What a masterpiece! Healer Anya is an expert in poison and their antidotes, and the book opens with the most perfect line: “I had just taken poison when the king arrived to inform me he had murdered his wife.” She wants to stay in her workshop, practicing her remedies, but he convinces her to come to one of his palaces to try and find out whether someone is poisoning his daughter, Snow.

I loved Anya, who is 35, fat, and tactless. She is awkward and enthusiastic and so delightful. Jennifer Pickens was wonderful on audio, and if you still need convinced, just know there’s also a magic cat.

Just a note: this is an adult book but not graphic. I listened with my 17 year old, and there were just a couple awkward moments where an innocent touch arouses her, and later a reference to a couple making love. I would have preferred even less so my younger kids could read too, but at least there was the magic cat.


Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc. I’m off to preorder.

4.5⭐️

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and TOR Publishing Group for an advance copy of this novel!

When it comes to T. Kingfisher, you don't have to try to convince me. I will be reading it!! Something she always delivers on for me is retellings and fairytales, so I just knew this would be a recipe for success.

Henlock and Silver centers on Healer Anja, who regularly drinks poison. Not to die, but to save—seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on. (this aspect of the book reminded me a lot of Apothecary Diaries in the best way!!) 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. 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.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, T. Kingfisher always writes the most relatable characters that are so easy to root for! She sets the stage with things that feel eerie and creepy, but then turns the tables and makes it cozy and whimsical at the same time. This book really has it all. There is a talking cat, a venomous snake, a stupid rooster, and an attentive guard…SAY LESS! There was also a light layer of romance that was just perfect! I was also so enamored with this mirror world, it felt almost faerie-like with changelings.

This was nearly a five-star read, but the beginning was a little slow, leaving me unsure at the beginning! Other than that, I loved this so much!

This was solid; an engaging, fresh retelling of Snow White. I enjoyed it, but it’s not something I’ll continue to think about or re-read, which is fine.

I will start this review by stating that I’m a T Kingfisher stan, so there was no chance that I wouldn’t enjoy this book.

Fairytale inspired stories actually aren’t usually my favorite, but this Snow White x Alice in Wonderland mashup was fun and cozy, while also having some truly unhinged scenes.

Anja is a great MC, she’s funny and strong and realistically aged and sized. I could see myself in her (which is great because I’ve been on a YA streak lately, so having an actual adult MC made my day). I definitely feel like she’s autistic-coded, and it’s handled thoughtfully and in a way that’s so relatable.

Javier is handsome wallpaper - but honestly I don’t even mind it. The romance is such a subplot that I could have done without it, but I was happy for Anja. As a non-romance reader, it was perfect.

I did have some qualms: I found Anja’s interior monologue a little TOO rambling at times. Her insistence that things be based on science and not magic, but the science was just “here’s the magical reason behind this thing,” was a little silly. And I felt there were some truly interesting potential twists left unexplored towards the end.

Regarding the narration, I felt it was excellent. I truly felt that I was inside Anja’s head, with all the right emphasis and intonations that I’d expect.

All in all, this was a good addition to Kingfisher’s repertoire, and as usual I will continue to add every one of her books to my ever-growing TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating Breakdown:
Characters - 3
Plot - 2
Setting - 3
Writing - 4
Enjoyment - 3
Total Rating - 3

Review:
I went into this book with really high hopes, but unfortunately, the pacing didn't quite work for me.

While Kingfisher's writing is as talented and whimsical as ever, it often felt like the only thing keeping me engaged. Her charming prose, paired with the narrator's excellent delivery (I listened to the audiobook), was what kept me going, even when the story itself lagged.

The plot was a tough one for me. I felt like I was constantly waiting for the story to truly begin. We spent so much time on the buildup that I started to wonder if we'd ever get to the main point. By the time the central mystery finally appeared, I'm not sure I still cared. Then, the ending felt incredibly rushed, hurtling towards a resolution without much time to breathe or explain things clearly.

As for the characters, I didn't really connect with any of them. Anja was interesting enough but fairly predictable, and other characters showed potential that was never fully explored. The setting was mostly well-built, but because of the extended beginning, I was left with a lot of unanswered questions about the world. Some key details felt glossed over at the end, which was frustrating.

Ultimately, despite the author's delightful prose, the drawn-out beginning and rushed ending meant this book didn't quite hit the mark for me.

I love T. Kingfisher, but this one just fell a little flat to me. I can’t quite put my finger on why though. I still enjoyed, and still recommend, especially for anyone who already enjoys T. Kingfisher!!

Hemlock & Silver
by T. Kingfisher
Narrated by Jennifer Pickens

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

I was skeptical going into this book because altered fairy tales are hit or miss with me. This one is definitely a hit!

It’s a little bit like a mixture of Snow White and Through the Looking Glass.

The main character is a scientist interested in toxins, poisons, venoms, and cures. She is brought to a different kingdom at the behest of the king, in order to try to save his daughter, Snow.

I kept on guessing all the way through about who the poisoner is, what the poison they were using might be, if there were co-conspirators, etc. I love mysteries that keep me guessing!

This book is part adventure, part mystery, a lot of fantasy, and a little bit romance.

I highly suggest this book! In fact, I am now interested in listening to more T. Kingfisher books!

The narrator, Jennifer Pickens, was simply marvelous! So talented!!

You know when you find out about a subject someone really loves and they just light up and can’t stop talking about it? That was this book. Listening to Anja talk about poisons honestly made me interested in them. Her passion for learning about them and finding cures really shines.

I just absolutely loved this book to the point that I did not want to stop listening. I had the audiobook and the narrator was fantastic. While the story is already amazing, the narrator brought so much life into it that I felt completely immersed.

Anja was a fantastic main character. She’s clever with a great sense of humor. I loved that she’s in her 30’s and acts like it. It’s refreshing when you find a good fantasy with relatable characters. The little romance pairs perfectly with the mystery without taking over the plot. This is my first T. Kingfisher book and it certainly won’t be my last.

The dark fairytale vibes of this were just what I needed yesterday when I flew through this audiobook. Especially since the audiobook I had been listening to previously is the epitome of a three-star read. Such a genuine pleasure to read a T. Kingfisher book after that, rich in atmosphere, fun dialogue, and characters that are easy to like and follow. Plus, her fairytale retellings (of which this is one) are always so creative.

Hemlock & Silver takes on the story of Snow White (and Rose Red, her lesser known sister). Our main character is Anja, a healer who has an obsessive knowledge of poisons and does research to find cures for them. This is set in a desert (picture medieval England crossed with Tucson, AZ) and there are thus lots of opportunities for Anja to study venom, not to mention the humans poisoning people left and right (and poisoning themselves; I appreciated the compassion Anja showed to those suffering from addiction).

So of course when the King thinks his last remaining daughter Snow is being poisoned, he finds someone who can help him, and that person is Anja. She reluctantly agrees.

Watching Anja at work was very satisfying. She has a curious mind, and quickly goes to work on the mystery of what is happening to twelve year old Snow. What she finds is definitely not what she expected, though. I think the reason though that this isn't getting five stars is that her relationships with the two main side characters (bodyguard Javier and talking cat Grayling) weren't as deep as I know Kingfisher can go. I think they just needed a bit more time together that the shorter page length (and story time frame) didn't allow.

But that is a minor complaint, as I very much enjoyed this book, and will be buying myself a copy.

The audiobook was great, and if you like audiobooks, you will have a nice time.

This was a great fantasy novel. Obviously a retelling, but with so many elements that were uniquely its own. I loved having a protagonist in her 30s who was curious, adventurous, and in a bit over her head but determined to hang on.

The multiple mysteries in the story kept me engaged and guessing the whole time and I was satisfied with the way both wrapped up.

T. Kingfisher will continue to be a must-read author for me. The variety in her work is really impressive!

In this dark reimagining of “Snow White”, the King beseeches Healer Anja, who is known for her unorthodox methods, to try figure out who or what is poisoning his daughter Snow. Although Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. Then, quite by accident, she discovers a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. Aided by a taciturn guard & a narcissistic cat, this dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick - either that, or the thing that kills them all.

I listened to the audiobook for this and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Healer Anja - she was socially awkward, and preferred her scientific experiments to dealing with actual people. My favorite voice was that of the cat. He sounded and acted exactly how I imagine some cats would sound if given a voice. This was definitely a "dark" version of the popular Disney tale. It involved the Queen cutting out Rose's heart, which is why the King killed her. There was also the mirror realm, and all that entailed. If you enjoy a good fairytale reimagining, then you will definitely want to check this out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book.

This is not my normal genre at all but I have enjoyed T Kingfisher’s horror novels. That being said I think I can read anything by her. Atmospheric. Funny. Great pacing. I really enjoyed this book. Snow White retellings don’t normally interest me but this delivered and I really enjoyed my time with the book.

This retelling of Snow White makes just enough connections to the original story to make a connection between the two tales… and that’s about it. It is one of the best retelling I’ve ever read. Yes, it’s a “retelling,” but it is also a very original tale of a healer’s journey to discover who is poisoning Princess Snow. Healer Anja’s studies focus on poisons, so who better to heal Snow?

T. Kingfisher’s storytelling is brilliant. This book has mirror wolds, grotesque creatures, a furry companion, and a taciturn guard. Her writing scratches an itch in my brain. She uses first person POV. Anja goes on silly stream-of-consciousness rants that are quite relatable. Her witty, dry humor is a balm throughout the tense moments. The romance is absolutely precious.

The narrator did a fantastic job capturing Anja’s personality. She was just awkward enough, pausing or adding emphasis in just the right spots. Her male voices weren’t bad, either!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC. I enjoyed every minute of it!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher (Audio)
A darkly clever, slightly twisted Snow White retelling with teeth, brains, and just the right amount of emotional sucker punch.

Anja is a pragmatic poisoner—literally. She studies toxins by ingesting them (with antidotes at the ready, of course) and knows her way around both a lab and a sarcastic one-liner. When she’s summoned to save a dying royal daughter, things go sideways fast. There's a mysterious curse, way too many mirrors, and magic that’s more disturbing than enchanting. And of course, she doesn’t go it alone—cue a brooding but quietly excellent guard and a cat that is 110% over everyone’s nonsense.

The narration makes this story shine—dry humor, tension, and heart all land perfectly. Anja’s wit, the eerie moments, the unspoken ache in the background—it all feels tangible. It’s immersive, weird, and quietly powerful in a way that creeps up on you until you realize you're totally hooked.

The Vibe: A beautiful blend of fairy tale dread and earthy practicality. Haunting, but also cozy in a "bring tea and blankets" way.

Anja: I adored her dry humor, unflinching logic, and the way she stumbles into emotion despite herself.

The Magic: Creepy, fascinating, and never over-explained. It just is—and it’s often unnerving.

The Pacing: Slow burn, but oh so rewarding. A low simmer of unease that finally boils over.

The Side Characters: Yes, the grumpy-sunshine dynamic works. Yes, the cat should get its own novella.

This was five-star material through and through. If you like your fairy tales smart, shadowed, and filled with quiet resilience instead of sword-swinging drama, this is for you. It’s a love letter to stubborn heroines, haunted palaces, and the kind of magic that lingers long after the story ends.

Highly recommend, especially in audio—it’s like being gently hexed into loving it.

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
⏱️ 11 hours, 5 minutes
🎙️ Narrated by Jennifer Pickens

Hemlock & Silver is a Snow White retelling like no other—darkly magical, wickedly witty, and filled with heart. T. Kingfisher delivers a fairy tale reimagining that is both emotionally rich and laugh-out-loud funny. I devoured this book and loved every delicious, unexpected moment.

From the opening scene—when the King walks into Anja’s home just after she’s poisoned herself to make a deadly confession—I was absolutely hooked. That moment sets the perfect tone: bold, clever, and impossible to turn away from.

In this version, Snow is a child, vulnerable and quietly powerful, haunted by grief for her mother and sister—and something much darker that seems to be following her. Anja, our fierce and reluctant heroine, is tasked with figuring out whether someone is trying to poison the girl. What unfolds is part mystery, part ghost story, and part emotional reckoning, all wrapped in Kingfisher’s signature wit and sharp prose.

Anja is such a standout character. Practical, dry-humored, and deeply compassionate beneath her gruff exterior, she anchors the story in reality even as the supernatural swirls around her. And her slow-burn relationship with Javier? Absolute perfection. It unfolds with such nuance and warmth, a grounding force in a world filled with danger and shadows. Their dynamic is both tender and delightfully understated—one of the most satisfying romances I’ve read in a while.

This book gave me everything I wanted, needed, and didn’t know I needed. It’s clever, eerie, heartfelt, and genuinely funny, with a strong undercurrent of compassion that runs through every chapter.

Jennifer Pickens' narration is the icing on the cake. Her comedic timing is impeccable, capturing Anja’s dry wit and Javier’s quiet charm with subtle brilliance. She brings out the emotional depth and humor in equal measure, creating an immersive listening experience that made the hours fly by.

Hemlock & Silver is everything I want in a fairy tale retelling—moody, magical, funny, and full of heart. Do not miss this one. 🖤🍎✨

T. Kingfisher has been so hit or miss for me lately that I was a little nervous picking this up. I seem to enjoy her thrillers more than I have her fantasy books lately. However, this book did not disappoint. I loved it from start to finish. It has a unique magical system where people can walk into mirrors and be transported to another dimension. The FMC is strong and intelligent and quite funny to be honest. I've also noticed that a lot of fantasy books this year have amazing side characters this year, this book included. We have a little romance, a little court intrigue, and mystery that has you suspecting every character. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

What an interesting, unique and captivating book!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this fantastic book!

Jennifer Pickens is the narrator and did such a great job! I love how she portrayed Anja, the main character and poison expert. She was able to capture her personality, sarcasm and humor perfectly. This was truly such a great way to experience the story!

The plot itself was exciting and had me on the edge of my chair! This was a retelling of Snow White but also had Alice in Wonderland type vibes. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn’t stop listening from the second I started! I really like that the FMC is in her 30’s and already as her “life” together (as much as one one in their 30’s does). While the romance in this story is a low subplot to the main event, I loved the relationship and how it formed.

I would absolutely recommend this story for anyone looking for a great well written fantasy read!

T. Kingfisher puts her unique spin on fairy tales in a way that nods to the source material, but makes the story completely new. This intriguing story relates distantly to Snow White and Alice in Wonderland, with a character named Snow, a talking cat, and mirrors that play a major role in the action. However, it is not a retelling in any way. It's a fantasy adventure story instead of a fairy tale.

Anja becomes interested in poisons as a child and grows up to be a healer who specializes in making anecdotes and treating people who have been poisoned. The first patient she has when the story opens has been in an opium den (slightly renamed) and succumbs to the drug. Her reputation is known and a king asks her to heal his dying daughter, who they assume is being poisoned.

With a body guard and a talking cat as her sidekicks, Anja goes through a looking glass in her search for the cause and cure of Snow's illness. The romantic subplot between Anja and one of her bodyguards is delightful and has a deeply satisfying conclusion.

As always, T. Kingfisher's wit and humor are on full display. This is a fast, action-packed read!

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Tor Books, and Tor Publishing Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up Hemlock & Silver on August 19, 2025.

T. Kingfisher returns with another gorgeously haunting fairytale retelling, this time in the veins of Snow White. Our protagonist, Anja, is a poison expert who'd rather solve problems than work with people. So imagine her shock and devastation when the king comes knocking on her door demanding a cure for his sick (poisoned??) daughter.

I loved Anja's journey as she navigated court politics, sneaky twelve-year-olds, and sanctimonious talking cats. Her dialogue (internal and external) was hilariously awkward and relatable, especially with a certain handsome bodyguard. You can tell she's driven by not just the demands of the king but her natural curiosity and desire for answers. She wants to understand Snow's sickness just as much as she wants to cure it, and unfortunately, the answer lies behind a magical silver mirror.

The inner workings of the mirror realm were absolutely fascinating. Awake and sleeping reflections, mirror objects, the rules of what can and can't exist in either realm. The mirror gelds, while grotesque at first, were an interesting addition to the story (and very in line with Kingfisher's typical horror fantasy writing). I just love the imagination and creativity that went into taking key elements of the original Snow White story and making it completely unique.

All in all, if you love mysteries, fairytale retellings, and slight gothic horror vibes, this is your book!

This dark reimagining of Snow White completely exceeded my expectations! T. Kingfisher delivers a brilliant twist on the classic fairy tale, following Anja, a poison-drinking healer in her thirties who's summoned to save the dying princess Snow.

What I loved most was Anja herself - she's smart, self-aware, and refreshingly mature. No magical powers, just her brilliant mind and scientific approach to healing. The court intrigue feels genuinely dangerous, and Anja's awareness of how politics could destroy her adds real tension to the story.

The plot takes fascinating turns, especially when a magic mirror reveals a secret world that might hold the key to Snow's illness - or everyone's doom. Jennifer Pickens' narration brings the story to life beautifully.

This was my first T. Kingfisher book, and while it wasn't what I expected, it was so much better. The retelling is loose enough to feel fresh while still honoring the source material. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys smart heroines and fairy tale retellings with bite.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC. Releases August 19, 2025.