Step into the enchanting world of the Tufa series, where music weaves magic and ancient secrets hum beneath the Smoky Mountains! Alex Bledsoe’s captivating blend of Appalachian folklore and contemporary fantasy introduces the Tufa, a mysterious people whose songs hold the power to heal, curse, or soar. This eight-book saga draws readers into a hidden world of fae descendants, rich with haunting melodies and complex characters.
With its unique mix of rural mystique and modern struggles, the Tufa series has carved a niche in urban fantasy, offering a fresh take on magic rooted in American soil. Ready to explore Cloud County, Tennessee, where the night winds whisper secrets? Let’s dive into the heart of Tufa!
How Tufa Began
Alex Bledsoe, a Tennessee native with a knack for noir and fantasy, crafted the Tufa series from his fascination with Appalachian culture and Irish mythology. Inspired by tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the music of South Carolina singer-songwriter Jennifer Goree, Bledsoe imagined a reclusive clan whose magic flows through song. The series kicked off in 2011 with The Hum and the Shiver, earning praise for its lyrical prose and vivid world-building. Bledsoe’s goal? To create a magic that feels unpredictable, rooted in mystery rather than formulaic spells.
The Heart of Tufa
The Tufa series unfolds in Cloud County, where the enigmatic Tufa live quietly, their origins shrouded in myth. The Hum and the Shiver follows Bronwyn Hyatt, a Tufa woman returning from war, grappling with her heritage and a looming tragedy tied to her family’s musical legacy. Wisp of a Thing shifts to Rob Quillen, an outsider musician seeking a healing song, only to uncover a curse haunting the Tufa. Long Black Curl dives into darker territory, exploring exile and revenge as Bo-Kate Wisby threatens her tribe. The Fairies of Sadieville, the series finale, unveils the Tufa’s ancient ties to Tír na nÓg, blending past and present in a lyrical climax.
At its core, the series weaves themes of identity, community, and the tension between tradition and modernity. Music is the Tufa’s magic, manifesting as healing, flight, or communication with spirits, all drawn from Appalachian ballads and original songs. Bledsoe’s prose, described as “plainspoken and lyric,” balances gritty realism with ethereal wonder, making Cloud County feel like a real, hidden corner of America. The Tufa’s struggles—poverty, isolation, and the fear of “otherness”—mirror Southern cultural dynamics, adding depth to their fantastical tale.
Why Tufa Resonates
The Tufa series has left a mark on urban fantasy by grounding fae mythology in North American roots, earning comparisons to Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and praise from authors like Patrick Rothfuss. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit celebrate its emotional depth and unique magic system, with The Hum and the Shiver named a 2011 Kirkus Reviews Best Fiction Book. Its blend of folklore, music, and human drama appeals to readers craving stories that feel both timeless and fresh.
Bledsoe’s ability to craft relatable characters, from rebellious Bronwyn to outsider Rob, ensures the series resonates beyond fantasy fans. Its exploration of heritage and belonging speaks to anyone navigating their place in a changing world, making the Tufa a beloved, if under-the-radar, gem.
- Publication Years: 2011–2018
- Number of Books: 8 (6 novels, 2 novellas)
- Notable Award: The Hum and the Shiver, Kirkus Reviews Best Fiction Book (2011)
Grab The Hum and the Shiver and dive into the Tufa’s spellbinding world of music and magic! Let Cloud County’s secrets sweep you away.