They discover a weird little down full of immortal children.

This novella is bizarre, but in a very readable way.  It has the resonance of a fairy tale but also feels immediate and detailed.  There’s visceral body horror and a bit of a sweet romance.

I haven’t ready anything quite like this, and I loved everything about it.

“There is nothing wrong with being a monster”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Nightfire for my review copy of this book

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