Welcome to Read This Book, a newsletter where I recommend one book that I think you absolutely must read. The books will vary across genre and age category to include new releases, backlist titles, and classics. If you’re ready to explode your TBR, buckle up!
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Today’s pick is a novella, and while it may be on the short side, it’s a really excellent fantasy retelling that will stick with you!
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Toadling was born a human, but she doesn’t know much of human life. She was stolen moments after her birth by the faeries, and raised in faerieland among the water sprites, kelpies, and other fae of the river. She was loved. But when the faeries whisk her away from the only home she’s ever known, she’s asked to return to the human world and offer a blessing of protection on a young princess. Toadling agrees, but when the blessing goes awry, she’s stuck in the human world for years, centuries, until a human knight appears to upset the careful balance of her blessing.
Here’s the thing about this book: It’s best not to know too much going in, or to read too many reviews. Not necessarily to avoid spoilers (although do avoid spoilers!) but so that you can go in with an open mind and let the storytelling sweep you away. I love that Kingfisher chose to focus on the faerie of the Sleeping Beauty tale (who is too often portrayed as a villain) and I really enjoyed getting to sink into her character. She’s not vindictive, powerful, or cruel—she’s just a lost soul who wants to go home, and who is trying her best. I really enjoyed her interactions with the unconventional knight who discovers the keep behind the brambles—a poor young son, a Muslim, and a gentle soul who is curious and kind. Kingfisher balances the present action with flashbacks wonderfully, making this novella fly by. This is one of the most enjoyable subversive fairy tales I’ve read in a long time, and my only complaint is that it isn’t longer! (But then again, I always want more T. Kingfisher books and stories!)
Bonus: The audiobook, narrated by Jennifer Bloom, was excellent!
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Happy reading!
Tirzah
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