Hemlock and Silver is a retelling of Snow White, but very loosely. There is a character named Snow, and one named Rose as a nod to the original Snow White and Rose Red. Otherwise, the story deviates from the original. Anja is a healer who is very good with poisons, and is summoned by the king to find out what is wrong with his daughter Snow, who is mysteriously ill and has been since the queen was killed by the king for murdering her sister. She travels to a manor house to see her patient and test for different kinds of poison that could be making her sick, but can't figure out what's wrong, until she catches Snow eating a strange fruit that came from nowhere. This is where the story picks up the pace. Anja discovers that there is another world on the other side of the mirrors in the house. The people on the other side of the mirror don't move unless they are reflected by a mirror. Anja realizes that Snow must be getting the fruit from the mirrors somehow, but there's much more going on in the mirror world than she originally thought. The magic is dangerous, and there's another queen who wants to leave the mirror. Anja and her guard Javier are swept into a world they had no idea was possible on a quest to save the princess.

This was my first T. Kingfisher book and it blew me away! Such a beautifully written retelling of Snow White. To follow Anja and her curiosity of potions, creating and experimenting antidotes was like actually being there. Her search for a cure for the King's daughter after an unfortunate incident by the queen, takes us on a journey like no other. To know all the twists and turns of this crafted retelling, pre-order your copy.

I really love the concept of this book, and am intrigued by it, but I'm not the biggest fan of the narration style. I've read about a quarter of the book, and I'm not opposed to giving it another shot, but it didn't grab my attention the way that I need it to for how many books are on my tbr. I took a break from reading it and just haven't had the urge to come back to it.

T Kingfisher, I love you. This was an amazing and unexpected Snow White retelling. The beginning was a bit slow, but in the true Kingfisher fashion, the pace picks up dramatically after a quarter of the way through. Anja is such a compelling main character. I love that she was a grown woman (35) and was so immersed in her poisons work that she wasn’t focused on societal pressures or social expectations. Even being a Snow White retelling, the twist was innovative, and the atmosphere was sufficiently creepy. I like the way that the plot progressed. I liked the romantic subplot because it was very subtle yet came to a satisfying conclusion. The story overall came to a satisfying conclusion, however, I do wish that the science from the first half and the magic of the second half had been brought together more. T Kingfisher, I have placed you on my automatic buy list.

Eating Poison and Whatever…

T. Kingfisher, Hemlock & Silver (New York: Tor Books, August 19, 2025). Hardcover: $28.99. 368pp, Fantasy. ISBN: 978-1-250342-03-4.

**

“A… hardcover edition featuring bright green sprayed edges, a foil stamp on the casing, and custom endpapers illustrated by the author. From Hugo Award-winning author… a dark reimagining of ‘Snow White’ steeped in poison, intrigue, and treason of the most magical kind. Healer Anja regularly drinks poison. Not to die, but to save—seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on.” This same witchy tendency to habitually drink poison also appeared in this set of reviews in Ava Morgyn’s The Bane Witch. “But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her. Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat, and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick. Or it might be the thing that kills them all.”
The book opens with a readable, but not informative or interesting dialogue the character is having in her head as she is contemplating the correct manner of speaking with a king, after insulting him. He confesses that he indeed, as the rumors state, killed his wife. And the tension is if the witch heroine is supposed to congratulate him on this, or say something else that is more appropriate. This is an example of a mix of reverence for and puffery of the monarchy, but with a hint of uncertainty regarding why this short guy is supposed to be met reverentially just because he is a king. There is a bit of information about the character’s father being a merchant, and that she regularly consumes poison. She seems to be reacting to this poison as if it is a light shot of alcohol, as her mind is slightly clouded, but she is having rather deep philosophical reflections.
The book concludes with digressive and empty dialogue that is harder to read than the opening. The discussion is about if somebody is familiar with some fairy tales, instead of on resolving the plot. There is an absurd mention that Anja had not visited a rooster on the other side of a magical mirror, and so the rooster might be running out of water. Then there is an attempt at an emotional appear, as she hints Grayling, the magical cat, might “get lonely… like the beasts of fairy tales”. Grayling denies being lonely, but agrees to perhaps visit to help Anja out. Othan than empty pining, there is a strange mention that cats never go “when he was called”. It seems this author just decided to say whatever reflections came to mind, as they worked out, while it is happening, what would “happen… after that.” It is not an absolutely horrid book, but this is the most relaxed and non-trying bit of fiction in this set.
Pennsylvania Literary Journal: Spring 2025 issue: https://anaphoraliterary.com/journals/plj/plj-excerpts/book-reviews-spring-2025

Hemlock & Silver
By: T. Kingfisher
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book: 35
Favorite quote:
“Back to work. Doing . . . whatever the hell it is I do.”

First, thank you NetGalley and TOR publishing for allowing me to read this ARC of Hemlock & Silver.
Choosing a favorite quote for this book was so hard because there were so many good ones. This book took so many themes and pieces of stories that we all know and love and created a whole new world. I feel like I experienced a little bit of Snow White, a little bit of Coraline, and even a bit of Steven Universe. As a massive Coraline fan, seeing similar themes used throughout the story and how well the mirror people mirror the other family was delicious. I really loved this book. I feel like T Kingfisher does small fantasy so well and this was really one of my favorites. I basically devoured this book in one day and already wish I could experience it again!

This was such a unique retelling of Snow White. The first quarter or so dragged on a bit for me, but also felt necessary for setting up the rest of the story. Healer Anja is a great female main character- strong, competent, and always learning. The mirror magic was a cool way to tie in the magic mirror from the original tale in a different, new way. I also loved the cat! The story was dark, with plenty of humor, and twists along the way.

I have really loved almost all of T. Kingfisher's books. I was very excited to dig into this one. Sadly, it was just okay. It's so similar to her other books; What Moves the Dead and its unlikely woman with an obsession about mushrooms, here its an unlikely obsession with poisons; Swordheart felt the same in the romantic entanglements; Cordelia from a Sorceress Comes to Call and Snow. It felt a bit redundant to me, even if I still think Kingfisher is a master at injecting humor and dimensions into her characters, even when they feel very similar to other T.K. characters. Not my favorite but still a worthy read.

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.