A review by orionmerlin
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Characters: 9/10

The characters felt vividly real and deeply layered. Cordelia’s struggles with her mother’s control and her yearning for autonomy made her a compelling protagonist. The secondary characters, like Ellen and Hester, enriched the story, adding depth and contrast to Cordelia's plight. I cared deeply about what happened to Cordelia, especially as her resilience emerged in the face of her mother's domineering sorcery. Each character had distinctive personalities, and I could easily describe them to a friend.

Atmosphere/Setting: 8/10

The setting was immersive and brimming with a gothic, almost claustrophobic tension that perfectly mirrored Cordelia’s life. The vivid imagery of Falada’s gleaming white figure or the suffocating walls of her home brought the world alive. While effective in enhancing the mood, some descriptions felt slightly repetitive in tone, keeping the energy from being consistently dynamic.

Writing Style: 9/10

I loved T. Kingfisher’s prose. The balance between dialogue and narration was well-judged, and the writing flowed effortlessly, managing to be both poetic and accessible. The dialogue felt authentic to each character’s personality, and the introspective moments added poignancy. I would absolutely read more works by this author, even in a different genre.

Plot: 8/10

The pacing was generally strong, with a satisfying escalation of tension and stakes. The mystery of Cordelia’s obedience and her mother’s dark sorcery unraveled compellingly. However, a few sections felt slower, particularly in the middle chapters, where some interactions could have been tighter. The plot twists and character reveals were worth the buildup, leaving me curious for more while feeling like the core narrative was complete.

Intrigue: 9/10

I found myself eager to continue reading at every opportunity. Cordelia’s internal battles and her interactions with her mother gripped me, and I was invested in her fate from start to finish. While there were a few slower parts, the overall narrative held my attention consistently, with an underlying tension that made me reluctant to put the book down.

Logic/Relationships: 9/10

The characters’ actions aligned with their motives and personalities, even when those motives were steeped in magic or dark secrets. The rules of the world, such as the limits of the mother’s sorcery, were well-established and never felt inconsistent. The relationships, particularly between Cordelia and her mother, were hauntingly believable, and the world-building blended seamlessly into the narrative.

Enjoyment: 10/10

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its dark, emotional core and the protagonist’s journey left a lasting impression. The mix of gothic atmosphere, compelling characters, and a thought-provoking plot made it a memorable read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a hint of magic and darkness.