A Sorceress Comes to Call by T Kingfisher

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.

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In A Sorceress Comes to Call, T Kingfisher delivers a hauntingly original tale that loosely draws inspiration from the Brothers Grimm’s Goose Girl, but ultimately ventures into darkly captivating territory all its own. The story centers on Cordelia, a young girl living under the oppressive influence of her eccentric mother, a sorceress whose peculiarities mask a deeper malevolence.

From the outset, Kingfisher immerses readers in a world tinged with unsettling magic and secrets. Cordelia’s life is marked by isolation and fear, exemplified by her mother’s bizarre household—one without doors, where silence is enforced, and friendship is forbidden. The relationship between Cordelia and her beautiful white horse, Falada, serves as her sole refuge, providing a poignant counterpoint to her otherwise stifling existence.

When a mysterious death prompts her mother to whisk them away to the remote manor of the Squire and his sister, Hester, the tension escalates. Hester’s warm and perceptive nature contrasts sharply with Cordelia’s mother, creating a dynamic that drives the plot forward. As Hester begins to unravel the sinister threads woven by Cordelia’s mother, the stakes rise, leading to a gripping confrontation with dark forces that threaten them all.

Kingfisher’s writing is both lyrical and atmospheric, skillfully blending elements of fantasy and suspense. The exploration of mother-daughter relationships—particularly the toxic bonds that can form in the name of love—adds emotional depth to the narrative. Cordelia’s journey from fear to empowerment is compelling, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the dangerous waters of magic and familial loyalty.

The Sorceress Comes to Call is a darkly enchanting tale filled with twists and turns, ultimately challenging notions of power, agency, and the complexities of love. Kingfisher’s unique voice and inventive storytelling make this novel a standout in the realm of retellings, offering a fresh perspective that lingers long after the final page.

For readers who enjoy stories steeped in magic, intrigue, and complex characters, T Kingfisher’s latest offering is a must-read that will draw you into its spellbinding embrace.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed A Sorceress Comes to Call, you might also like The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, which offers a beautifully crafted retelling that balances magic with themes of identity and courage. For a movie that captures the enchanting and adventurous spirit of fairy tales, Stardust is an excellent choice. Its blend of whimsy, romance, and danger mirrors the magical intrigue present in Kingfisher’s novel.

A Sorceress Comes to Call is available now. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.