Library

Below The Salt

The Dark Below is a steam-punk/fantasy world filled with the darkness that rests beneath a wavering tide. Generations ago, Gods from the depths below rose from the black seas and in doing so, caused a great flood that would have destroyed all of humanity if it was not for the ingenuity of survival. Living among The Dark Below has come to pass, but now four warriors must come together in hopes of forging a brighter future.

13 Chapters

He's Not Worth It

A week before the wedding, my fiancé, Luke Graham, announced that he needed to marry his first love, Mandy Lynch, before marrying me. “It’s because her mother passed away,” he explained, “and her dying wish was to see Mandy married to a good man. I’m just fulfilling an elder’s final request. Don’t overthink it.” But the company had already planned to launch the “True Love” jewelry line on the day of our grand wedding. Impatiently, he dismissed my concerns: “It’s just a few million. Does that compare to Mandy’s love for her mother? If you’re so eager to make those millions, go find someone else to marry.” Hearing his cold and heartless words, I understood everything. Without another word, I turned and dialled my family. “Brother, help me find a new groom.”

9 Chapters

LYCEON (The Dark Lord)

He drove there to annihilate the whole pack which had the audacity to combat against Him, The Dark Lord, but those innocent emerald eyes drugged his sanity and He ended up snatching her from the pack. Lyceon Villin Whitlock is known to be the lethal Dark walker, the Last Lycan from the royal bloodline and is considered to be mateless. Rumours have been circling around for years that He killed his own fated mate. The mate which every Lycan king is supposed to have only one in their life. Then what was his purpose to drag Allison into his destructive world? Are the rumours just rumours or is there something more? Allison Griffin was the only healer in the Midnight crescent pack which detested her existence for being human. Her aim was only to search her brother's whereabouts but then her life turned upside down after getting the news of her family being killed by the same monster who claimed her to be his and dragged her to his kingdom “The dark walkers”. To prevent another war from occurring, she had to give in to him. Her journey of witnessing the ominous, terrifying and destructive rollercoaster of their world started. What happens when she finds herself being the part of a famous prophecy along with Lyceon where the chaotic mysteries and secrets unravel about their families, origins and her true essence? Her real identity emerges and her hybrid powers start awakening, attracting the attention of the bloodthirsty enemies who want her now. Would Lyceon be able to protect her by all means when she becomes the solace of his dark life and the sole purpose of his identity? Not to forget, the ultimate key to make the prophecy happen. Was it her Mate or Fate?

9.5

120 Chapters

The Badass and The Villain

Quinn, a sweet, social and bubbly turned cold and became a badass. She changed to protect herself caused of the dark past experience with guys she once trusted. Evander will come into her life will become her greatest enemy, the villain of her life, but fate brought something for them, she fell for him but too late before she found out a devastating truth about him. What dirty secret of the villain is about to unfold? And how will it affect the badass?

Not enough ratings

33 Chapters

The Chosen One

Alex found himself entangled in a destiny, just when he was about to enjoy his teenage days. He reluctantly accepted to save his hometown from a calamity which had been happening for some years. He discovered some secrets in the course of saving his people from the calamity, to his surprise. How on earth is the people he regarded to be his biological parents for eighteen years not his? Will he eventually accept his destiny? Will he embrace his identity? Watch out as secrets unfold.

30 Chapters

The Swap

When my son was born, I noticed a small, round birthmark on his arm. But the weird thing? By the time I opened my eyes again after giving birth, it was gone. I figured maybe I'd imagined it. That is, until the baby shower. My brother-in-law's son, born the same day as mine, had the exact same birthmark. Clear as day. That's when it hit me. I didn't say a word, though. Not then. I waited. Eighteen years later, at my son's college acceptance party, my brother-in-law stood up and dropped the truth bomb: the "amazing" kid I'd raised was theirs. I just smiled and invited him and his wife to take their "rightful" seats at the table.

8 Chapters

What Is The Setting Of 'Below The Salt'?

3 Answers2025-06-18 03:48:34

The setting of 'Below the Salt' is a medieval-inspired world where society is sharply divided by an invisible barrier called the Salt Line. Above it, the nobility live in opulent castles with magical luxuries, while below, commoners endure backbreaking labor in salt mines and fields. The geography reflects this divide—lush, golden landscapes above, bleak and salted earth below. Time moves differently too; a day above might be a week below, creating weird gaps in aging. The story primarily unfolds in the border town of Marrow, where the salt trade thrives, and rebellion simmers. The author cleverly uses this setup to explore class struggle through literal magic separation.

Who Is The Protagonist In 'Below The Salt'?

3 Answers2025-06-18 00:11:07

The protagonist in 'Below the Salt' is John Gower, a medieval poet who gets caught up in a time-traveling adventure that shakes his understanding of history and his own place in it. What makes Gower fascinating is how ordinary he starts—just a man chronicling the past—until he's thrust into a conspiracy spanning centuries. His journey from observer to active participant mirrors the book's themes of agency and legacy. Gower's voice carries the weight of someone who's seen too much yet remains curiously hopeful. The way he balances his scholarly detachment with growing emotional investment in the people he meets across time creates a compelling internal conflict. His relationships with historical figures feel authentic because we see them through his evolving perspective.

What Is The Setting Of 'Of Women And Salt'?

2 Answers2025-06-25 20:23:07

'Of Women and Salt' is a novel that spans generations and geographies, weaving together the lives of women connected by blood and circumstance. The story begins in 19th-century Cuba, where the brutality of slavery and colonial oppression forms the backdrop for the earliest narrative threads. The author paints a vivid picture of the sugarcane fields, the oppressive heat, and the unyielding social hierarchies that define this era. The setting then shifts to modern-day Miami, where the descendants of these women grapple with their inherited trauma, immigration struggles, and the complexities of identity. The contrast between the lush, violent past of Cuba and the stark, often isolating urban landscape of Miami creates a powerful tension throughout the book.

The novel also delves into the lives of characters in present-day Texas and Mexico, exploring themes of displacement and resilience. The borderlands between the U.S. and Mexico are depicted with raw honesty, highlighting the dangers and desperation faced by migrants. The author doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of detention centers or the emotional toll of family separation. What makes the setting so compelling is how it mirrors the internal struggles of the characters—whether it’s the claustrophobic atmosphere of a Cuban prison or the sterile loneliness of a Miami apartment. The places in this book aren’t just backdrops; they’re almost characters themselves, shaping the lives and choices of the women who inhabit them.

What Are The Major Conflicts In 'Below The Salt'?

3 Answers2025-06-18 20:35:49

The conflicts in 'Below the Salt' hit hard because they mirror real-life struggles. The main tension revolves around class warfare—peasants versus nobility in medieval England, where the poor are literally starving while aristocrats feast. There's also the personal conflict of John, our protagonist, who's torn between loyalty to his family and his growing revolutionary ideals. The book doesn't shy away from showing how religion gets weaponized too, with corrupt clergy using fear to control people. What makes it gripping is how these big conflicts trickle down to everyday choices, like whether to share bread with a neighbor or hoard it for your kids. The writing makes you feel the weight of each decision.

Why Is 'The Salt Path' So Popular?

2 Answers2025-06-28 00:08:30

I recently finished 'The Salt Path' and was completely captivated by its raw honesty and emotional depth. The book follows Raynor Winn and her husband Moth as they lose their home and decide to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path in England. What makes it so powerful is how it blends adventure with vulnerability - their physical journey mirrors their emotional one, and you can't help but root for them as they face storms, hunger, and the uncertainty of homelessness. The writing is vivid, making you feel the salty wind and aching muscles right alongside them.

What really struck me was how the book tackles resilience without sugarcoating the struggle. Moth's declining health adds this heartbreaking layer, yet their determination to keep walking becomes this metaphor for holding onto hope. The landscapes become characters too, from the rugged cliffs to the quiet beaches, each reflecting their shifting moods. It's not just a travel memoir; it's about love, survival, and finding strength when everything falls apart. The popularity makes sense - it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page, reminding readers that even in chaos, there’s beauty to be found.

How Does 'Salt Fat Acid Heat' Explain The Role Of Salt In Cooking?

3 Answers2025-06-27 14:27:21

Salt is the unsung hero in 'Salt Fat Acid Heat', and Samin Nosrat breaks it down like a pro. It's not just about making food salty; salt enhances flavors, balances sweetness, and even masks bitterness. The book shows how salt works on a molecular level, drawing out moisture in meats to create better texture or amplifying the natural flavors in vegetables. It's fascinating how a pinch at the right time can transform a dish from bland to brilliant. Nosrat also emphasizes the importance of seasoning throughout cooking, not just at the end—layering salt in stages builds depth. The way she explains it, salt isn’t an ingredient; it’s the conductor of the flavor orchestra.

How Does 'As Meat Loves Salt' End?

4 Answers2025-06-15 06:36:54

The ending of 'As Meat Loves Salt' is a brutal, heartbreaking descent into chaos. Jacob Cullen, the protagonist, spirals into paranoia and violence, alienating everyone around him. His obsession with Ferris, a fellow soldier, twists into something destructive. The final scenes show Jacob utterly alone, his actions having severed every bond. The novel doesn’t offer redemption—just the grim aftermath of a man consumed by his own demons. It’s raw, unsettling, and lingers like a shadow long after the last page.

What makes it unforgettable is its refusal to soften Jacob’s fate. There’s no last-minute salvation, no moral lesson neatly tied with a bow. Instead, McCann leaves us with the wreckage of a soul who chose fury over love. The historical setting—England’s Civil War—mirrors Jacob’s internal collapse, a world tearing itself apart. The prose is visceral, almost claustrophobic, pulling you into his unraveling mind. Not a happy ending, but a masterclass in tragic character study.

Does 'House Of Salt And Sorrows' Have A Sequel?

2 Answers2025-06-24 04:11:36

I’ve been obsessed with 'House of Salt and Sorrows' since it came out, and the question of a sequel has been on my mind for ages. As far as I know, there isn’t a direct sequel to this hauntingly beautiful standalone novel. The story wraps up in a way that feels complete, though it leaves just enough mystery to keep you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading. The author, Erin A. Craig, hasn’t announced any plans for a follow-up, which makes sense because the book works so well as a self-contained gothic fairytale.

That said, Craig’s world-building is so rich that I wouldn’t be surprised if she revisits this universe in some form. The eerie, salt-tinged atmosphere and the lore of the cursed Thaumas family could easily spawn spin-offs or companion novels. There’s so much potential for exploring other characters or even diving into the history of the gods and monsters hinted at in the book. Until then, fans like me are left to speculate and re-read the original, picking up new details each time. If you’re craving something similar, Craig’s other works, like 'Small Favors,' might scratch that itch—though they’re not connected to 'House of Salt and Sorrows.'

Who Is The Villain In 'House Of Salt And Sorrows'?

2 Answers2025-06-24 05:30:02

The villain in 'House of Salt and Sorrows' is a masterclass in subtle horror, and it’s one of those reveals that creeps up on you. Initially, the story makes you suspect the stepmother, Morella, because she’s the outsider who married into the Thaumas family after their mother’s death. The classic evil stepmother trope seems obvious, but the real villain is far more chilling. It’s the god of the sea, Pontus, who’s been manipulating events from the shadows. He’s not just some distant deity—he’s actively involved, using his power to lure the Thaumas sisters into his realm. The way the author builds his presence is genius, with small details like the saltwater stains on the dresses and the eerie drowned girls appearing in visions. Pontus isn’t just a force of nature; he’s a predator, patiently waiting to claim his victims. The horror isn’t in jump scares but in the slow realization that the family’s curse isn’t random—it’s deliberate, orchestrated by a being who sees them as playthings. The final confrontation with Pontus is haunting, not because of physical battles, but because of the psychological terror of facing something so ancient and merciless.

What makes Pontus especially terrifying is how he twists love into something grotesque. He doesn’t just want to destroy the Thaumas sisters; he wants to consume them, to make them part of his underwater court forever. The way he preys on their grief and loneliness is downright sinister. He offers them a twisted version of reunion with their dead sisters, making his villainy deeply personal. The book does a fantastic job of showing how power imbalances can be horrifying—Pontus isn’t just a villain; he’s a god, and fighting him feels hopeless in a way that lingers long after the last page.

How Long Is The Journey In 'The Salt Path'?

2 Answers2025-06-28 22:13:40

The journey in 'The Salt Path' is a transformative 630-mile trek along the South West Coast Path in England. Raynor Winn and her husband Moth embark on this epic walk after losing their home and facing a terminal diagnosis for Moth. The physical distance is just one part of the story - it's the emotional and psychological journey that truly defines the book. They start in Minehead, Somerset, and finish in Poole, Dorset, walking through some of Britain's most stunning coastal landscapes.

What makes this journey remarkable isn't just the mileage but the time it takes - months of continuous walking through all weather conditions. The book beautifully captures how the rhythm of walking day after day becomes a form of healing. The coastal path challenges them with steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and the constant struggle to find places to camp. Yet through this physical hardship, they rediscover their strength and the simple beauty of nature.

The distance becomes a metaphor for their personal transformation. Each mile represents another step away from their past life and towards acceptance of their new reality. The changing landscapes mirror their internal journey - from the rugged cliffs symbolizing their initial despair to the gentler shores reflecting their growing peace. The length of the journey allows for deep introspection and gradual change that couldn't happen on a shorter trip.