This is my first book by T. Kingfisher and I know it won’t be my last. The storytelling was immersive without feeling overwhelming. The changing POVs was such a joy! I loved being inside their heads as they processed and navigated the story differently. Also, I very much appreciated the tactful representation of child abuse and empowering disability representation. The audiobook production was a solid 10/10! I loved our narrators and their depiction of the characters.

Kingfisher burst onto my TBR a while back, and I have been hooked ever since. Her writing style that is a combination of fairy tale and snarky humor and toes the line into horror always makes me feel like it was written just for me. This book is as creative and heady and immersive as all of her other stories, yet it is still completely unique, and I wouldn’t expect it any other way.

At first, we meet Cordelia, and it’s so hard not to love this poor girl right away. Her mother is a sorceress, and a cruel one at that, so it isn’t a surprise to discover that her mother uses her powers on her own daughter. Not only does her mother use her sorceress powers on Cordelia, usurping complete control of Cordelia’s body for long periods of time, she also emotionally manipulates her. It’s painful watching Cordelia go through all of this abuse and manipulation, knowing that she has no other options and no way out.

Falada is another character in the story. He’s a horse and does horsey things, but he doesn’t necessarily act like a horse all the time. There’s something different about him, and no one can quite put their finger on it, including Cordelia herself. Yet he functions as Cordelia’s only friend, which is horribly sad, since she’s such a sweet girl.

The plot was slow to develop and allowed me to get to know the characters in depth, before things actually started moving. Kingfisher slowly introduces new characters, letting me acclimate to them without getting overwhelmed with all these new players in the story. It also provided room for me to see the new characters notice what is going on within their midst, as the sorceress can’t help but show her true colors, and as they realize what is happening with Cordelia.

Ultimately, there are some heavier themes in the story, including abuse, manipulation, and gaslighting, all of which are commonly found in fairy tales, but they are explored more deeply in this book. However, Kingfisher approaches these topics with her characteristic gentle touch and a twist of snark and a sprinkle of creepy in the last quarter. Overall, this book knocked it out of the park, just like all of the other Kingfisher stories that I’ve read. In addition, I was approved for the audiobook version, narrated by Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens and they were outstanding. Their narration of this book was captivating, and held me rapt for the entire book. I recommend this one to readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings, underdog stories, and snarky humor.

The Goose Girl is my absolute favorite of Grimm’s fairy tales ever since reading Shannon Hale’s novel retelling in middle school. This much darker retelling is absolutely wonderful!

Cordelia as the extremely sheltered and abused daughter of a manipulative sorceress makes for a main character to cheer for. All you want as a reader is for her to be free, and, given her upbringing, you can’t even blame her for not standing up to her mother.

The twisting manipulation of Evangeline is scary yet believable. It really is the core of the story. T. Kingfisher has done a beautiful job wrapping the reader in, and I loved every moment.

I also adored Hester’s love story! A woman in her fifties! This is what the world needs. It was refreshing and beautiful.

The narration of the audiobook is phenomenal. The tremulous Cordelia as she comes out of her shell, the coldness of Evangeline, and Hester’s fear and exasperation are all perfect! Strongly recommend this as an audio read if that’s what you’re in for.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance read of this book. All opinions are my own.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
4.5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#MacAudio2024

•••Spoiler free review below•••

A tale of a sorceress’s daughter and a suspicious spinster, this dual POV novel will keep you enraptured with the multiple plots and wondering how it will end! I loved this fairytale retelling of Goose Girl with a dark twist — T. Kingfisher is brilliant at blending horror with fairytale and this latest is no exception. I highly recommend the audiobook for an even eerier experience!

Read this book if you like:
-dark fairytale retellings
-interesting magic
-scheming mothers

A Sorceress Comes to Call will be released on August 6th and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the advanced review copy of the audiobook. #macaudio2024 (Available 6 Aug 24)

Cordelia, a young girl, is sheltered to the point of abuse by her sorceress mother, who moves to a country estate in an attempt to entrap The Squire into marriage. The mother is appropriately despicable, and Cordelia is lovely, but the authentic charm of the story is in the side characters, especially Hester, the Squire’s unmarried, wickedly intelligent sister, and her friends. Two narrators deliver the audio, one from Cordelia’s perspective and the other from Hester’s. I enjoyed both immensely and was engaged and entranced (pardon the pun) from the beginning.

It is a captivating story with characters I wanted to spend time with. I wanted to sit next to them in the solar, learning embroidery, being sarcastic, and trying to catch them cheating at cards. Their banter, brilliance, and obvious affection for each other make me smile even now. I especially enjoyed how each was unconventional in some manner.

I tried not to take offense that Hester was treated as elderly and frail with achy knees and a spinster’s disposition at the ripe old age of…50. *cough.* HOWEVER, I’m willing to let that go for the joy of the story, especially given the apparent time period with its associated life expectancies.

Reach for this one when you want an unconventional fairy tale (loosely based on Grimm’s Goose Girl) with strong female characters and equally strong friendships.

A SORCERESS COMES TO CALL by @redwombatstudio is a thrilling fantastical adventure and was just what I needed in my reading life when I read it. Thank you to the author, @netgalley and the publisher @macmillanaudio and @torbooks for the e and audio ARCs. This one comes out August 6 in just a couple of weeks!!

🧙🧙🧙

Synopsis:

Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms—there are no secrets in this house—and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother's beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him.

But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t evil sorcerers.

When her mother unexpectedly moves them into the manor home of a wealthy older Squire and his kind but keen-eyed sister, Hester, Cordelia knows this welcoming pair are to be her mother's next victims. But Cordelia feels at home for the very first time among these people, and as her mother's plans darken, she must decide how to face the woman who raised her to save the people who have become like family.

⚔️⚔️⚔️

T. Kingfisher is an absolute master of her craft and every time I see that she has a new title out, I will immediately smash that ARC request button! Whether it is horror, SFF, HF or a mix of all, her characters are always full of wit and charm and I know I am going to have a good time with the banter. Hester was the standout character of this story in this regard. I also loved the character development of Cordelia and the conspiracy/caper atmosphere of the characters coming together to save themselves from evil.

As many of Kingfisher's fantasy-leaning novels do, this felt like an amalgamative retelling of many bits of famous fairytales, mostly turned on their heads. I loved the older characters with lifelong friendships and the found family atmosphere.

🔮If you had sorcery powers how would you use them?🔮

💚SMASHBOT💚

A Sorceress Comes to Call is a dark retelling of The Brother’s Grimm Goose Girl. I’ve never read that particular story in The Brother’s Grimm, so I went in without any expectations.
Told in dual POVs, we follow Hester and Cordelia. Cordelia’s mother is an evil sorceress who has spent her whole life abusing Cordelia, making her obedient by taking over Cordelia’s body. When her mother sets them off seeking to trick a man into marriage, they end up staying at the Squire’s home. Hester, the Squire’s unwed sister, lives in the house too and notices something strange happening with Cordelia and her mother. Cordelia and Hester form a bond and together set forth a plan to stop the sorceress before she destroys them all.
This was such an interesting story. It took me a little bit to get into it but at about the halfway point I became much more invested.
This is definitely a dark tale. Cordelia has lived her whole life being abused by her mother and the scars run deep. It was absolutely heartbreaking and the author did a really great job portraying Cordelia and all that comes with living a life of fear.
Hester was an amazing character. I adored her so completely. The wholesome relationship that she has with Cordelia, how she brings her under her wing, it’s really touching.
There really was a great cast of characters in this story and the author truly brought these characters to life.
There’s a great found family aspect in this book with Cordelia finding people who treat her well and accept her for who she is.

I listened to this on audiobook and I loved the narrators. They both did such an amazing job and I felt like they really breathed life into these characters.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I love T. Kingfisher, and will read anything she writes.

A SORCERESS COMES TO CALL was not one of my favorites, but I still really enjoyed it.

The characters are well developed and interesting. I loved their interactions, and the bits of magic sprinkled throughout.

I didn’t feel the strong sense of atmosphere and setting that’s usually a hallmark of Kingfisher’s writing. That missing element is what kept me from loving this one as much as I wanted to.

I listened to the audiobook. Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens do a fantastic job with the narration.

*I received a free audiobook download from Macmillan Audio.*

This was my first T. Kingfisher read, and I really enjoyed it. To my knowledge, this is quite a bit longer than her other works, but I felt like she created an immensely vivid and immersive story. A Sorceress Comes to Call is a story about an evil sorceress mother who is highly controlling of her naive daughter. Things begin to unravel when they travel to try to seduce a new "benefactor."

I thought the overall gothic vibe of the story was eerie in all the right ways, and the side characters are so charming. I became surprisingly attached to them as I listened to the audiobook. I'm very grateful to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for granting me access to an audio arc- the narration just made this story even more immersive and occasionally unsettling!

3 ⭐️ This was my first T Kingfisher book and I certainly want to read more of her horror versus fantasy, as I hear they are very good. I was a little disappointed in this book, in that I wanted more with the story and pacing. It is a very slow paced book that got a little repetitive. It is a dual POV of Cordelia, the 14 year old daughter of Evangeline (the Sorceress) and the other pov being Hestor, the older sister of the man Evangeline is trying to ensnare in marriage. I really enjoyed the audio narration of both women, they did a phenomenal job. I also really loved Cordelia and how she was written and spoke. Cordelia is an odd child with no sense of social etiquette having spent most of her childhood alone, with her mother and her mother’s horse. She really did seem 14 which was so refreshing as I’ve read many books involving teens/tweens that come off so much older than intended. I also wondered the whole time reading if this is a YA book versus an adult fantasy, it seemed a bit tame. I loved the last 2 chapters and wish the pacing and darkness of those chapters would have been sprinkled throughout the rest of the book.

Overall, it was a good book that could have been great. If you like slower paced fantasy books, just know this is more a story of a daughter trying to free herself of her abusive mother, who will do whatever it takes to get what she wants. There is some magic and darkness but again, it’s rather light and tame.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio for this gifted advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - LOVE - Would recommend

A Sorceress Comes to Call is a cheeky retelling of the Goose Girl. Is it dark? Yes. Did it make me laugh out loud multiple times? You betcha! Did I have a smile on my face from start to finish? Yep! 😊. T Kingfisher’s books always transport me to new fantastical worlds. She breaths life into her characters in a way that makes me forget I’m reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced audio book in exchange for an honest review.

T. Kingfisher wears a lot of hats. The author mainly stays within the horror fantasy realm, and isn't afraid of featuring older, more mature MCs who maybe don't have their lives together. A Sorceress Comes to Call has the best of all T. Kingfishers worlds. With dual POV you get to see the story through the eyes of a scared child who has made to be obedient to her terrible mother her entire life (it was giving Tangled vibes, only more extreme) and an adult woman in her 50s who is comfortable in her life but can see a bad storm coming a mile away (Hester). When Cordelias mother's lover dumps her, she has to find another sugar daddy, and so she sets her sights on Hester's brother. A tale as old as time, however this bad witch is willing to kill for what she wants. Cordelia is made to go along for the ride, and in the way she will find her courage in order to stand up to her horrible mother. Hester on the other hand will have her hands full trying to save her oblivious brother. There is some very charming romance as well between Hester and an old love, in which we get to explore Hester's insecurities that never quite left her even at 50. A Sorceress Comes to Call is reminiscent of Nettle and Bone, which is in my top 3 T Kingfisher books. I do like how this author isn't afraid to write what she wants, and let the audience come to her. It is freeing in that when you get a Kingfisher book you know you are getting something slightly disturbing, and not quite what is "in" with the times. Kingfisher sets the trend, everybody else follows.

In this Kingfisher fairy tale retelling of The Goose Girl, the daughter of a sorceress and the spinster sister of a squire must team up to thwart the sorceress's violent machinations. I loved these characters and Hester's bold nature is a great foil to Cordelia who has been made unsure of herself from years of abuse. It's a dark story, but so incredibly intriguing. I didn't want to stop listening to it.

TW: violence, child abuse, violence against animals (kind of-- it's actually a demon)

I love Kingfisher's writing. I eagerly read everything she puts out into the world. I know nothing about the original Goose Girl story which this book has reimagined. I cannot give any insight onto how they compare. I can say that I fully enjoyed this story. I thought it was delightfully dark but wouldn't call it horror (as I've seen it tagged). Of course the zombie, mutilated horse familiar was my favorite part (okay, maybe there's some horror touches scattered throughout the story). The dread, deep despair, and bravery that is captured int these pages is beautiful. I would absolutely recommend this read (honestly, this one I'd say either audiobook or eyeball read is fair game) to anyone who enjoys dark fairytales.

The narration for this audiobook utilizes dual narrators for the dual POVs. I enjoyed the listen; I don't think I found enough of a difference between the narrator's voices to fully appreciate the dual narration.

Thank you NetGalley. T. Kingfisher, and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this arc of the audiobook of A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Cordelia’s mother is a sorceress, who has used her powers to control and manipulate everyone around her, including her own daughter.

When Cordelia’s mother sets her sights on a wealthy bachelor known as The Squire, Cordelia cannot simply sit by while her mother plots to ruin this kind man and his household. Thankfully, the Squire’s sister, Hester, is immediately suspicious of the strange woman and her quiet daughter arriving on their doorstep.

I’m glad the book alternates between Cordelia’s and Hester’s POVs because having the strong confident Hester to offset Cordelia’s naïveté works well.

A Sorceress Comes to Call has a very similar feel to Nettle & Bone, my favorite T. Kingfisher novel. I think returning fans will enjoy this while also appealing to new fans of dark fantasy.

(Also, Falada, is one of most terrifying creatures ever written.)

Definitely a 4.5 and sure I am rounding it up.

At this point, I don’t think I even need to review a T. Kingfisher book because she is yet to disappoint me. While I went into this having heard it’s a Goose Girl retelling and knowing nothing about the original tale, I have to say it doesn’t really matter. Coz this wonderful author is only here to wow us with her words.

What a horrific tale of narcissism and abuse, but with equal amounts of hope and resilience to tide us through. Evangeline with her absolute horrible control over her daughter and her scheming for an even richer life; sweet little Cordelia who has been sheltered and abused all her life but still knows right from wrong; Hester who may have been relegated to the life of a rich spinster but can still sense “Doom” coming from a mile away; Penelope with her charming repartee who deserved better; Richard and his unwavering love and loyalty - and more wonderful and absolutely unforgettable characters make up the heart of this thrilling, scary, dreadful but deeply satisfying tale of good triumphing over evil.

The writing is just instantly immersive right from the get go, and I just had to continue reading/listening every free moment I got. The feeling of impending doom just keeps us on our toes, guessing what’s gonna happen next. The vibe is perfectly reflected in the narration of the audiobook by Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens, making this a thoroughly enjoyable book in any format. Can’t wait to soon jump into another T. Kingfisher book coz I can’t get enough of them.

This was a really unique story! I love an awkward character, and Cordelia was just that! The narration for the audio book was great. Both narrator’s gave an eerie vibe that matched the plot perfectly! Definitely recommend!

First I want to say that I was not ready for this book to end. I was hoping there'd be another one coming, that this was the first in a series, but I was disappointed that it was a standalone. That being said, I loved this book and I was so into the characters, both good and bad.

Cordelia is a 14 year-old girl, one who is definitely not beyond her years of age. She's made to be "obedient" by her mother, Evangeline, who happens to be a sorceress. So when Cordelia crosses her mother in the smallest of ways, Evangeline will cause her to be obedient doing any number of things. The sorceress will stop at nothing she'll cause her daughter to do. I felt so bad for Cordelia, who was so fearful and afraid of her mother. It was so evident that she was fearful to try to cross her...until one day she just had to try.

One of my favorite characters was a horse named Falada; however, Falada became one of my more disliked characters eventually but I won't say why. Cordelia's relationship with him was so beautiful in the beginning and she just seemed so free riding him. Until one day she wasn't.

Evangeline had one purpose in mind for Cordelia: marry a wealthy man. Along with that came being very proper. Cordelia had no idea how to be around a man, she was too innocent of her knowledge. Her mother made her lie and say she was 17, even though she didn't want to lie. Obviously, Evangeline's motives were not altruistic.

The most suspenseful part of the plot to me was how on earth "they" were going to get the Sorceress to stop her evil-doing, or if they were. It seemed like around every corner (page) there was a new twist, another betrayal, even a ghost...or was it really a ghost or another manipulation by Evangeline.

There were two different narrators for the two POV's and both did an excellent job capturing the spirit of the characters. The voice inflections were done well, which made it easier to recognize the voice of each character. I would most definitely listen to both authors again. They are Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens. I loved them both.

I highly recommend this book by T. Kingfisher. One of my new favorite authors.

This is the kind of Kingfisher that just really doesn’t work for me. I love the funny, wry Kingfisher but this feels so serious. I could not stick with it. I know others will like it though.

One of my favorite authors. I always enjoy read a Kingfisher book, this one is no exception. The story and characters will draw you in and keep you going throughout the adventure!