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The Raven and the Reindeer
When Gerta’s friend Kay is stolen away by the mysterious Snow Queen, it’s up to Gerta to find him. Her journey will take her through a dangerous land of snow and witchcraft, accompanied only by a bandit and a talking raven. Can she win her friend’s release, or will following her heart take her to unexpected places?
A strange, sly retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s "Snow Queen," by T. Kingfisher, author of "Bryony and Roses" and "The Seventh Bride."
A strange, sly retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s "Snow Queen," by T. Kingfisher, author of "Bryony and Roses" and "The Seventh Bride."
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2016
About the author
T. Kingfisher
49 books15.6k followersT. Kingfisher is the vaguely absurd pen-name of Ursula Vernon. In another life, she writes children's books and weird comics, and has won the Hugo, Sequoyah, and Ursa Major awards, as well as a half-dozen Junior Library Guild selections.
This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups.
When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies.
This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups.
When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies.
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July 18, 2017A glorious reimagining of the Snow Queen story, dripping with atmosphere and magic and strangeness, which are effortlessly combined with some very funny lines and a wonderfully no-nonsense approach.
I hated this story (the original I mean) as a child. I hated Gerda dragging herself around in the service of that stupid selfish boy. I hated the fact it was given to me as a story about a girl, when it was actually about a girl who dedicated her existence to a shitty ungrateful boy who was the *really* important one in the story. I have waited since my childhood for Gerda to get her own life and someone who really appreciates her (and for someone to punch Kay in the face), and this story delivered. Thank you, T. Kingfisher, KJC aged 9 can finally breathe out.
Also the raven Mousebones is a joy, and the talking otters are hilarious. And the writing has that effortless quality--wonderfully descriptive, limpidly clear, perfectly controlled. A little delight.
I hated this story (the original I mean) as a child. I hated Gerda dragging herself around in the service of that stupid selfish boy. I hated the fact it was given to me as a story about a girl, when it was actually about a girl who dedicated her existence to a shitty ungrateful boy who was the *really* important one in the story. I have waited since my childhood for Gerda to get her own life and someone who really appreciates her (and for someone to punch Kay in the face), and this story delivered. Thank you, T. Kingfisher, KJC aged 9 can finally breathe out.
Also the raven Mousebones is a joy, and the talking otters are hilarious. And the writing has that effortless quality--wonderfully descriptive, limpidly clear, perfectly controlled. A little delight.
December 7, 2020
*Rated 4.5/5 stars!
Oof this felt like a nostalgia trip to me. I used to read The Snow Queen countless times when I was younger, and this being a pretty much direct retelling proved to be the exact sort of cosy heartwarming (hurhur, literally) read that I needed right now. It made me laugh out loud, and I loved the changes made from the original story (the addition of an F/F relationship and call out of the “I’m not like other girls”trope made me particularly happy to see). This really did read like a modern fairytale, and I absolutely adored it. Not quite the full five stars because there were certain sentences that made me question the intention behind it, but otherwise it proved to be a compelling and truly magical winter retelling of a beloved favourite.
Oof this felt like a nostalgia trip to me. I used to read The Snow Queen countless times when I was younger, and this being a pretty much direct retelling proved to be the exact sort of cosy heartwarming (hurhur, literally) read that I needed right now. It made me laugh out loud, and I loved the changes made from the original story (the addition of an F/F relationship and call out of the “I’m not like other girls”trope made me particularly happy to see). This really did read like a modern fairytale, and I absolutely adored it. Not quite the full five stars because there were certain sentences that made me question the intention behind it, but otherwise it proved to be a compelling and truly magical winter retelling of a beloved favourite.
March 30, 2018
Continuing my T. Kingfisher jag this week, I followed up the Clockwork duo and a reread of Nine Goblins (which stood up) with this retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Snow Queen". I quite liked the variations rung, or wrung (both, really), on the original, as I'd never thought that highly of Kay either. I had totally forgotten the Robber Maiden parts, if they'd ever even appeared in the versions I'd encountered before.
http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/198/the-sno... for anyone else who wants to do a compare-and-contrast.
I seem to be running across a lot of Finnish references lately: here, in The Ancient Magus' Bride, elsewhere. Curious concatenation. Might be time for a reread of Kalevala.
Ta, L.
December 31, 2021
This is my third go-round with The Snow Queen in one month, including Robbergirl, and a reread of Andersen's original. Kingfisher's tale, in my opinion, is the only one you NEED to read. Her pacing, her imagination, and well placed snatches of humor made this book a five-star winner for me.
December 16, 2019
A lovely, mildly diverting fairy tale that never quite reaches the richest depths of heartache or the most thrilling heights of wonderment of the most truly magical tales. Kingfisher has a refreshingly clever ear for dialogue, a winningly compassionate feel for her characters, and an enjoyably whimsical approach to bringing her several talking animals to life. But there’s ultimately a feeling in reading this that’s a bit like a rock skipping over the surface of a pond. It’s pleasant and fun but curiously insubstantial. I’m still glad, however, to have made the acquaintance of an author who’s been highly recommended to me.
December 8, 2019
Okay, don't read this if you don't want to know anything at all about the SFFBC Fantasy BOTM. I'll untag it after the group has had a few days.
A sweet, heart-filled book about a couple of plucky girls and their friends. I really enjoyed it. It was quick, endearing, and told a classic story from a slightly different perspective so that it felt fresh and interesting.
CONTENT WARNINGS: (just a list of topics)
Things to love:
-The characters. Vernon/Kingfisher's wit and kindness shine through these characters--every single one is lovely and larger than life but in a very relatable way. I especially loved seeing all the old ladies.
-The subtle modern additions. People separating gender from sex, gender from lust, infatuation vs. love, the unhealthy fixation of teenaged girls...there were a lot of things in here that added a dimension to the retelling to give it that "feel" of a story meant to educate and entertain at the same time, like most fairy tales are intended. I enjoyed having that preserved.
-The humor. I mentioned it earlier, but I was laughing out loud at various points.
-Inclusion. I loved seeing the Saami and traders from other lands. It was a great way to keep the feel consistent but also remind (certain) folks that people of color weren't invented when Chris Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
-The magic. I loved the dreams and animals and reindeer road!
Things that left me wanting a bit more:
-The details. We really float by a lot of stuff I wanted to explore further.
-The ending. I feel that we've used this trick before (or since? I don't recall which book came first)? Again, a bit brief, a bit nebulous.
I very much enjoyed this story and aside from wanting to read more of it, I don't have real complaints! I just love her retellings. Highly recommended as a light but satisfying fairy tale.
A sweet, heart-filled book about a couple of plucky girls and their friends. I really enjoyed it. It was quick, endearing, and told a classic story from a slightly different perspective so that it felt fresh and interesting.
CONTENT WARNINGS: (just a list of topics)
Things to love:
-The characters. Vernon/Kingfisher's wit and kindness shine through these characters--every single one is lovely and larger than life but in a very relatable way. I especially loved seeing all the old ladies.
-The subtle modern additions. People separating gender from sex, gender from lust, infatuation vs. love, the unhealthy fixation of teenaged girls...there were a lot of things in here that added a dimension to the retelling to give it that "feel" of a story meant to educate and entertain at the same time, like most fairy tales are intended. I enjoyed having that preserved.
-The humor. I mentioned it earlier, but I was laughing out loud at various points.
-Inclusion. I loved seeing the Saami and traders from other lands. It was a great way to keep the feel consistent but also remind (certain) folks that people of color weren't invented when Chris Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
-The magic. I loved the dreams and animals and reindeer road!
Things that left me wanting a bit more:
-The details. We really float by a lot of stuff I wanted to explore further.
-The ending. I feel that we've used this trick before (or since? I don't recall which book came first)? Again, a bit brief, a bit nebulous.
I very much enjoyed this story and aside from wanting to read more of it, I don't have real complaints! I just love her retellings. Highly recommended as a light but satisfying fairy tale.
May 22, 2024
Reviewing this book is tricky; I enjoyed every inch while reading, but I think the song "You're Too Sweet" really harps on how I feel about it.
It's a goody toe shoes, 'well ain't that sweet 'kind of book - - and that's great, but maybe I just hoped for more wise-ass jokes from the crow? More spice in the romance, amped-up hatred toward the queen or the boy, snarky characters that seem to define her other work --
Basically, I need more corrupted characters.
But hey, it's just a magical world that took me right out of my head, so I can't complain. And I mean, there were animal sacrifices and wearing its carcasses as cloaks, so I'm not sure where I'm going with this.
The true story was not defined by defeating the queen, the journey, or the boy she pined for since she was a child, but finding out, once she left that safe sheltered cottage, that ----- WAIT, girls can, like other girls?? That was a fun little twist for her, and romance usually does not pop up in Kingfisher that showcases these sweet, tender moments.
And I love switching between her horror concepts and the whimsy fairytale worlds she creates.
Each of her books, including this one, is unmistakable 'kingfisher,' featuring a female protagonist navigating treacherous landscapes and horrors, often accompanied by a humorous sidekick and reanimated skulls and woodland creature bones that spring up with either magic or horror. This particular book, a retelling of The Snow Queen, is a direct inspiration from eerie classic tales by Hans Anderson, or like in hollow places, which was the willows. I'm trying to think what this particular story reminds me of, and I think it runs catty corner alongside the last book I picked up of hers, Thornhedge - in a world with these curses/villains that have ruled over the land. Especially the ending, the talking to plants/roots, and breaking free from a curse that was buried deep.
On to the next KingFisher book!! <3
It's a goody toe shoes, 'well ain't that sweet 'kind of book - - and that's great, but maybe I just hoped for more wise-ass jokes from the crow? More spice in the romance, amped-up hatred toward the queen or the boy, snarky characters that seem to define her other work --
Basically, I need more corrupted characters.
But hey, it's just a magical world that took me right out of my head, so I can't complain. And I mean, there were animal sacrifices and wearing its carcasses as cloaks, so I'm not sure where I'm going with this.
The true story was not defined by defeating the queen, the journey, or the boy she pined for since she was a child, but finding out, once she left that safe sheltered cottage, that ----- WAIT, girls can, like other girls?? That was a fun little twist for her, and romance usually does not pop up in Kingfisher that showcases these sweet, tender moments.
And I love switching between her horror concepts and the whimsy fairytale worlds she creates.
Each of her books, including this one, is unmistakable 'kingfisher,' featuring a female protagonist navigating treacherous landscapes and horrors, often accompanied by a humorous sidekick and reanimated skulls and woodland creature bones that spring up with either magic or horror. This particular book, a retelling of The Snow Queen, is a direct inspiration from eerie classic tales by Hans Anderson, or like in hollow places, which was the willows. I'm trying to think what this particular story reminds me of, and I think it runs catty corner alongside the last book I picked up of hers, Thornhedge - in a world with these curses/villains that have ruled over the land. Especially the ending, the talking to plants/roots, and breaking free from a curse that was buried deep.
On to the next KingFisher book!! <3
March 5, 2019
A fantasy quest story that turns the Snow Queen fairy tale upside down, blended with an opposites attract F/F romance subplot between Gerta, an insecure farm girl and Janna, the canny bandit who takes her prisoner to save her life. The tale starts when Gerta's neighbor Kai, the boy she's hopelessly in love with, is... well, Gerta thinks he's been abducted by the Snow Queen, but the reader is pretty clear that Kai goes willingly, just as the reader is pretty clear that Kai doesn't love Gerta back and is kind of a jerk. But Greta doesn't get it yet, and she's a fiercely loyal friend, so she sets off to rescue him. The journey that follows is magical, funny, and emotionally wrenching. Talking creatures, noble sacrifices, Gerta's growing bond with Janna... well, let's just say that Kingfisher is IMHO one of the best fantasy writers around and I can't imagine how this book could have been more perfect. Feminist fairy tale retellings with queer girls, hurray!
Note: Janna is described as having dark brown skin -- y'all, your high fantasy characters don't always have to be white. Just sayin'.
Note: Janna is described as having dark brown skin -- y'all, your high fantasy characters don't always have to be white. Just sayin'.
December 7, 2019
The Raven and the Reindeer is a standalone story based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. I’ve never read the original story, so I can’t speak to how this book compares, but based on the author’s notes at the end I think it’s safe to say that this one has a different ending. I don’t always enjoy books that are based on fairytales if they’re too fluffy or silly or chaotic or illogical. Others have worked for me though, such as the ones Naomi Novik has written. This is one that worked for me, aside from one main complaint which is the reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5.
The story opens up with the introduction of two children, a boy named Kay and a girl named Gerta. The first sentence in the book tells us Kay was born “with frost in his eyes and frost in his heart”. Gerta sees Kay as her best and closest friend and, as she gets older, believes herself to be in love with him. When Kay is taken away by the Snow Queen, Gerta sets off to rescue him. In the process, she has many adventures, makes some new friends, and also gets to know herself better.
This story is definitely not a comedy, but there’s a lot of humor in the way it’s told. I loved the way the author phrased certain things, and the dialogue was often humorous. I liked Gerta very much despite some of her poor decisions, and I really liked some of the other characters that were introduced too. The one thing I had any real issue with was the romance, which I thought started in the worst way possible and would have been better if it had been developed differently. More on that, along with a couple other comments, in the spoiler tags.
The spoilers:
The story opens up with the introduction of two children, a boy named Kay and a girl named Gerta. The first sentence in the book tells us Kay was born “with frost in his eyes and frost in his heart”. Gerta sees Kay as her best and closest friend and, as she gets older, believes herself to be in love with him. When Kay is taken away by the Snow Queen, Gerta sets off to rescue him. In the process, she has many adventures, makes some new friends, and also gets to know herself better.
This story is definitely not a comedy, but there’s a lot of humor in the way it’s told. I loved the way the author phrased certain things, and the dialogue was often humorous. I liked Gerta very much despite some of her poor decisions, and I really liked some of the other characters that were introduced too. The one thing I had any real issue with was the romance, which I thought started in the worst way possible and would have been better if it had been developed differently. More on that, along with a couple other comments, in the spoiler tags.
The spoilers:
July 12, 2016
Sometimes surprisingly sweet, sometimes surprisingly dark, this retelling of The Snow Queen turns things upside-down in quiet ways. It’s fairly traditional in the set-up, and you can recognise each incident as you go along… until you meet Mousebones, the raven. He adds a lot of life to the story with his snarky comments and unique perspective. And then there’s Janna, the robber princess, who has rather more of a role in this version than I remember from Hans Christian Anderson’s — one he probably would not have thought of, really.
This is actually, though it isn’t immediately clear, a lesbian retelling of The Snow Queen — one that isn’t too surprising when you think about the robber princess’ fondness for Gerta in the original (or at least, the version I remember reading). It works really well, and the addition of the reindeer skin magic and the… weirdness when Janna has to slit Gerta’s reindeer-throat to bring her back to normal — that little bit of darkness works really well and brings some more colour and warmth into The Snow Queen; something I think is lacking in the original, rather pious and obvious story.
I don’t love it as much as Bryony and Roses, for example, but it is a well done retelling.
Originally posted here.
This is actually, though it isn’t immediately clear, a lesbian retelling of The Snow Queen — one that isn’t too surprising when you think about the robber princess’ fondness for Gerta in the original (or at least, the version I remember reading). It works really well, and the addition of the reindeer skin magic and the… weirdness when Janna has to slit Gerta’s reindeer-throat to bring her back to normal — that little bit of darkness works really well and brings some more colour and warmth into The Snow Queen; something I think is lacking in the original, rather pious and obvious story.
I don’t love it as much as Bryony and Roses, for example, but it is a well done retelling.
Originally posted here.
February 3, 2022
Absolutely delightful. Perfect length, perfect tone, perfect amount of cute shit, perfect amount of violence, perfect amount of otters... My 3rd Kingfisher novel and certainly my favorite so far.
Note to self: read everything she's written.
Note to self: read everything she's written.
July 12, 2016
In the wake of a truly awful year, I’ve been thinking a lot about the kind of queer fiction I want to see. I’ve actually been avoiding a lot of them, in part because some of them are written by straight people and I have No Interest, in part because some of it’s Issue Fiction and I have No Interest, and in part because, while so much fiction is escapist, I can never feel particularly safe, as a bi girl, even in fiction. We’re killed off for shock value, for “realism,” for shits and gigs. We’re killed off in real life and then we’re killed off in fiction and it seems like nothing, nothing, is telling us anything but that they don’t think we deserve to live and be happy. People dance around bisexuality like it’s a bad word and sometimes it seems easier to just disappear. To not exist, because no one wants you to exist anyway.
What does this have to do with T. Kingfisher’s new novel? Nothing, maybe. Everything, maybe. It’s a retelling of The Snow Queen with a bi protagonist and it’s everything that might encourage me to read more queer lit. Spoiler: the bi girl doesn’t die. Nor does her lesbian girlfriend.
Now that we have that out of the way. The Snow Queen is actually one of my favourite fairytales. Barring Frozen, I love stories about ice queens, and intrepid girls, and useless boys who do nothing but await rescue (sorry not sorry, Kay). But I also love T. Kingfisher’s stories, because they take these familiar beats and turn them into something subversive, something interesting, something new.
Here, Kay is not the good boy with sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks whose turn towards cruelty is motivated by the shards of the troll mirror. He’s the neighbour boy who is kind and indifferent to Gerta by turns, who doesn’t care about anything but his puzzles, and who takes his friend––such as his friendship is––for granted, and goes willingly with the Snow Queen. His soft, casual cruelty is inborn, not the kind that comes as a result of a curse. He’s just an asshole.
It can be kind of hard to see why Gerta would set out on so dangerous adventure for so uninspiring a boy, but I think I understand. It’s not really about Kay. It is and it isn’t. Her friendship with, and her love for Kay is so draining and toxic that it’s destroyed Gerta’s self-esteem. Her journey is as much about her rescuing herself from his toxic influence as it is rescuing him from the Snow Queen’s toxic influence. One key thing that emphasises this is that the Snow Queen’s power itself is derived from derision towards other people and the ability to make them think they are worthless; this is canonically the message Gerta receives from Kay and the message she must overcome in her every encounter with the Snow Queen.
Yet for all Kay is her purpose in setting out on her journey, the greater part of the novel is spent with women who help and protect her. And especially Janna. God, Janna, who lives with her cannibal grandparents (it was one time), her bandit father, and who loves Gerta and affirms Gerta and supports Gerta and kisses Gerta and oh god it’s so cute I could cry. I probably did cry; I’m not sure, it was a long day.
There are the magical animals, as a matter of course, between the adorable but unwilling otters who pull the Snow Queen’s sleigh and Mousebones, the raven with the most raven-like full name you can think of.
Kingfisher’s writing is always so delightful and unexpected, like William Goldman meets Peter S. Beagle meets Terry Prachett, whose writing style I don’t actually like, but I like it on her, and I want a thousand million more stories like this. Lighthearted, humorous fairytales that don’t shy away from danger and high stakes but where you can be assured that all will turn out well in the end. Queer characters in fantasy novels who are safe and loved and brave and have adventures and are in danger but who are never, never, in danger because they aren’t straight. Queer fairytales, you guys. Heavy research into indigenous cultures (Kingfisher incorporates elements of Sami culture, which she seems to have done her homework on; she credits Finnish-Sami historian Niina Siivikko for looking over the aspects of her work that reference Sami culture). Adventures and magic and finding your worth, a girl who is so unmagical she is almost anti-magical, which is better than being magical. Girls who love each other and help each other grow! Bi girls who outgrow their feelings for a boy but never have those feelings dismissed or rendered invalid by their attraction to other girls! I just. You guys, this story is so much.
And I want so much more of it, too, because this is what I want from representation. I want to feel like I am part of the cultural narrative. I want to feel like my life, my growth, my personhood are valued for more than just plot devices or shock value, that I don’t have to die for the world to move forward, that the world can move forward with me in it. This book was such a heavy load off my shoulders after all the shit that’s happened this year, and T. Kingfisher has been and probably will be among my favourite fantasy writers for a long, long time.
What does this have to do with T. Kingfisher’s new novel? Nothing, maybe. Everything, maybe. It’s a retelling of The Snow Queen with a bi protagonist and it’s everything that might encourage me to read more queer lit. Spoiler: the bi girl doesn’t die. Nor does her lesbian girlfriend.
Now that we have that out of the way. The Snow Queen is actually one of my favourite fairytales. Barring Frozen, I love stories about ice queens, and intrepid girls, and useless boys who do nothing but await rescue (sorry not sorry, Kay). But I also love T. Kingfisher’s stories, because they take these familiar beats and turn them into something subversive, something interesting, something new.
Here, Kay is not the good boy with sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks whose turn towards cruelty is motivated by the shards of the troll mirror. He’s the neighbour boy who is kind and indifferent to Gerta by turns, who doesn’t care about anything but his puzzles, and who takes his friend––such as his friendship is––for granted, and goes willingly with the Snow Queen. His soft, casual cruelty is inborn, not the kind that comes as a result of a curse. He’s just an asshole.
It can be kind of hard to see why Gerta would set out on so dangerous adventure for so uninspiring a boy, but I think I understand. It’s not really about Kay. It is and it isn’t. Her friendship with, and her love for Kay is so draining and toxic that it’s destroyed Gerta’s self-esteem. Her journey is as much about her rescuing herself from his toxic influence as it is rescuing him from the Snow Queen’s toxic influence. One key thing that emphasises this is that the Snow Queen’s power itself is derived from derision towards other people and the ability to make them think they are worthless; this is canonically the message Gerta receives from Kay and the message she must overcome in her every encounter with the Snow Queen.
Yet for all Kay is her purpose in setting out on her journey, the greater part of the novel is spent with women who help and protect her. And especially Janna. God, Janna, who lives with her cannibal grandparents (it was one time), her bandit father, and who loves Gerta and affirms Gerta and supports Gerta and kisses Gerta and oh god it’s so cute I could cry. I probably did cry; I’m not sure, it was a long day.
There are the magical animals, as a matter of course, between the adorable but unwilling otters who pull the Snow Queen’s sleigh and Mousebones, the raven with the most raven-like full name you can think of.
Kingfisher’s writing is always so delightful and unexpected, like William Goldman meets Peter S. Beagle meets Terry Prachett, whose writing style I don’t actually like, but I like it on her, and I want a thousand million more stories like this. Lighthearted, humorous fairytales that don’t shy away from danger and high stakes but where you can be assured that all will turn out well in the end. Queer characters in fantasy novels who are safe and loved and brave and have adventures and are in danger but who are never, never, in danger because they aren’t straight. Queer fairytales, you guys. Heavy research into indigenous cultures (Kingfisher incorporates elements of Sami culture, which she seems to have done her homework on; she credits Finnish-Sami historian Niina Siivikko for looking over the aspects of her work that reference Sami culture). Adventures and magic and finding your worth, a girl who is so unmagical she is almost anti-magical, which is better than being magical. Girls who love each other and help each other grow! Bi girls who outgrow their feelings for a boy but never have those feelings dismissed or rendered invalid by their attraction to other girls! I just. You guys, this story is so much.
And I want so much more of it, too, because this is what I want from representation. I want to feel like I am part of the cultural narrative. I want to feel like my life, my growth, my personhood are valued for more than just plot devices or shock value, that I don’t have to die for the world to move forward, that the world can move forward with me in it. This book was such a heavy load off my shoulders after all the shit that’s happened this year, and T. Kingfisher has been and probably will be among my favourite fantasy writers for a long, long time.
January 13, 2021
This adaptation of Andersen's The Snow Queen stays narratively faithful to the original characters and progression of events, while making small, skillful changes that end in a completely shifted tone and moral. Love it. This is the best approach to fairy tale re-use, in my opinion.
July 21, 2019
I love H.Ch.A.’s stories! Though I never understood why Gerta would follow Kay and try to rescue him from the Snow Queen so I love this retelling even more. Kay is such a selfish boy and I always thought Gerta deserved so much better than having her life centred around him! I think that Gerta growing from trying to rescue who she thinks is her ‘true love’ to rescuing Kay because he is her childhood friend whose family worries about him as well as because being a caring person is a huge part of her personality and she wouldn’t be herself if she gave up gives her so much more agency! Finally, her story is about HER!
I loved romance as well! Jenna suits Gerta much better even though the scenes with her cutting Gerta out of the reindeer skin are a bit disturbing.
I love that even side characters and ANIMALS have so well written personalities!
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December 22, 2022
3.5 🌟
This was a fun and quirky retelling of The Snow Queen, but sadly I wasn't blown away by it. If you are already a fan of T. Kingfisher, you will likely enjoy her take on this classic and appreciate her signature humor.
This was a fun and quirky retelling of The Snow Queen, but sadly I wasn't blown away by it. If you are already a fan of T. Kingfisher, you will likely enjoy her take on this classic and appreciate her signature humor.
December 2, 2019
This was a delightful and witty read.
I'm not familiar enough with the original fairy tale to compare, yet the novel works well on its own.
Gerta's journey out of the constraining borders of her upbringing towards self determination in a strange new world was told in a tongue-in-cheek way that had me smiling (and frequently underlining passages) the whole book through. I could have gladly done without the romance, but that's me (most seldomly I like romances in stories that could have very well done without), but it was not that prominent.
Kudos, of course, to the the animals. Raven and otters were my personal favourites of this re-telling. The dialogues involving them were the very best, and most humorous, parts of the book.
Highly recommended for a feel-good read on a cold, snowy day.
I'm not familiar enough with the original fairy tale to compare, yet the novel works well on its own.
Gerta's journey out of the constraining borders of her upbringing towards self determination in a strange new world was told in a tongue-in-cheek way that had me smiling (and frequently underlining passages) the whole book through. I could have gladly done without the romance, but that's me (most seldomly I like romances in stories that could have very well done without), but it was not that prominent.
Kudos, of course, to the the animals. Raven and otters were my personal favourites of this re-telling. The dialogues involving them were the very best, and most humorous, parts of the book.
Highly recommended for a feel-good read on a cold, snowy day.
December 5, 2019
I need to give this 5 stars. The second book I have read by Ursala Vernon and the second 5 star, probably this implies I should read more so maybe I will.
I loved the happier take on H.C.A, Grimm and the rest of those tales. Not too happy but nobody loses a leg or dies penniless, sorry, non-hidden spoiler there. Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the cold! Seriously I loved all the characters which never happens, they all seemed perfectly placed in the story. I am so, so glad I campaigned against that crappy book by Lev Grosman and got this instead.
Recommended to everyone and I need to read something else by Vernon.
I loved the happier take on H.C.A, Grimm and the rest of those tales. Not too happy but nobody loses a leg or dies penniless, sorry, non-hidden spoiler there. Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the cold! Seriously I loved all the characters which never happens, they all seemed perfectly placed in the story. I am so, so glad I campaigned against that crappy book by Lev Grosman and got this instead.
Recommended to everyone and I need to read something else by Vernon.
September 18, 2023
Поняла, що рітелінги Кінгфішер дуже хороші і милі, і я з них починала споживати її творчий доробок, але зараз її оригінальні книжки значно випередили рітелінгиту моєму рейтингу (ну крім What moves the dead, він надто розкішний).
Це переказ Снігової королеви, де Герда, звісно, вирушає рятувати Кая, але врешті виявляє, що він їй не дуже й треба, бо вона знайшла людину, яка значно краще до неї ставиться і з якою цікавіше. Але загалом це історія про те, якої школи нам завдає самоцькування і самоприниження (тому дуже рілейтебл)
Це переказ Снігової королеви, де Герда, звісно, вирушає рятувати Кая, але врешті виявляє, що він їй не дуже й треба, бо вона знайшла людину, яка значно краще до неї ставиться і з якою цікавіше. Але загалом це історія про те, якої школи нам завдає самоцькування і самоприниження (тому дуже рілейтебл)
March 8, 2016
what kind of lesbian separatist fairytale retelling :)
I was not expecting the romance. The book was charming enough - there's a talking raven named Sound of Mouse Bones Crunching Under the Hooves of God, sharp feminist commentary (tbh Kay really reminded me of Bjork's criticism of Matthew Barney - 'I am bored of your apocalyptic obsessions'), cute nods to famous lines from Atwood and Beagle, but the romance gave it heart and warmth and I'm still basking in it tbh.
I was not expecting the romance. The book was charming enough - there's a talking raven named Sound of Mouse Bones Crunching Under the Hooves of God, sharp feminist commentary (tbh Kay really reminded me of Bjork's criticism of Matthew Barney - 'I am bored of your apocalyptic obsessions'), cute nods to famous lines from Atwood and Beagle, but the romance gave it heart and warmth and I'm still basking in it tbh.
July 31, 2021
I find Hans Christian Andersen stories sententious and weirdly...slimy? Like Andersen took excessive pleasure in coming up with the creatively awful fates suffered by some of his characters for minor infractions (e.g. wore the wrong shoes to church & forgot to say the Lord's prayer? OK, dance incessantly until you can get someone to chop your feet off). For this reason, I am not overly familiar with "The Snow Queen," the story on which The Raven and the Reindeer is based.
Fortunately, Kingfisher's retelling reads smoothly without prior knowledge of the treacly tale it's based on, although when I went back to it after finishing, I found that there were more parallels than I had thought. Anyway, 17-year-old Gerta is on a quest to save her friend and [maybe] true love Kay, who was taken by the Snow Queen in a sleigh drawn by white otters. No matter that Kay seemed happy to go or that Gerta is entirely unprepared to survive a confrontation with the Snow Queen - she's heading north, picking up increasingly odd traveling companions as she travels into increasingly odd lands.
And since it's T. Kingfisher, there are plenty of quirky details - a raven sidekick who calls himself The Sound of Mouse Bones Crunching Under the Hooves of God (Gerta calls him Mousebones for short), some intriguing snapshots of Sámi culture, more blood and death than expected. Also a side of cannibalism! (It's one of Kingfisher's grimmer stories.) I'm always impressed by how well Kingfisher captures the perspective of non-human entities, and the beings featured in this one - the raven and the reindeer and otters - think and act in ways that seem spot on, though I can't say I've ever had a relationship with any of these three species. Her plants, even, seem spot on:
That strikes me as a bindweed-y dream, for some reason.
For all that, I didn't like The Raven and the Reindeer as much as other Kingfisher books. At just over 200 pages, it's a short, quick read that feels a little underdeveloped in both character and relationships. I think Kingfisher writes better friendships than romances - straight or queer - and although I liked the self-realization that came out of it, I never shipped the romance in this one.
+10 for the ending, though.
Fortunately, Kingfisher's retelling reads smoothly without prior knowledge of the treacly tale it's based on, although when I went back to it after finishing, I found that there were more parallels than I had thought. Anyway, 17-year-old Gerta is on a quest to save her friend and [maybe] true love Kay, who was taken by the Snow Queen in a sleigh drawn by white otters. No matter that Kay seemed happy to go or that Gerta is entirely unprepared to survive a confrontation with the Snow Queen - she's heading north, picking up increasingly odd traveling companions as she travels into increasingly odd lands.
And since it's T. Kingfisher, there are plenty of quirky details - a raven sidekick who calls himself The Sound of Mouse Bones Crunching Under the Hooves of God (Gerta calls him Mousebones for short), some intriguing snapshots of Sámi culture, more blood and death than expected. Also a side of cannibalism! (It's one of Kingfisher's grimmer stories.) I'm always impressed by how well Kingfisher captures the perspective of non-human entities, and the beings featured in this one - the raven and the reindeer and otters - think and act in ways that seem spot on, though I can't say I've ever had a relationship with any of these three species. Her plants, even, seem spot on:
She did not know what to make of the dream sent to her by the bindweed, of three white foxes having tea together, drinking from delicate lacquer teacups - and likely no human would have known what to think of the vision brought by the reeds, of golden fish speaking soberly to one another in a language made of fin-twitches and scale ripples.
That strikes me as a bindweed-y dream, for some reason.
For all that, I didn't like The Raven and the Reindeer as much as other Kingfisher books. At just over 200 pages, it's a short, quick read that feels a little underdeveloped in both character and relationships. I think Kingfisher writes better friendships than romances - straight or queer - and although I liked the self-realization that came out of it, I never shipped the romance in this one.
+10 for the ending, though.
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 10, 2019DNF @ 13% after a paragraph like this:
“She was, in fact, in the woods. They were not dark or scary or twisted woods, but they were deep and full of sounds. Insects went skreek skreek and frogs went hnaaaaagh and an owl went Eeeeaaaagahahahah! and Gerta nearly jumped out of her skin.”
The storytelling did feel feel rather childish to begin with, but fairytales are often simple and straight to the point, so I could have lived with that simplicity, but when I feel like I’m in a “My First Animals” teaching book I just don’t think I’m the right age group for this.
“She was, in fact, in the woods. They were not dark or scary or twisted woods, but they were deep and full of sounds. Insects went skreek skreek and frogs went hnaaaaagh and an owl went Eeeeaaaagahahahah! and Gerta nearly jumped out of her skin.”
The storytelling did feel feel rather childish to begin with, but fairytales are often simple and straight to the point, so I could have lived with that simplicity, but when I feel like I’m in a “My First Animals” teaching book I just don’t think I’m the right age group for this.
February 24, 2022
Read this for Polarthon 2022! Check out my spoiler-free reading vlog if you want to see my thoughts on The Raven and the Reindeer: https://youtu.be/g4v0iV_ydUk
September 9, 2023
Loved Kingfisher’s take on The Snow Queen.
Full Review:
I maybe cracked up that the theme of this book is not only, know your own worth, but men for the most part are not worth the trouble. I loved the character of Gerta, and was prepared to be frustrated with her, but loved that the book turned what I was expecting on it's head and we then have an unexpected, but welcomed romance.
The flow of the book though at times feels a bit wonky, but I liked it. I was glad to just read and meet all of the people/tribes that Gerta was meeting as she continued her quest to rescue her best friend/love Kay from the Snow Queen.
Full Review:
I maybe cracked up that the theme of this book is not only, know your own worth, but men for the most part are not worth the trouble. I loved the character of Gerta, and was prepared to be frustrated with her, but loved that the book turned what I was expecting on it's head and we then have an unexpected, but welcomed romance.
The flow of the book though at times feels a bit wonky, but I liked it. I was glad to just read and meet all of the people/tribes that Gerta was meeting as she continued her quest to rescue her best friend/love Kay from the Snow Queen.
December 22, 2019
It’s a quiet Saturday closing shift at work. I survived it thanks to this book. I started and finished it all in the same shift. (It’s ok. My boss doesn’t mind when I slack off on weekends.)
I was wavering between four and five stars for this one. There were some flaws. A few typos here and there. Some logistics could have been a little cleaner. But for pure enjoyment, which really is why I read, this is a solid five.
The settings and circumstances are all fascinating. The wintery scenes, and the adventure of the long journey north were beautifully told. But, the real backbone of this experience is the characters.
Gerta: someone that anyone who has ever been a teenager can relate to in some way.
The matrons: Every last one of them. From Gerta’s Grandmother, to Gran Aischa and Livli and even the crazy old cannibal lady. Seriously, just give me unique and fascinating older ladies every day of the week.
Janna: A smart-ass, badass, but ultimately kind and caring bandit girl? Uh, yes please!
The animals AND the plants!: Snarky Mousebones, the sweet reindeer, those otters! Even the plants in this tale get a compelling storyline.
Even Kay was important in his way. Who among us hasn’t given someone more credit than they deserved because our minds saw them through rose colored glasses? I know I’ve certainly painted Prince Charming’s visage over an everyday “Kay.” Particularly as a teenager. And even if he wasn’t everything Gerta thought he was, there’s still something there. His fascination with puzzles and eternity. He was stuck in a small town dreaming of something bigger, and when the chance presented itself, he took it. I think I appreciate his character a lot upon reflection.
For her characters alone, I will certainly be checking out more from this author. (Plus, she kills it on dialogue. And I am a sucker for witty banter.)
I was wavering between four and five stars for this one. There were some flaws. A few typos here and there. Some logistics could have been a little cleaner. But for pure enjoyment, which really is why I read, this is a solid five.
The settings and circumstances are all fascinating. The wintery scenes, and the adventure of the long journey north were beautifully told. But, the real backbone of this experience is the characters.
Gerta: someone that anyone who has ever been a teenager can relate to in some way.
The matrons: Every last one of them. From Gerta’s Grandmother, to Gran Aischa and Livli and even the crazy old cannibal lady. Seriously, just give me unique and fascinating older ladies every day of the week.
Janna: A smart-ass, badass, but ultimately kind and caring bandit girl? Uh, yes please!
The animals AND the plants!: Snarky Mousebones, the sweet reindeer, those otters! Even the plants in this tale get a compelling storyline.
Even Kay was important in his way. Who among us hasn’t given someone more credit than they deserved because our minds saw them through rose colored glasses? I know I’ve certainly painted Prince Charming’s visage over an everyday “Kay.” Particularly as a teenager. And even if he wasn’t everything Gerta thought he was, there’s still something there. His fascination with puzzles and eternity. He was stuck in a small town dreaming of something bigger, and when the chance presented itself, he took it. I think I appreciate his character a lot upon reflection.
For her characters alone, I will certainly be checking out more from this author. (Plus, she kills it on dialogue. And I am a sucker for witty banter.)
July 20, 2021
This is a clever, unexpected retelling of a fondly familiar tale from my childhood. My father's family is Danish and we were read more Hans Christian Andersen growing up then is probably healthy for young children, but I always remember The Snow Queen being one of my favorites. In her usual way, T. Kingfisher takes familiar fairy tale tropes and throws in her own unique style and twists. I was also reminded of another favorite from childhood, a picture book called The Paper Bag Princess in which a young girl sets out to save a prince who does not want saving from the likes of her. Kingfisher's Gerta is a perfect representation of teenage angst and insecurity, particularly the heart-breaking feeling of being devoted to someone who barely looks in your direction. I thought the flipped roles of Kay and the Janna as Gerta's true love in this instance was a delightful take: I always remember being intrigued by the charged relationship between Gerta and Robber Girl in the original tale, and Kingfisher plays on this tension to cultivate a lovely sapphic romance.
There were other aspects of this I liked, particularly the ghostly Reindeer road and the true-to-history Finnish and Samí influences. However, as much as I enjoyed the story I wasn't blown away by it, and the imprint it leaves on my mind if one of fondness rather than adoration. I felt as if Gerta's connection to the plants could have been better explained, and her realization of Kay's true nature and feelings better expounded upon.
There were other aspects of this I liked, particularly the ghostly Reindeer road and the true-to-history Finnish and Samí influences. However, as much as I enjoyed the story I wasn't blown away by it, and the imprint it leaves on my mind if one of fondness rather than adoration. I felt as if Gerta's connection to the plants could have been better explained, and her realization of Kay's true nature and feelings better expounded upon.
December 8, 2019
This is a fantasy romance based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. I read as a part of the Monthly reads for December 2019 in SciFi and Fantasy Book Club group.
The classic tale tells us about two kids in love with each other – boy Kay and girl Gerda. Here we have a twist since the start – Kay doesn’t really care about Gerda, who is in turn adoring him and is blind to his indifference, treating it only as a proof that she is not good enough for him. There is a lot of teenage angst in her inner monologues, which are kind of funny.
When Kay is snatched, Gerda goes to rescue him roughly I like with the classics. The major differences are a much more prominent role of a raven and a completely different character of the Little Robber, who is not a spoiled brat but a caring girl (still being a murder and who know what else). As is almost the norm for ‘woke’ books these days, girls fall in love with each other (why cannot they just be friends?!)
An interesting retelling with pleasant easy-going prose and funny internal monologues.
The classic tale tells us about two kids in love with each other – boy Kay and girl Gerda. Here we have a twist since the start – Kay doesn’t really care about Gerda, who is in turn adoring him and is blind to his indifference, treating it only as a proof that she is not good enough for him. There is a lot of teenage angst in her inner monologues, which are kind of funny.
When Kay is snatched, Gerda goes to rescue him roughly I like with the classics. The major differences are a much more prominent role of a raven and a completely different character of the Little Robber, who is not a spoiled brat but a caring girl (still being a murder and who know what else). As is almost the norm for ‘woke’ books these days, girls fall in love with each other (why cannot they just be friends?!)
An interesting retelling with pleasant easy-going prose and funny internal monologues.
September 19, 2020
kai truly did not deserve all that effort from gerta
Rep: lesbian mcs
CWs: violence, gore
Rep: lesbian mcs
CWs: violence, gore
December 15, 2020
a perfect christmassy sapphic fairytale
February 28, 2024
↳ 4.5 ✩ | 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜.
I used to read The Snow Queen as a child, I love this retelling even more. It is such a beautiful rendition of a beloved story, that in truth fixes a lot of representational issues the original had.
Gerta’s personal journey alongside her physical quest to find Kay is really what makes this retelling unique. I love the growth she has, the way the story doesn't revolve around Kay who never really saw her for who she was. I also adore her relationship with Janna and Mousebones.
Mousebones is an absolute joy and has such a comedic personality, definitely, my favourite one (also the name! how lovely). This just speaks to how much life and soul T Kingfisher breathes into every single one of her characters, even a raven. The magic of this story is another thing that makes it so whimsical and enjoyable. From the old folklore to witchcraft and spirits of the dead, combined with the icy setting and talking animals is just superb.
I will absolutely continue to read everything this author has written!!!
I used to read The Snow Queen as a child, I love this retelling even more. It is such a beautiful rendition of a beloved story, that in truth fixes a lot of representational issues the original had.
Gerta’s personal journey alongside her physical quest to find Kay is really what makes this retelling unique. I love the growth she has, the way the story doesn't revolve around Kay who never really saw her for who she was. I also adore her relationship with Janna and Mousebones.
Mousebones is an absolute joy and has such a comedic personality, definitely, my favourite one (also the name! how lovely). This just speaks to how much life and soul T Kingfisher breathes into every single one of her characters, even a raven. The magic of this story is another thing that makes it so whimsical and enjoyable. From the old folklore to witchcraft and spirits of the dead, combined with the icy setting and talking animals is just superb.
I will absolutely continue to read everything this author has written!!!
March 13, 2017
I read this in one sitting and enjoyed myself immensely. It has everything you could want in a T. Kingfisher book - a helpful sentient animal friend! twists to fairy tale tropes! a smart and interesting female protagonist! - as well as an unexpected and lovely romance. I loved how this was grounded in a world where folklore and Christianity coexist, and the magic system was a standout in this book: the "absence" of magic for Gerta and the reindeer road were two unique concepts that I haven't read before.
T. Kingfisher keeps knocking these retellings out of the park. I am savoring her back catalogue.
T. Kingfisher keeps knocking these retellings out of the park. I am savoring her back catalogue.
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