4.5⭐️ rounded down. This book creates a villain so worth hating that you feel as invested as the characters in taking her down. This is dark and full of suspense. Right from the jump we see how absolutely horrible this sorceress is and somehow she just keeps getting worse throughout.

We are tapping into some harsh topics like domestic abuse and while the subject matter is often grim, the story somehow still feels cozy. The character of Hester is like a warm hug and quite funny. She brings a lightness that is necessary for the books success.

I was gripped throughout, but thought the first half shined a bit more than the second. The ending did feel a little cheesy overall.

It’s a fantastic autumn read. I mean what T. Kingfisher isn’t. She is the queen of dark yet cozy writing. It’s a gift and I am forever grateful.