The atmosphere that this author can create without you even realizing it is insane.

I zipped through this audiobook. Despite being told from a first-person point of view, I still was able to connect and "see" the characters as the main character Anja did. She herself was an interesting character, at the age of 35 she never once felt like a child but a woman that is sure of what she wants. I think people will enjoy the dynamic Anja is able to have with people, she's not prickly at all. I was grateful and relieved at her inner dialogue and her attitude towards people (adults and children), and the things that brought her curiosity and joy. Even through her growth, she stayed consistent throughout.

This is a snow white re-telling, it never felt like the plot lines were playing by the book, so I relieved that I was able to be surprised so often by things that were going on in the story. The mystery that surrounds the story is entertaining and I enjoyed the way the book was broken into parts. The narrator was also a delight, adding another element to the already layered story. I really felt the mood or vibe Anja was feeling through Jennifer Pickens vocal and pacing choices and it was so much fun despite the heaviness of the overall situation, Anja was after all is supposed to be solving a mystery for the King.

I thought the pacing of the overall story was nice, I was prepping just like the main character, getting used to the environment and what's going on, after that I think if the story hadn't pulled you in, you'll be sucked in by the 40% mark-- the story never felt like it really let off the gas.

The ending was a joy to read, and I was genuinely sad when the narration and story were over. This is my first encounter with this author and narrator; I will be coming back for more of their stories and I would be open to listening to other narrations Jennifer has made.

You might like this if you love stories that have immaculate world building that create a great vibe, thoughtful plot lines that keep the characters consistent and an ending that will leave you satisfied.

If you love dark faerie tales, you’ve gotta give T. Kingfisher a try! Hemlock & Silver is my second of her books and I absolutely loved it!

I read Swordheart last month and knew I wanted to read more T. Kingfisher. So I picked up this audiobook and immediately loved the quirky FMC and her POV (the narration is SO GOOD). Healer Anja is a prickly scientist fascinated by poisons and puzzled by people. Her POV really made the book for me, and the audiobook version was chef’s kiss.

It’s billed as a dark reimagining of Snow White, but the whole world and story is so unique I would say it’s a VERY loose reimagining. It was a really creative story that captivated me wholeheartedly!

Although I loved the book from the beginning, it did take me a little while to figure out where the plot was going. It was unexpected and surprising multiple times – in all the best ways. There’s a bit of a creeping, chilling element in some parts, and I wasn’t sure at times if the story was going to go too scary/dark for me or not. But thankfully it did not, because I’m really a bit of a scaredy cat.

This was the perfect dark and mysterious fantasy adventure with a light quirkiness woven throughout. A wonderful read that I highly recommend!

More Fairytale Than Anything Else

Narration: 5/5
Book: 4.5/5
Speed: 2x

T. Kingfisher has done it again! While some may categorize this as a retelling, for me, there are more original aspects than not, and it feels more like something entirely its own. If you are an fan of Coraline and/or Apothecary Diaries, I think you will enjoy Kingfisher's spin on a classic Grimm fairytale.

The story follows Anja, FMC 35 poison healer, as she is whisked into the service of, a technically murderous, King to find a cure for his 12 year old daughter Snow. Along the way, she is accompanied by court intrigue, her venomous adder, a new attractive body guard, and a mysterious talking cat. The first part of the book is very light on mentions or references to Snow White, with the exception of the names- you could have told me this is an original fairytale and I would have believed you. In that aspect, the first part, it is very character and world driven. I loved learning the lore of this world. However, about half way through we start to see the shift into Kingfisher's reinterpretation of a fairytale that I didn't know could feel fresh. I truly loved Anja as a FMC- she was relatable and funny. While I don't know what Kingfisher's plans are, the door feels open enough at the end of the story that we could see our favorite poison healer again.

Jennifer Pickens was incredible as a single narrator on this production! She did an amazing job with inflections and conveying the emotions of the characters. While I loved her Anja voice, I think once Grayling was introduced, his voice was my favorite. I also deeply enjoyed the intro and outro music used to set the tone of the audiobook. While I predominantly listened to this at x2, at times I found myself slowing it down, just so I could continue to live a little longer in this fantastic world.

Thank you T. Kingfisher, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the the opportunity to review the Advanced Listening Copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

*4.5 stars*

I have yet to read a T. kingfisher book that I didn’t like and this was no exception. This was creepy while still being full of adventure and humor just like Kingfisher’s other works.

As someone that has always found mirrors creepy, this book was so unsettling. A dark fairytale retelling with a very interesting twist that felt unique. I really enjoyed this. More similar to Nettle and Bone, and A Sorceress Comes to Call than other of T. Kingfisher works.

The narrator was good, bringing a dryness that fit the character. I enjoyed the audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ALC of this work. All opinions in this review are my own.

T. Kingfisher has done it again! This book is a fantastical reimagining of Snow White. I adore Kingfisher’s ability to look at a story or trope and say, “That’s great, but what if…?”

This book follows Anja, a middle-aged woman who specializes in poisons and antidotes. Summoned by the king to save his daughter Snow, Anja soon finds herself unraveling a deeper mystery behind the princess’s illness as she uncovers a whole world alongside a fickle one-eyed cat? and her bodyguard.

This book beautifully blends the familiar tale with fresh twists and turns, leaving readers horrified, delighted, and laughing in equal measure. It’s a masterful retelling with a heartwarming and irresistibly charming romantic subplot

T Kingfisher is a master storyteller. Her retelling of Snow white did not feel like a retelling at all. It is it's own full story with a rich world and a complete colorful history. I loved this book from beginning to end.

Kingfisher's narrative is vibrant, and inventive. I enjoyed her descriptions, like the servant with the carnivorous hair. The monstrous creatures within the mirror world reminded me of American McGee's Alice; spooky, whimsical and will stay with you long after you close the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

This Dark Re-telling of The Brothers Grimm classic Snow White and the tale of Snow White and Rose Red.

Healer Anya ingests posion to cure the sick. The distraught recently widowed, by his own hand, The King seeks Anya out to save his daughter, Snow, from an unknown posion.

The clues baffle Anya in ways she has yet to imagine.

T. Kingerfisher will provide a page turner for physical readers.
Jennifer Wren Pickens will mesmerize you narrating talents.
I'll be reading this again. Amazing.

Kingfisher has such a unique and easily identifiable writing style and voice. If you have enjoyed any of the author’s previous books, you’re going to love this. I am admittedly a bit tired of fairytale retellings, but the description of this was so interesting that I had to give it a shot and I am so glad that I did. This was such a fun perspective on the story of Snow White. It is told from the perspective of Healer Anja, a woman who lives a mostly-reclusive life poisoning herself regularly. Anja was such a breath of fresh air as an FMC. She is funny, quirky and absolutely on the spectrum. I found her so relatable. She is self-conscious, struggles to understand social cues, and can’t seem to stop telling people about random poisonous creatures as conversation starters. The king disrupts Anja’s reclusive life to bring her to his castle in the hopes that she will be able to discover what is ailing his daughter, Snow. Despite being seen by many healers, Snow continues to deteriorate and the king’s final hope is that Anja can uncover a means of malicious or accidental poisoning which can be cured. I don’t want to give too much away, but the way that mirrors and the evil queen were incorporated into this story was so fun and different from any other that I have heard of.

I was fortunate enough to be granted an ALC of this audiobook via Netgalley and I thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Jennifer Pickens, who also narrated Kingfisher’s A Sorceress Comes to Call. The narration was easy to follow and really brought the main character to life nicely.

Thank you so much Netgalley and MacMillan audio for this advanced copy. This was such a fun book!

Amazing book! The narrator was excellent! I love T. Kingfisher’s writing. Her retellings are so imaginative and this may be my favorite of all her books. The descriptions and actions in this book are so cleanly written but pack such a punch. Certain lines and descriptions stayed with me for days afterward! I love that her heroines are never the traditional beauty standard and I especially liked that Anja is in her thirties and that she lived her life unapologetically and didn’t conform to societal expectations. I loved her passion for knowledge and that her family supported her. The fantasy/fairytale elements of this world are seamlessly woven into the story. Can’t wait for her next book!

5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC. all opinions are my own.

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Narration: 4/5

This might be one of my new all time favorite books (though only time can say for certain). There’s just something about how T. Kingfisher wrote this twisty dark fairytale that scratches an itch in my brain. I love an FMC who just screams undiagnosed autism <3 I love a mysterious and condescending cat companion.

This was the first full length novel I’ve read from T. Kingfisher (I’ve read What Moves the Dead and enjoyed it, but wasn’t obsessed with it or anything), but I’ve heard so many reviews of her work that made me think it would be right up my alley. After finishing this, I’m definitely going to have to get around to reading more of her work, because this was really phenomenal.

A highly enjoyable twist on the Snow White fairytale. It's a slow start, but once secrets start to be uncovered it's a fun ride. I really liked that all of the characters are complex, no one is one dimensional in this mirror centered story. If you like cozy fantasy I highly recommend.

A middle-aged woman, a one-eyed cat, and an Eldridge horror walk into a mirror.

Oh T. Kingfisher, you have knocked it out of the park again. I laughed, I was horrified, I was charmed. This creative spin on Snow White was so incredibly unique (as are all of Kingfisher’s retellings). The whimsy she intertwines within her novels makes them the best reads and I cannot wait for everyone else to read this book too. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook ARC.

The narrator had a mature sounding, smooth voice which helped convince me that I was hearing a 35 year old healer. They were clear and the pacing good. Her voice reminded me of Chloë Sevigny.

The story is a Snow White x Alice in wonderland told in the point of view from a poison expert.

I love an older FMC and Anjas sense of humor and inner dialogue are hilarious and seemed to help the plot more than be distracting like it can be in other works. The dialogue between characters was also so good. The humor was sometimes dry, but I enjoyed it. The cat was amazing, purrfectly what I would imagine a cat to be if it could talk. (See what I did there!) I didn’t expect the romance, but it was slow and funny. I ate it up! Things got a little weird after 60% of the book. I kind of struggled with the mirror stuff, but I think because I was really enjoying learning about the kingdom and Anjas work.

4.5 stars

Lately, I've been poking around with some authors whose works I have mixed relationships with, but T. Kingfisher simply isn't one of those. I either love or really, REALLY like everything I read from this author, so it's no surprise I've been totally captivated by this poison forward affair.

Healer Anja is giving _Phantom Thread_ vibes in the very best way, and I was immediately captivated by her charge and her general approach. When the King directs her to heal his daughter, Snow (ya, her...kind of), she heads out on a strange adventure that includes a lot of mystery, magic, and vomit. Oh, and there *may* be a talking animal involved.

Readers spend the entire book in Anja's head, and it is a fascinating place to dwell. Her interest in and awareness of poison, creepy crawlies, and dastardly deeds makes her perspective much more intriguing than what her name may suggest on its face. While everything about her was the top highlight for me in this read, that doesn't diminish the greatness of the setting, the reimagining of aspects of the Snow White cycle, or all of the magical elements present here. All of these components build into a truly compelling read.

Fans of Kingfisher, folk tale reimaginings, and great characters will find a lot to admire here. I know I did.

Added bonus: The narrator of this audiobook is exceptional.

Nobody else mixes humor, horror, and lore so well. Whether the lore is strongly or loosely based on actual historical views, the characters and worlds are always solid. All of the characters have believable motivations, and when the protagonist has to make tough choices they are actual tough choices, not the author trying to keep the plot going. T. Kingfisher continues to amaze.

This was such a fun story and reaffirms that T. Kingfisher is the master of fairytale retellings.

My main like in this book: Anja. We have a 35-year old protagonist who isn't astonishingly beautiful, has never had a serious relationship, and is relatively content with being a "spinster". However, she is still shown as having romantic interest and having someone pursue her not only for her looks but also her personality. It is such a refreshing change of pace from all the 16-25 year old fantasy heroines we see normally, and she is just such a fun character to be inside her mind.

The world was also very cool, and kind of confusing but to a degree that it felt plausible (like, I too wouldn't exactly know how to explain a mirror world even if I were able to step inside of it). Snow is an annoying kid but in the best way and her actions are completely understandable, all the side characters are pretty well fleshed out, and I was excited for the story to keep going. Soon I'm going to be Kingfisher's number one fan if she keeps this up.

I love T. Kingfisher's horror and haven't ventured into her fantasy backlist yet. Fantasy can be a hard sell for me but a Snow White retelling felt like right way to dip my toe into those waters. This book did not disappoint. Healer Anja was so engaging, Javier a swoon worthy male lead, Snow was realistically endearing and annoying, and Greyling (apologies for the spelling, I listened to the audiobook and took my best stab at it) the cat a hilarious addition. I will absolutely be checking out more of her fantasy in the future. And more horror please! A++, going to recommend to everyone. A truly perfect book. The narrator was awesome, had wonderful inflection and was super engaging.

Anja is a respected expert of poisons and venom, so naturally she is summoned to investigate the suspected poisoning of the king's daughter in this creative retelling of Snow White. In this story, Snow is much feistier than the meek and mild Disney princess we have all grown accustomed to, which is, I think, a welcome change. Anja is similarly multi-dimensional: strong, intelligent, humorous, and wickedly sardonic.

As is her style, author Kingfisher incorporates some familiar components of a well-loved story, enough to create recognizable touchpoints, but also finds a way to make it unique and, well, deliciously Kingfisher-y. I loved the creative license taken with the mirrors, and the accompanying mirror universe -- as well as the feline shenanigans of Grayling, who serves as a reluctant guide to this alternate universe. If you are planning to listen to the audiobook version of this book, you will not be disappointed in the listening experience. Narrator Jennifer Pickens does a fantastic job of keeping the content engaging and has an impressive instinct for delivering the many subtle humor elements. Also, I will henceforth be imagining cats talking to me in Picken's rendition of Grayling's world-weary feline voice.

What I would change about this story is the amount of buildup before the plot begins to move. The worldbuilding and lead-up to the excitement takes about 40% of the book, which felt excessive to me. I was also not a fan of the romantic subplot, and in fact think that the story would have been better without it (though it was, thankfully, not too saccharine of a romance).

Die-hard Kingfisher fans will undoubtedly love this book, as will fans of dark fantasy authors like Brom or Rice; provided, of course, that readers can set aside some patience to work through the worldbuilding/character establishment at the outset.

Thank you to NetGalley, T. Kingfisher, and Macmillan Audio for sending me this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Hemlock and Silver is an entertaining twist/retelling of the traditional Snow White fairy tale. Delivered in T. Kingfisher style!
The story is definitely on the dark side, but with whimsy. Plenty of imagination when it comes to mirrors creating a unique "magic system", although sometimes alot to follow.
I really enjoyed this book!
And to couple it with one of the most outstanding audio performances I have ever listened to! Jennifer Pickins truly breathes life into these characters in such an engaging way! Truly felt like a bedtime story! (Especially loved the Marecat!)

There’s something about a T.Kingfisher book that just makes everything feel right.

Another amazing retelling, this time being Snow White as told through the eyes of a poison healer named Anja. This MC is such a riot; she’s witty, set in her ways, and so clever! I loved having an older main character who is already accomplished and smart.

Now, this does draw parallels from Snow White but it is a story all its own. It deals with mirror realms and a sick princess who is dealing with the loss of her sister and mother.

I thought all of our characters were so well thought out and well-rounded. Each one was crafted with such care that they felt so real. Not all characters are as they seem and T. Kingfisher does a great job of taking tropes and turning them on their head.

Hemlock & Silver is an absolute treat! Get this on your TBR right now!