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.

I absolutely loved this book, I was captivated right from the beginning.

This is the first book by T. Kingfisher I have read, and I love the writing.

If you liked Snow White growing up, then you will enjoy this darker Snow White retelling with romance, fantasy and no spice.

T. Kingfisher is such a fantastic author. Her books draw the reader into the created world and make you not want to leave. Her newest book, Hemlock & Silver, does the same thing. Excellent fantasy with a bit of mystery. An excellent read! Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

I adored this book so much. I am a massive fan of T Kingfisher, mainly because her fantasy books give me such a unique sense of comfort. This retelling was unique and extremely well done - at many times I wasn’t even thinking about the Snow White elements, but then they would pop up and remind me in comical ways! I love the side characters and the world building she has created in this novel, I want more!!

I have yet to be disappointed after reading a T. Kingfisher book, and this was no exception. She has a talent for writing unique and interesting protagonists, and just when you think you know where the plot is heading, there is always another delightful turn. The author uses her signature blend of humor and horror to great effect as usual, managing to strike that perfect balance that makes her books so unique. If anybody is looking for a quick stand alone read, you really can’t go wrong with T. Kingfisher.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and to Tor Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

T. Kingfisher? Instant buy. I usually hate retellings, but this was such a unique snow white retelling! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

This book reads like a T. Kingfisher book. While I do enjoy her writing, it is a very distinct writing style that may not be everyone's cup of tea. Overall I enjoyed this book, however I found the whole thing to be rather predictable. While it is a Snow White retelling, I found that it also had some Alice in Wonderland aspects that I was not expecting when it was first introduced. However, once I got about 50% of the way through, I started to get annoyed with the FMC, as the book was rather predictable and it at times bothered me that the FMC couldn't figure things out.

Kingfisher has never written something I didn't enjoy in some fashion, so liking this one is not at all surprising. I do put this one in my top choices, though, simply because it's such an interesting group of characters and very original plotline. Considering it's a fairy tale retelling, that might sound a little weird, but I stand by it. The tiniest bit of vibe towards the Lunar Chronicles, although with more fantastical details versus technological. I'd love more Anja adventures, she's an excellent protagonist with an interesting inner monologue.

Hemlock and Silver is a reimagining of "Snow White" (with a small reference to the fairytale "Snow White and Rose Red"). Our Protagonist is a woman named Anja who is a Healer with a specialization in toxicology. Or, as close as you can get to toxicology when you are relying on the Four Humors to figure out potential antidotes. (And as close to being a healer as you can be when you have encyclopedic knowledge of poisons because you do medical research but can't set a bone. And have no bedside manner.) She works at the temple of Saint Adder, who has "healing" under his purview, and tends to dress like a nun, much to the dismay of her sisters.

Anja is approached by the king, because his daughter Snow is extremely ill, and he's starting to suspect poison. This is an offer for work that Anja cannot possibly refuse--due to the king being a king and all that--so she accepts the job. However, what's going on is much more complicated than a simple poisoner. Anja's investigation hits numerous roadblocks--and there is something very creepy going one with the mirrors. Creepy things that Anja doesn't want to believe because that would be magic, and Anja is a scientist.

The "Snow White" elements are well integrated with the plot. (Which was not necessarily the case with A Sorceress Comes to Call, which was a good book, but a less successful retelling of "The Goose Girl.") There are no dwarfs, but there is gray one eyed cat. (Anyone who has listened to Kevin and Ursula Eat Cheap or follows Ursula Vernon on Bluesky will recognize Sergei The One Eyed (Possibly) Russian Blue.) "Snow White" edges slightly into the body horror genre, and I think I'm going to slightly creeped out about standing between mirrors for a while. (Thanks, I already have a Thing about mirrors: I don't need another Thing.)

This book is a fast read, and there are some romantic elements that lightens the creepier moments. Anja is assigned two body guards, and one of them ends up pulled into the investigation. (Javier decides that if Anja is going to keep doing insane things, he should stick with her...and this leads to attraction and romance.) The romantic elements includes the traditional "Misunderstanding That Would Be Resolved if They'd Just Talk." Fortunately, when this element appears in a Kingfisher work, the misunderstanding is generally a) legitimate and b) they actually do talk about it in an reasonable amount of time. This book has some interesting twists and turns.
This review is based on a galley received from NetGalley.

I’ve been slowly working my way through T Kingfisher titles over the past year and recently read Bryony and Roses, so I was excited to see another classic fairytale retelling from this author. I generally like her work a lot, and this book is no exception. The characters are fun - our MC Anja is 35, educated, capable, and a respected expert in her field (even if she’s a little blunt and obsessed with poisons). Big points for a major departure from the usual fantasy FMC. Grayling the cat is perfectly cat-like. And the love interest had me giggling and kicking my feet. The romance is definitely a subplot, but this is my favorite T Kingfisher romance and male love interest to date. I thought the little moments they spent together and how they rubbed off on each other were absolutely charming. The plot is also surprisingly unique for a retelling, and the magic is so creative. The mystery of Snow’s illness and the “villain” is partly obvious just because it is a retelling, but it’s also done in an unexpected way. And the mirror world is wonderfully unsettling.

Where this book falls just a little flat for me is mainly the pacing. The first chapter really pulls you in, but then the first third of the book is rather slow. Once you meet Snow it moves along nicely, but then the end feels rather abrupt as well. Also I’m a fan of this author’s writing style and wit, but there were a lot of parentheticals. It did help establish what Anja was like as a character with her overthinking and tangents, but there was a period in the middle where it just felt like a bit too much. And lastly I feel like I kind of missed the antagonist’s motivations in the end? It got a bit convoluted, but I enjoyed the vibes.

Kingfisher is an auto read/auto buy author for me and Hemlock & Silver just reinforces my reason why.

I absolutely loved this book, I mean who doesn't love a dark twisted retelling?! Once you get through the first 15-20 percent the pace really takes off, packed with surprising twists and amazing storytelling.

Highly recommend this one!

Thank you to Tor Books, and to NetGalley, for sending me an ARC!

I was unsure if I would like this book, and was torn between my love of Kingfisher and my dislike of fairy tale adaptations. I shouldn't have worried; this was everything I hoped it would be, and more!

It has all the charm of her Paladin series, with characters I bonded with instantly. The plot had what felt like the right amount of twists, and I wasn't left feeling like everything wrapped up too cleanly, nor was I bogged down in needless complexity. It also plays with some of the classic tropes, and turns some of them on their heads in enjoyable ways, but leans into others, leaving the reader feeling just a little off-kilter in trying to predict what happens next, really perfecting the vibe for this story.

I can't wait for this to come out so I can add this to my ever-growing list of recommended books!

I love T. kingfisher’s work, so when I found out that she had a new book coming out I was super excited. I was even more excited to get an ARC from NetGalley and Tor so I was able to read this book early—thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early read!

The novel is a retelling of the Snow White story, and I am a sucker for retellings, especially fairy tales. In Kingfisher’s world, Anya is a talented healer, although she’d argue that point. Anya knows about poisons and their antidotes and sometimes can offer cures, often risky ones. When the king’s daughter Snow becomes ill and no one else has been able to help, he comes to Anya as a last resort.

The novel is super atmospheric, placing much of the story in a desert setting (drawn perhaps from the author’s own recent move to the Southwest). I love Anya’s story: she’s no ingenue, as so many main female characters in this genre tend to be, and she’s smart and funny. She’s great at her job, and her world doesn’t revolve around her love interest (although there is one and I enjoyed the way that storyline develops). Anya is energetic and curious AND a single woman in her mid-30s—all parts of her character that kept me rooting hard for her to succeed.

The minor characters pulled me in, too, from the kindly and wise Lady Sorrel to the mysterious talking cat (!!!) Greyling. (Important spoiler: nothing bad happens to Greyling, even though you might be worried about him for awhile—I love this about Kingfisher books, too—nothing bad happens to the animals you come to love!)

I can’t wait to read whatever T. Kingfisher does next!