Alright, my scrappy little reading squad, grab your weapon of choice—a comfy reading nook, perhaps—and dive into the hellishly delightful world of Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher. Warning: this isn’t your grandma’s fairy tale. Unless your grandma’s into dark humor and demon chickens. In which case, can I meet her?

Overall Rating: 4.0

Storyline: 4.2
Writing Style: 4.0
World-Building: 3.8

Synopsis

Imagine this: Cinderella goes on a crash diet of sass, adds a pinch of cynicism, and then embarks on a quest to save herself. That’s Marra, folks—a heroine who couldn’t care less about being “chosen.” She’s haunted by bad marriages (not hers), armed with a bone dog (yes, you heard me), and on a mission to save her sister from a nasty wedlock. Tagging along for the ride are a grumpy fairy godmother, an ex-knight with a heart of gold, and…a demon-possessed chicken. Because why not?

Why You Should Read It

Marra is the kind of protagonist you’ll root for while chuckling at her every sarcastic comment. Quiet and unassuming, Marra thumbs her nose at fairy tale conventions like it’s her job. This book doesn’t just lean into the quirky side of fairy tales; it cannonballs into it. And who doesn’t love a good cannonball?

Now, is the pacing flawless? Nope. It stumbles here and there. But like a drunk knight, it quickly finds its footing thanks to a cast of misfit characters that practically leap off the page and into your heart. The interactions between Marra and her posse—ranging from heartwarming to laugh-out-loud funny—are a treat.

When it comes to world-building, don’t expect to dive into deep, Tolkien-like lore. The backdrop is more of a shadowy fairy tale realm, rich in atmosphere if a bit low on intricate details. But hey, it works like magic (pun intended). The magic here is spooky and mysterious rather than flashy. Think of it as the subtle spine-tingler in a haunted house.

Books for Your Radar

If you enjoyed the dark enchantment and quirky charm of Nettle & Bone, consider grabbing Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik or The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. Both promise rich narratives and dark, magical elements that’ll hook you just as much.

Final Verdict

This was my first time reading something from T. Kingfisher, and I have to admit that I enjoyed the sassy, dark, and weird ride through fairy tale land where nothing is quite what it seems. I appreciate the use of unorthodox heroes, peculiar quests, and magic that feels more eerie than epic. If Kingfisher’s other works contain a similar style of dry humor, unconventional heroines, or tales with a bit of bite – then consider me a fan.

Until next time, keep your books handy and your chickens demon-free.