All I know is that when I think about these things, I wind up afraid to pray for anything too specific, as if I’d be joggling the elbow of someone who is trying to run the universe…

‘Just… please send me wherever I can do the most good. That’s all.’

Hemlock & Silver is my sixth T. Kingfisher read of the year and hands down the most impressive so far (I have another two on my immediate TBR, it’s most definitely the Year of the Kingfisher).

The first T. Kingfisher story I read was Thornhedge, and I loved Kingfisher’s masterful play with fairy tales in that, so I was most eager to delve into this Snow White retelling; and of course she didn’t let me down. What Kingfisher does best in this regard is take the beats of the fairy tale and weave a whole new story; there are recognisable elements from Snow White – mirrors, apples, a jealous Queen, a princess to save – but Hemlock & Silver is very much a fairy tale of its own merit.

Anja is ostensibly a healer, but specialises in poisons and antivenoms – but only physicians are allowed to know so much about poisons and Anja is a middle-aged spinster and most certainly should not be practising what she does. We are introduced to Anja and her world in one of the best opening lines I’ve come across in some time:

I had just taken poison when the king arrived to inform me that he had murdered his wife.

In no short order we learn the king discovered the queen cutting out the heart of their daughter, so he run her through with his sword. Having lost his wife and a daughter, now his other daughter is wasting away from some sickness his physicians have been unable to diagnose, and which he is convinced is poison. Enter Anja, who he whisks away to the home he’s secreted his daughter, Snow, in to establish if it is poison, what kind, who is poisoning her, and how to cure her.

There is plenty of Kingfisher’s whimsical humour throughout and sterling character work. Anja is sweet and heartfelt, and like a number of Kingfisher’s characters, appears to be neurodivergent in some form. She has a hyper fixation for her work and interests (which align) and doesn’t take social cues well (why aren’t venomous fish a suitable topic for a royal dinner table?). It’s very easy to fall for Anja, and sympathise with her in her impossible task of attempting to diagnose a princess who, suspiciously, either doesn’t believe can be or doesn’t want to be cured. There’s clearly something very odd going on, and Anja doesn’t exactly warm to Snow. She’s not the typical fairy tale or Disney version, but is instead exactly what you’d imagine a princess to actually be like. Which might be a little unfair of me, given what the twelve year old has been through (her sister killed by her mother who in turn is killed by her father), but she’s obnoxious and I’m glad Kingfisher didn’t attempt to write her as sickly sweet.

Because make no mistake about it, Hemlock & Silver  is fairly dark. The tragedy I’ve already discussed is quite Shakespearean, and that’s what we learn of in chapter one. As ever, I’m not going into further details due to spoilers but rest assured there are plenty of dark turns and heart-breaking manipulations ahead. There’s plenty of philosophy, too, surrounding a fascinating discussion of the power of knowledge, the moral implications of scientific discoveries and their use for the betterment of society weighed against the catastrophic harm they can do in the wrong hands.

If you’re coming to this story as a fan of the Saint of Steel series, I’m not actually sure if this is set in the same world or not. Like that series, the religion is Saint based, but none of the saints from that series are mentioned here, and instead they are all animal based, so I’m unsure if it’s a new world, or if it’s set in a different part of the same world where they have different saints. As ever though, Kingfisher’s worldbuilding is exceptional. From the details of the customs of this religion, to the Central/Southern American colonialist inspired setting, it’s immersive and refreshing and compliments the story perfectly. It’s an effective way of separating what you think of the Snow White story from its traditional western fantasy/Germanic setting and embracing this story for the inventive wonder that it is. Also if you’re coming into this from the Saint of Steel books, there is a gentle romance plot but don’t expect any spice.

T. Kingfisher is further solidifying her place as a favourite author for me. Hemlock & Silver displays a skilful fusion of refreshing worldbuilding, imaginative retelling, and unique storytelling. Fairy tale retellings can sometimes fall too close to the tree, but Kingfisher has nurtured a true successor here, demonstrating a masterful ability to take the familiar and grow something entirely new and fresh. A modern fairy tale masterpiece.

Hemlock & Silver is available now from Tor – you can order your copy on Bookshop.org