I really enjoyed this! I found T Kingfisher through their horror novels and this book has convinced me to explore their fantasy books next. I love this authors characters, the way she writes female characters, and her prose which never fail to evoke emotion and strong visual. She is a master of atmospheric novels, bringing all five senses into her descriptions. In thus story I immediately loved Hester and was so pleased to get to know HER as a character before there was any hint of a love interest. I listened to the Macmillan audio of this novel and also loved both narrators. They did a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of the characters.

T. Kingfisher is an auto-buy author. She just does such a great job setting up creepy atmospheres that are believable. And this book is no exception to her world building expertise. The vibes were immaculate-- I only wish that I read this closer to fall. While I am usually here for the plot and creepy vibes, I actually think the characters are the shining star of this book. The supporting cast of characters in particular are excellent. Hester, Penelope, Willard and Alice all come across as so wholesome (esp. because they are juxtaposed against the very villainous mother). You just cannot help rooting for them. The pacing of the story was great. The beginning is a lot of set up so, understandably that reads a bit slower than the rest. It really picked up once we started to meet the other characters beyond Cordelia and Evangeline. I read the audiobook version and really enjoyed the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an ARC of this audiobook.

I listened to the audiobook of this novel and it was just so fantastic. I knew I would like this before even starting it since any dark fantasy by T. Kingfisher is bound to be great, but this was just such a delight to read and delivered in every way possible. I love the characters in this book, and I really enjoy how Kingfisher didn't gloss over the side characters, They felt like individuals and complete even though they weren't one of the two main POVs. The whole book was frustrating yet satisfying. The one unfortunate thing is that I don't think this helped me get over my aversion to horses. Besides that, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor for this ALC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC! This was a really great book, highly recommend the audio version especially. I felt like I was with the characters which is rare an author can do that. I didn't really know the goose girl story but it did not affect my understanding or knowledge; it was interesting to compare and read about it after, though. My first T. Kingfisher book but now I will be sure to read more.

This was 10 hours of perfectly constructed dread. I couldn't do anything else until I finished the book and knew how it ended. Gothic + Victorian vibes with fabulous POV characters in the teen Cordelia trying to survive her sorceress mother while protecting those around her, and middle age Hester figuring out how to thwart the same woman from ensnaring her brother in marriage. Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens complimented each other perfectly in the narration.

A Sorceress Comes to Call is (another) amazing story by T. Kingfisher. I have to admit that I was already a fan, but this novel hits so many checkboxes: fairy tale retelling, sassy characters, ladies who get it done, found family, and magic? Honestly, what’s not to love here? I loved the contrast between Cordelia and Hester- they were really captivating alone, and the way that their voices played off one another was fabulous. Hester was sassy and had so much voice, which I found really refreshing, especially since it’s a nice twist for what we normally expect to see in a fairy tale/fairy tale-esque telling. There really weren’t any misses throughout this novel for me- I thought the pacing was great and the characters memorable and all important. I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, and both the readers were fabulous. I thought their voices played off each other well and their pacing was spot on. I found myself making up excuses to listen to this audiobook and being really excited to hear more of the story. Overall a fabulous read, and one that I’ll recommend! Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC!

100% pure magic. A Sorceress Comes to Call enveloped me from the first chapter.

Once I started, I didn’t want to stop (It’s rare that I read only one book and will often switch between titles, but not with this). The slow buildup was masterfully executed and I really wish I could re-read this for the first time again. What a terrific, suspenseful, and enjoyable story 😍 The majority of the characters are richly written and their personalities leap off the pages (with the exception of Evangeline and, to a degree, the Squire).
This was my first book by the author - it absolutely will not be the last (I am currently trying to decide which previous title to start with).

However, please know that it left me with some unanswered questions that I’ve continued to reflect on, hence 4.5 stars, not a full 5.

After reading, I was fortunate enough to receive an early audiobook for this and the dual narration of Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens elevated this story even further, capturing the buildup and suspense wonderfully well.

The audiobook cemented this as a favorite read of 2024, and despite the lingering questions, I give this a wholehearted recommendation.



Thank you to Tor Books; Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the DRC and audiobook

I think some people will absolutely love this book but for me it wasn’t happening. I wanted so much more fantasy out of this book and it’s just not. It’s almost a thriller/horror book with fantasy elements because there’s a sorceress.

The opening of the book had me absolutely hooked. But from there, it seemed like the author really got away from the sorcery parts of the book and focused on the mother and daughter trying to find a husband. And why? I don’t understand why a sorceress would ever get married if it gives up your powers?

The horse was a really cool and creepy part of the story. By far the best character was Hester. She had some of the best lines of the book. I was more interested in her love story than the sorceress.

I think T Kingfisher’s loyal readers who like horror books, will enjoy this one. I think their story telling is great and they’re such a good writer. It was just this story wasn’t meant for me.

Audiobook notes: the narration of this book is really well done. I thought it flowed very well and was easy to understand and listen to. I would recommend this as an audio!

T. Kingfisher is absolutely unbelievable with the books she writes. She never fails at keeping me intrigued and her writing style is spot on with my taste in reading. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read/listen to this arc! 🙏 The audiobook is, without a doubt, the cherry on top that made this whole book such an experience.

4.5 stars. Another enthralling book from this author. I honestly have a hard time putting her books down, and this was no exception. More authors should take out of T. Kingfisher's book and have more older characters in their novels. It always makes them feel so much more real and that realism draws me in.

Honestly, I was a little disappointed considering how much I enjoyed multiple other T. Kingfishers. The first 2/3 was pretty slow and not too interesting with little magic /fantasy. The last 3rd was better though still not at the level I had expected. The story could have been more enjoyable if edited down to a short story and could have gotten the same story across.

I will continue to pick up T. Kingfisher's next fantasy. But this one was just ok.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced audiobook for review.

First things first- I’m unfamiliar with the story that “A Sorceress Comes to Call” is a retelling of: Goose Girl. Because of this, I cannot comment on it as a retelling. I am also unfamiliar with T. Kingfisher’s work as a whole.

“A Sorceress Comes to Call” almost lured me into obedience, like the main character Cordelia is by her mother. The beginning of the book felt like not much was actually happening, but I could not put it down. T. Kingfisher is an amazing writer that knows how to captivate an audience.

T. Kingfisher’s most recent work has something that all good books need for me: lovable characters. You root for Cordelia from the start. You find yourself trusting Hester. You laugh at the things Imogene says. But there are also characters you hate so much, that you cannot help but root for their downfall. And isn’t that fun too?

I listened to the audiobook and felt both narrators did an amazing job. I feel like listening to the audiobook enhanced the experience.

After reading “A Sorceress Comes to Call” I will definitely be picking up more T. Kingfisher novels.

When T. Kingfisher writes it, I read it! This is yet another incredible hit. I love how the author creates an atmosphere that enriches the book on multiple levels. Unfamiliar with Grimms' "Goose Girl," I found everything fresh and original in Kingfisher's voice. The story felt like a dark coming-of-age tale, infused with mystery, magic, and murder! While the pacing occasionally seemed uneven, I never mind slowing down in T. Kingfisher's books to savor the story. I also felt the pacing reflected the main character's emotions and the lull in her life before everything intensified and a lot started happening. I felt like a conspirator along with the characters, and always interested in what was going to happen next.

If you enjoy T. Kingfisher's work, this book will be another hit for you!

I had a chance to also listen to the audiobook and the narration was great. I don't think that it necessarily added anything to the story but I can always appreciate a crisp and clear narration.

'Crying was not acceptable. That had been one of the first lessons of being made obedient. Cordelia was fourteen and too old to cry for seemingly no reason, because of course, she could not tell anyone the reason.'

A Sorceress Comes to Call is a dark, chilling tale of Cordelia, the sorceress's daughter, realizing she doesn't have to stay in her mother's control, and Hester, a beloved spinster trying her best to wrench her brother from the sorceress's charms.

I haven't seen a lot of similarity with The Goose Girl fairytale, as it was advertised, but soon saw that this story stands very well on its own. T. Kingfisher's voice is as brilliant as always, the tone of the story is more uncanny and fairytale like than her usual wryly humourous.

The world-building is great, starting out with little information, but soon digging up books on magic with good detail! And I like characters that do their proper share of research in libraries! The eerie uncanny magic shown here fits in great with the dark vibes of the book.

The vivid characters are the strong foundation for this book. Cordelia has the largest growth arc, and shows tremendous strength in overcoming her mother, a woman who truly does not seem to care for her. The older characters are drawn well and though they don't change much, they find their own version of a happy ending! There is a great deal of trust between Hester and her friends, which is wonderful and really shines towards the end.

Thanks to NetGalley, T. Kingfisher and Macmillan Audio/ Tor Publishing group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and the narrators Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens did a great job with it.
The quote is from the ARC and can change in the published version.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The rating for this book is 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars. I wavered a bit, but apart from the fact that I almost always round up, this book really drew me in even when I was busy.

[One star for the premise and the whole book; One star for the story; 3/4 star for the characters; 3/4 star for the writing; One star for the world-building and description - 4 1/2 stars in total.]

A dark, gripping fairytale.

4.5 stars

While this book is being marketed as a retelling of the Brothers Grimm's "[book:The Goose-Girl|59450541]", the only similarity to the original text I could find (besides the presence of some geese here and there) is the horse named Falada, but even the horse's role is much different in "A Sorceress Comes to Call". So if you're going into this story expecting the tale of a beautiful princess whose identity is stolen by her handmaid on the way to meet her betrothed prince and who then becomes a common goose girl until the king realizes who she is, think again.

This is, instead, the story of Evangeline, an evil sorceress, and her daughter, timid, fourteen-year old Cordelia who is controlled by her mother's magic. Determined to find a rich husband for herself and marry her daughter off to an even richer one, Evangeline soon sets her sights on a kind man, the Squire, who lives with his unwed elderly sister, Hester. Immediately suspicious of Evangeline and her intentions, Hester soon realizes that the truth behind Evangeline - and, for that matter, her horse, Falada - is much more sinister than she expected.

Eery, dark, and gripping, the story is so much better than what a simple reimagining of "The Goose Girl" could have yielded. The characters are complex, the plot is sinister, the writing is exquisite and the ending satisfying, if slightly rushed compared to the long build-up.

Despite the relative length of the book, I was so engrossed by the storytelling that I finished it in two days.

A dark fairytale that's excellent in its own right.

I listened to the audiobook version. The production was flawless, and the narrator did an outstanding job.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"A Sorceress Comes to Call" is slated to be published on August 6, 2024.

First off, the narration for this one was so good. The voice was very easy to follow and really brought you into the workings of the story. Definitely reccomend the audiobook.

As per usual, I love anything Kingfisher. I love the way the author takes fairytale stories and turns them into dark, disturbing tales. Though I do prefer her more dark originals.

This one was so fun and you could really feel the FMC's anguish as we find out about her mother and familiar. I loved all the twists and turns. The characters were great in getting to know them all and how they worked together throughout the story.

I loved seeing Cordelia grow into herself and find the confidence in herself and the people around her.

I will forever chase any new Kingfisher I can get my hands on.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sending me an advanced audiobook of A Sorceress Comes to Call in exchange for review.

4 stars

This is surprisingly my first T. Kingfisher and I will definitely be diving deep into their other works.

The vibe of this book was like Clue? But also with magic and abusive mothers, horse familiars and geese. I loved Cordelia, and even more so the people that helped her. Richard, Hester and Penelope were fantastic and I do love a good hunt. Trying to prove and expose deceit and wrongdoings. It wasn’t as spooky of a vibe as I had imagined and while it was still incredibly off putting the events that happened it maintained a light comedic atmosphere which is probably why it felt similar to Clue. This was apparently a retelling of something I’ve never read before so maybe I will look into that as well.

I’m very excited for my upcoming Kingfisher journey.

Thank you again for letting me listen!

This book took me completely by surprise! I've never read a T. Kingfisher full novel before (only a novella that I didn't really love, but I also don't like novellas much), but I requested in knowing how many good things I've heard about her work before. And this book was AWESOME!

Right from the get go, it really pulled me in. We immediately see poor Cordelia being made obedient by her mother in church, and know just how terrifying it is to not be in control of any part of your body except for your eyes. Kingfisher does a great job of introducing every character and giving them a personality so that you're scared that they might get hurt or killed off, and it really makes it a much more thrilling book!

There's a bit of adventure, some magic, good friendships and relationships, humor, all tied together with the stress of "will Cordelia and friends be able to kill her mother or not?"

I don't want to say too much more so I just advise you pick this one up (whether it be written or audio) and just enjoy the ride!

Apparently based on The Goose Girl, but I didn’t remember the fable well enough to make links. A young girl is used to being “made obedient”—puppeted—by her sorceress mother. When her mother decides it’s time to leave and find a wealthy husband, she has to navigate her first extended exposure to other people who aren’t horrible abusers. Meanwhile, the target’s sister, a woman in her fifties with bad knees, has to figure out what to do about the sorceress, who—if she succeeds in enchanting the brother—can do basically anything she wants as the new mistress of the house. But at least there are also some friends to help. Body horror, including a version of Kingfisher’s now-standard bone horse.

4.5 stars

T. Kingfisher has once again knocked it out of the park. I love a good fairy tale retelling and this retelling of Goose Girl was SO good. Kingfisher truly shines when it comes to character work. Cordelia and Hester were amazing characters and I loved their development so much. Even the side characters were so well fleshed out. The pacing had me on the edge of my seat and I felt like I was right there alongside everyone helping them plot and scheme. I loved all the twists and turns and could not stop listening to this audiobook. One of the major themes is parental abuse, so keep that in mind before starting.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.