it’s nice to read a fantasy story where the core relationship portrays sisters with its entire range of love and hate, and doesn’t center on a conventionally brave and capable protagonist. you really feel for marra (who is barely recognized as royalty and more of a nun-in-training) who’s as deeply unsure of herself as we are of her. we follow all the lows throughout her journey as she gets flustered, easily discouraged, and exhausted and yet is still driven enough to take on every obstacle thrown her way all for the sake of her sisters. I adored the character relationships and the wholesome team dynamic that supported marra as our atypical heroine. 

 

I love when a story like this immediately reminds me how fun and satisfying a quest storyline can be! for a novel less than 300 pages, this captures the same adult, fairytale-esque energy I’ve been looking for since reading neil gaiman’s stardust years ago. nettle and bone is my first t. kingfisher read (of likely many!), and I have to applaud her for striking a great balance between being lighthearted and emotional. 100% recommend for anyone looking for an entertaining yet cozy fantasy read.