If they found some of the bands of light and shadow lay a little strangely, they never stayed long enough to puzzle out why. There are always fine bits of humor and multi-faceted characters chasing well thought out actions and challenges. Now with one sister gone and another at the mercy of an evil prince, Marra will do whatever she must to seize the chance to kill him.

She never disappoints me with her extraordinary creative mind, taking me trips to meticulously built fantasy worlds with adorable characters. There is a bit of a love story as well, but it is quite understated and does not take over from the main plot. I devoured this story of a princess-nun rescuing her sister from an abusive marriage, and every fresh turn delighted me. The same review also praised the way in which Kingfisher uses humor to contrast with the darkness of the plot. At its heart a story of good people doing their best to make the unjust world a fairer place, this marvelous romp will delight Kingfisher’s fans and fairytale lovers alike.i just loved this, it was perfect for me and my reading tastes, and i hope more of t kingfsher's fantasy stories feel like this to me, because she will really have a fan for life if so! Having recently read ‘Thornhedge’, I decided to read one of Kingfisher’s earlier titles that has been on my wish list for ages. Blending fairy-tale familiarity and common-sense characters, Kingfisher’s prose balances grim circumstances with humor and heart.

when she realizes that she is the only one who will do something - anything - to avenge her dead sister and save her living one, she takes matters into her own hands: she is going to murder the cruel prince. Marra's parents and the convent both have the ability to intervene against Vorling, but refuse to do so.

This unlikely team plan to somehow take out the prince and free Marra's family and their kingdom from his tyrannous rule. Marra needs to hurry, she's convinced the tyrant prince of the Northern Kingdom was responsible of her death and now her sister Kania might have the same terrible fate.

I've been seeing the theme of abuse, as in domestic abuse, physical and emotional, more and more in fairy tale retellings recently.

That said, I could see this being a hit for readers who don't like horror and want this kind of a lighter blend. I rarely enjoy fairytales or whimsical books, so I acknowledge that that is probably why I didn't enjoy this story. Previously, I have only picked up Horror stories from Kingfisher, but this proves her talents know no bounds. Witty, sparkling tale of a heroine’s quest, full of matter-of-fact magic, impossible tasks, and a group of fantastic and charming companions.

Titan Books will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.If you tend to like reading twisted fairy tales, cosy fantasy, and books with absolutely gorgeous female characters, then you may definitely enjoy this one! our main character, marra, who is willing to do anything to save her sister, with the help of her magical bone dog. For example, partner abuse, which we all know is very real, the way that was explored in this fantastical setting was quite interesting.