10/10 YES! Another absolutely stunning book from T. Kingfisher! This was another one of the fairy tale retellings and I AM HERE FOR IT! What a crazy mash of Snow White and Alice in Wonderland. This novel has wonderful and relatable characters that you can really connect with. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but I love a good "sleuth" type of novel.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job. I enjoyed the use of their different voices and the pacing was well done. The editing also brought the story together. I did not notice any long pauses or awkward moments.
Yes. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys alternative fairy tales, sleuth/detective, historical fiction, mystery or fantasy! This book really put all of those aspects together in a wonderful story that kept my attention the entire time.

4.5/5 Stars

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher is everything I’ve come to expect from her work: dark and delightful in perfect balance. This one is a reimagining of Snow White retelling with a fresh and clever plot and characters that feel wonderfully human.

The story follow Anja, a middle-aged unconventional healer dealing mostly with poisons and their antidotes. When she’s summoned by the King to treat the ailing Princess Snow and determine the cause of her illness, Anja’s life takes a turn from her pursuit of knowledge and reliance on science to gothic castles, alternate dimensions, and navigating dangerous secrets.

This is classic T. Kingfisher: relatable, imperfect protagonists, an FMC defying societal gender roles, a curmudgeonly animal companion, a tiny flicker of slow burn romance, and that signature mix of eerie atmosphere and warm humor.

I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Jennifer Pickens, who also narrated A Sorceress Comes to Call, and she has the literal perfect intonation and wit for T. Kingfisher’s characters. She brought every character to life including our sassy cat!

This book blends beloved vibes from her other novels such as A Sorceress Comes to Call, Nettle & Bone, and Paladin’s Grace so if you loved any of them, you will love this one just as much!
I’ll read (and listen to) anything T. Kingfisher writes, and Hemlock & Silver just reinforces why.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

T Kingfisher does it, ONCE AGAIN, and hits a home-run with this delightfully wicked & gripping fairytale re-telling. The way she writes awkward romance and human connection is unparalleled; and her combination of effortlessly witty, chillingly charming & downright terrifying is something that needs to be praised ten thousand fold!

Our narrator Jennifer Pickens (whom many may recognize from Kingfisher's 'A Sorceress Comes to Call') did a PHENOMENAL job breathing life into each character & adding a truly wonderful depth to the enchanting world(s).

Thanks to NetGalley for Audible book. This was a great retelling of Snow White. I really enjoyed the narration. Her pacing was good and she portrayed the characters well. The story was fantastic. I love a good retelling of the classics and this one was exceptional. T. Kingfisher took her creative genius to the story and made it so much different. If she just changed the names it could have been its own story. I truly enjoyed the mirror concept and the whole world within. The MC was great she added so much to the story. This is one for the ages.

thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced audio copy!

4.5 stars overall <3

I had sort of thought I was over fairytale retellings but this absolutely proved me wrong. Maybe that has everything to do with how unique a retelling this is - honestly it mostly just uses keywords as ideas (mirrors, apples, a princess named snow) to tell an entirely original story about poisons and parallel dimensions. In fact this reminded me more of Coraline, than it does Snow White.

It's so much harder to write coherent reviews of things you enjoy, but you should know this was one of the easiest listening experiences of my life. I listened to the last 4 hours in one sitting, giving myself mindless tasks I could do to keep my hands busy an an excuse to keep listening. The narrator really pulled me in somehow, and the writing of the world itself is so immersive (without being overly info-dump-y) that I was always curious to learn more.

My one warning is that if you have gotten into this for the romance between the poison master and the bodyguard, have smaller expectations. they are plenty romantic and I loved them as a couple, but this is a Fantasy Novel, with horror and romance leanings. The body horror of the mirror world creatures gets just as much page time as the romance, both of which are not the focus of the book.

3.5 Stars
Another wonderfully dark reimagining from T. Kingfisher! Anja was a refreshing FMC to follow and though I found this fun, I felt it was a but underwhelming compared to what I've previously read from this author. This started off a bit slow for me but quickly picked up but I found the world-building was done really well. I liked the romance added in as well as the side characters (the mirror cat was a standout for me) and was satisfied with how it ended.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

Hemlock & Silver is a dark and atmospheric retelling inspired by Snow White that delivers mystery, suspense, and just the right touch of gothic flair. When healer Anja is summoned to the palace by the king to examine his ailing daughter, Snow, she quickly discovers that nothing is as it seems. Shadows linger in the halls, secrets are tightly guarded, and evil threads through every corner of the court.

Anja makes for a refreshingly relatable heroine—35 years old, tall, plus size, and deeply knowledgeable in the art of poisons and antidotes. She feels grounded and real in a way that is rare to see in fantasy protagonists, and her sharp mind and quiet strength carry the story beautifully. While there’s a wisp of romance, the heart of this book is firmly its spellbinding plot and mystery.

The atmosphere is wonderfully spooky, making it a perfect read for fall or Halloween. T. Kingfisher’s writing balances dark fairy-tale tension with sharp characterization, and the audiobook narrator enhances the experience with an excellent performance that draws you even deeper into the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC! In this Snow White reimagining, Anja is a healer who is summoned by the king to save his daughter Snow. Snow has bouts of illness that keep her pale and week. Having lost her mother and sister previously, the king is desparate to save Snow. Anja must use all her wits and healer knowledge to puzzle out the illness ravaging and save the kingdom. Dark and engaging with bits of humor and cozy tossed in, Hemlock and Silver is sure to please fans of T. Kingfisher and fairy tale retellings.

Started off kind of slow. That was the background for the MC. Ended strong. Characters, plot, and setting were all interesting. A fun and unique take on the snow white fairytale. The narrator was a perfect choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc in return for an honest review.

Seeing T. Kingfisher's name attached to another dark fairy tale had me griped instantly. Even if I had not been granted an e-ARC by Netgalley, I would (and will be) rushing to my local book store to add it to my bookshelf.

Anja is a healer who tends to focus her efforts in poisons. She frequently drinks it herself in order to seek cures that others are not brave enough to seek. However, one day (after she had administered some poison to herself, she is summoned by the King who is worried about his daughter Snow. There is something going on with the young girl and he's already lost his wife and youngest daughter, Rose.

Anja travels to the Castle where Snow is and quickly determines something is definitely wrong but it doesn't seem to be from a source she can find. The story evolves when Anja finds Snow voraciously trying to consume a silvery apple which doesn't seem to be anything she's ever seen. After feeding a bit to a rooster ( who is totally fine) and trying a bit herself, she accidently falls through her mirror and into a mirror realm. This is where the story gets really interesting and we even get a bit of a slow burn romance which I find utterly adorable. There's magic, darkness, loss, and grief, but there is also hope, intrigue, and a very sassy cat that talks when he wants to.

I cannot recommend this book enough. T. Kingfisher is an utter master at reimagining familiar stories to give them a fresh spin while still keeping a bit of the nostalgia. This is a solid 5* from me!

Hemlock and Silver is a low fantasy novel with a cozy, fairytale-like atmosphere that makes it an easy and pleasant read. The narrator especially adds to that warmth, making the experience even cozier. T. Kingfisher’s signature charm and wit shine through the storytelling, giving the book a whimsical yet grounded feel.

That said, I sometimes found myself wishing for a bit more depth. While cozy fantasy is meant to be light and comforting, I often feel like something is missing in the genre—and here it was the worldbuilding and character depth. The fairytale tone carried me along, but I occasionally wanted a stronger sense of place and texture to anchor me more fully in the story.

Still, this is a lovely pick for younger readers or anyone who enjoys gentle fantasy with folklore undertones. It’s the kind of book you’d want to curl up with in the middle of a rainstorm. I especially enjoyed the spunkiness of the protagonist, which gave the story a spark of energy.

4.5 stars. A very cool take on the fairy tale of Snow White. No princes and no dwarves.
Healer Anja drinks poison regularly so that she can find antidotes. Her fame has reached the ears of King Randolph, who tasks Anja with curing his 12 year-old daughter, Snow. She is ill and perhaps being slowly poisoned.
Anja finds no actual poisons, however, it is clear that something awful is happening to Snow. Anja discovers her eating a strange apple, and tests (eats) it herself to make sure it's not what is making Snow sick. The apple, strange and cold and white, gives powers to those who have eaten it. Powers that allow the consumer to enter the reflective Mirror Realm. However, eating food from the Mirror Realm comes at a price. And Anja must discover why Snow would purposely poison herself to go back and forth through it.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this digital audio e-arc.*

T. Kingfisher is an autobuy author for me. Hemlock & Silver is a retelling of the fairytale Snow White. Kingfisher takes the original story and infuses it with dark magic, interesting characters, and depth. One of the things I love about Kingfisher's writing is that she uses relatable, middle aged characters. Anja is perfectly content to study poisons until the king lands on her doorstep and asks for her help to heal his child, Snow White. Anja would have said nah, I'm good, but she can't resist the opportunity to solve this poisonous mystery. So Anja reluctantly moves to the castle and discovers that it's more than just apples and mirrors. Javier is tasked with guarding Anja at the castle and aids her on her journey...and he goes beyond his duty. I love an unexpected slow burn. I also love talking animal companions, in this case, Grayling - a handsome cat who deserves all the pets. Kingfisher has a way of blending comedy into her stories that I always enjoy. I highly recommend this book for a good time. This book releases tomorrow!

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Hemlock and silver was such a fun read for me! It gave snow white meets coraline and Alice in Wonderland! I loved the use of mirrors and alternate worlds in this book! The characters were fun to read and I liked the pace alot! Fun and easy read for me!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

T Kingfisher is one of my go to authors, I’ve read and loved several of her books and I’m working my way through her backlist while of course keeping up with her new releases.

Hemlock & Silver is a dark Snow White retelling and it very well may be my favorite Kingfisher retelling thus far. I loved the world and how the mirrors played into the story. I loved the MC and the talking cat!!

The narrator was absolutely fantastic and did such a good job bringing this story to life.

"Hemlock & Silver" by T. Kingfisher is an absolute delight, a story that blends sharp wit, gothic atmosphere, and fully realized character work in a way that feels both cozy and eerie.

From the very beginning, Kingfisher demonstrates her rare ability to take her time with relationships and world-building without ever losing momentum. Every quiet moment between characters feels meaningful, each interaction adding depth and warmth to the story. The pacing is steady and careful, but never slow; there’s always an interesting detail, a sharp piece of dialogue, or a small mystery to keep the reader engaged.

Anja, our lead character, shines through her sharp internal voice. Her thoughts bring humor, insight, and humanity to even the darkest corners of the tale, and Kingfisher’s trademark wit ensures the book never lingers too long in despair. This balance between levity and tension keeps the story vibrant, while the slow-burn build of action ensures that when the stakes rise, the payoff is immensely satisfying.

I give "Hemlock & Silver" a full 5 stars. It gave me everything I wanted; characters I cared about, a story that kept me turning the pages, and that distinctive Kingfisher charm that makes even the most haunting moments feel alive with humor and heart. I recommend it to readers who love gothic-tinged fantasy, clever prose, and characters who feel utterly real. I would not recommend it to those looking for non-stop action or fast, plot-driven stories with little character focus.

Thank you to Tor and Net Galley for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was so much more than a Snow White retelling! I love that Kingfisher heroines are not cookie-cutter 18-year-olds and the story is not about a romance. The beginning establishes Anja as the healer/poison scientist (in her 30s) and has her brought before a king to find out what's ailing his daughter, Snow. In the beginning, the pace may be a bit slow, but the world-building is there in the details, and there is plenty of meat to latch onto. When we meet the sarcastic cat, Grayling, and get to the mirrors, it starts to fly. I literally gasped! There is so much suspense, tension, and some actual horror. I'm grinning just remembering how it all goes down. Enjoy!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the audio ARC!

The King personally seeks out Anja for professional help: his daughter (12) throws up her food regularly and the highly respected doctors can’t make it stop. Anja agrees to go to Princess Snow’s castle, observe her, and bring her expertise in creating scientific antidotes for poison. Helped by one of her guards, Javier, and a cat with higher cognitive functions, Anja discovers the world through the castle’s mirrors. Like a doorway, the Mirror Queen manipulates Snow to eat the apples so that she can bring the Mirror Queen into our world and take the real queen’s place. Anja convinces Snow to see how the Mirror Queen is lying to her, and Snow ends MQ’s existence.

The writing can feel slightly YA, perhaps overly witty. The story may be strengthened with an additional pov in addition to Anja’s. Overall, Hemlock & Silver interested me sufficiently, although I may not have finished the book if I had not requested a copy.

My thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC. I shared this review on GoodReads on August 17, 2025.

Audiobook review. This was my first T Kingfisher novel but it won’t be my last. I absolutely loved this story. It felt like a mix of Snow White and Alice in Wonderland. The world building was well done with very unique creative elements that really enhanced the experience.

The characters were fleshed out incredibly well with distinct personalities and motivations that supported the plot’s forward movement.

The plot itself was mysterious and engaging. Different from anything I’ve read before in the very best ways. Some parts were a bit on the predictable side but the overall experience was just so good that it doesn’t even matter.

I would love to read more stories involving the characters brought to life in this book.

Jennifer Pickens’ performance on the audio brought everything together and made it feel like an immersive experience.

Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC of this book !

............... Holy sh$t..🫢 I-🫢.......O-oh my flippin gawddddddddd.. I- 🫢🫢.... YALL IM SPEECHLESSSSSSS.. IM AN ARIES! IM NEVER WITHOUT SPEECH !! Is the Guinness Book of records still around?!?! someone should call them..

I ju- I just have absolutely no words..( except for the obvious fact I have no words)....No but this is the best retelling I've read IN MY ENTIRE LIFEEEEEEE.. There is absolutely no way this manuscript wasnt placed in a big bag of crack and shook like Shake ' N Bake.. Let me really try and put this into a little bit of perspective for my Fantasy lovers.... If Rose in Chains by Julie Soto is the fantasy read of the year, Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher is the fantasy read of the DECADE!!!!.. yes, yes I'm aware this is a bold statement.. but again, Aries, duh, & I will DIE on this hill!!!!!!

This is somehow nothing & everything like the original telling of Snow White AT THE SAME TIMEEEEE..

This was BEYOND perfect like so far beyond perfect the word to describe it literally doesn't exist. The characters?? PERFECT, The Plot?? PERFECT, The FMC's humourous inner dialogue?? PERFECT, The incorporation of an old fairy tale with fresh ideas?? PERFECT, Our FMC herself?? PERFECT, The twists & turns?? PERFECT..

Not to mention as a DIE HARD horror fan there's also a FLIPPIN AMAZING Jeepers Creepers aspect to this story that made my dark little heart absolutely rejoice

Another absolutely FABULOUS narrator that helps enchant the whole story! I will WITHOUT A DOUBT be purchasing a deluxe book trophy for this book.. I know it's a book I will be rereading till I die because I'VE ALREADY READ IT TWICE!!

If I absolutely HAD to complain about something. I would have to just be gluttonous and say I wish there was more in some parts. Like a liiittle more backstory about the other world. & The royal family maybe? Particularly the queen. But again I'm COMPLETELY nitpicking

While I was on my first read of this lol my copy stopped working on my Netgallery at like 80%. Lmao, you would have thought my computer had just crashed with an award winning unsaved thesis on it. I was going NUTS. I couldn't imagine not finishing this book. Luckily after going to the actual Netgallery site I learned they were just doing some routine maintenance. But for a good 5 minutes I was on the verge of hyperventilating

I think it's safe to say I don't have enough stars to give this book and honestly neither does the sky

-- This will be my review That can be found on Goodreads, linked in my Netgallery profile. It will also be found on Bookmory, StoryGraph, and Fable