ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This probably didn't need to be marketed as a Goose Girl retelling, because the inspiration is there but only barely. It's a very good story overall, though. I loved that the two main perspectives were those of a teenage girl and an older woman, which isn't something I see often (except in T. Kingfisher's other books). 

It deals with agency and abuse, and how people in an abusive situation can feel like there is no way out for them. In Cordelia's case it is literal—her mother can use her like a puppet, using her mouth to talk and her legs to walk. This isn't a horror book, but the scenario Kingfisher paints is, frankly, terrifying.

As always, the characters really shine here, and I genuinely loved all of them (except for the villains, of course). The romance between Hester and Richard was really cute, but I don't think I ever fully understood Hester's reluctance to marry him. Her reasons don't make much sense to me, especially considering the events towards the end of the book, which I assume would put them on more equal footing in her head.

The resolution felt too fast and too easy for how much the villain had been built up, but I had a great time reading this, and would broadly recommend it if you're in the mood for a darker fantasy.