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blacksphinx 's review for:
A Sorceress Comes to Call
by T. Kingfisher
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One day I will see a work that clearly states "this contains content that will trigger you," and I will NOT respond with, "oh boy, I've been warned about it, so that means I'm now prepared to experience it!"
This book, despite being a bit of a Regency romance and a fantasy of manners, is harrowing and emotionally draining because it's making me relive so many moments in my life. The fact that something awful happens to a character that shares the same name as a close friend of mine makes it hit that much worse. I have spent my time reading this book just praying T. Kingfisher isn't pulling from personal experience in her depiction of a child being controlled, neglected, and emotionally abused by a parent, but it's so authentic I fear it may be. The point where Cordelia experiences so much fear she breaks and becomes eerily calm? I've been there, and I'm sorry.
I am hearted by hearing people repeatedly describe it as "dark" and "reading like a horror novel," it feels validating. In fact, considering the many grisly deaths and existential terrors this book contains, I genuinely believe it has earned the title of "fantasy horror novel." (She does write both genres after all.) If you're a fantasy fan that wanted to see if the horror genre is for you, I think this is a good book to start with.
In short, it's expected this will get a Hugo nod (especially considering she's the MC for the 2025 awards), and I wouldn't begrudge its presence on the ballot at all.
PS: While the voice acting of our two PoV characters is excellent, I must point out the audiobook does not include her acknowledgements that contain an answer to the question of "what is up with you and horses?"
This book, despite being a bit of a Regency romance and a fantasy of manners, is harrowing and emotionally draining because it's making me relive so many moments in my life. The fact that something awful happens to a character that shares the same name as a close friend of mine makes it hit that much worse. I have spent my time reading this book just praying T. Kingfisher isn't pulling from personal experience in her depiction of a child being controlled, neglected, and emotionally abused by a parent, but it's so authentic I fear it may be. The point where Cordelia experiences so much fear she breaks and becomes eerily calm? I've been there, and I'm sorry.
I am hearted by hearing people repeatedly describe it as "dark" and "reading like a horror novel," it feels validating. In fact, considering the many grisly deaths and existential terrors this book contains, I genuinely believe it has earned the title of "fantasy horror novel." (She does write both genres after all.) If you're a fantasy fan that wanted to see if the horror genre is for you, I think this is a good book to start with.
In short, it's expected this will get a Hugo nod (especially considering she's the MC for the 2025 awards), and I wouldn't begrudge its presence on the ballot at all.
PS: While the voice acting of our two PoV characters is excellent, I must point out the audiobook does not include her acknowledgements that contain an answer to the question of "what is up with you and horses?"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Toxic relationship, Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Drug use, Sexual content, Alcohol, Classism
The ableism is internalized.