T. Kingfisher is the master of fairy tale retellings, breathing new life into them and creating brand new tales for the ages. I love how dark this gets and all of the wild twists and turns throughout. Cordelia is such a resilient character and when she finally has her breakthrough moment that she does not belong to her mom, it is epic. I also really loved Esther and her internal dialogue. She is especially funny at the start of the book and it had me laughing out loud.

The story is paced out so perfectly, hitting the right beats as the music of the story plays along. The pacing combined with some beautiful and sometimes eerie narration by Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens adds something special to the audiobook. I loved listening to this story be told while I followed along with my physical ARC. I was so immersed in the world.

I didn’t read the publisher’s summary. The author is an auto buy. I jumped right in excited to turn the pages.

I was immediately drawn into the story. What an awful mommy dearest!! Cordelia’s mother is a wicked sorceress! She has complete control over her daughter & she uses it to get what she wants.

Cordelia wants nothing more than to get away from this tyranny. Her every avenue is blocked & those she cares about taken away.

The sorceress is obsessed with wealth & power. She sets her sights on a wealthy squire & soon they are both moved in and a wedding is planned.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the tables turned. This is a relatively short book filled with tension and a bit of gore with a fantastic ending.

My favorite character was Hester but there are so many relatable likable characters, you’ll be cheering for them! I even enjoyed hating the sorceress! Great audiobook!

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio!! I loved the book!

T. Kingfisher’s A Sorceress Comes to Call is a magical tale of a lonely, abused girl who finds herself newly immersed in house where she gains the strength she never knew she had.

The story is told my two narrators: young, timid Cordelia and an aging, spirited Hester. Encouraged by Hester and the other house guests, Cordelia must aid in a plan to thwart her mother’s sorcery and save those she comes to love.

Touted as a dark retelling of Grimm's The Goose Girl, I found this book to be equal parts cozy fantasy, and strange, at times macabre, fairytale. This story took certain liberties with the original tale, and I felt it was more inspired by, rather than a true retelling. But I enjoyed the dark elements, the interesting characters, and as always, the beautiful prose that have become a hallmark of this author.
Most of the story is told from the perspective of Cordelia, the 14-year-old daughter of an unusual sorceress. Cordelia’s life changes when her mother sidles them with a wealthy benefactor, and his sister. We bear witness to her various trials and tribulations as she navigates her life, in what reads as a coming of age tale.
What I loved about this book were all of the side characters, that had bearings on the story in their own unique ways. There were bits of humor peppered throughout, and various relationship dynamics that were truly delightful to explore.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I think anyone who is a true T Kingfisher fan will appreciate the dark and bizarre elements, the beautiful writing, and the truly unique style of storytelling.

🎧As for the audiobook performances, I thought that the narrators did an amazing job, and I was fully immersed in the story from start to finish.

3.5 Stars. It feels like it's a bit too low for this but 4 stars feels a bit too strong.

T. Kingfisher does it again with another quirky fun tale featuring magic with teeth. This almost feels like Kingfisher's fantasy version of Downton Abbey with her signature cocktail of animals, horror elements and sparkling wit.
The audiobook was really enjoyable with each perspective switching narrators, which made it confusing for a minute on whose perspective we were in, something that may be solved in a text version.

This story is told from two perspectives, Cordelia, daughter of a woman she suspects may be a sorceress, and Hester, the sister of the man Cordelia's mother wants to ensnare in marriage. Things take a darker turn when Cordelia finds that her only friend in the world, a beautiful white horse, may actually have been in league with her mother all along.

*4 stars*

A Sorceress Comes to Call, like everything I’ve read by T. Kingfisher, was excellent and grotesque. This was a dark and tense retelling that kept me turning the page late into the night. I think this will be enjoyed by fans of T. Kingfisher’s horror, and fans of her lighter fantasy. This was an excellent combination of both, very reminiscent of the style of Nettle and Bone.

I have not read the ironical Goose Girl by the Bothers Grimm so I can’t comment on the adaptation of the story.

The narration was excellent, both narrators felt like they embodied their characters while remaining cohesive together.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ALC of this work. All opinions in this review are my own.

I adored this audiobook, especially the dual POV! This was everything I could have asked for from a dark fantasy story. I really enjoyed being immersed in the world and with the characters.

Okay so I realized that I enjoyed T. Kingfisher's writing a while ago and this story has continued my love for this author.

The characters were perfectly placed, they fed off of each other and moved the story along at a good clip. The conversations with Hester, Willard, Penelope, and Imogene were extremely entertaining and gave well placed comic relief in a very emotional and dark telling. This book touched on a few real life situations that made it, in areas, a tear-jerking heartbreaker, The fact that Cordelia is basically being abused both physically and mentally by her mother, being made to do and say things against her will by compulsion or obedience as stated in the story. Then being forced to lie about her age for the purposes of marrying a wealthy suitor in an attempt to secure her mother's financial security. Every time these scenes came up I was an emotional wreck, angry and sad at the same time.. Cordelia could have been my niece, whew! I was exhausted.

Hester calling Cordelia's mother danger throughout the book made me giggle for some reason. I could picture the two siblings eyeballing each other and the sassy sister giving the "You can't be serious" face to her brother lol. It was also heartwarming when she began reflecting on love and aging.

I don't want to give away too much of the book.

This was a 10 out of 10 for me.

I LOVED IT!

Out on August 6, 2024! Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for my ARC.

T.Kingfisher is back at it again with another gothic tale that will make you feel anger, nauseau, dread, but also hope and love! This was darker than I anticipated, but I loved it! This is loosely inspired from a Brothers Grimm fairytale that covers shapeshifting and magic, trickery, murder, and a poor girl that is taken advantage of. A lot of the details have been changed though, so if you read the original story, you won't spoil anything here.

To start things off: Evangeline was horrendous! From cover to cover I hated that woman. Poor Cordelia had to put up with her for her entire life (14 years old), while I only did for 11 hours and I don't know how I managed it without throwing something. This was the main reason why I did not rate this book 5 stars. There is nothing wrong with the writing or characterization of Evangeline, she is an amazing villain. I just don't like spending most of a book feeling rage towards a character. However, it needed to be done! We need a seemingly unstoppable villain that would not see reason, and Evangeline fit the bill. There was a lovely juxtaposition between the crass and selfish depiction of Evangeline and the crass (in a good way), witty, humble, and caring depiction of Hester. I would love to live with Hester and spend all day playing cards, doing crafts, taking merry little jaunts via horseback, and talking crap with her, Imogen Strauss, and Penelope Green.

The storyline is eerie, creepy, and gorey at times. It also has a signature quirk to it that I'm beginning ot notice with T.Kingfisher's writing. The gore was very horror-esque, but I wish there was more tension building up. I didn't find myself on the edge of my seat while reading this book. But I was very curious on how the plot would play out and how the gang would band together to stop Evangeline from her dubious plan.

Summary: 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.

Review: I ADORED this book. I was enthralled the entire time I was reading. The entire time. I loved the story and the magic and the different characters. This would be a perfect, magical October read. Perfection. The audiobook was amazing as well.

As my first fantasy read from author T. Kingfisher, this was such a fun book! I loved the premise and how the cast of characters came together to accomplish their goal. The dialogue was enjoyable and I really felt immersed in the story, which is usual for T. Kingfisher's stories.

I have a 3-strikes-and-you're-out policy with authors and unfortunately this is number 3 for T. Kingfisher (for me) I cannot possibly place my finger on what it is about these books that never scratches the itch in my brain. I wish I had better news.

This was an easy story to get into. The writing was eloquent and fluid. The mother-daughter relationship was remarkably well thought out and present in the daughters every thought, behavior and mannerisms. You really are able to connect and understand her POV. Great dark gothic story. As I have never read the story this is a rework of I cannot say whether it is an accurate representation of it or not. Will continue to love and enjoy all of T. Kingfisher. The narrator on this novel did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.

A Sorceress Comes to Call is a dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm's Goose Girl, filled with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic. The story follows Cordelia, a young girl who lives in a strange house and under the strict control of her unusual mother. When her mother decides it's time to find Cordelia a husband, they move into the home of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his kind, intelligent sister, Hester. Cordelia quickly realizes her mother intends to bewitch the Squire into marriage, leaving Hester to face the challenge of saving her brother and helping Cordelia escape a grim fate.

I found this book incredibly engaging. The familiar fairy tale setup felt cozy, but the dark twist added a layer of tension that kept me hooked. T. Kingfisher skillfully blended classic elements with fresh, darker tones, making the story both nostalgic and thrilling. The characters were well-developed, and the plot moved at a satisfying pace.

As for the audiobook, while I don't usually focus on rating them separately from the story, I can say this one was well-produced. The narrators were perfect for their roles, bringing distinct voices and personalities to the characters, which added positively to the story's atmosphere. It was easy to follow and enhanced the overall experience.

While the book didn't quite reach five-star territory for me, as it lacked just a bit of depth that would make it truly unforgettable, I still appreciated the craftsmanship. It's a well-told tale that balances comfort and suspense, perfect for those who enjoy dark fairy tales.



Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC & ALC of this book. All opinions are my own.

4.5 Stars
I haven't read anything from this author before and after this book I will definitely start as I really enjoyed this book! This was told from the perspectives of Cordelia and Hester who were both awesome characters to follow - Cordelia was such a relatable character and had me rooting for her from the start and I loved to see her growth throughout this. I liked the way the author subtly incorporated elements of the original Goose Girl fairy tale in this while creating a story that stands strongly on it's own as well. The audiobook narrators did a really great job at pulling me into this story (I finished it in 1 day lol) and telling it in an eerie and captivating way.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

This is not my usual pick for a book but I actually really enjoyed this one. It's inspired by the Grimm Brother's, Goose Girl and you can definitely tell pretty quickly. This book is not for the faint of heart and you shouldn't be expecting a happy fairytale for sure. Cordelia knows her mother is strange but doesn't totally understand at first. She and her mother flee their small town after a murder and her mother starts to lure a wealthy squire into marriage. What her mother didn't anticipate was that wealthy squire's sister and Cordelia forming a bond. The side characters provided some much needed comic relief in spots. Overall, this was an interesting book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for the arc of this book.

This book was both Magical and Creepy. I loved the ending with the messed up horse lol. I don't want to give away a lot of details. I was able to listen to this at work and could keep up, I am sure some of my coworkers heard me gasp a couple times. I will continue to read anything this Author puts out :)

Does anyone do retellings quite like T. Kingfisher?!?

A Sorceress Comes to Call follows Cordelia, whose sorceress mother Evangeline is after a new husband and will do anything to find one. Cordelia gets pulled into a new household, a new life, and set of expectations. There is an overwhelming sense of dread and creepy atmosphere that totally captivated me.

The characters are all wonderful, you never know Evangeline's next move, Cordelia is a wonderful main character to follow with her bravery and innocence, and our other POV character Hester is such a force of nature!

Totally dark and beautiful, this is T. Kingfisher at her best!

t kingfisher never misses!!!
a perfect book to read in one sitting. easy to follow, though well written and a perfectly layered plot. interesting and magical story, cast of characters, and a touch of horror. loved the choice of setting - regency/edwardian society without being too heavy handed, did well on focusing the implications of the villany of cordillias mother and the horse...
don't know/don' remeber the goose girl so i cannot speak on this story in terms of a retelling

loved that the audiobook chose two narrators, it made the characters come more alive!

the reference to nettle & bone🖤🖤🖤

Dear Author,

I knew nothing of the Brother’s Grim tale of Goose Girl before partaking in this particular horror fantasy , but that didn’t matter. You’re telling engaged and ignited my imagination.

You intrigued and pulled on my heartstrings in the beginning , well throughout the book, following Cordelia through the horror of dealing with such a abusive mother, I wanted to help, but I was stuck on this side of the page! I was rooting for her mother’s end!

It lulled in the middle and I was worried it wasn’t going anywhere. Which is precisely when the shock and horror driven scenes recaptured my interest. In the end you had me on the edge of my seat, I wanted to know what would happen. I must know!

This was a great book. I liked the narrators, although occasionally I sped up the reading speed to get through the slow telling of it. Overall a great book and good audiobook.


Yours truly,
J. D. McCoughtry

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to this e-arc audiobook.