First published 2015
Thomas the Rhymer makes his living with songs, stories, and the occasional fabrication. His bold talent and charismatic performances draw crowds, but they also attract unwanted attention from the Queen of Elfland. When this powerful fairy monarch decides she wants him, Thomas discovers his clever words cannot save him from her desires. The Queen carries him away from his mortal world into her magical realm of luxury and imprisonment. In Elfland, Thomas learns what it truly means to be human while trapped in an inhuman place. The Queen eventually releases him with a parting gift that changes everything: a tongue that can only speak truth. Back in his own world, Thomas faces his greatest challenge. He must find the woman he once loved and betrayed, and offer her this new honesty he carries. Ellen Kushner transforms an ancient legend into a vivid story about love, truth, and the price of both.
Genres: literary-fiction, fantasy, fairy-tale-retellings, historical-fantasy
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Elfland
Period: ancient
258 pages · Kindle Edition · Gateway