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gabsoulutely 's review for:
Hemlock & Silver
by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love fantasy retellings! Snow White is one of those very well-known princess stories, and T.Kingfisher has managed to turn what we already know into something unique, mysterious, and even better. I love how the prose is so detailed, easy to follow, and beautiful. I love how relatable the main character, Anja, had such an honest inner monologue, all while still being so well-spoken. It's hard to find a book that reads like this one. The language used in this book was so easy in certain moments that I had begun to think I was conversing personally with the characters as if they were my own friends.
I love the inner monologues and the ideas that the main female lead had, both out loud to everyone she interacted with and with herself. I found myself looking at her with the same fondness I have for Maomao of the Apothecary Diaries series, who is my current favorite anime character, who just so happens to be a poison taster with a similar personality; she's witty, logical, a problem solved, and intelligent.
Additionally, the cast of characters were so interesting and expertly woven into the story. I didn't know who would be important until they started to single-handedly piece the mystery of the plot together. I especially loved the dynamic between Anja and her guard. The whole story was so beautifully written and perfect with setting the scene, at certain points I was so scared I had to take breaks from reading at night. The dark elements of this book reminds me of House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland, which I loved, as well.
The audiobook performance was especially outstanding. I can be rather picky with the narrators that I listen to, however the narrator of this audiobook has such a pleasant tone and a calming voice. I truly enjoyed their performance and would love to read more from them, as well.
It's very easy to love a T.Kingfisher book and I'm so glad to follow along with her recent releases. This story has risen in the ranks of my favorite books of the 2025 and I'm so happy I got to read it! Thank you so much for this advanced reader's copy Net Galley, MacMillan Audiobooks, and T.Kingfisher.
I believe this is one of T.Kingfisher's best works and highly recommend you read it! Treat yourself to learn new things from an age-old classic shared as a brilliant fairytale retelling. Read this decadent piece of literature to stimulate your mind and remind you why you love to read. Because I know I surely loved reading this book!
I love the inner monologues and the ideas that the main female lead had, both out loud to everyone she interacted with and with herself. I found myself looking at her with the same fondness I have for Maomao of the Apothecary Diaries series, who is my current favorite anime character, who just so happens to be a poison taster with a similar personality; she's witty, logical, a problem solved, and intelligent.
Additionally, the cast of characters were so interesting and expertly woven into the story. I didn't know who would be important until they started to single-handedly piece the mystery of the plot together. I especially loved the dynamic between Anja and her guard. The whole story was so beautifully written and perfect with setting the scene, at certain points I was so scared I had to take breaks from reading at night. The dark elements of this book reminds me of House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland, which I loved, as well.
The audiobook performance was especially outstanding. I can be rather picky with the narrators that I listen to, however the narrator of this audiobook has such a pleasant tone and a calming voice. I truly enjoyed their performance and would love to read more from them, as well.
It's very easy to love a T.Kingfisher book and I'm so glad to follow along with her recent releases. This story has risen in the ranks of my favorite books of the 2025 and I'm so happy I got to read it! Thank you so much for this advanced reader's copy Net Galley, MacMillan Audiobooks, and T.Kingfisher.
I believe this is one of T.Kingfisher's best works and highly recommend you read it! Treat yourself to learn new things from an age-old classic shared as a brilliant fairytale retelling. Read this decadent piece of literature to stimulate your mind and remind you why you love to read. Because I know I surely loved reading this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Death of parent
Moderate: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Kidnapping