Overview

In Nettle & Bone, T. Kingfisher tells the story of Marra, a quiet and overlooked princess who has spent most of her life in a convent. As the youngest sister, she was never meant for power or marriage. That changes when her older sister is married off to a brutal prince, and Marra begins to understand that her sister is in real danger.

When polite pleas fail, Marra decides to act. She seeks out a grave witch and agrees to complete three impossible tasks: make a cloak from nettles, capture moonlight in a jar, and build a dog from bones. Along the way, she gathers a strange group of allies and sets out to stop a tyrant, not through romance or destiny, but through persistence and hard choices.

Writing & Voice

We found Kingfisher’s writing clear, sharp, and quietly funny. The language feels rooted in fairy tale tradition, but it never drifts into softness. Dark moments are handled with care, and humour is used to cut tension rather than hide it.

The tone stays balanced throughout, moving easily between grim subject matter and moments of warmth, hope, and stubborn resolve.

Characters

Marra is not loud or bold, but her determination carries the story. Watching her grow into her own sense of agency is deeply satisfying. She is joined by a group of companions who are odd, practical, and loyal, including a grave witch, a former knight, and a magically animated bone dog.

The villain remains largely offstage, but his presence is felt in every choice Marra makes. The focus stays firmly on those trying to survive and protect one another.

Themes

This novel explores power, abuse, and what it takes to challenge systems built to protect the cruel. It centres sisterhood and shared effort rather than individual heroics. Justice here is slow, costly, and deeply human.

What Worked

• Smart fairy tale twist – Familiar ideas are reshaped in grounded, meaningful ways.
• Strong emotional core – The bond between sisters drives every decision.
• Memorable companions – The supporting cast brings humour and heart.

Minor Quibbles

• The structure of the tasks may feel abrupt at first.
• Some elements of the magic are left intentionally vague.

Final Thoughts

Nettle & Bone is a dark, thoughtful fairy tale about choosing to act when staying quiet is no longer an option.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5