A Sorceress Comes to Call is a delightful fantasy fable by T. Kingfisher. Due out 6th Aug 2024 from Macmillan on their Tor imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

As always, brilliantly written and transportive, the author writes compellingly and so very well. This is a fairy tale in the classic style, but inside an original story framework. Evil sorcerous "mother", magical white horse, good vs. evil with real tension and some nail biting plot elements, there are moments of despair in the story and a few really scary moments before the denouement and resolution.

It's a standalone story, and self contained without any suggestion that there are plans to revisit the characters or setting in future.

Five stars. Perfect choice for public library, home use, or (the special foil stamped hardcover edition) gift giving. There are instances of body horror, animal death, murder and magic, some fairly graphic, so sensitive readers should be aware. There are also geese which play a fairly central secondary role; anatidaephobics should bear this in mind.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A Sorceress Comes to Call introduces us to Cordelia, a timid young girl who is allowed no friends except her mother's horse and her mother Evangeline, the titular sorceress who bleeds ambition and willing to use anyone to get what she wants. Evangeline's quest for wealth and fine things leads them to the unwed middle-aged siblings Samuel and Hester, and Cordelia finds herself an unexpected ally in the sister of her mother's newest paramour.

I am a lifelong lover of The Goose Girl and I was hoping that T. Kingfisher's brand of off-putting horror would be a good match for this tale. There are less evil maids here and Falada isn't so helpful, but I think the spirit of the original tale is alive and well here. This book takes its time to get you settled in Cordelia's life before things start to pick up. The horror elements trickle in until the floodgates burst and then the rest of the book is a very gross, fun time.

More than anything, this book is an ode to waking up and realizing that you've been living in a nightmare. If that rambling metaphor makes any sense. I think the way this book chooses to depict, discuss and have characters handle abuse is so compassionate and steadfast in its support to survivors. I'm not someone who often has outward reactions while reading, but some of Hester and Penelope's conversations with Cordelia had me ready to cry.

My biggest critique of the last fairytale retelling I read of T. Kingfisher's, Thornhedge, was that the world felt completely hollow. I think <A Sorceress Comes to Call is an improvement. Cordelia's sheltered nature is necessary for the way Evangeline's abuse functions, and she is hungry for every scrap of information she is allowed. This is also a story fundamentally about the relationships of a small group of people, and that focus on them is executed perfectly.

Also, T. Kingisher is truly the MVP of writing pathetic men. It is such a comfort to know that every time I pick up her work, I will find at least one man as loyal as a dog and willing to do anything for the people he cares about.

If you like T. Kingfisher, this is the easiest recommendation. If you're new to her, I think people who enjoy books that read like historical fantasy and don't mind a slowburn of dread will really enjoy themselves.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor for the eARC.

I very nearly always enjoy a Kingfisher book, whether horror, romance, or fantasy. "When A Sorceress Calls" is no exception, straddling the line between "cozy" and "absolutely frickin' horrifying" as it tells the story of a an abusive mother capable of magic, and her schemes to marry a wealthy squire. A lot of Kingfisher standards are in here - a creepy horse, clever old ladies who speak frankly, mild scares and quirky individuals - but what it lacked in uniqueness it made up for in charm. I sped through this book in two days, and enjoyed every moment with it - I think for fans of Nettle and Bone, this will be on up there as an example of Kingfisher's best.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for providing me with this ARC.

I've said it many times before, but I'll say it again—I've never met a T. Kingfisher book that I didn't like. They all have truly unique world-building, loveable characters, and an endearingly quirky sense of humor. A Sorceress Comes to Call, with its regency setting, strong female characters, and magic is no exception to this rule and is definitely among my favorites of her works.

"Sorcerer. Coredelia sat very still, the thought hanging inside her head like a bedsheet on a line. My mother is a sorcerer."*

A Sorceress Comes to Call doesn't waste any time and plunges readers into the frighteningly icy depths of an abusive mother-daughter relationship. The novel begs the question, “What would you do if the person who gave you life was a final boss level evil villain and you had no hope of ever escaping her?” Fourteen-year-old Cordelia knows her mother, Evangeline, isn't quite like everyone else's mother, but the more she finds out, the higher the stakes become. When her conniving mother sets her sights on marrying a rich man, Evangeline gets more than she bargained for in his spinster sister, Hester. Cordelia and Hester must use every bit of their wits and courage to protect the people they care about.

"It's not my place to judge your brother's paramours, but she's much too glittering and her daughter is much too frightened."

I cannot say enough good things about A Sorceress Comes to Call. I'm having an absolutely abysmal reading year and few books, other than Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, have been able to hold my interest. A Sorceress Comes to Call grabbed my attention from the very first sentence and held it until the last word. I immediately loved poor Cordelia and was fiercely invested in her happiness. I also lived for the other portrayals of very different strong women in the novel, including Hester and her friends Lady Strauss and Penelope Green. The banter between all of these ladies felt like I had my own seat at their tea table. I even enjoyed the nefarious Evangeline and was always curious to see how her mind would portray things and what she'd do next.

As someone with multiple chronic illnesses, I especially enjoyed Hester and her struggle with aging and intensifying chronic pain. It felt very authentic and relatable to me. I was also delighted in the fact that author Kingfisher let Cordelia, who was entirely sheltered due to the abusive environment fostered entirely by her mother, find her own inner strength without a male love interest—what a breath of fresh air. The one thing that some readers might find lacking is the nitty-gritty explanations of the magical system in the world. Readers never really find out too much about how or why magic exists and works, but it's in keeping with a story narrated by Cordelia and Hester, who are ignorant of such knowledge.

You know the saying, “you can never have enough of a good thing,” right? Well, I was disappointed when the book came to what I felt was a rather sudden ending and even tried turning pages on my Kindle to get to more of the book that didn't actually exist. I really felt attached to Cordelia (and the rest of the cast of characters) and would have loved to see more than the tiny offered glimpse after the main events and confrontation of A Sorceress Comes to Call. Despite being sad that the novel was over with not too many explanations for the ending or the future of the characters, I was still satisfied with the conclusion overall and recognize that sometimes the happiest endings are those that leave some wiggle room for the readers to imagine all the details of said happy ending.

A Sorceress Comes to Call was an utter delight of a read. It's fast-paced and charming, with a story that feels like an original take on a familiar fairy tale, managing to feel both fresh and nostalgic all at once. I think it's a perfect read for anyone who enjoys fairy tales with a bit of a modern lens or for fans of Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales series, H.G. Parry's The Magician's Daughter, and Stephanie Burgis’s Regency Dragons, or Charlie N. Holmberg's Paper Magician series will enjoy this novel as well. I'd jump at the chance to read more tales about Cordelia and Hester in the future or other stories taking place in this world too.


*All quotes taken from an ARC and subject to change at time of publication.

I love seeing the reimagined fairy tales and this one did not disappoint. I loved the characters and T Kingfisher managed to make an old story feel new.

Wonderful book giving voice to inner strength. Definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the history of witchcraft.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

Summary:
Cordelia lives with her mother, who controls Cordelia's every move. When Cordelia tries to flee with her only friend, the family horse Falada, she starts a catalyst to propel Cordelia into a new life surrounded by a newfound family. Cordelia finally feels part of something bigger until her mother's control is now affecting more than just Cordelia. Cordelia's mother is a sorcerer, and her actions begin to be something Cordelia can not stand by anymore. Cordelia must find a way to free herself from her mother's control and save her newfound family.

Review:
I loved this book from the fantastic author T. Kingfisher. I was immediately drawn into the storyline and had so much compassion for the sweet Cordelia. This girl's sheltered existence led to a few humorous moments and pulled at your heart that she was so isolated. I found many of the characters to be people I wish I knew. I enjoyed seeing Cordelia's strength grow and her self-identity blossom. She had a beautiful heart and cared deeply for someone so secluded from others—observing how someone can meet their true potential with the right influences.

The book moved at a good pace and kept you interested in the storyline. It allowed for character development and emotional connection. The magic element created a dark and fearful component. The common theme of good versus evil boiled down to choices and consequences. The book was an immersive experience that invited the reader into the heart of the characters and made memorable connections for me. I highly recommend giving it a read.

In exchange for my honest review, I received an ARC copy of the ebook from Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group. Thank you for the opportunity.

"A Sorceress Comes to Call" by T. Kingfisher is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy and spine-tingling suspense! As a librarian with a penchant for the fantastical, I can confidently say that Kingfisher's ability to craft such a gripping tale is unparalleled. From the enchanting world-building to the heart-pounding moments of terror, this book has it all. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own secrets and fears that add layers of depth to the story. What truly sets Kingfisher apart is her knack for seamlessly blending elements of horror and thriller into the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that will leave you breathless, "A Sorceress Comes to Call" is a must-read. And with T. Kingfisher's impressive repertoire, you can bet there are plenty more thrilling adventures awaiting you!

T. Kingfisher does her magic again and breathes new life into old fairy-tales, one where the grim and the horrifying are balanced out with jeweller's precision against the cozy and the hopeful. I think, overall, I liked this one a bit less than I did Nettle & Bone, but for no fault of the book's: the villains of choice in Sorceress really made my skin crawl, which is a testament of a job well-done on author's part (and appetite for a cozier grim narrative on mine). I think it's in the portrayal of betrayed trust of someone who doesn't have any other support system that really made it harrowing in places. Hester and her gang were magnificent, and I genuinely welcome books with open arms that reserve a romance for its grown-up characters in their fifties rather than its teenagers.

With many thanks to Tor and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Books, and T. Kingfisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I sadly didn’t finish this one, but the writing was beautiful and the story was unique and captivating. I think I’m just not in a fantasy mood at the moment and it made it hard for me to get through. However, I plan to pick it back up, and I love this author. Be sure to pick it up when it comes out because if you love fantasy, you’ll love this one

A reimagining of Brothers Grimm fairy tale?? Sign me right up. Thank you to Tor & NetGalley for this ARC. T. Kingfisher is one of my favorite authors and did not disappoint. But I would expect nothing less. I feel so grateful to have read this early. This book publishes August 06, 2024!

I’ve been in a bit of a book slump this year–constantly starting and stopping books, looking for something to catch my attention. But then a new T. Kingfisher appeared on my Kindle, and I just knew that this would be the thing to kick my reading year back into high gear.

Based on this author’s previous fantasy/horror titles, I was expecting something dark and sinister. And it was, but it was also actually kind of weirdly charming. The main protagonist is Cordelia, and she’s living under the thumb of her sorceress mother, who is a terrible, no good, evil woman who controls her absolutely. Even at times by somehow entering her mind and directing her movements and speech. Cordelia lives in constant fear, her only friends a girl next door and her mother’s beautiful steed. When several gruesome murders occur at the estate next door and her mother insists that they leave in the dark of night, Cordelia realizes her mother is the one responsible.

They end up at the home of a wealthy country squire and his sister, Hester. Cordelia knows that her mother is deviously planning to trap the kindly squire in marriage and will do anything to achieve her goal. Including murder. Cordelia begins to find a bit of independence in her knew circumstances and befriend the members of the household and their guests. But when her mother is centered in another shocking murder scene, Cordelia finally understands that she must find her courage and seek help to stop her once and for all.

Cordelia is a wonderful main character, and I enjoyed watching her come into her own, but it’s really the side and secondary characters that make this book shine. Truly. The banter, the friendships, the quiet romance between two of the older characters, all of it had me turning pages as quickly as possible. I kind of fell into this story and found myself positively enamored of the entire cast. Even in the direst of circumstances when they were desperately searching for ways to stop the villain, there were moments of humor and connection between the characters.

I could continue to gush about this brilliant retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Goose Girl, but I’ll end this review by just saying–add this one to your TBR. Today.

T. Kingfisher's 'A Sorceress Comes to Call' is another winner, earning five stars from me. The story, a reimagining of the Brothers Grimm's 'Goose Girl,' dives into the dark theme of parental abuse with chilling vibes. Cordelia, trapped under her sorceress mother's control, finds solace only in her eerie horse, Falada.

As tension mounts and secrets unravel, Cordelia must confront her mother's evil. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked from start to finish. I eagerly await T. Kingfisher's next book, and I'm thankful to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the digital review copy.

I really liked this one, It was a bit slow moving in the middle, but overall enjoyable.

I didn't want to look up the Goose Girl Grimm fairytale to avoid any potential spoilers, but after looking it up I have to say it is a pretty loose re-interpretation.

I enjoyed the characters Hester and Cordelia and switching between their POVs, and there were some genuinely creepy moments. I do wish there was more backstory on Evangeline.

My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available to me.

Kingfisher (aka Ursula Vernon) has given us yet another great read. This one is a bit Regency romance-ish, a bit gothic, and a bit fairy tail. We get the evil sorceress mother, the innocent daughter who is only seen by her mother as a tool to advance her schemes, the medium rich and filthy rich gentry who become embroiled in those schemes, and the kind and brave servants who support the rest of the cast. This was a fun and bit of a slow burn tale that built to a very satisfying conclusion. (And be sure to read the afterward about the author's past experiences with horses.)

T. Kingfisher retells The Goose Girl in this story of sorcery, mothers and daughters, and enchanted horses. Cordelia is a 14 yo whose mother believes in homes without doors and keeping no secrets, except her own. Friendless but for her horse, Cordelia only gradually discovers what her mother is capable of after they must leave their village quickly after murder. Full of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected friendships, “A Sorceress Comes to Call” is a must read for Kingfisher fans.

✨ARC MINI REVIEW✨

I want to thank @netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have to say I really enjoyed this book! It was different than what I normally read and I was here for it!

I loved the spooky vibes that the book gives off as you never quite know what’s going to happen. The mother is this sorceress who has stifled her daughter into a life that’s barely worth living. She has no regard for anyone else and is out for a man to marry to set her up for life.

The dual POV is one I didn’t expect as it’s between our FMC and this older woman who she eventually meets. The two unlikely friends slowly build a relationship and our FMC opens up to the horrors she has witnessed at her mother hands. Thus a plot is born….

You never quite know who to trust or what’s going to happen, the author keeps you on your toes as they delivers blow after blow— pushing the story along. This book is riddled with minor twists that add to the spooky factor but aren’t necessarily shocking.

This book is filled with a sense of helplessness and fear from our FMCs point of view but there is a small spark of hope as her world broadens and she realizes that there are people who care for her. —- even as she tries to explain something that shouldn’t be possible.

Such an amazing book and I’m really glad I read it!

You guys, it's warm and funny and sweet and spooky and gross and enchanting. It's perfect. It's simply, unequivocally, perfect.

T. Kingfisher has done it once again folks. I adore their writing style, compelling use of unusual characters, and just plain fun stories. Told from two viewpoints this story is fast paced, entertaining, and a little bit creepy. Highly recommend and easily an auto-buy author for me.

I don't even know where to start. I absolutely loved this book. I have nothing bad to say about it. So far everything I've read by T. Kingfisher is Phenomenal. She weaves this web around her reader. Blocking out the rest of the world and pulling you into hers.

I was drawn in completely. Cordelia's world is a nightmare, filled with helplessness and fear. Her Mother Evangeline has controlled everything she does her entire life. even if Cordelia wants to argue she can't. Evangeline is a Sorceress of great power. She can take over Cordelia's body locking in a small corner of her mind. She is powerless to stop her.

Now Evangeline has big plans for Cordelia. After setting that plan into action. Evangeline introduces Cordelia to a group of people who just might be able to help. If they believe Cordelia and can accept the impossible.

I wish I could tell you more, but I don't want to ruin anything. Just sit back and enjoy a dark re-shaping of Brother Grimm's Goose Girl.