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Description
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?
If only.
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…
Summary
I was delighted to finally settle down for read the fairy tale reimagining, Thornhedge by US author T. Kingfisher.
Review
In Thornhedge, T. Kingfisher cleverly produces a kind-hearted and unique subversion of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The Fae character Toadling has guarded a tower and the thorny hedges surrounding it. In this reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, the curse upon the princess to sleep within is not a malicious act but one to prevent the princess from escaping.
Even in the brevity of novella, Kingfisher reveals Toadling’s history and how humanity and otherworldly kindness has led to her cursing the princess and guarding her prisoner for many hundreds of years. The paladin Halim lacks reckless bravado and is more interested in knowledge and introspection. Here, in many conversations throughout, Kingfisher masterfully weaves a reflection on the meanings of guilt, duty, and quiet heroism. Despite the quite dark undertones in Thornhedge, those who protect from the shadows. Halim, the deep emotionally affecting scenes produce a balance between quiet melancholy, courage and selfless kindness still retaining the hauntingly familiar fairy tale atmosphere of the original Sleeping Beauty.
Conclusion
A highly recommend read! A heartfelt tale for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy, fairy tale reimagining and fairy folklore. This is an emotionally engaging subversion fairytale that haunts you long after you’ve closed the cover. A superb subversive fairy tale and fantasy read.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 