A review by orionmerlin
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Characters: 9/10
Kingfisher crafts deeply compelling characters, particularly Cordelia, whose struggle against her mother’s control is haunting and emotionally powerful. Her mother, Evangeline, is a chilling villain—manipulative, commanding, and utterly terrifying in her ability to bend others to her will. Hester is an excellent counterbalance, adding depth and intelligence to the narrative. The secondary characters, such as Ellen and the Squire, serve their roles well, though some could have been further explored. Cordelia’s gradual realization of her situation and her evolving attempts to resist it kept me completely invested.
Atmosphere/Setting: 9/10
The gothic tone is masterfully done, immersing me in a world of quiet dread. The contrast between Cordelia’s suffocating home and the grandeur of Chatham House reinforces the themes of control and escape. The descriptions of Falada, the ever-present scent of wormwood, and the oppressive feeling of being watched added layers of unease that made the story feel visceral. While there were a few moments where the energy dipped, the setting always enhanced the tension and mood effectively.
Writing Style: 9/10
Kingfisher’s prose is both elegant and accessible. The balance between dialogue and narration is well-handled, and the introspective moments never feel excessive. The writing flows beautifully, capturing the gothic horror of the story while remaining emotionally resonant. There were moments where I wished for slightly sharper pacing, but the lyrical quality of the prose kept me engaged. I would absolutely seek out more of Kingfisher’s works, even in different genres.
Plot: 8.5/10
The story unfolds at a deliberately measured pace, allowing tension to build in a way that feels natural and immersive. The slow reveal of Cordelia’s mother’s magic, Falada’s true nature, and Cordelia’s attempts to resist control are all handled with precision. That said, there are a few sections in the middle that felt slower than necessary, where reflection slightly overpowered momentum. However, the final act delivers satisfying twists and resolutions that reward the buildup.
Intrigue: 9/10
I found myself eager to return to the book at every opportunity. The psychological horror of Cordelia’s obedience, the slow unraveling of her world, and the ever-present tension made for a compelling read. While the pacing was slower in some areas, the constant sense of unease kept me fully invested. The novel’s biggest strength is how it maintains an emotional grip on the reader from beginning to end.
Logic/Relationships: 9/10
The relationships in this book are some of its strongest elements. The dynamic between Cordelia and her mother is unsettling in the best way, a complex blend of control, fear, and twisted maternal devotion. Falada’s revelation as a familiar is a gut punch, and it reshapes how I viewed their bond throughout the novel. The world-building is also well-handled—Kingfisher establishes the rules of obedience magic subtly but effectively, never overwhelming the reader with unnecessary exposition. The only minor issue is that I would have liked a bit more exploration of other magical elements in this world.
Enjoyment: 9.5/10
I thoroughly enjoyed A Sorceress Comes to Call. It is dark, atmospheric, and emotionally powerful, with a protagonist whose journey I found deeply compelling. The gothic horror elements, combined with Kingfisher’s beautiful writing and well-crafted characters, made for a memorable reading experience. While a few pacing issues prevent it from being absolutely perfect, it is a novel I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys gothic fantasy with strong emotional depth.