2 days ago
Fabulous reads: A fairytale with revenge, and a demon-possessed chicken
Nettle and Bone, T. Kingfisher, Titan Books, ISBN: 9781803360997
Nettle and Bone is a dark fairytale with mortal stakes, laced with delightfully dry humour and a touch of feminist rage. While its themes of vengeance and wrath may not appeal to every reader, it is much more than a simple tale of retribution. At its heart, this is a story of family, friendship, sacrifice, loyalty, and unwavering bravery.
T. Kingfisher takes the familiar elements of a classic fairytale and twists them into a wondrous and unique world, rich in escapism. While the novel carries the eerie, almost folkloric tone of the Grimm brothers' fairy tales, the author's wry wit and compassionate storytelling make it feel fresh and delightful.
Princess Marra, the third-born daughter of the Harbor Kingdom, is far from the quintessential heroine. She possesses no hidden magic, no great destiny — only a talent for needlework. But when she learns that the prince of a powerful allied kingdom has murdered her beloved eldest sister and is now abusing her second, she embarks on a perilous quest to stop him before it's too late.
After completing three impossible tasks, she assembles a motley crew of companions to help her on her seemingly hopeless and treacherous mission.
Together, they navigate a world of curses, blessings, angry ghosts, and an ancient burial chamber, all leading to a final confrontation where justice hangs in the balance.
The demon-possessed chicken is a highlight of the book — at least for me.
While the book is brimming with enchantment, its pacing falters at times, making some sections feel sluggish. The romance subplot, while present, feels unnecessary and somewhat underdeveloped. However, the strength of the world-building and the whimsical yet haunting cast of characters kept me reading, eager to see if they would find their happily-ever-after.
For those who love fairytales with a sharp edge, a dash of dark humour, and a heroine who defies expectations, Nettle and Bone is a spellbinding read worth diving into. – Mariclair Smit 4/5 stars
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