Book Review

Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher

Published April 26, 2022 by Tor Books

This was my first read by T. Kingfisher, and I'm so sorry I waited this long to read it. This book ended up being my first 5 star read of 2025. I enjoyed it that much!

Nettle and Bone centers on Marra, the third born princess on a mission to rescue her sister, Kania, from a terrible marriage to an absolutely horrible, and cruel prince. Her eldest sister was first married to this atrocious man, and things ended badly. If Kania doesn't produce a male heir or dies trying, Marra could end up as his next wife.

Marra loves her sister so much she is willing to do anything to save her, which says so much about her kind, caring nature considering Kania never loved or cared for her the same way.

Marra heads out in search of someone who can help her end the life of the prince, and finds the support of a quirky ensemble. She first finds a dust-wife who agrees to help if Marra can complete three impossible tasks. Managing to do so, dust-wife agrees and they begin their journey with a possessed hen, picking up a hilarious fairy godmother, a knight, and Marra's loyal companion, bone dog, along the way.

This is the type of fairy tale that I love. Despite tackling weighty subjects, the story manages to strike the perfect balance between humor and serious themes, maintaining a lighthearted spirit making this such an enjoyable read.

Rating: ★★★★★