This is the first I have read a book by this author (Kingfisher). The opening scene was arresting and the overall story unfolded at a great pace to keep my interest. I don't have a tremendous amount of free time to read, but I found myself thinking about the story, wondering where it would move next and looking forward to the next opportunity to continue reading. Well written, descriptive with a satisfying ending. Will recommend.

5/5 stars
Recommended if you like: fantasy, sorcerers/sorceresses, Victorian era, fairytales, T. Kingfisher

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 5/11 and will be posted to my review blog on 5/30 and to Instagram on 6/7.

As usual, Kingfisher does not disappoint. Her books tend to fall into two categories: fairytale-esque or fantasy horror, and this one is one of the fairytale-esque ones. Like Nettle & Bone though, it does have some creepy elements.

The world this book is set in is a world of small magics. Sorcerers and sorceresses are known to put magic on things for petty reasons, such as to change hair color, cheat at cards, or get more money for a horse than it's worth. Big magic, like controlling people, is thought to be an old wives' tale. But Cordelia knows better. She may have led a sheltered life and not know what everyone else thinks of magic, but she knows what her mother can do, and her mother definitely utilizes the world's perception of magic to her advantage.

This book is very much a story of escaping abuse, and the support system that's necessary for doing so. Cordelia has lived her entire life under her mother's thumb, and while her mother doesn't lay a hand on her, she certainly prevents her from having any privacy and she does lay her magic on her. Hester recognizes something is off about Evangeline, Cordelia's mother, immediately, as does Cordelia's lady's maid (Alice) at the Squire's house. Hester wants to get rid of Evangeline before she can do something to her brother, but at the same time she wants to protect Cordelia. The scheme ends up involving multiple different people as they try to save Cordelia and the Squire. I really liked how everyone who was let in on what was going on immediately jumped on the bandwagon of getting rid of Evangeline, and even if they didn't believe Cordelia about the magic at first, they definitely believed her when she said something was wrong.

Hester is very no-nonsense and pretty much takes things in stride. She clocks Evangeline as Bad News before the woman even arrives at the door, and her perception ends up being frighteningly correct. Once Evangeline and Cordelia move in, and Hester gets to see how Cordelia behaves, she immediately sets about inviting some of her closest confidantes to the house in order to figure out what's going on and then get rid of Evangeline. I liked Hester and enjoyed seeing her interact with her friends. I also liked seeing the camaraderie she had with the staff of the house. She does harp a bit on being old, but if I'm not mistaken she's only in her 50s, which is middle-aged, not old (and this is coming from someone in her 20s, you're not old until you're in your 70s!).

Cordelia is a young teen who's been almost entirely isolated from the outside world and subject to her mother's cruelties and whims for her entire life. When exposed to the world, she's not only not quite sure how to act, but also terrified of getting something wrong and bringing her mother's wrath down on her and the household. I liked seeing Cordelia get the chance to blossom and discover that she's charming and has her own strengths. I also liked that she made friends with Hester and Hester's friends, and that they took her under their wing not just for protection but because they liked her. Cordelia definitely grows into herself throughout the book and becomes quite bold. By the end, while she's still scared of her mother, she understands that she's her own person and that she does have the strength to fight against her, particularly when there are other people on her side.

The side characters were all lovely (not Evangeline) and I really enjoyed reading their interactions. Imogene is a longtime friend of Hester's and is not only very no-nonsense, but she's sharp as a tack and has a nice streak of ruthlessness in her. She has no qualms about suggesting they push Evangeline down the stairs to solve their problem. Penelope Greene was a wonderful character of a person and I enjoyed her not-too-over-the-top over-the-topness. She's bold and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Richard (Lord Evermore) balances out the group with a gentle pragmatism. He and Hester used to be lovers, and Hester kind-of-but-not-totally regrets not marrying him when he offered. Regardless, he stands as a good solid presence in the group and is immediately ready to believe Hester and do what needs to be done. You can also tell he's a man written by a woman because enduringly understanding of Hester and continues to love and support her, as well as the fact that (view spoiler). I also treasure Alice, Cordelia's lady's maid, who immediately clocks that something is wrong between Cordelia and Evangeline and immediately acts as Cordelia's protector before going to Hester with her concerns. The girls strike up a friendship and I liked that they got along so well. Tom is the butler of the house and a longtime friend of Hester and the Squire. He also immediately notices something off and is willing to go all-in on a plan to get rid of Evangeline. Tom also has some funny jokes that subtly reference the "butler did it" trope, which I enjoyed.

While the geese take a while to come into the story, I do appreciate the geese. There are a bunch of goose families where I live and I love seeing the babies each year, but a lot of people seem to dislike geese on principle, so I like that the geese are the good guys in this story. They add a humorous element to the story as well, once it's clear what their purpose is.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and thought the characters were very strong. I liked seeing their relationships with one another and how they all interacted.

Immediately I was drawn to T. Kingfisher’s clever charm and wit as she beautifully wrote this story.
I asked myself in the beginning do I need to read another fairy tale retelling? The answer is yes and this one was a winner for me.

I was rooting for Cordelia all the way through as she navigates harsh conditions, new relationships, and continuous abuse from her mother Evangeline, a sorceress.
And then there is Falada, Evangeline’s horse and familiar. Oh, Falada.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for allowing me to read this book and give my honest review.

T. Kingfisher has done it again! My very first book was Nettle and Bone and I loved it. This book had me falling had over heels in love again. The writing is superb, witty and clever. The characters are so thoughtfully layered. The conversations are effortless. The whole plot was full of imagination. Do not delay and read this book now!!! My review will NEVER do this justice. This book is a super 5 star read. I could not stop reading it and found so many things relatable even in a regency fantasy setting.

Kingfisher's writing is always enjoyable. I especially like when she gives the reader the viewpoints through the main protagnoists. In this title those are from a teenage girl and a middle aged woman, who end up befriending one another against a villianous character(s). Per usual, the characters are nicely fleshed out, the pacing was good, and the setting is clear - this book just wasn't my favorite of hers as nothing stood out to make it extraordinary.

Truly fantastic. It was equal parts cozy and terrifying, with some truly interesting bits of magic and some very charming characters. The story was excellently paced and felt neither too long nor too short. I especially enjoyed the focus on a more psychological form of horror and the exploration of familial abuse.

I suppose, if I was really trying to dig around for a complaint, I might say that I wish Cordelia's arc had been concluded in a little more definitive of a way, but her ending the story without any clear plans for the future seems fairly realistic for her situation.

Altogether, this felt like a combination of Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking and A House With Good Bones, and it's definitely going in my list of the top-five Kingfisher books.

T. Kingfisher continues to be one of my favorite authors. Her re-tellings and original stories are some of my most absolute favorites. I didn't know anything about this story before I wanted to read it and had already had it pre-ordered just because it was something new by T. Kingfisher. That said, imagine my surprise when I started reading and it got weird and dark quickly. We obviously know there is a sorceress, but I didn't expect the roller coaster ride which followed straight through to the end. After I finished, I went back and read that it was a dark reimagine of a Brother's Grimm tale and it all clicked. Another great story to add to my collection.

Wow. This one! Cordelia knows there’s something strange about her mother. The book takes us through her perspective as she gains an understanding of the world she lives in and her mother’s desires for them to marry rich men. I loved this book which is part magic, mystery, and horror all wrapped into one. The characters were so full and enjoyable with their own unique flaws and reasons to love them. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book.

Okay, this book totally caught me by surprise. It was a dark, fairytale-esque book AND IT WAS SO GOOD. I loved all the characters, the plot was awesome and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I’m definitely a mood reader and this fit the bill of being totally different from anything else I’ve read lately. Nothing was overused or overdone, I didn’t want to put it down.

So good!!! This is a book I wish I could experience for the first time again! T. Kingfisher's work is exceptional and this book is another wonderful example of how well she creates a thriller. I was sucked in quickly and devoured this book!

"A Sorceress Comes to Call" by T. Kingfisher is a delightful journey into a world where magic intersects with the ordinary. Kingfisher's writing is as enchanting as the spells woven by the sorceress herself, drawing readers into a richly detailed setting filled with whimsy and darkness alike.

The characters in this tale are the true gems, each one meticulously crafted with their own quirks and motivations. From the titular sorceress to the curious townsfolk, every character feels like a fully realized individual with their own story to tell. This depth of characterization adds layers to the narrative, making it a joy to delve into the lives of these fantastical beings.

One of the strengths of "A Sorceress Comes to Call" lies in its exploration of themes. Through the interactions between characters and the events that unfold, Kingfisher touches on topics such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. These themes are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story, adding depth and complexity to an already engaging narrative.

While the pacing of the story may feel slow at times, particularly in the buildup to the climax, it ultimately serves to enhance the overall experience. It allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Kingfisher has created, savoring every moment along the way.

In conclusion, "A Sorceress Comes to Call" is a captivating read that offers a perfect blend of magic and realism. With its engaging characters, thought-provoking themes, and enchanting writing style, it's a book that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply enjoy a well-told tale, this book is not to be missed.

T. Kingfisher is brilliant at taking the skeleton of familiar stories and deepening them, making such fantastic three dimensional characters. While they can be characterized as horror, they are appropriate for older middle-school and high school students. This may be her best novel yet, with a fantastic, twisty story that is difficult to predict and two main heroines of differing ages that are both inspiring and endearing.

What a beautiful and special book, it blew me away! This is my second T. Kingfisher book, having only read Nettle and Bone so far, but I loved that and jumped at the chance to get to read the ARC of her newest book, A Sorceress Comes to Call. I was a little worried going into it that it might be too dark for tender heated little me, but I shouldn’t have worried. It felt like the perfect combination of gothic and yet heartwarming.

The story begins with Cordelia and her mother alone but for me the magic really started as we were introduced to the other characters, and what a wonderful bunch they were! I loved the way the layers of the story were unveiled in such a clever way. I was utterly absorbed in the story and didn’t want it to end.

I highly recommend this new book by T. Kingfisher and I plan to buy a copy to add to my growing collection of her books when it comes out August 6, 2024.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the digital ARC to review.

A classic about a girl who feels burdened, chained by her mother and the story of how she escapes and finds love. A new family.

Definitely relate to Cordelia feeling trapped under her mother’s overprotective and controlling umbrella, and shocked when she’s able to escape from it. As if a weight has been lifted off her chest and she can finally breathe. And yet, the guilt that sets in thereafter and her mother’s (Evangeline) repercussions if Cordelia doesn’t achieve every single little thing to Evangeline’s perfection . . . The toxic dynamic and subliminal sickening fear were written so realistically. When Alice, Cordelia’s friend, was able to break her mother’s chains away, my favorite yet heartbreaking moment was when Alice had to help Cordelia be free of her mother.

Asking for help is not something many people who truly need it feel comforting doing. In other words, victims of abuse and neglect don’t feel they can speak up or else they’ll find themselves in a more painful situation, judged, or outcasted. More so, they don’t even recognize they are being abused, and don’t believe they are worthy enough to seek support. Having a friend like Alice shows Cordelia and the audience a perfect representation of paying attention to what’s not being said vocally—speaking up for those that may not or cannot for themselves. From Cordelia’s excessive pauses and large amount of gratitude for the most simple acts of kindness, she upholds these things as if it’s a beloved gem. As someone that has gone through something similar and feels represented by Cordelia’s weight and internal conflict, I was able to immediately attach and care for our main character. Kingfisher establishes why the main character’s goals matters to us and why we should also be motivated by them in the first 50 pages. Outstanding pacing and strong framework!

By the time we get around 100 or more pages in, Evangeline’s wrath and over-controlling behavior to intimidate/puppeteer Cordelia into unhealthy obedience becomes clear to everyone. While the other characters are unsure of how to care for Cordelia and show her worthy of love while her oppressive mother oversees all, Penelope Green is the first to show her such worth. Cordelia feels that she is pathetic to cling onto the littlest of compliments, but it brightens up her entire day.

I’d retort that it isn’t pathetic at all, but rather beautifully heartbreaking that Cordelia values small acts of compassion and friendship as rare diamonds in a desert. On one end, it’s a gift that Cordelia is able to be grateful and cherish the smallest amounts of love. On the other, it’s a tragedy. The fact that she could not be more used to love, feeling that she was wanted around, is something no one deserves to live by and know nothing else.

Finally, towards the buildup to the finale, Evangeline is made to be taken away for a time and Cordelia is left with her newfound loving caretaker: Hester. In addition to the great friend that is Penelope Green, Hester also assumes a mother-like role to Cordelia. She is able to understand when Cordelia is Evangeline’s puppet, and devises a plan to stop Evangeline’s evil sorcery all together. After Hester has proven to Cordelia that she wants nothing more than peace and an escape for her, Hester sighs as a weight is lifted off her own shoulders and Cordelia cries tears of joy.

Hester returns Cordelia to the safe haven she has made—with the help of Hester, Alice, Evermore, Penelope and Imogene—into a home. Honestly, I could do character analysis’ of every single person in this story and never tire of talking about how much I love them all. How Kingfisher was able to write the subtle thoughts, decisions, quirks, faults, weaknesses and strengths all together in the elegant work that is A Sorceress Comes To Call is beyond words.

The dialogue flows naturally, as it should. Each line both spoken and unspoken points towards a greater purpose or strengthens the character themselves. From beginning to end, we witness real character growth and a satisfying cycle of achievements both internally and externally. The writing in between dialogue scenes are just as important and encapsulating to read, sometimes humorous while other times tear-worthy. Kingfisher knows that characters aren’t meant to be within solely on looks, but focused on personalities, both the good and the bad. Her craft really shines when developing the two villains themselves, whom you can probably guess one being Evangeline but the other I’ll let the reader discover on their own. They’re both deeply rooted in pure evil, losing themselves in greed and power with intentions that stem from realistic motives.

It’s refreshing to see an author that hasn’t lost themselves to the over-abundant consumerism that is so often pushed in today’s publishing. Kingfisher has written A Sorceress Comes To Call with all the right points, and I’m proud to say that such a story will remain as a favorite in my heart for all time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy). This review is based off of an uncorrected proof. Best of luck for this release!

I’ve read three other T. Kingfisher books and I can say without a doubt that this is my favorite one so far. I enjoyed pretty much everything about the book, from the characters to the magic to the plot, but I especially admire how Kingfisher’s characteristic humor shines here while also having a lot of heart and a dash of horror.

A Sorceress Comes to Call follows Cordelia, a fourteen-year-old girl who has always been under the control of her mother, the wicked sorceress Evangeline. When her mother sets her sights on marrying a wealthy man, Cordelia has to either watch the monster she knows enact pain on those she’s growing to love or try to escape Evangeline’s control and come into her own power.

While there isn’t a standout character that I grew to really love in the book, Kingfisher wrote a bunch of great female characters. From Cordelia, who has a rich internal voice that belies her timid exterior, to Hester and her friends, who end up taking Cordelia under their wing, I enjoyed them all. I appreciate that Kingfisher included a variety of women, both beautiful and not, both young and old, and she gave them each a distinct voice and personality.

The standout for me were actually the animal characters, especially the geese and Falada, the horse. I think Kingfisher loves geese (she also had a goose in her novella, Nettle & Bone) and they were a joy to read about. But Falada is special and I loved his purpose in the story and relationship with Cordelia.

Besides the magic, which reminded me of Ella Enchanted, I enjoyed the moments of horror the most. Kingfisher successfully made me creeped out at points but also laugh because I wasn’t expecting that from the book at all.

Overall, A Sorceress Comes to Call is a fun adventure with characters you can root for, an empathetic understanding of parental abuse, and a genuinely threatening villain. For fans of Kingfisher, this is a must read and for new readers, I think this is a great book to start with.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This review will be published on my blog (clearsummers.wordpress.com) and Goodreads on July 23, 2024. It will be published on Amazon on the pub date.

3.5 Rounded up. I really do enjoy T. Kingfisher's writing style. This story is a retelling, but it felt so fresh because of how well the characters are written. It wasn't my favorite, but I still had a good time with it.

Dark fantasy/horror is not usually my choice of genre, but A Sorceress Comes to Call was a gripping tale and it was hard to put the book down. The world that the author creates was self-contained and consistent, although not as creative and vivid as I would have expected. The most compelling character to me was Hester, and Cordelia does blossom throughout the book. I do think that the book should come with a trigger warning, as it depicts physical and emotional abuse.

I wasn’t that familiar with the tale of Goose Girl, but skimmed through the summary of it before diving into this book. It certainly does take elements of the fairy tale, but does add its own twists. I think the tale was simple and the intensity and Cordelia’s experiences as “obedient” did feel gripping, but I was hoping that Cordelia’s mother was more complicated than depicted in the book. I thought it was curious that Cordelia’s mother was so intent on securing a rich husband for Cordelia as well, and I thought the book was going to tie that motivation to the original story of Goose Girl, in that perhaps Cordelia’s mother would possess Cordelia’s body once her present body passed on.

I was also expecting Falada’s story to be more interesting, but was disappointed that his story came to an end as soon as it began at the end of the novel. There was so much more that the author could have done with the stories, but I did enjoy the relationships between Cordelia and the other women (especially Penelope). It was an easy and fun read, but not a novel I will be revisiting.

Much gratitude to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel for review.

A villainous sorceress, a meek young girl, a heroic gaggle of geese, and a monstrous horse-demon. What more could anyone wish for?

T. Kingfisher has such a brilliant way with words. I devoured this book from start to finish! The atmosphere is perfectly crafted and the characters are excellent. Overall, this is absolutely a five star read and quite possibly one of the best books I will read in 2024!

Thank you so much to Tor Books/T. Kingfisher for this ARC offered via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.

A Sorceress Comes to Call is a dark reimagining of the classic Brother's Grimm tale "A Goose Girl." I've never read the original story, so I can't speak as to how these two stories compare to each other - but I can say that this was a super fun read. T. Kingfisher is one of my favorite authors so I was glad to snatch up this ARC on NetGalley when it was free to read for 24 hours.

The story revolves around a mother (Evangeline) and her daughter (Cordelia). Evangeline is an absolute trash mother. She controls everything her daughter does which in turn has made Cordelia become absolutely terrified of her mother. Cordelia spends most of her time with her only friend, her horse Falada. When Evangeline sets her eyes on a new beau, the mother/daughter duo move into his palace where mysteries begin to happen.

I did really enjoy reading this, but take note that it's a slow burn. I honestly started thinking I might DNF it right around 45%, mostly because the story was based around a lot of dialogue between characters, and there really wasn't much magic involved. It wasn't boring, I was still interested in reading it, I just felt it was slow. Then right around 50% the story really took off and I couldn't put it down.

As a whole, the magic in the book wasn't really in your face. It was written in a subtle way - mostly green flashes here and there, and some smells. As someone that needs to connect to the characters, I enjoyed all of them. The story does revolve around Cordelia (14) but I don't find this to be a coming of age tale. There are plenty of age ranges for a reader to connect to. This novel reads like a Magic Mystery, and honestly, I gave it 5 stars because it is worth a read. T. Kingfisher's writing is so unique and quirky, and she really has a knack of keeping the reader interested.

As always, Kingfisher does it better than anyone else in the game. I love the original story this is based off of and enjoyed the twist on it. Thought the writing was phenomenal and can’t wait to read more by this author.