I was provided an ARC from the publisher, Titan Books, in exchange for an honest review.

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 favour 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...

Given my track record with T. Kingfisher books, I was dubious to try this but the story itself intrigued me. This retelling of Sleeping Beauty has us asking the intent of why they were put to sleep, and it helped shape a great tale.

This isn't a linear journey but that works to Kingfishers strengths as we are treated with mysteries and twists as things slowly unravel through our experience. As short as this is, the world-building itself was fleshed out and felt like a world that was lived-in. The characters themselves are a highlight and layered. The main character of Thornhedge, Toadling, is filled with thoughtful affinity and a genuine strength and exerts a humanity that is unfounded and their interactions with others makes for an easy read.

This has a gloomy and forbidding undertone that arches the story itself and there are parts that are described eerily but Kingfisher has addressed such dark thematic issues and even some ethical nuances which the length of this is advantageous of. The welcoming of fairy tale origins and a unique take leads to me wishing this was longer and some things felt that they were put on the page for the shock factor and not the story.

Both grim and hopeful, Thornhedge is a story of existence and relationships that makes for a cosy yet disquieting read.

I thoroughly enjoyed Thornhedge. It was the second T. Kingfisher novella I read, and I just love her storytelling: once you start, it's impossible to stop. And a fairy tale retelling on top of it? Count me in.
Toadling was a sweet protagonist, and the found family elements were heartwarming. Toadling's interactions with the knight were my favourites, and I was on the edge of my seat to find out what was waiting for the behind the brambles...
The backstory interspersed throughout the story made for good tension, and was certainly chilling!
Overall, the novella was a strange concotion of eerie and sweet. I loved this twist on sleeping beauty!

This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, but one where the Princess is not innocent but a Vicious changeling and Toadling, a human who was raised as a fairy, is tasked with protecting others from her.

When the protection spell goes wrong, Toadling has to control the Princess in other ways.

Many years later, a Knight comes to break the curse... but just who is he there to save?

I really enjoyed this twist on the Sleeping Beauty tale. Thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for an early copy of this to read and review, although all opinions are still my own

this book was so cute and fun!! i had a blast reading this one. it was my first kingfisher novel and im so excited to read more!!

A charming mix of horror and fairytale, Thornhedge boasts two quirky, awkward, likeable main characters, T. Kingfisher's signature whimsical writing style with humour which may or may not work for you and a fun dark twist on the Sleeping Beauty narrative. Though I found it compelling enough to breeze through, I wish the novella had been expanded into a short novel length to flesh out the characters and worldbuilding a bit further, which would make me more invested and offer more opportunities for twists and turns in the story.
Nevertheless, highly recommend if you like fairytale retellings which feel refreshing and new, and dark fae.

twisted retelling of Sleeping Beauty tale

even though this is a novella, I found it really hard to get through the book. something about the writing style... after I finished the book, I barely understand what was happening because the plot shifted from past to present to past and so on so everything felt quite confusing. but it IS really unique .

THORNHEDGE is a gorgeous little novella retelling Sleeping Beauty - with a twist.

This book absolutely nails the fairy tale vibe of being of this world but not, weaving familiar elements of fairy tales and other folk lore into a tale of curses, knights, and faeries. It's so wonderfully put together, bringing a new spin to this tale while feeling like it could be a cousin of Grimm (but not a Grimm as it's not that gruesome, which I liked.)

Like NETTLE AND BONE (currently my only other read by the author but that is likely to change!), it is has a lyrical quality, transporting you to somewhere on the edge of familiarity. There's a lilting feel to it, like someone is recounting to tale in a smoky hall, which just adds to the atmosphere.

I loved the way it refocuses Sleeping Beauty to be about the fairy godmother, though not as a "villain origin story." Instead, it's a gentle tale of a fairy trying her best to ensure the Princess doesn't harm others - and then later dealing with a persistent but gentle knight. I really liked how soft he was, gently spoken and thoughtful. A real contrast to the toxic masculinity portrayals of knights in earlier tales than many fairy tales are based on.

It is a novella, so it is a shorter read, but that was so refreshing after a lot of series instalments in the 400+ page range (which I do also like, but it can get a lot!) This is a little bite of a book, perfectly contained within the <230 pages, a palate cleanser of fairy tale goodness.

“Remember us, and if you can, find your way back to us in time.”

You know those special reads that cause you to immediately search out a signed copy as soon as you reach The End, if not sooner, because it’s now one of your forever books? Welcome to Thornhedge.

You probably think you know this story … a princess trapped in a tower in an enchanted sleep … the whole Sleeping Beauty thing. You’ve seen the Disney movie. You’ve read the retellings. You may have even read the original. You’ve absolutely questioned the lack of consent of that kiss.

But you don’t know this story. See, this isn’t the princess’ story. It’s Toadling’s. I unequivocally adore Toadling, with her blue-black tears and her determination to complete the task she was given so long ago.

“But we are not always given the choices that we want.”

Toadling is an absolute sweetheart whose loyalty is strong enough to endure for centuries and who wants nothing more than to be with her family. Not the family of her birth; the one who adopted her after she was stolen.

Toadling’s got a job to do, though, and it involves the princess in the tower that this story is not about. Unbeknownst to dear Toadling, although soon to be knownst, a knight has commenced a quest and it’s quite possible he’s going to make a right mess of the status quo.

‘“This is my place,” she said finally. “You are in it.”’

This is a story of aching loneliness and not entirely fitting in anywhere. It’s found family and deep connections. It has magic and it is magical. It’s dark and it’s delightful and, I have to agree with the author here, it is sweet.

T. Kingfisher has quickly become one of my favourite authors and this novella has confirmed why. Toadling lives in my heart now and she’s not leaving anytime soon.

Favourite no context quote: “This would be easier if you could turn into a toad”

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read this novella.

Really felt let down with this one.

I think it probably suffered from being a novella and wanting a clear cut ending.

The use of a changeling character had me worried from the start and was disappointed she was a cut and paste 'monster'.

This book said a lot but didn't actually have anything so say at all.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGally for an ARC.

T Kingfisher never disappoints! I absolutely adored this book, it was so sweet and just wonderful.
Thornhedge is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty but with a bit of a twist. Our protagonist isn’t sleeping beauty herself but the fairy who cursed her.
T Kingfisher writes characters that are so incredibly charming that it’s impossible not to love them and that’s the case with Toadling as well.
If you love cozy fantasy and whimsical characters then definitely pick up this book!

Thornhedge is an interesting twist on the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ fairy tale. Whilst not as dark as TJ Kingfishers books (namely Nettle and Bone) this novella is charming in its own way.

Toadling is stolen by the Fae at birth and raised by lesser swamp fairies who love her unconditionally even though she is human and teach her magic. She is sent to the human realm again to stop the changeling who has taken her place from doing harm. All she has to do is give the child a blessing.

Things go wrong and centuries later a Knight comes to rescue the maiden in the tower, except the maiden is the changeling and Toadling will do anything to stop her from waking up.

I really enjoyed this novella, it was sweet, cosy and charming with darker elements. My only criticism is that there was a lot of build up to what will happen in the tower for it to end within half a page and it felt a little anti climactic, I suppose it fits with the idea of Toadling having no control over anything about her life until right at the end when she makes a choice for her own happiness.

I love T. J. Kingfisher! Nettle and Bone was one of my top recent reads, and I was so excited to read Thornhedge. I always find her works deliciously odd - unexpected and unputdownable, she does a fantastic job at creating rich and immersive worlds in a relatively short space of time. It was a very quick read, so not my favourite of hers, but very enjoyable nonetheless.

*thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me this arc in exchange of an honest review*

This was a beautiful retelling. I hope it wasn't just a novella though because it was everything I wanted. Funny, with an approachable MC. I loved it!

This is the year T. Kingfisher took over my TBR and my monthly favorites. I try to read other books in between so I won’t reach a book slump, but it’s hard as they keep staring at me… so imagine my joy when I got an e-arc of T. Kingfisher’s newest book: Thornhedge!

I was really excited for this Sleeping Beauty retelling and I still am as this book is perfection. Ok almost because this deserves to be a 500 page novel instead of a novella. Preferably a series, even, with different fairy tales filled with plot twists. I hope the publisher is taking notes here.

Anyway, let’s talk about the novella. At 176 pages, it didn’t expect it to be so wholesome as it is. I cared deeply for the characters, and the rich story builds and builds and keeps suprising you with plot twists. I loved the thoughtful “knight”, and Toad’s something else. Literally but also character wise, you can’t help but love her deeply. The story has a dark twist, and this added much depth and a bit of action to the story. I loved it all, and I wished I could stay in this world.

I really can’t say much without spoilers, and I would advise you go in knowing as little as possible and just trust that T. Kingfisher always has the most amazing stories and characters, with some humor thrown in.

I received a free e-arc but this hasn’t influenced my opinions.

A fun re-telling that twists what we expect of a fairytale on its head. This is such a comfort read and has a lovely tone to it. I would have liked it to be longer and explore a few plot points in more detail, mostly because I wanted to spend more time with some of these delightful characters. It’s incredibly charming and strongly reminds me of ‘A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking’ with its whimsical take on some deceptively dark moments.
Overall, a sweet, quick read that serves as a unique reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with an eARC for an honest review.

I have read many T Kingfisher books and unfortunately this one for me personally didn’t hit the mark.

It was very predictable and felt like a children’s story at times while being intentionally written to confuse. The writing didn’t flow and for such a short book I found it quite hard to get through. I didn’t find myself liking any of the characters, nor really caring about the story. I appreciate the over-description in its very Tolkien-esq way

I am very excited to read more from this author in the future, I just hope this new style isn’t going to be what we see going forward

If you like whimsical unreliable narration then this book is absolutely for you and you should definitely pick it up

I ADORE T. Kingfisher - it's official!

I read this book in one sitting, it was sweet, funny, and unexpected, which is just what I'm coming to know from T Kingfisher. This will make one of the top spots in my reading of this year, and I couldn't have started off the month better.

note: I will be linking my TikTok review to this review closer to publication date.

Sweet, simple and utterly charming - T Kingfisher takes a classic fairytale and offers it a fresh twist. This novella could easily have been three times as long and I would have loved it just as much, but there’s a beauty in the gentle story, with a protagonist full of heart.

Introduction
I was given an e-ARC to review by Netgalley and Titan Books. Reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. I will always try to avoid spoilers in all reviews as well. #Thornhedge #TKingfisher #TitanBooks #Netgalley #ARCReview

Review
T. Kingfisher is one of my favourite authors, actually an instant buy author, so I was very excited to learn of their newest offering Thornhedge, although it had actually been planned to be published before the others as we learn in the Author’s section but you get what I mean. Thornhedge is a retelling of the famous fairytale Sleeping Beauty but this isn’t about the princess trapped in the tower this is about Toadling, the human child who on the day of her birth was stolen from her family by fairies but who grew up safe and loved in the warm waters of faerieland. But once an adult the fae ask a favour of Toadling, to return to the human world and offer a blessing of protection to a newborn child, it should be simple but things rarely are for Toadling.

Centuries later a knight approaches a towering wall of brambles. The thorns as a thick as your arm and as sharp as swords but he has heard there is a curse that needs breaking but it’s a curse Toadling will do anything to uphold…

Kingfisher has done it again! Although the novel is short the characters are memorable and full of life. The setting is as lush as it is dark and enchanting as it is dangerous. I adored every minute of this fairy tale. The characters are well developed for a shorter novel/novella and you easily get dragged into their world and plight. I adored Toadling who was an unusual Heroine to be sure but one I loved deeply within a few moments. Her fae family, to avoid spoilers, is also amazing. It was lovely to see a fairytale with warm and loving fae, or at least some fae are, who care for their own. The knight was also brilliant in his unconventional ways. For one he actually listened and reasoned which is more than most heroes do in fairy tales.

If you are looking for a fantastic retelling that you will not easily forget this is the one for you.

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T Kingfisher remains one of my favourite writers, and she has a strong history of fairy tale retellings that are both cosy and a little more grounded in reality. Bryony and Roses was an excellent take on Beauty and the Beast, The Raven and the Reindeer looked afresh at The Snow Queen, and now Ms Kingfisher (aka Ursula Vernon) turns her sights on Sleeping Beauty.

We all know the story: fairy godmothers granting gifts at the Princess’s christening, and then one disgruntled non-invitee throws in a curse instead. A prick of the finger, a hundred years of sleep, a castle entombed in a wall of thorns… But just because you’ve heard the story, doesn’t mean you’ve heard anything like the real story.

I mean, why would you really what to keep something wrapped up in enchantments of eternal slumber? Not a fate deserved by any lovely young princess, most like. So what if there is a really, REALLY good reason to stop all those errant princes from trying to wake her up??

Our main character here goes by the unlovely name of Toadling. Stolen away by fairies as a baby, Toadling has become half-fae herself, and over the course of the book we learn her backstory. But we first meet her guarding the tower encased in thorns, trying to discourage all of the adventurers with the wrong end of the story.

Toadling is not young and beautiful, and she knows it. She doesn’t think of herself as brave, or competent. And yet, she is a most wonderful heroine for this tale. While completely a fairy tale – albeit not one you’re likely to have read the likes of before – there is something hugely relatable in this lost soul, who doesn’t know where she belongs, or how to live up the tasks thrust upon her.

Thornhedge is a short novella, and yet the depth of the story is fantastic. Past and present are skilfully woven together, each with its own horrors, and yet somehow the whole is a gentle and uplifting piece, even so threaded with dark ideas.

If you enjoyed Nettle and Bone you’ll love this. (If you haven’t read N&B, you absolutely should!) In fact, you’ll probably just love this, because it is absolutely lovely. That’s hardly eloquent at all, but dagnamit – just read the lovely book!!