“A compelling fairy-tale allegory that interrogates political complacency with barbed storytelling. ” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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August 29, 2026
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“A compelling fairy-tale allegory that interrogates political complacency with barbed storytelling. ” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) † August 29, 2026 †
This Is Not
a Fairy Tale
At least, not in the way you might expect.
All Willie Grimmerly ever wanted was to be a big-time reporter. But in a city under new and vicious rule, she may find that her own story is no fairy tale, and in King’s County, there are no happy endings.
Releases August 29, 2026
Praise for
Kings Country Tales
“A young writer recounts dark fairy tales of dystopian oppression in Gilham’s fantasy novel. In this novel, Gilham argues that ‘to create art and tell stories is to push back against power.’ Willie’s work unfolds as a series of short tales that deepen the reader’s understanding of systemic discrimination; Willie functions as a voice of resistance: ‘Is this the King’s County of our dreams and hopes? A King’s County for our children?’ Willie’s tale effectively prompts readers to reflect on the ways in which governments legislate societal hatred into political violence. A compelling fairy-tale allegory that interrogates political complacency with barbed storytelling.”
— Kirkus Reviews
(starred review)
“King’s County Tales is a grand adventure that dares to cast our hero as a witness, a voice for the stories of others. In a magical world that feels as real, lived-in, and deaf to injustice as our own, Willie is the bravest kind of protagonist: one with the courage to listen.”
— Dario Diofebi
Author of Paradise, Nevada
“A new and necessary voice in the genre of magical realism, Gilham's prose has an edge sharp enough to cut through the page. She’s crafted a striking universe that, while offering a brief respite from our reality, unflinchingly mirrors the conflicts at the heart of our society. Gilham's talent is so rare, so unusual, that the story will linger long after the last page.”
— Hallie Elizabeth Newton
Author of Agnes Lives!
“King’s County Tales is an alternate-world, coming-of-age fantasy novel set in a realm that bears a striking resemblance to the contemporary United States….This is a hybrid fantasy novel that capably blends urban fantasy, magical realism, paranoid political thriller tropes and traditional folk and fairy-tale world-building elements. Providing a balanced and insightful meditation on the dangers posed by the perpetuation of hateful ideologies, the novel carefully examines themes of right-wing socio-political oppression, the objectification of women, journalistic integrity and the cultural and humanitarian cost of racial intolerance…. Fans of original, intelligent and compassionate fantasy fiction will find plenty to entertain them here.”
“Hannah Gilham has crafted an enchanting yet deeply unsettling fantasy world in King's County Tales. Told from the perspective of a young woman pursuing a journalism career, the novel’s brilliant polyphonous structure acts as an oral history of a fracturing world. With its sharp wit and subversive social commentary, King's County Tales will delight fans of Wicked.”
— Caitlin Barasch
Author of Novel Obsession
Listen to the sounds of King’s County
Explore a curated collection of songs to reflect Willie’s time in King’s County.
Upcoming Events
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Denver Launch Party
Red Room at Hooked on Colfax, Denver CO
August 30
5:00-7:00PMCome celebrate the release of King’s County Tales with drinks, snacks, and an author reading and signing. Books will be available for purchase.
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Author Reading and Lecture
Manhattan Community College
March 18
2:00-4:00PMA reading and lecture about King’s County Tales at Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York City.
Open to the public.