A SORCERESS COMES TO CALL by T. Kingfisher

This audiobook ARC was given to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review of this book before its expected publication on August 6, 2024

A Dark Fantasy Horror retelling of the fairytale classic Brothers Grimm's Goose Girl

Dangerous Secrets, Mysterious Murders, and Forbidden Magic

Fourteen-year-old Cordelia lives in fear every day. Her mother is strange, and cruel, and always demands her obedience. Their home is unusual. It doesn’t have any doors between rooms; if they did, she is never allowed to be behind a closed door for any privacy. Ever.

As far as she knew, other mothers didn't force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers and do not demand 100% obedience without question. Cordelia isn't allowed to have friends. The only thing she has for enjoyment is daily rides on her mother's beautiful white horse Falada with strange green eyes. The only thing she could talk to about her wants and fears... Fear of her mother. But her mother's horse is also strange, and when Cordelia thinks to run away with him, her mother suddenly appears to stop her. There is no escaping from her mother.

Cordelia’s mother insisted they leave in the middle of the night without understanding why. There is talk of murder in the town, but she doesn't understand why she was forced to leave the only place that she knew. After her mother suddenly acquires a small carriage that they didn't have before, they arrive at a remote country manor of a wealthy older man. The Squire, and his unwed spinster sister, Hester live in his large lavish manor.

After a brief meeting in town, her mother convinced the Squire to have them stay at his manor while she waits for clothes to be made for her and Cordeila as it is close to his home. Cordelia’s mother has a plan which includes lying about Cordelia's age and stating she is 17. She clearly did not look the age, but no one challenged her mother's claim. She plans to trick the Squire into marriage and become the lady of the house to ensure Cordelia is courted and married off to a rich man as they have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Being poor they do not have the money or the connections to do so now. Cordelia is expected to be on her best behavior so all will go well in her mother's plan. The problem is, that she is very young, scared, and did not grow up as someone raised in a manor home with servants to take care of all your needs.

The kind Squire's sister Hester however is intelligent and savvy. She notices how Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl doesn't act like a normal girl of 17 and does not know the simplest of things in a manor house. Even the house staff can see how the young girl fears her mother whenever she is near and doesn't understand what a fully staffed manor runs. Hester knows this woman is up to no good and has every intention to stop her brother from marrying this witch as she can see through her intentions. She also wants to rescue this sweet terrified young girl from her clutches since her behavior is not one has for their parent. What Hester doesn't know is just how dangerous Cordelia's mother really is, or what she is and doom is now in their home.

Although I never read the Brothers Grimm Goose Girl story to make a comparison, this was an interesting story about an awful mother using her daughter to get what she wanted. Lying and manipulating people to steal their wealth, and a woman determined to help a young girl escape and save her brother and the love of her life from an evil selfish woman. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.

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