A review by laz_
Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino

3.5

“'We must not look at goblin men, / We must not buy their fruits: / Who knows upon what soil they fed / Their hungry thirsty roots?"

A retelling of Christina Rossetti's narrative poem Goblin Market, this book drew me in immediately as I've studied it before and love its story of temptation, sensuality, and the power of women. I'm glad to say this book is the same - and the author does a really amazing job of expanding the small story of Goblin Market into a fully-fleshed and realized world of magic, glamours, female bonds, and darkness. Not to mention the ace rep! Asexuality is extremely underrepresented in literature and, while it is definitely not the focus of this book—it is mentioned in a conversation in one chapter—I like that; ace people should be allowed stories where they just exist.

I found it a bit difficult in the beginning to piece some of the world together, but once the ball gets rolling the characters are all given their own development, although I thought some of it was repetitive. I had some questions about Lou's character, and I find it interesting that the main character would be the one most in need of more fleshing out, but as a lot of the book is dedicated to her trying to figure herself out, I think some confusion is allowed.

I think my favorite parts of this book were the fantasy world and the queer romance, both of which revolve around each other in intricate ways. The world of modern-day witches, powerful women, and the sumptuous and tantalizing wares of the murderous goblin market dwellers that they constantly fight against, felt so real and enchanting. The romance, between a witch and a beautiful goblin woman, was beautiful and, in a way, empowering. I love the idea of women as monsters being beautiful. Women being powerful and deadly and still deserving love and receiving it.

Content warnings for gore and body horror throughout. 
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review!