Out of all reimagined fairy tales I have ever read, this one definitely takes the story in the most unexpected direction. I loved the intrigue of the evil queen having willing accomplices and the grotesque imagery of what lives on the other side of the mirror.

As far as main characters go, T. Kingfisher certainly has her favorite type, and as loveable as it is, I would love to have a different MC every now and then, and who knows maybe even a different kind of romance? Don't get me wrong, I love down-to-earth MCs and how very normal and relatable they are, but after a few books, they start to all feel the same in the way that makes me think they are all the same person and there's not much to give them unique voices.

Overall, I found Hemlock & Silver to be an enjoyable light read with an original plot and a creepy, but fascinating mirror-world.

At this point it’s hard to write a review of a T. Kingfisher novel—not because of the pace of publication, though that is breakneck (four books this year! Four!), and not because of the quality of the prose, which is unwaveringly compelling, or even the narratives, which are consistently innovative. It’s the rare combination of all these: how the hell do you say read this author any more often or louder?

Anyway: read this author! And specifically in this case, read this book! Which one? This time I’m talking about Hemlock and Silver, Kingfisher’s take on Snow White. There’s ample humor and ample horror, as is usual for a Kingfisher novel. Also, we have the standard T. Kingfisher heroine, which is to say, someone a bit older, fairly sensible, and whose advantages of birth do not eclipse the advantages she has earned through hard work and pathological inquisitiveness. Anja may be the daughter of a wealthy and well-connected merchant, but she took those advantages and ran with them, straight into the arms of…meticulous medical research? Yes, ever since a childhood incident, Anja has been obsessed by poisons—which is the dark and dramatic way to describe her interest. More accurately, Anja is obsessed with antidotes: she studies poisons in order to find cures, or if not cures, then at least treatments and preventative measures.

Her work is important but receives little attention until the day the king comes knocking. The young princess is ill. None of the many, many doctors in the court or country can find out what’s wrong. Can Anja help?

When a king asks, it’s not truly a question. So Anja packs up her supplies and musters all her
skills both scientific and social, with the social being the far more fraught of the two.

I found that, as I suspect most readers will, Anja is an extremely likeable character. Her likability, however, is not within the traditional bounds of what we expect from either women, or SFF characters, or SFF women. She’s interesting, funny (though often inadvertently so), smart, and capable, and she does good work for others without asking or expecting anything in return. However, as she herself points out, as a woman she is also expected to be nurturing, socially competent, and readily emotional, and she is none of these things.

I really appreciated Anja’s lack of bedside manner and her awkwardness when talking about anything beyond snake venom or the scientific method. It’s nice to see a three-dimensional female character, of course, but I expect nothing less from Kingfisher at this point. Instead I’m grateful to Anja for being and pointing toward so many more interesting roles for SFF protagonists. I’ve had my share of both scullions and sorcerers—but fortunately, here, we have what I’d never expected: a SFF health inspector.

Yes, Kingfisher has imagined her world so well that Anja at one point proposes—not marriage, or peace, or anything similarly grand—but product regulation measures to the king. I think that’s beautiful. It’s a real triumph of world building when you have a full understanding of how people deal with the everyday nuisances, whether that’s household vermin or food safety or the limitations of using avian test subjects.

Such is the power of Kingfisher’s imagination that all this is actually relevant to Snow White, both the original story and the girl herself. It’s incredible to see how, in Kingfisher’s capable hands, the most iconic elements are reshaped but never lose their essential symbolic freight: an apple is very much still a fruit of danger and temptation; an evil queen does threaten the princess; and with a nod to China Miéville’s The Tain (also found in his collection Looking For Jake), a mirror is the source of both truth and madness.

Speaking of which, Kingfisher never forgets to turn the mirror of SFF on to our current society. She’s always been a writer with a strong social conscience, but I’d like to specifically celebrate the way she gives attention and compassion to people with addictions. Anja is one of the few people willing to treat those who use “lotus smoke,” and is even working on a way to reverse the drug’s effects. And it is specifically because Anja cares for these lives that others devalue that she is able to create a happier ending for herself and others. I love that the fate of the kingdom’s princess is necessarily linked to the fate of the kingdom’s most scorned and forgotten citizens.

Want to know how Kingfisher manages all this? Well…good. You should. Go read Hemlock and Silver the moment it’s available and you’ll find out.

Hemlock and Silver will be released August 19, 2025.

This is one of my favorite T Kingfisher reads. The Snow White retelling was done in a way I found to be unique but also so typically Kingfisher. The main characters are in their late 30s, they are are so incredibly awkward, and the dry humor with frequent breaks in the fourth wall are just a few of the things I come to expect from Kingfisher.
The romance subplot was meh but the poison mystery wasn't. There are elements that are also typical of the author's horror works but this story is not in that genre.
Lastly, the cat is my favorite. Honestly, found him to be the most similar to his real life counterpart and I am thoroughly a cat person.
Overall this fairy tale retelling was an enjoyable read, blending the classic ideas with the author's own voice.

Kingfisher does it again with a "retelling" of Snow White, thankfully, this time with no dwarves or a rescuing prince. Instead, our heroine, Anja, is a a "healer," but really, she just wants to find cures for poisons -- aka she'd really be happiest in a research lab and never deal with people again, but alas, there is no such thing in this magical world. Anja is summoned by the king to cure his daughter, Snow, of suspected poisoning -- but instead literally falls into an alternate mirror world full of terrifying creatures and possibilities. Can she solve Snow's poisoning before it's too late? And fall in love with her stoic bodyguard Javier? And there's a sassy talking cat, of course.

I love T. Kingfisher.

That being said, this book was more of a struggle for me. It did not feel like the story actually started until about a third of the way into the story. Once it did start, then I really dove into and enjoyed the story. It's always nice to read a fantasy book that doesn't center around a precocious teen, and Kingfisher always has such interesting takes on fairy tales and how to make them seem new while still holding true to the heart of the tale. Once again, like in Thornhedge, she shows how to edit and subvert expectations for what we feel should happen vs. what her story needs to happen.

One of my favorite parts was how our main character is so obviously neurodivergent, but is accepted by everyone and finds friendship and love around her.

Kingfisher is probably my favorite living author at this point so I am not the most unbiased person to be giving a review. Nonetheless, this was another banger. The belief systems she creates for her worlds are always so compelling to me and I will be keeping these Saints with me for awhile. The slow burn romance was more slow than burn, but that was more than made up for by the amount of times I snort laughed. Of course, with this author there will be at least two times (imo) where you will have to put the book down and just.... why would you do that? This author is too good at coming up with an original idea and then taking it all the way to the most horrifying conclusion ever. To be fair, that is why I keep coming back. Romance, humor, great characters and world building and the small horrors just tucked in the heart. First rate.

I thought this was a wonderful story! I love T. Kingfisher. I enjoyed the unique world building, the characters, and their individual development. I wish there was a little bit more romance - but, I was satisfied with what I had. I wouldn't call this a romantasy - a fantasy with a dash of romance, yes. I will be adding this to my bookshelf on release.

Everytime I think T. Kingfisher can't find a new way to blow my mind, she goes and proves me wrong.

This book was fascinating. Everything from the worldbuilding (incredibly rich and lush), to the characters (beautifully complex and hilarious), and even the magical mystery (gripping from start to finish). I encourage everyone to pick this up ASAP.

I know the story takes elements from Snow White, but tbh I found it to be an incredibly unique and compelling mashup of Snow White and Alice in Wonderland, while being its own wonderful self. The mirror realm is just so fricking cool and creative and unsettling. Like I want to visit but also please no.

Above all, T. Kingfisher knows the power of humor to balance heavy topics and darker themes. She is a master at her craft, and this story is just another home run to add to her list of winners. Brava.

An unexpected and non-traditional Snow White retelling with bite — Hemlock and Silver brings a refreshingly mature heroine to the page. Anja, a poison healer with a sharp mind and sharper stubbornness, is called to court to solve a royal mystery. While her intense focus on poison sometimes limits her dimension, her methodical and scientific approach to decision-making was a breath of fresh air.

This was my first T. Kingfisher novel, and I loved the balance of eerie atmosphere, humor, and subtle horror. As a sensitive reader, I’m usually horror-avoidant, but this one struck just the right balance — creepy enough to raise goosebumps, never gratuitous.

The pacing was a tad slow at the beginning, but once we are introduced to the magic - the writing, banter, and world are captivating. I only wish that we’d spent more time exploring the magic hidden beneath the surface.

A bold and fascinating take on Snow White, T Kingfisher knocks it out of the park with her latest fairy tale fantasy. It has poison, intrigue, a secret mirror world, and a talking cat — I couldn't have asked for more. This is my new favorite Kingfisher for sure.

Hemlock and Silver by T. Kingfisher is a haunting, beautifully woven story that blends folklore, horror, and heart with masterful ease. This beautiful gothic snow white retelling has beautiful plus sized Anja at the center of the story, a quiet but formidable heroine whose strength lies in compassion, resilience, and a quiet kind of bravery that lingers long after the final page.

When Anja’s niece is stolen away by the malevolent elves of the Hollow Places, she ventures into their eerie, shifting world with nothing but practical magic and sheer determination. The journey is harrowing and surreal, filled with unsettling beauty, ancient bargains, and creeping dread. Anja’s inner strength and grief are portrayed with such honesty and nuance that her story feels timeless.

Kingfisher writes with a lyrical sharpness that cuts to the bone. The world she builds is terrifying and strange, but never gratuitous. Her monsters are eerie, her magic is grounded, and her protagonist is unforgettable. Anja is not a warrior or a chosen one. She is a woman who has suffered and survived, and that makes her powerful in a way that feels both mythic and real.

Hemlock and Silver is a fairy tale for grown-ups that stays with you. It is wise, tender, terrifying, and ultimately hopeful. An absolute must-read for fans of dark folklore and character-driven fantasy.

I will be posting my review on my bookstagram the day before release to build momentum’ ! and on amazon on release day!

5*

T Kingfisher writes, I read. I don't expect that to ever change.

Her diverse characters, strong understanding of the depth and breadth of human desires all wrapped up in a magical setting with hot, gruff speaking guards should be enough to drive anyone to pick up a copy of this book and absolutely devour it.

I've loved pretty much every prior Kingfisher book that I've read, so I was really excited for Hemlock & Silver, but this one didn't land as well as the others for me.

I liked the concept of a Snow White retelling following a poison expert called to investigate a mystery, but unfortunately the main character was a bit one dimensional and the plot took too long.

The Characters: Anja started off pretty strong for me, but she never really went anywhere. Essentially her whole personality was her obsession with poison, but even that ended up feeling bland and underdeveloped. I did end up really liking the main guard side character, but Anja being so boring to me meant that their whole dynamic was lacking. Kingfisher always nails the animal side characters and that does continue here, which did help.

The Plot: I really liked the the horror elements in Hemlock & Silver. Some of the descriptions and creatures were genuinely creepy and there was one particularly ominous scene that did have me making sure my bedroom door was closed. I liked where the plot was going, but it took too long to get there. Characters took too long to accept what was right in front of them and notice things that seemed really obvious. Certain elements waited until the plot wanted them to appear, rather than having any real reason to stay hidden.

Overall, this was unfortunately just a letdown. If you're looking for a good Kingfisher fantasy retelling, I'd recommend Nettle and Bone or A Sorceress Comes to Call instead.

A very worthy addition to the T. Kingfisher adventure/romance books. This is more of a medical mystery than a sword and swashbuckler, and a bit creepy but not overtly so. Enjoyable, engaging characters and an eerie mystery that has a wild twist. As good as the Saint's of Steel series. If you like T. Kingfisher you will like this.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early review copy.


This was immediately fantastic, although it took a while to reveal its plot to me, it took no time at all for me to be completely charmed by the protagonist. I enjoyed being surprised by the story, so I won't reveal too much here, except to say that this is somewhat inspired by the old Snow White tale. (This is NOT a retelling, it's just sort of <i>somewhat</i> inspired ... )


There are so many funny and beautiful passages, I wish I could quote them here, but since I read an ARC they ask us not to quote it. Trust me on this: I laughed out loud multiple times, which is rare.


I loved that the protagonist, Anja, was a slightly older (in her mid thirties), slightly larger, woman then we usually get in fairy tale retellings. I loved the whiff of romance. I loved everything about this.

I must confess I’ve never seen the movie of Snow White or read any Snow White retellings before, so I only vaguely know the story. Normally retellings are not that interesting to me, but I love T. Kingfisher so that’s why I read this book. And I really enjoyed it!

Hemlock & Silver plays on the idea of poisoned apples from Snow White, but much of the rest of the story has been changed. Mirrors are a motif throughout the narrative, but they’re used differently than how the original story uses them.

I really enjoyed all the characters here. Anya is a healer of sorts, specializing in poisons. I loved her personality. Javier is the bodyguard and love interest, although he doesn’t become the love interest until very late into the story. I love his banter with Anya. Snow was interesting, and I enjoyed following along with the mystery of the poison apples.

I ending up having a really fun time reading this book, and I would definitely recommend it. It’s a standalone mysterious fantasy fairy tale reimagining with lots of banter and closed-door romance. T. Kingfisher is excellent, and I will continue to read everything she writes.

T. Kingfisher has once again cracked open a fairy tale and let something strange and brilliant crawl out. Hemlock and Silver is a dark, funny, and fiercely original take on Snow White—but instead of glass coffins and dainty apples, we get creeping woods, twisted magic, and a heroine who refuses to stay passive.

The imagery is so vivid you can practically smell the damp earth and wild herbs. Every page felt like wandering deeper into an enchanted forest where anything might snarl, bloom, or bite. The plot moves like a fairy tale should—with menace, wonder, and the occasional deeply satisfying burst of violence.

If you like your retellings with bite, and your heroines with grit, this is your next read.

My latest review book from Net Galley is Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher. I should note that I am a huge fan of this writer. I love her horror books and especially her Paladin books. So I was super excited to read Hemlock & Silver. I figured I would enjoy it and I was right.

What’s Hemlock & Silver about?

Hemlock & Silver is a dark reimagining of Snow White. This version focuses on a Healer named Anja who specializes in poisons. She’s always looking to find cures to poisons. And one day, the king stops by and asks her if she can help cure his daughter Snow. Anja has no idea what she’s getting into! When she starts trying to treat Snow, she can’t figure out whats wrong with her. Then she discovers a mysterious mirror world that might hold the key to Snow’s illness. Can Anja save Snow?

There is definitely more to this book than meets the eye. T. Kingfisher takes the classic Snow White tale as a starting point and crafts a very original take on the story. There are some very surprising twists and turns! There’s also a romantic plot that reminds me a lot of Kingfisher’s Paladin series.

In fact, Hemlock & Silver felt like a Paladin story meets Snow White. The world of this tale felt similar to what T. Kingfisher crafted in the Paladin books. I loved that. I’m such a huge fan of those books and the similarity made me love Hemlock & Silver even more.

While there is a lot of fairy tale like qualities to the story, Hemlock & Silver is a dark imagining of Snow White and so it does have some really scary moments. There is one moment in the book that may give me nightmares if I think about it too much. Whew.

That said, Anja is a wonderful main character who adds humor, sometimes dark humor, to the story and keeps the story from becoming too dark. Hemlock & Silver also has a very good ending!

Overall, I loved this book. I think I might even like this story more than the classic Snow White tale. Its just so really well done. T. Kingfisher is an excellent writer and if you haven’t read any of her books, this is an excellent place to start. And if you have read her books, well, you are in for another treat when Hemlock & Silver comes out in August.

Hemlock & Silver comes out on August 19th, 2025. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing this early digital copy.

This book was at once a fun adventure, a joy for my inner alchemist, and a fresh take on a new magic system. Anyone who's read any of T. Kingfisher's other fantastic books can expect the same level of world-building and enjoyable realistic character development. The narrative proceeds at compelling pace from start to finish, making this clever twist on Snow White dangerous for commuters who need to keep track of their journey. All told, this is a fantastic book for folks who already enjoy fantasy and for reluctant readers alike.

i love t. kingfisher with all my heart and soul. she is my FAVORITE author of all time.

but the lead-up to the whole adventure is just too slow, for me, at least. i love the idea for this book and i adore the characters. and i knew once i got to them being in the mirror world, i'd be sucked in, and i was, i loved the second half of the book. i just wish it had taken faster to get there.