Title:

SeventhBride

Author:

T. Kingfisher

Category:

Science Fiction / Fantasy

Rating:

Date Reviewed:

October 31, 2024

he remarkably prolific T. Kingfisher is back with another excellent short novel (just 226 pages in the trade paperback edition). In The Seventh Bride, Kingfisher tells an enjoyable gothic tale of Rhea, the fifteen year old daughter of a miller. Rhea works at the mill, leading a pleasant peasants life, until one day Lord Crevan appears and announces that he will marry her. Rhea wants no part of this older man; something about him seems "off". When Lord Crevan puts a silver ring on her finger, a nasty spark jolts Rhea. Crevan soon admits that he is a sorcerer. But he is also a lord; what can a peasant family do to thwart the wishes of such a powerful man? With a word to his good friend the viscount; Lord Crevan can have the lease on the mill revoked and Rhea's family ruined.

Rhea is instructed to follow a white road which will lead her to Crevan's manor house - she is warned not to stray from the path! She knows of no road at that spot the Lord Crevan identifies, nor is there any manor house in the area - yet sure enough, on the appointed evening, when Rhea follows the instructions, she discovers a brilliant white road leading through a terrifying forest. Along the route, Rhea encounters a hedgehog, which seems to be interested in helping her. She places the small animal in her pocket, at least she is no longer alone as she encounters terrifying golems on her journey.

When at least Rhea stumbles into the safety of the large manor house after the terrors on the white road, she discovers that Lord Crevan is not even there. Instead, Rhea meets three women, Maria, blind Sylvie and mute Ingeth, whom she mistakes for Lord Crevan's servants. "Oh no," replies Maria, "We are his wives."

Rhea is horrified to learn that Lord Crevan already has six wives, though at least one of them is dead, and two others are transformed or missing. What could the sorcerer possibly want with young Rhea, a seventh wife? The horror tale unfolds like a dark fairy tale. Rhea has to use her wits, courage, and a huge helping of luck to survive the fell fate that Crevan has planned for her. Fortunately, she has some pluck and a few allies (who knew hedgehogs could be so useful?)

I have read a number of Kingfisher's books, and I haven't been disappointed yet. This is one of her most exciting reads, once Rhea's tale begins, the pages turn quickly as she finds herself trapped deeper and deeper in Lord Crevan's machinations. I should read some more of Kingfisher's books, there are still plenty more available.