Plot: 5/5
The Plot follows Marra, who must complete three impossible tasks to gain the tools to kill a prince, specifically a prince who has been abusing Marra’s sister for years. Along the way, Marra is joined on her quest by a colorful cast of characters.

The plot’s mix of realism and fairy tales creates a unique magical story that is a joy from beginning to end. The only “complaint” I have, which is hardly even one, is the beginning of the story is non-sequential for a bit, which can be a rather disorienting way to start the story, but after a few chapters it switches to linear storytelling.

Characters: 5/5
From demon chickens to fairy godmothers, T. Kingfisher builds a cast of incredible characters. Each has a strong purpose for the story, and feel deep and fleshed out. Their interactions with each other are fantastic, natural, and result in several humorous moments as well as emotional ones. Each character seems to have growth within the story, which can be a challenge with so many characters to juggle. Also, there are several animal companions, and each are fantastic in their own way with a role in the story.

Worldbuilding: 5/5
At the end of the book, T. Kingfisher talks about how she first thought of the book’s idea, and it was so interesting to have a snapshot into her thought process because the worldbuilding is so brilliant and unique to this story, I was in awe with each new arrival of whatever element. From dust-wives to Toothdancer, from the goblin market to the blistered lands, the world is a gorgeous creation that I could spend several hundred more pages within. The creativity and care that Kingfisher breathes into this world is astounding.

Writing: 5/5
The writing for this work fits it so well. The voice and prose and fantastic, and the pacing works great for the fairy tale vibes it seeks to give. The emotions were written so well, there were times where I was feeling unease or anxiety right along with Marra, though not to quite the same degree as she would likely be feeling.

Enjoyability: 5/5
I was enthralled with this story from beginning to end. The opening scenes pulled me into the story and the world and its characters held me there with entertainment, joy, and every now and then extreme unease from a certain scene that I will withhold due to spoilers, but it is living in my head torturing me endlessly. Unrelated, I have a dentist appointment coming up… This book was all around a fantastic time and I loved it every moment of it.

OVERALL: 5/5 Bonedogs