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nobeliumreads's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.5
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital copy.
A short, fast paced sapphic Snow White retelling that was entertaining enough to keep me reading despite the issues I had with it.
I was drawn in by the premise of this book because of course I’d be down for a sapphic Snow White retelling and I was also super intrigued by Azura as this evil, dark witch and really wanted to see how the romance would form between her and Snow.
And whilst yes, Azura is definitely this very evil witch, I just didn’t believe it. We are told, time and time again from Azura’s perspective how empty and terrible she is and how she must stay away from Snow to keep her ‘pure and innocent’, but we don’t see her do anything truly evil until about 80% through the book, and even then I was more excited about the plot finally kicking in than shocked or appalled. I think we are told many things throughout the story instead of shown it, which is my issue with the book. I forget that Azura’s mission is to become queen because she spends absolutely zero time with the king and we don’t really get a sense of what Azura’s plan was in the first place, other than to use Snow to get to him. So whilst I did like Azura and Snow's moments, I would not have minded if we’d swapped some of their scenes together out for some plot and action, especially earlier in the book.
In terms of the plot, everything kicked in at around the 80% mark which was just too little too late for me - I would have liked some more buildup to everything that happened, especially as you really had to suspend your belief for some of the stuff that happens like Snow, who barely knows how to use her magic, undoing a spell cast by Azura, who’s been practicing magic since she was like a kid or something. Or when Snow was just beginning her journey to Azura’s castle and the next chapter, which was Azura’s POV, Snow was suddenly already there which had me checking to see if I’d missed a chapter. I genuinely thought Azura was dreaming because we really just skipped Snow’s entire journey which would probably have been a great opportunity to show some character development without Azura. AND when Azura gave an apple to the king during the showcase and I was super excited to see where that would go because it’s an apple and that has to mean something in a Snow White retelling, right? But it just didn’t go anywhere. At all.
As for Snow, it’s not hard to see how 'naive' and 'pure' and 'innocent' she is because unfortunately she felt more like a child to me than a young woman at times. I did like her character, but I would have loved more of Snow by herself, as it felt like all of her chapters were with or about Azura.
Overall, the writing and plot weren’t amazing. It was just barely decent at best and there was practically no worldbuilding, which is a shame because I think it has a lot of potential and I am genuinely interested from little we are told. I was a bit shocked to see the self-harm and suicide attempt, mostly because I was really not expecting it because of how light the book seemed earlier on. Also, there is one non consensual kiss (kissing while asleep) and although it is reciprocated when they wake up, it did still take me by surprise (partially because of the circumstances surrounding it; out of everything you could do, you kiss her instead???).
Anyways, despite my grievances with this book (which I know seem like a lot), it was entertaining and I did enjoy the ride. It was a quick, easy, fast-paced read and I am always down for more sapphic retellings. Just go in expecting something fun and slightly spicy (because Snow and Azura were horrendously down bad for each other), not quality craftsmanship or worldbuilding and you’re set.
(Also that Veronica princess who sleeps with men and then steals their money? Iconic honestly.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Cannibalism, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Death and Toxic relationship
literarycryptid's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Toxic relationship
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