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Thornhedge Hardcover – August 15, 2023

by T. Kingfisher (Author)

4.6 1,746 ratings

Editors' pick Best Books of the Year 2023

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From USA Today bestselling author T. Kingfisher, Thornhedge is the tale of a kind-hearted, toad-shaped heroine, a gentle knight, and a mission gone completely sideways.

*A very special hardcover edition, featuring foil stamp on the casing and custom endpapers illustrated by the author.*

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…

"The way Thornhedge turns all the fairy tales inside out is a sharp-edged delight."
―Katherine Addison, author of The Goblin Emperor

Print length

128 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Tor Books
Publication date

August 15, 2023
Dimensions

5.4 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
ISBN-10

1250244099
ISBN-13

978-1250244093
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From the Publisher

Praise for Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I opened, I devoured. Absolutely delightful and full of charm and truth." ―Naomi Novik, New York Times bestselling author of A Deadly Education

"Immensely charming, unexpected, full of heart, I was utterly delighted by this incredibly original retelling of Sleeping Beauty." ―Katherine Arden, bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale

"Kingfisher never fails to dazzle."―Peter S. Beagle, Hugo-, Nebula-, and Locus-Award winning author of The Last Unicorn

“A slim and lovely retelling of 'Sleeping Beauty' full of melancholy charm, Thornhedge has a particularly fine flexibility of tone that bends from sweet and shy to tragic and frightening. . . . it’s such a pleasure to read, and Toadling and Halim are such delightful characters, that I simply let the story wash over me like Toadling’s water magic and enjoyed the ride.”―The New York Times

"Thornhedge is a true comfort read, in which gentleness endures despite outrageous cruelty.”―The Washington Post

“T. Kingfisher’s delicate, bittersweet style of fantasy is like nothing else on shelves at the moment and, as a result, she’s an author whose work I would read without knowing one single fact about it. But, in case you need facts, this Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist is a perfect blend of sharp-edged humor and horror-tinged heart.”―Paste Magazine

“Haunting and unusual―a unique retelling of a classic tale!" ―Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author of the Tortall series

"The way Thornhedge turns all the fairy tales inside out is a sharp-edged delight." ―Katherine Addison, author of The Goblin Emperor

“You've never read a "Sleeping Beauty" retelling quite like Thornhedge.”―POPSUGAR

"Thornhedge is Vernon at her most Vernon-est. . . . There is whimsy and heart and pain. This story is both kind and brutal as it shows how narrow the power of love is.”―Locus

"Toadling will break your heart and mend it at the same time, and that is how you know that Thornhedge is a story by T. Kingfisher. I loved this book so much."―Travis Baldree, New York Times bestselling author of Legends & Lattes

"Kingfisher’s trademark wit and compassion transforms “Sleeping Beauty” into a moving meditation on guilt, grief, and duty, as well as a surprisingly sweet romance between outsiders. There are no false notes here.”―Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

"At every turn, Kingfisher subverts familiar fairytale tropes into a fresh, complex, and extremely human story about loneliness, and the protective barriers we put around ourselves." ―Sunyi Dean, bestselling author of The Book Eaters

"Kingfisher weaves elements of fairy tale, folklore, and history in this beautifully crafted story of loss, endurance, terror, and kindness. Thornhedge is sheer magic from beginning to end!" ―Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim and Warrior Bards series

"This marvelously fractured fairy tale takes a well-known and well-loved story and turns it completely around. . . . Highly recommended for anyone who loves to see fables fractured into new and different shapes, similar to Alix E. Harrow’s A Spindle Splintered.”―Library Journal, STARRED review

About the Author

T. KINGFISHER (she/her)writes fantasy, horror, and occasional oddities, including Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, and A House with Good Bones. Under a pen name, she also writes bestselling children's books. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, dogs, and chickens who may or may not be possessed.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Books (August 15, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250244099
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250244093
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.4 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #21,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #379 in Folklore (Books)
- #1,136 in Fantasy Action & Adventure

Customer Reviews:
4.6 1,746 ratings

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T Kingfisher

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T. Kingfisher is the vaguely absurd pen-name of Ursula Vernon, an author from North Carolina. In another life, she writes children's books and weird comics. She has been nominated for the World Fantasy and the Eisner, and has won the Hugo, Sequoyah, Nebula, Alfie, WSFA, Coyotl and Ursa Major awards, as well as a half-dozen Junior Library Guild selections.

This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups. Her work includes multiple fairy-tale retellings and odd little stories about elves and goblins.

When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies.

www.redwombatstudio.com

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4.6 out of 5

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Kindle Customer

Lovely novella!

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2024

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I made myself a birthday present of this book, and I enjoyed every minute spent reading it. My only regret it's that it didn't last me longer - but there's only so far you can draw out a novella that is compulsively readable, and great fun.

Thoroughly enjoyable alternative take on the story of the Sleeping Beauty. If you love T. Kingfisher, you're guaranteed to love it. If you don't yet know her, it's as good a place to start as any of her works.

One person found this helpful

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What if the princess trapped inside the tower was actually not IN distress, but CAUSING distress?

Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2023

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What if the princess trapped inside the tower was actually not IN distress, but CAUSING distress?

T. Kingfisher is one of a handful of authors who can write a fairy tale retelling that I enjoy. She always has the most interesting way of looking at a fairy tale and exploring subtleties that could spin everything in a new, refreshing - not to mention unique - light.

THORNHEDGE is a novella that follows a kind and gentle fairy named Toadling. Abducted just moments after her birth and stolen away to a land of the fae, she is taken in and raised by water creatures. Years go by and as a young woman, one of the fae asks Toadling to return to the world from which she was stolen - in fact, to return to her father's house - and bestow a blessing of protection on a newborn child.

Now, we've all read enough books and stories about the fae to know that nothing is ever what it seems, their words may be true, but their meaning is something else entirely...

Sounds quite a bit different from the tale of Sleeping Beauty you grew up on, doesn't it? It most certainly is - but in the best of ways!

"It had been many years since a living being had touched her. She could not remember how many years. She had almost forgotten that such things were possible -- and yet there it was, the solid weight of a palm and four fingers pressed against the underside of her wrist."

I was struck with such sadness at that passage. This duty-bound little fairy had been left alone for so long that she had forgotten what it felt like to be touched by someone else. It broke my heart to imagine the isolation and loneliness endured by Toadling.

"It's a dangerous thing, curiosity."

Halim is a Muslim knight who has come because of story. He'd found an old text that mentioned a keep in the area and he's come to investigate its accuracy. Instead, he becomes more curious about Toadling and pretty much convinces himself she's been cursed and it's his duty to save her. He just needs to figure out the how and it is hilarious.

My only complaint about characters in this novella is that I really wish I could have met Halim's mother. Halim spoke of her often and she sounded like a wonderful, kind woman - who had zero qualms about telling it like it was...lol!

T. Kingfisher has delighted me with her creative approach to a classic fairy tale, one that makes Sleeping Beauty a lot more interesting for me, as it was never one of my favorites. Here's to the next one!

Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Sharon A-B, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., Sarah C., & Jennifer M.

5 people found this helpful

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Valerii

Sweet and fascinating

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023

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I love the Faerie, I love stories about the plague and the Middle Ages, I love quaint characters that do not fit the stereotypes, so perhaps I just the target audience and my opinion should not count, but I enjoyed every second of reading this novel. I loved the premise immediately when it first appeared for preorder, and the actual story did not disappoint. I’ve just finished a very heavy and amazing trilogy from a different author, so it was nice to read something so heartwarming. I’d complain that there is too little of “Thornhedge” and that I want more, but the truth is that it is exactly the length it should be. Glorious, T. Kingfisher never disappoints. Many of her characters feel real and cozy, so she has become my comfort author, I think

4 people found this helpful

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XMarmot

Loved!

Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024

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The plot unfolds at a lovely pace, you have questions - they will get answered but you get to wonder what’s going on for just the right amount of time. Toadling is so matter-of-fact about her circumstances, you’ll be rooting for her to have hope…
Just a great and satisfying story!

Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024

Verified Purchase

Sleeping Beauty, but with changelings and real Faerie. I adored it.

Helpful

Kindle Customer

Definitely worth the read.

Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024

Verified Purchase

This is an excellent and very different retelling of a familiar fairies tale. Not all of these work well, but I truly found this one compelling.

Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023

Verified Purchase

Oh, this is the best fairy tale I've read in years (if not decades). It's told from the other side, not from the beautiful one, but the plain and homely, the dutiful and steadfast. Great ending!

Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023

Verified Purchase

There is only one thing I don't like about this book. It's too short! I wanted more when I finished. I guess I'll have to read it again!

2 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Jennifer Mullen

Cozy fantasy with heart

Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2024

Verified Purchase

As with all T. Kingfisher fantasy, there is a sharp taste of nostalgia in the yearning prose which gives the world, characters, and storyline a poignancy that hooks you.

V. O'Regan

A beautifully crafted faerie tale retelling that I felt was just perfect

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2023

Verified Purchase

‘There's a princess trapped in a tower. This isn't her story.’ - cover tag line, ‘Thornhedge’ by T. Kingfisher.

This was my first experience of Kingfisher’s writing and based on this experience it certainly won’t be the last. It was a beautifully crafted faerie tale that captured my heart from its opening page.

At the hour of her birth a baby is stolen from her cradle and a changeling left in her place. In the Faerie world she is raised by the greenteeth, slimy swamp-dwelling fae. They name her Toadling. When she is fifteen the Hare Goddess comes to her and carries her away to a backwater faerie court where she is educated by the catfish-faced Master Gourami.

She eventually learns that she was born human, the daughter of the king of a small kingdom. While years have passed in Faerie only five days have passed in the mortal world. Master Gourami says that her education will continue and that she will then be sent back to the mortal world to stand on the seventh day as faerie godmother to the changeling baby who had taken her place!

Centuries later, a young Muslim knight named Halim approaches an impenetrable wall of brambles. He is the younger son of a poor noble family and had come across an old book with a tale about a tower and a maiden under a curse. Of course, he felt that as a knight it is his duty to seek the tower, break the curse, and rescue the maiden. Then he encounters Toadling, who will do anything to uphold the curse.

You will need to read this little gem of a novel yourself to find out what happened at the christening, why Toadling is guarding the wall of thorns and the tower hidden within as well as how Halim fares on his quest.

This storytelling is accompanied by a wealth of descriptions of the peoples of Faerie, including a silver furred hare goddess with eyes full of moonlight, fickle natured kelpies, and of course Toadling, who is able to change from her woman-shape into a toad. This lyrical tale is tempered by touches of the macabre and dark humour.

I especially enjoyed the interaction between Toadling and the gentle Halim from their first encounter when she seeks to think him on his way and then sneaks up on him while he sleeps too close to her brambles and starts to weave elf-knots in his curly hair through to its magical final pages.

I felt that ‘Thornhedge’ was an enchanting reimagining of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, a perfect faerie tale. I loved it so much and now plan to explore T. Kingfisher’s back catalogue.

Very highly recommended.

One person found this helpful

Laura Morrigan

Must read! Absolutely riveting and unexpected

Reviewed in Australia on January 3, 2024

Verified Purchase

A wonderful twist on the classic fairytale where the heroes are an "ugly" toad creature and a knight who is not good at being a knight. I grew very fond of them over the short story. I loved the rich world building and the weird but loving description of the Greenteeth's realm. A truly original fairytale!

M. Ademoiselle

A tale so enchanting,…

Reviewed in Canada on December 24, 2023

Verified Purchase

… that I would rate it a constellation of stars if I could. It will sing in my soul for a long time.

Kimberley Jarman

A short story with a mighty impact

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2023

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This was such a beautiful story about the manipulations of the fairies and lengths a kind hearted individual will go to keep a promise.

It completely turns the tale of Sleeping Beauty on its head.

Toadling was a wonderful character, so fleshed out for such a short book. I loved the knight and I especially loved Toadling deep connection with her faerie family.

It's a book that's full of atmosphere and magic and enchantment and sadness. It was a short story with a mighty impact.

2 people found this helpful

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Praise for Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

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T Kingfisher

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From the Publisher

Praise for Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

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About the Author

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About the author

T Kingfisher

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