Elle, responsible for tending a lighthouse on a desolate island off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, spends her nights assisting safe navigation for passing ships. She isn’t alone, however, as she resides on the rock with her younger sister Liney, a girl for whom she made a deal with the devil to protect. While the two have carved out a meager existence for themselves, the arrival of a shipwrecked stranger threatens to upend their idyllic lives. More importantly, the true nature of Elle’s arrangement with a demon to safeguard her sibling may come to light threatening their relationship, and even their lives.

I absolutely adore this book. With A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING, Sarah has written a gripping Gothic horror novel that truly captured my imagination from start to finish. I truly love Elle – despite her flaws as a person – for her admirable stance as a protector for Liney. She isn’t afraid to be the “bad guy” to keep them safe, even when as a reader, you’re rooting for Liney to make her voice heard. Their relationship creates a wonderful dynamic that truly captures the complications of sibling love.

The novel’s horror elements are used to great effect here – especially when it comes to the book’s antagonist. I loved the scenes he shared with Elle. The setting especially succeeded in both adding a feeling of terror and hopelessness to escape from their fates, but also an element of what they can control within their dominion. The supporting cast constantly ups the stakes for the sisters by both bringing them together and at times, tearing them apart.

While it takes place in a version of the Maritimes I have no tangible connection with, being a Nova Scotian ex-pat, it made me terribly homesick. I am so excited for everyone to read this and it’ll be one I recommend all summer.