Small Favors

“Small Favors,” by Erin A. Craig, is a book I have put off reading for a while. I saw it in Barnes and Nobles a few years back and immediately cast it aside. I thought it was a romance novel judging by the cover. I know what they say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” As a reader, I absolutely judge a book by its cover. You can base a lot off the style on the contents of the cover, and frankly this one gave “smut.” I was interested in the story however, and yes, it is a romance, but it is also a dark, Folkloric western.

“Small Favors” follows 18 year old Ellerie Downing, who lives in Amity Falls, a secluded small town surrounded by a forest. The forest is dark, mysterious, and full of creatures. The lore is that there are gory, massive, magical animals that live in the woods that are out to get the townsfolk, but they haven’t been seen in decades, leaving everyone to think it’s a myth. That is until a supply run consisting of men from the town goes missing and are discovered dead in the forest. As time goes on, the towns turn on each other because of the increased supernatural activities. Ellerie has to navigate the town, the changing forest, her family, and the apiary.

I thought the premise was intriguing. When something bad happens in the town, it is preceded after a deal or a favor is made. The creatures take these are actual deals made unbeknownst to the people “making” them. Say something simple like, “I would do anything for a piece of chocolate.” to a friend can get someone in trouble. The creatures will lead someone to do literally anything for a piece of chocolate. Theft- okay. Fire- sure. Murder- why not?

I had some grips with the story. I felt like the characters were purposely obtuse to drive the plot. Ellerie had some moments herself where I felt she was being dragged by the plot rather than carrying it herself. But overall, she was a decent main character.

I do think the author nailed the atmosphere and suspense. It has a haunting, magical feel that became more pronounced as the book went on. The madness of the town was palpable by the end.

If you enjoy folklore this would be a great novel. 7/10.