Review: Nettle and Bone

5/5

For fans of: fairytales, adult fantasy, twisted fairytales, fairy godmothers, animal sidekicks

Synopsis: In a fairytale land, thirty-year old Marra must save her sister from a cruel fate. Seeking out the godmothers of her world, she will go on a journey gathering magic and allies to rescue her sister before she gives birth and seals her fate.

Review: I love a good twist on fairytale tropes and this is packed with them. Magical godmothers, kingdoms under curses, not-so-maiden maidens off on adventure, animal sidekicks, it’s got it all. Marra is a wonderful addition to the princess trope as an unmarried princess-turned-nun in her 30s. She has anxiety, is lonely, courageous with a big heart, and is willing to give people a chance despite their past. The rest of the cast are delightful twists of fairytale secondary characters, such as a fairy godmother, a gravewitch, a warrior banished from his homeland, a bonedog, and a demon chicken. The world building is simple, but makes for an intriguing setting as the story travels through desert, mountains, a forest full of cannibals, and the night market of the fae folk. I had a blast with this fairytale and I hope to read more from this author soon.