Experience the Magic of Thornhedge
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T. Kingfisher is a bestselling author most notably recognized for stories like What Moves the Dead, Nettle and Bone, and The Twisted Ones. Her latest story Thornhedge (releasing August 15th) is a subversive fairytale you must pick up.
In Thornhedge, T. Kingfisher masterfully twists the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, turning it completely sideways in this enchanting fantasy novella from Tor Books. The story centers on Toadling, an unlikely, uniquely shaped heroine tasked with guarding a princess trapped in a tower. But when a gentle knight approaches the tower years later, the lines between good and evil blur in ways no one expected. Kingfisher’s Hugo Award-nominated storytelling brings a fresh perspective to the human world of fairy tales, delivering a tale that is as heartwarming as it is haunting.
Thornhedge Synopsis
There’s a princess trapped in a tower. She’s been trapped in a state of sleep for 200 years. This isn’t her story.
Meet Toadling. On the day of her birth, Toadling was taken from her family by fairies and swapped with a changeling. Toadling grew up safe and loved in the warm waters of Faerieland with her greenteeth family. Once an adult though, the fae asks a favor of Toadling: return to the human world and offer a blessing of protection to a newborn child. Simple, right?
If only.
200 years later, Halim, a knight who wishes to break the curse, approaches the wall of brambles and attempts to climb the tower. But Toadling will do anything to uphold the curse…
My Thoughts
Thornhedge was my first T. Kingfisher. This bite-size introduction was the perfect way for me to take in my first Kingfisher novel. I love how she can effortlessly take a fairytale and turn it into a twisted weird tale. And that is exactly what Thornhedge is. It is reminiscent of the typical fairytale (Sleeping Beauty to be exact) and turns it on its ear. And I loved every second of it!
Thornhedge takes the idea “What if the maiden was put away for more sinister reasons?” Then, answers that question from the point of view of the fairy godmother. Breaking down all the reasons why the curse can’t be broken. Why it shouldn’t be broken. And the burden placed on the godmother who has to bear it all. And Toadling the godmother in question is the source of it all (NO SPOILERS).
Thornhedge does a fantastic job of pacing the story and setting up the mystery of Toadling and the maiden. For being less than 200 pages it sucks you in giving you more and more details without overloading you leaving you craving more. I instantly bonded with Toadling, as she is endearing, and kind. And after being alone for 200 years she works at finding her way with talking to people and saying things lovingly. It was so sweet to see.
Overall, I’d highly recommend Thornhedge. If you are already a fan of T. Kingfisher’s works or are looking for a new author give her a try. You should also give Thornhedge a try if you are a fan of Alix E. Harrow and Katharine Arden’s works.
Thank you to Tor Books/Macmillan for sending me a copy to review. This does NOT affect my opinion of Thornhedge!
Check Out our Amazon Storefront where you can find all of T.Kingfisher’s novels including Thornhedge
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