The Hollow Places – Definitely my favorite of Kingfisher’s horror novels, mostly because I tend to prefer cosmic or Lovecraftian horror to other types. I’m calling it Southern Cosmic and I hope it catches on, but even more than that, I hope you read this book about a woman who, in the course of cleaning out her grandparents’ house, happens upon a madness-inducing mystery. The Twisted Ones – This is what happens if you smush Southern Gothic together with Cosmic Horror. There’s another horrible old lady, and you’ll never hear the phrase “nice and normal” without a shudder. A duology made up of The House of Diamond and The Mountain of Iron.Ī House with Good Bones – A Southern Goth-ish book, this one for the entomophobes.

Kingfisher is perennially curious about standard fantasy side characters like minions, animal companion, and the like, and here she gives goblins their own voice.īlack Dogs series – A much older series written before Kingfisher had entirely found her voice, this is much more of the standard fantasy fare about a young bookish woman whose family is massacred, who is then caught up in elven affairs. Nine Goblins – A novella about goblins trying-for some variation of trying-to get home. Swordheart – Much more in the romance vein, this love story between a woman (who has never studied the blade) and her sword is like classic screwball comedy in a fantasy setting.

Comprised of Clockwork Boys and The Wonder Engine. (It’s less contrived than I’m making it seem.) A planned quartet start with Paladin’s Grace.Ĭlocktaur War series – Condemned criminals on a redemption quest (a la Suicide Squad) is a favorite trope of mine, and this duology has all the pathos and action (and romance!) you could want from a band of ragtag unlikely heroes. The few remaining paladins of the Saint of Steel are quite literally soldiering on, but they each have little to live for-until each is drawn into a quest that also happens to feature a very attractive stranger. Their compatriots died of the grief and madness that followed. Saint of Steel series – Their god is dead. It’s the veneer of standard fantasy fare laid over some very deep meditations on abuse, domestic violence, and duty, all of which Kingfisher handles with compassion and care. Marra, though, must leave the comforts of her nunnery to defy a wicked prince and rescue her sister.

Nettle and Bone – Third daughters don’t have to worry about much.

Summer in Orcus by T. Kingfisher