I’ve read three T. Kingfisher novels now, and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. (if you missed them, check out Nettle and Bone and Thornhedge). Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the literary subculture: fairy-tale retellings are quite overdone, but Kingfisher writes with such a light touch you forget the trope and fall into the warm-but-spooky heartfelt storytelling. Many fantasy novels begin writing about an underdog, but by act three the main character is a certified badass. Not so with T.K. Her heroines are certified long-shots who win the day with integrity, wit, and a healthy dash of friendship.
Let’s talk about it.
The Basics:
Title: A Sorceress Comes To Call
Author: T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon)
Genre: Cozy fantasy, fairy-tale retelling, psychological thriller, mystery
Published: Tor, 2024
Spoiler-Free Summary:
14-year-old Cordelia’s mother is a sorceress who controls her body like a puppet as a punishment for the smallest infraction, real or perceived. To survive, she masters the art of blending in. She talks softly, moves slowly, and shares only the most neutral, inoffensive observations. Speaking her mind about anything in front of her mother? Unthinkable. And her mother is always. Right. There. Before the end of the first chapter, her only friend in the world betrays her, and she is truly alone.
When her mother’s mistress situation falls apart with deadly consequences, she sweeps Cordelia into her plans to hook a new… “patron.” (She needs a new sugar daddy, ok?).
Hester is the sorceress’ next victim’s unwed sister. She and Cordelia become fast friends, giving the younger woman the strength to emerge from her prison of fear and insecurity to combat her at-best-sociopathic (and occasionally homicidal) mother’s plans to ensnare a perfectly lovely family in her web of control.
Sure, there’s murder, magic, and demons, but the beating heart of this tale is Cordelia’s journey from frightened church mouse to strong woman who stands against her abuser.
Why This Book Is For You
Kingfisher is literary Tim Burton, but better. She strikes the perfect balance between disturbing and delightful, creepy and cozy. Cordelia, Hester and their eccentric friends are relatable and charming, even as their circumstances are genuinely terrifying. To keep things spoiler-free the worst of things must sadly stay off this blog, but make no mistake: this is no fairy-tale. It’s a genuine psychological thriller with life-and-death stakes.
Check it out, it was well worth the price of admission.
Where Can You Learn More?
Check out more at … wait… that’s her website? Ok: https://redwombatstudio.com/
Happy reading, folks.
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