T. Kingfisher has a rare talent for crafting fairy tale retellings that not only capture the magic of the originals but also breathe new life into them. Thornhedge is no exception, offering a fresh and unique perspective on familiar themes. This novella introduces Toadling, a gentle and kind fairy who is stolen from her home shortly after birth and raised by water creatures in the mystical realm of the fae. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a fae creature asks her to return to her father's house and bestow a blessing of protection on a newborn child. 

What sets Thornhedge apart is Kingfisher’s ability to explore the intricacies and subtleties of fairy tale logic. The fae, as always, are enigmatic and their words hold deeper, often hidden meanings. The tension between what is promised and what is truly meant is central to the plot, adding layers of complexity to the story. The narrative shifts between the present and the past, gradually unraveling how Toadling came to be involved with the "sleeper" and leading to a satisfying, though not overly surprising, conclusion. 

Despite the originality and unique world-building, I found myself not entirely gripped by the story. While I appreciated the clever retelling and the deeper exploration of fae lore, the pacing felt a bit slow at times, and I never felt fully immersed in the plot. It’s a solid read, but not one I found hard to put down. Nevertheless, Thornhedge is an enjoyable, whimsical story with a refreshing take on familiar tropes, and I’d still recommend it to fans of Kingfisher’s work or anyone looking for a new twist on fairy tales.