'Hemlock & Silver' brings a fresh perspective to the fantasy genre

If there’s one thing about a T. Kingfisher fantasy novel, it’s that you’re in for an adventure packed with humor, found family and amazingly unique worlds. And that can’t be any more true for her latest novel, “Hemlock & Silver.”

Released in August, Kingfisher’s dark reimagining of “Snow White” takes you into a world where poisons, fantastical mirror realms, endearing characters and a sassy talking cat take center stage. With any Kingfisher novel you’re sure to fall in love with the main characters and the friendships they develop along the way.

We follow Anja, a 35-year-old, quirky poison expert extremely hyperfocused on finding antidotes; she continuously poisons herself in order to help those who need it. Out of the blue, she is tasked by the King to solve a mystery illness that has fallen upon his daughter, Snow.

He is convinced Snow is being poisoned by an enemy within, and Anja’s knowledge is the only thing that can help save her from imminent death.

Anja must integrate herself into a new society while keeping her true reason for being at the castle a secret from prying eyes. Her quirkiness for poisons and overwhelming knowledge leaves her to be seen as an outcast who finds unfriendly faces everywhere she turns. Her only solace is Javier, the King’s guard assigned to protect her turned slow-burn romance, and a talking cat named Grayling whom you grow to love. She soon stumbles upon a mysterious and dark mirror world that is housing more than just one secret.

“After a moment I swallowed hard and said, ‘I’ve gone mad.’”

“That,” said the cat, “is also none of my business.”

The bubbling romance between Anja and Javier gives you everything you want in a true slow-burn, swoon-worthy romantasy. Even though their romance is seen as a subplot of “Hemlock & Silver,” that doesn’t mean you don’t still get those enchanting and charming moments between the two. His need to protect and her maverick-like tendencies create a romantic tension between them that leads to the most entertaining witty banter.

Overall, “Hemlock & Silver” is a fantastic dark fairytale that is sure to keep you turning the page. Fast-paced, adventurous and funny, this fairytale is anything but your typical “Snow White” retelling and brings a fresh perspective to the fantasy genre.

Christina Rael is a bookseller at Books on the Bosque, located at 6261 Riverside Plaza Lane, Suite A-2, or at booksonthebosque.com.