I got this because it's a Tam Lin retelling, but was apprehensive about reading it because it's basically historical fiction. The first words on the back cover - "In 1558, while exiled by Queen Mary Tudor to a remote castle..." - made me hesitant about reading it. The Newberry Honor did the same; I admit that I've read good Newberry books, but in general I find them rather humorless.

Anyway, I had nothing to worry about. The language was pleasant and easy to read. While the setting is historical, the story and characters were real enough. I really liked Katherine, the clumsy, practical hero. It makes me think about all the Tam Lin retellings I've read so far - they all have very different "Janets" and yet I like all of them. That's one of my favourite things about Tam Lin, I guess. It's the girl who saves the boy.

There are bits that I take issue with, like the fact that the fairies were driven out of their home after not being able to pay their tiend. I think I much prefer the Unseelie Court breaking loose, like in Holly Black's Tithe, or the Seelie Court having to pay double the following year, like in Pamela Dean's Tam Lin. Or even having to sacrifice one of their own. Anything but driving them away from their home. It just doesn't sit well with me, somehow, and at the end I suddenly found myself wanting to side with the fairies. But I guess that's just me. Because I have been checking out reviews on Amazon and nobody mentioned being bothered by it, and many agreed that Katherine is a wonderful heroine. I like how the story unfolds; as Katherine doesn't believe in fairies and doesn't listen to ballads, and she finds out about the truth about the fairies bit by bit, piecing together clues and trying to figure out what they mean. I suppose I'll have to say that it's been a very satisfying read.