In a forest, hidden by thorn bushes, there is a tower with a strange creature inside. Toadling has been alone for a very long time. She has watched from afar for hundreds of years as humanity changes, roads are built, kingdoms rise and fall, and she remains alone. But one day a knight comes looking for her tower. Halim is a strange kind of knight, the kind that doesn't really like violence or competing in tournaments. He read an old story about a tower and a sleeping maiden in need of salvation and he went looking for it. So when he meets the mysterious Toadling he does not know what to make of her, is she a cursed maiden in need of saving? Or is she the evil enchantress who is hiding something? As Toadling slowly reveals her story, the truth is stranger still and Halim is left with an impossible choice. Kingfisher tells a wonderful captivating tale that embodies the wonder of fairy tales but turns the premise on its head in a delightful fashion. Well written and compelling, this book is a quick read that is perfect for lovers of fairy tale inspired fantasy, and those who enjoy retellings of classic story lines.

An absolutely original retelling of Sleeping Beauty from the perspective of the fairy who cursed Sleeping Beauty. I love Kingfisher's unique take on this story. It is very engaging, and, because of the unique perspective, the reader has to keep reading in order to find out what happens. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes new twists on fairy tales. A+!

T. Kingfisher’s Thornhedge takes the story of Sleeping Beauty and bends it till it breaks, flipping things round to give us a different perspective. That massive thorny hedge makes a great defence — but what if it was keeping something in, rather than out? What if we really, really don’t want Sleeping Beauty to wake?

Toadling is a changeling, raised in Fairy and then sent back to her original parents to avert disaster. Fayette is wilful, powerful and destructive, and Toadling… well, she knows how to turn into a toad, and how to command water. She has minor magics, nothing like Fayette’s strength, but somehow she has to contain her and protect the world.

Into the familiar story comes a knight, as you’d expect — but he’s a pretty singular sort of knight, one rather more interested in books, and not entirely sure what to do with a sword. He’s drawn to Toadling and the way she’s trapped within the thorny hedge, and he’s determined to fix things. Somehow.

The friendship that grows up between Halim and Toadling is really sweet, and I love his gentleness and the warm humour around him. I raced through this and loved it; fans of Kingfisher’s work won’t be disappointed.

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Standalone
Publication Date: August 15, 2023
Fantasy - Fairy Tale

Toadling was stolen by fairies on the day of her birth. As an adult she is asked to return to the human world to bless a newborn. It should be a straightforward task but nothing has even been easy for Toadling. Her failure will have larger implications for the realm. Centuries later, a knight sets out on a question when he hears a rumour of a curse which needs breaking. Luckily Toadling is there to try and sway him in his mission. 

My favourite T. Kingfisher novels are the ones where there is a fairy tale-like atmosphere. Thornhedge kind of reminds me of a dark and creepier version of A Spindle Spintered, in the sense that this book takes on the well known tale of Sleeping Beauty, and turns it on its head. It will leave you questioning what you thought you knew about that beloved character and how the tale as we usually know it, only tells one perspective. What if Sleeping Beauty is actually the villain? It features Kingfisher’s usual blend of whimsical and comedy with elements of gothic horror. 

At only 128 pages, it is a quick read but it is still a fun, action-packed adventure that like all other Kingfisher books I highly recommend checking out!

Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THORNHEDGE is a delightfully subversive retelling of The Sleeping Beauty from the point of view of the maligned fairy in the story as we know it today. In THORNHEDGE we know her as Toadling. This version of a classic western fairytale focuses on how Toadling came to have responsibility for the princess trapped in a tower.

I really enjoyed reading this retelling because the world we see is quite unlike that of the animated Disney movie. I don't know that it had a profound impact on me, but I enjoyed it for what it is, a fairytale hug. It has a distinct hesitant and reminiscent yet slightly ethereal vibe to it. The story flits between Toadling's past time spent in faerieland and her present time as guardian of the tower. As the synopsis states, Toadling was stolen from her human family. Brought up instead by fairies, we get to see the lifestyles of a certain sect of them, which I found very interesting.

The portrayal of the knight was a departure from their classical presentation in western tales of old with respect to both personality and race. Since this is a novella, I won't get into too much detail lest this review becomes too spoiler-y. But the knight is Muslim and has a gentle and inquisitive disposition, which makes for a nice set up for Toadling to tell her story. One of my favorite parts of Toadling's tale is her revelation about how she was taught to see beauty in the fairy realm versus how humans define beauty. That is, beauty is the sum of the good qualities of a fairy rather than their appearance.

Overall, THORNHEDGE is a fascinating backstory that further drives the point that not everything is as simple as it might seem.

[To be posted at a later date on www.aliteraryescape.com]

T. Kingfisher is one of those automatic read, buy, and recommend authors. Her skill is next to none with crafting quirky, charming fantasy tales that leave you thinking about the characters long after you've left their world. Naturally T. Kingfisher's unconventional take on Sleeping Beauty is no exception. Thornhedge is the story of Toadling, a human adopted by water fairies and taught to be a toad-shifter, who is asked to gift a blessing onto a newborn child...and let's just say things go a little south. I loved this novella, but at only around 130 pages I really want more Toadling in my life. I'd love a continuation of Toadling and Halim's adventures.

This was a cozy, quick read which gave me all the feel-goods. Thank you so much to Netgalley, T. Kingfisher, and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The author’s note at the end really explains how I feel about this book: yes, the main character is raised by child-eating swamp monsters, but it was such a sweet book. So short though! The story felt very complete and I’m okay without knowing more about the world, but I would love to read this in maybe a collection of short stories? I adore Toadling, and I wish her all the best.

I was given this book in exchange for a review. Yay!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

T. Kingfisher is quickly becoming one of my favorite short-story authors. The way she can create beautiful worlds, interesting and unique plots, as well as relatable and developed characters in 150 pages or less will always leave me in awe.

Thornhedge is a Sleeping Beauty retelling with a bit of a dark twist. It follows Toadling; a human stolen away as a baby, raised and loved by fairies. Once an adult, the fae ask a favor of her; go back to the human world and bestow a blessing on a newborn child...however, this child is not exactly what she appears to be.

I loved this novella. The unique twist of a beloved fairytale with new lore was so refreshing and fun. This book is short, but the pacing was so balanced. Nothing felt rushed and too drawn out. I enjoyed the glimpse into Toadling's backstory and life, I adored her character.

Overall this story was so cozy and wholesome. I hope that the author decides to write another novella about these characters; I love to learn more about them, their world, and more of their story together.

Thornhedge releases on August 15th, 2023. I recommend reading it if you're a fan of fairytale retellings. It's short, sweet, and a nice palate cleanser in between bigger or more intense books.

It’s no secret that I am, in fact, a ginormous fan of Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher. I’ve read almost everything she’s put out at this point, and I’m clambering for more. PLEASE GIVE ME MORE. When I saw that her latest novella was on Netgalley, you can safely imagine me literally leaping at my mouse to request an ARC. Thankfully, Tor seems to like me, and they very generously allowed me a copy.

Needless to say, I loved Thornhedge. I would have gladly read an entire novel with these characters, in this world, but honestly? An entire novel wasn’t needed! Thornhedge is very short, but Kingfisher is a master at working in the short form. You don’t miss anything. There’s nothing absent from the story for the sake of shortness. It is, in fact, wrapped up rather neatly by the end.

Kingfisher, as always, has sprinkled a little horror inside her fairytale retelling, and we see it in the form of Fayette. Fayette is a changeling, and she’s a horror from the moment she’s born. She tortures animals. She tortures the servants. She hurts everyone she comes in contact with, and very quickly people who are around her turn up dead. Toadling, our heroine, is a fairy. She’s not a pretty fairy, she doesn’t have wings, or sparkle. She turns into a toad. She’s a sweetheart. She does what she must — she puts Fayette in an enchanted sleep.

Two hundred or something years pass, and Toadling has spent it all in the shadow of Fayette’s tower, keeping watch Then, Halim comes to try and rescue ‘the fair maiden’ in the tower. I loved Halim. Halim is a sweetheart knight who always apologizes when he curses, who tries his best to help Toadling, and most importantly of all, listens and believes Toadling. Halim was a welcome change from the usual hero. He is also thoroughly Muslim, and talks about his religion on page.

I loved how Kingfisher wrote this, but that’s not new for me and my experience with her writing. As I said on Goodreads, I will literally read anything that Kingfisher writes. Her water bill. Her grocery list. Whatever. She’s a genius, and I love her. Thornhedge is a solid five stars. I know you will love it.

3 stars? ish?

This was really cute, but lacked some of the depth in character that T. Kingfisher's other fairy tale retellings sometimes have--don't get me wrong, character depth is not Kingfisher's Thing that shines, but characters felt a bit more hollow in this one. This kind of read like a Wayward Children book in some ways: the really interesting takes on fairy tales and mythic creatures (the Greenteeth!) very much read like a Seanan McGuire novella, so I think if you like that series (specifically the books taking place in other worlds), you could like Thornhedge!

But, in my opinion, there were some plotholes and a lot of showing instead of telling... in flashbacks, we sort of just went through the motions. Like, why lead the knight you want away to the exact place he shouldn't be? How does time work again in Fairyland and why wasn't it explained until the last chapter of the book? The ending was also pretty anticlimactic--we are going to build up this little girl villain for the entire time and then... just push her off the tower??? The FAE CHANGELING?? Dies on impact?? And then this hundreds-of-years-long-nightmare is just... over. Are you kidding me?

I was really disappointed by this book because the vibes were just not what I thought it'd be, and everything I expected it to be turned out mediocre. Kingfisher and I have this problem in general, though I keep hoping for different in every new subgenre I try of hers. Fairy tale Kingfisher remains not strong for me, and I think it is because of, ultimately, the lack of depth and confusing vibes. The earlier fairy tales had more of that for me (Raven and the Reindeer and Bryony and Roses) while the newer ones just... do not. However, I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings, so I'll probably keep picking them up.

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher may be presented as a twist to the Sleeping Beauty fairytale, but it is so much more than a mere retelling. The story is only under two hundred pages long, to give away too much would be a crime, but readers, please if nothing else, Toadling deserves your love and attention. Kingfisher weaves this story with darkness and sweet light. I think I connected with Toadling's loneliness, hope to have her kindness, and know I will never be so gentle.

Officially T. Kingfisher should be an automatic buy for all of us who love a twisted fantasy.

Thank you to T. Kingfisher, Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books, and Netgalley for this free advanced reader copy of "Thornhedge" for an honest review.

I have to admit, I've been on a Kingfisher kick since I read "What Moves The Dead," and I loved that this one was going to be the take on rewriting Sleeping Beauty. I love, love, loved this retelling. I love that it's told from the point of view of the baby swapped with the changing, and that we turned the curse, and why the curse happened, what the hedge is keeping in and keeping out. I definitely advise this to everyone who has a love of fairy-tellings and their reworking!

Sleeping Beauty with a twist!

The true beauty of this book is how Kingfisher has created such an endearing, captivating and wonderful tale with unique characters in 120 pages. T. Kingfisher can do no wrong in my book. I love her writing and how she approaches characters.

There is a sleeping princess trapped in a tower, but it is Toadling who has the spotlight in this book. Toadling was stolen on the day she was born by fairies and raised by them in the waters of faerieland. She loved the water, her new family and the comfort they provided.

One day a goddess appears and tells Toadling that she must go with her to be educated. Eventually Toadling is sent back to the human world to deliver a gift to a newborn. Sounds simple, right?

Centuries later a knight appears, he has heard about a curse which needs breaking...

Toadling stole my heart with her unselfishness and kind demeanor. She wants so badly to do the right thing and I admired her dedication. She has been alone for a long time and when a knight appears, everything changes.

This book had a little bit of everything. There is family, there is a tower surrounded by hedges, there is a changeling, there is a sensitive knight and there is Toadling, sweet endearing, Toadling.

I love how T. Kingfisher blended light and darkness in this book. She took a beloved fairy tale and made it her own in such a magical way. She has written a fairy tale that I want to read. Not everyone is beautiful on the outside, but there are some that are quite beautiful in their actions and personality.

This book had me turning the pages to see how things were going to end.

Gripping, captivating and magical!

I cannot wait to see what she writes next!!!

This is another great book by T. Kingfisher. She takes a normal fairy tale and flips it on its head. This is a good introduction to the author and doesn't veer too much into the the horror genre. The characters are also delightful.

My favourite Kingfisher novel yet. Absolutely brilliant, enthralling, and hypnotizing. I could not get enough and read on deep into the night.

Could not recommend enough.

This wasn't my favorite of Kingfisher's work, which frankly is a matter of personal preference. Her strong prose is here, the classic exhausted and hard-working female character with the kind and gentle love interest are both here and charming, her takes of on the fay were fun, but there was a trope here that I just personally have beef with.

It's the, this kid is just bad and there's nothing we can do about it trope. Now, maybe it's a child's body with an old fay lord inside, but it wasn't really written that way. It was more playing on that old horror around birth, being surprised what can come out of you. I hate this trope, maybe it's because I work with kids, and I think all the time about how kids motivations are assumed to be malicious when they're just not. Fundamentally, this book wasn't going to work for me because of that...But I do think other people will really enjoy it! It's like a fantasy Rosemary's Baby (kind of) with a really sweet romance, so if that appeals to you, you'll like it!

Even though I am a bit over fairy tale retelling, Kingfisher knows how to take a worn out troupe and give it new life. I really enjoyed how beautiful the story and writing was. A oddly cozy read but full of adventure and wimsy.

Absolutely gorgeous sleeping beauty retelling. Vividly atmospheric. I will never forget Toadling and her magical world and sweet and scrappy personality. This is a story I will re-read. Thank you to Netgalley and Tor for early access to the digital arc.

I’ve recently become obsessed with T. Kingfisher’s novels so I’m trying to get my hands on everything she’s ever written. Thornhedge is her newest adult fantasy novella that’s a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty but where the princess is the villain and the one who curses the princess is the heroine.

I loved this story. It was so fun to get to know Toadling, a girl who can transform into a toad and who can cast spells. She is patrolling the hedge made of thorns (hence the title) that surrounds the tower that contains the sleeping princess, when one day a man on horseback shows up and wants to explore the land beyond the hedge of thorns.

I won’t say any more because this story is short and it deserves to have some mystery to it, but I love how Kingfisher wrote this. This is a version of Sleeping Beauty that I’ve never seen done before, and I thought it was quite unique.

If you love fantastical novellas that take place in dark, creepy forests and stories about curses that maybe shouldn’t be broken after all, then you should check out Thornhedge. It was a delight to read, and I loved the ending.

A nice little fairy tale retelling that is a quick and enjoyable read, featuring Vernon's usual subversiveness.