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“”Eh?” Hester realized that her brother had been speaking. “What was that? You have to speak up, my hearing’s not what it was.” (This was entirely untrue, but she had found that it was a very good excuse when she had simply been ignoring a dull conversation.)”

What is the Book about?

A haunting reimagining of the Brothers Grimm’s Goose Girl, brimming with secrets, forbidden magic, and murder.

Cordelia has always known her mother was different. In their home, no doors stand between rooms, and she’s forbidden from making friends—unless you count Falada, her mother’s majestic white horse, her only companion on daily rides where she feels just a little bit free. But her mother’s quirks go far beyond the ordinary. Other mothers don’t demand hours—sometimes days—of perfect silence and stillness. And most mothers aren’t powerful sorceresses.

When a suspicious death shakes their small town, Cordelia’s mother forces them to flee in the dead of night on Falada’s back, abandoning everything Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at an isolated country manor, home to a wealthy but gullible Squire and his strong-willed sister, Hester. Cordelia knows her mother plans to snare the Squire into marriage, and she’s certain it will end poorly for him and his clever, compassionate sister.

But Hester isn’t blind to the darkness hanging over Cordelia. She sees the way Cordelia flinches at her mother’s touch, the unnatural stillness that settles over her every night at dinner. Hester realizes that, to save her brother from an enchanted fate and free Cordelia from her mother’s iron grip, she’ll have to stand up against a wicked sorceress of the worst kind.

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Rating
Plot ★★★★☆
Characters ★★★★★
Excitement ★★★★☆
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★★★

Favourite Character
Hester

My thoughts while reading it

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher takes the classic Grimm Brothers’ tale, The Goose Girl, and transforms it into something entirely new and enthralling. Kingfisher blends fantasy, horror, and cozy elements to create a story that is both recognizable and utterly fresh. The original Grimm tale—with its familiar elements of a girl, a conniving maid, a goose flock, and a tragic talking horse named Falada—serves as the foundation. But this version? It’s as if The Goose Girl were thrown in a blender, yielding an unpredictable yet enchanting mix of new characters, feminist twists, and some unforgettable geese. The book feels like a fairy tale wrapped in shadows—dark but comforting, eerie yet warm—and leaves you with the sensation of having ventured into a timeless, enchanted world.

Kingfisher’s characters are the heart of this reimagined tale, and they’re worlds away from the passive figures in the original. Instead of a lone, downtrodden girl, we meet a cast of women with strength, flaws, and resilience. The classic princess figure is split between two characters: Hester and Cordelia. Hester, the sister of a nobleman, runs her own goose-breeding business with a flair and confidence that immediately make her stand out. Far from a mere peasant, Hester is a shrewd, self-made woman who knows how to navigate the world around her. Her geese aren’t there simply for atmosphere—they’re raised as guard geese, with the aggression and loyalty to protect what’s hers. Kingfisher’s twist here is both humorous and logical; anyone who’s encountered territorial geese knows just how formidable they can be! Cordelia, meanwhile, is the daughter of the titular sorceress, Evangeline. She mirrors the abused and downtrodden “goose girl” of the original tale, though her suffering comes from her cruel mother’s manipulation and control over her, using magic to instill fear and dependence. Cordelia’s vulnerabilities are palpable, and watching her wrestle with her trauma adds an emotional depth to the story that’s both touching and tragic. Her transformation, supported by a found mother figure like Hester, is inspiring—it shows that with the right guidance, even someone who starts as meek and overshadowed can grow into something powerful and resilient. Watching her gradually reclaim her strength and identity in the face of her mother’s manipulation adds an emotional richness to the story that’s both heartbreaking and empowering. Together, these two form a partnership that is as empowering as it is unexpected, challenging traditional roles and showing the strength that women can find in each other.

Hester’s friends, Penelope and Imogene, are delightful additions, adding humour and warmth to balance the darker themes. These women, with their witty dialogue and old-fashioned names, know exactly who they are and don’t hesitate to question what’s happening around them. Their camaraderie provides a lightness that only enhances the story’s cosy feel, giving readers a sense of community in the face of the sorceress’s looming threat. This found family centers around the strength and solidarity of women. As Hester, Cordelia, and their friends come together, they build a family of choice—one that stands in stark contrast to the oppressive dynamics of Cordelia’s past. This camaraderie highlights the feminist core of the story, showing women as fully realized, complex individuals who support and empower one another. Their bonds create a space of safety and resilience, underscoring the idea that family is about connection, not just blood.

Kingfisher’s retelling isn’t just a cosy reimagining; it has teeth. The book’s atmosphere is one of its greatest strengths. Kingfisher creates a small, rural world that feels quaint but hides dark undercurrents. When Cordelia and her mother arrive at Hester’s manor, you feel the unsettling tension almost immediately, especially as Cordelia’s trauma becomes clearer. Every evening at dinner, Cordelia sits eerily still, forced by her mother’s magic into obedience, which only heightens Hester’s concern. The house itself, the wild geese on the grounds, the remote location—all of it adds to a cosy but eerie setting, where magic feels both inviting and dangerous. Kingfisher’s writing brings this world to life, letting the shadows in the corners of the story build an almost folktale-like dread. The magic here feels both old and dangerous, almost like it belongs to another world just barely connected to our own. Kingfisher’s approach to the fantastical elements is refreshingly grounded; she doesn’t over-explain, allowing the supernatural to retain its mystery and awe. The horror elements are subtle but effective. Kingfisher doesn’t rely on jump scares or overly dark themes but rather builds a slow, creeping tension that keeps you on edge. The sense that there’s something sinister lurking just beyond the page is wonderfully chilling and makes the story as suspenseful as it is cosy.

A Sorceress Comes to Call is an enchanting blend of fantasy, horror, and cosy warmth. It’s a fractured fairytale that defies expectations, turning The Goose Girl into a rich tale of resilience, courage, and female friendship. Cordelia’s journey, from fear to finding her own strength, is both touching and inspiring, and Hester’s fierce determination makes her an unforgettable character. Kingfisher’s ability to balance the haunting with the heartwarming, the magical with the mundane, makes this book an absolute joy to read. For anyone who loves fairytales reimagined, and especially those that don’t shy away from turning tradition on its head, A Sorceress Comes to Call is a must-read. This is T. Kingfisher at her best—breathing new life into an old story while crafting something entirely her own.

And remember, folks: always close the door!

Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✓