Synopsis
This is a tale of a kind-hearted, toad-shaped heroine, a gentle knight, and a mission gone completely sideways. There’s a princess trapped in a tower. This isn’t her story.
Meet Toadling. On the day of her birth, she was stolen from her family by the fairies, but she grew up safe and loved in the warm waters of faerieland. Once an adult though, the fae ask a favor of Toadling: return to the human world and offer a blessing of protection to a newborn child. Simple, right?
But nothing with fairies is ever simple.
Centuries later, a knight approaches a towering wall of brambles, where the thorns are as thick as your arm and as sharp as swords. He’s heard there’s a curse here that needs breaking, but it’s a curse Toadling will do anything to uphold…
Thoughts
This novella is a clever and slightly unsettling retelling of Sleeping Beauty, told from the perspective of the human princess who grew up with the fairies. From details like a botched spell that changes the trajectory of Toadling’s mission to a kindhearted Muslim knight, this is a truly unique reimagining of the beloved fairytale. This is a memorable book, with themes which include duty, empathy, and found family. And it carries a reminder that beauty is only skin deep. Please check trigger warnings, as there are some distressing details.
★★★★☆
Question
Have you read any T. Kingfisher books?