A Sorceress Comes to Call

A Sorceress Comes to Call (2021) is a fantasy novel by T. Kingfisher. The novel follows Cordelia, a young girl grappling with her sorceress mother Evangeline’s oppressive control. When they move into the manor of a kindly squire named Samuel and his sister, Hester, Cordelia finds a semblance of home and must decide whether to continue with her mother’s dark plans or protect her newfound family. The novel explores themes of personal agency and identity, as well as the challenges of navigating traditional roles and expectations.

This guide refers to the 2024 edition published by Tor Publishing Group.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide contain depictions of child emotional abuse and coercion, murder, violence, and animal abuse.

Plot Summary

Fourteen-year-old Cordelia lives under the oppressive rule of her mother, Evangeline, a powerful sorceress who uses obedience spells to control Cordelia’s body, leaving her aware but powerless. Cordelia finds moments of freedom riding their horse, Falada, and befriends a local girl, Ellen Parker. However, after Evangeline loses her benefactor, Ellen’s father, she decides to find a new wealthy match for herself and, ultimately, for Cordelia.