A review by natashaleighton_
Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Having read (and loved) Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti, I never miss the chance to check out a book that takes inspiration from it. And I have to say, Tori Bovalino’s vividly atmospheric, fantasy horror retelling was everything I hoped it would be and more! 

Blending eerie and unsettling folk horror elements, with a pacey (action oriented) narrative that delves into themes of self discovery, sacrifice and sisterhood— fans of Holly Black’s grittier Fae books (The Darkest Part of The Forest & The Modern Faerie Tales series) will almost certainly enjoy this. 

The attention to detail in the world building and lore was incredible, but it was the depth and complexity we explore in both of our POV characters, Lou and May that really kept me emotionally invested. 

Told through two interwoven timelines, we follow present day teen, Lou (finally learning the secrets her mother and aunt have kept from her all her life), and the POV of her aunt, May, eighteen years prior (during the traumatic events that led to her and Lou’s mum moving to the US.) 

Alternating between perspectives and timelines, Bovalino has crafted a highly suspenseful and empowering tale that beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood and family.

If you love empowered FMCs then you’ll love Lou, who (like her mother) is fiercely determined and willing to go to any lengths to protect the ones she loves. I also enjoyed exploring the juxtaposing upbringings she and her mum had (one with full knowledge of their witchy heritage and the Goblin Market, and one without) and felt their bond definitely strengthened in the midst of Lou’s discovery.

With only a crash course on Goblins, magic and the precarious pact her family share with the market, Lou feels like the character with the most disadvantages. But her lack of know how and shock from the new revelations, did seem to help in dealing with the Goblins in a more logical manner (plus her throwing a punch at a Goblin whilst half asleep was pretty badass.)

The queer representation was amazing too with Ace, Bi, Pan and Sapphic rep in our cast of characters—including both our MCs! Plus we’re also treated to a (star crossed-esque) sapphic romance involving Goblin, Eitra, that was surprisingly pretty endearing. 

The only thing that I wish was included was Lou’s mum’s POV and also maybe Eitra’s POV (who I ended up absolutely loving), but otherwise an evocatively rich and captivating read that YA Horror/ Fae/ Goblin Market fans should really consider checking out. Just check TWs first cause it can get pretty gory. 
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