I was happy to experience reading another T. Kingfisher fantasy this week. It absolutely suited my mood and kept me entertained throughout. It’s not my absolute favorite of hers, but it’s definitely worth the time.

Halla is a self-described respectable widow in her 30s who, after her husband’s death, is left with few resources. She moves in with an elderly uncle-by-marriage, Silas, and cares for him until he, too, expires. She is initially bewildered and also a bit pleased to learn that Silas has left her his entire fortune in his will, but these emotions are short-lived as his obnoxious relatives, led by the forceful Aunt Malva, decide they can’t live with that decision and lock Halla in her bedroom until she agrees to marry Cousin Alver (Malva’s son, clammy hands), to bring the money back into the family.

As she is threatened with permanent imprisonment, commitment to an insane asylum, or forcible marriage, Halla begins to lose hope. But then she discovers that an ancient, dusty sword that hangs above her bed actually contains an immortal warrior who emerges when she draws it from its scabbard. His name is Sarkis, and he is sworn to protect whoever wields the sword. Although he is more accustomed to repelling assassins or fighting battles, he gamely pitches in to save Halla from her in-laws and help her find a way to take back the life she deserves.

This is Kingfisher’s usual blend of great world-building, engaging characters, and good story-telling threaded with humor and romance. I love that her focus is inexorably fixed on compassion and humanity in her characters and in her stories. And I can’t wait to read the sequel (although I may have to give in and buy it, as I am #162 on the library wait-list!).