Book Review for A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

This is a Dark Fantasy retelling of the classic fairytale, Goose Girl. The story contains magic and romance along with a murder mystery, regency vibes, and moments of horror. It has a strong female protagonist and is filled with suspense. This story takes place during the Regency Era, England predominately in two large manor houses.

The protagonist, Cordelia, is a fourteen-year-old girl, whose mother is trying to pass her off as a seventeen-year-old in order to marry her to a wealthy man. Cordelia is both clever and ignorant. She has not received a proper education and is exceedingly uncomfortable in social situations. She is frequently “made obedient” by her mother through the force of her magical powers. She lives in fear of disappointing her mother because the consequences are extreme.

Her mother, Lady Evangeline, is a widow and a sorceress. Among her powers is the ability to force obedience. She is beautiful and is seeking wealthy men for both her and Cordelia to marry. She is unusual and has strict rules including no closed doors in the house. She requires strict obedience to The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette.” She owns a horse named Falada which Cordelia likes to ride and considers to be a friend until she discovers that he is a spy for her mother, telling her Cordelia’s secrets.

Other notable characters include Squire Samuel Charham, the rich man Evangeline has set her eyes on for herself; Jacob Stauss the young man Evangeline lectures Cordelia about being friendly to; Hester, Samuel’s fifty-one-year-old sister who is observant enough to notice that Cordelia behaves in strange ways and appears to be frightened of her mother; and Lord Richard Evermore, a good friend of Hester’s and the middle-aged man she asks to request for Cordelia’s hand in marriage.

I loved this story. The author does an excellent job at combining dark fantasy with a fairytale and mystery. It kept me engaged and wanting more. I recommend it to adults who enjoy dark fairy tales. I give this book my 4-star rating!