A dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Goose Girl, rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic
Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend—unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.
After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.
Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.
T. Kingfisher’s A Sorceress Comes Calling is different from the cozy-dark atmosphere of their books I read previously.
Where their other stories have a lighthearted touch, this one dives deep into heavier themes such as coercion, body autonomy, controlling parents, murder, and more.
The tone of the book is quite dark, but brief moments of levity do a great job counterbalance the heavier material.
“I go to confession whenever the guilt gets to be too much.” “And how often is that?” “It hasn’t happened yet, but you never know.”
That said, the book still carries Kingfisher’s signature strength of well-crafted, relatable characters. The female-led cast is a delight, with each character bringing their own quirks and depth to the table. I found myself drawn to their personalities, and their loyalty, camaraderie, and the occasional dark humor, felt incredibly natural. The friendships between these characters felt authentic, and I couldn’t help but wish to have tea with them.
“Hester was no hero, but there was nothing in her that would allow her to turn away from a person who had been dropped on her doorstep. Even if that person had brought Doom along with her.”
One of the things I particularly appreciated was the subversion of expectations when it comes to romance. Unlike many stories where the teen protagonist gets swept into a romance arc, here, it’s the 50-year-old spinster with a bad knee who gets her romantic subplot. It’s a refreshing, beautiful choice that speaks to Kingfisher’s ability to turn conventions on their head and present a more inclusive perspective on love and relationships.
“I’d like to yell,” said Imogene, “but this hardly seems like the time, does it?” She grimaced. “Willard, can you take the scissors? My hand is getting a cramp.”
“Certainly, Lady Strauss.”
“And promise you’ll kill her. No gallantry, now.”
“Madam.” He frowned at her. “I am a butler. Do you truly believe that I do not know how to dispatch a houseguest if required?”
Overall, A Sorceress Comes Calling is a darker but still immensely enjoyable read, perfect for fans of Kingfisher who are looking for something a bit more serious, with the same delightful character work and unexpected twists that they are known for.
Just be aware of the heavier subject matter, as it might not be for everyone.
