Snow & poison

Review by Booklist Review

De la Cruz brings her own magic into the well-known tale of "Snow White," setting her story in 1621 Bavaria, where Lady Sophie lives a quiet life with her father, a widowed duke. She's happy with this arrangement, but when her father makes plans to remarry, he deems the occasion the perfect time to introduce his daughter into high society. Although Sophie would rather remain hidden away, she unexpectedly meets someone at the ball who steals her heart. The man is the handsome Prince Phillip, heir to the Spanish throne and, tragically, already betrothed to another. Heartbroken, Sophie tries to connect with her new stepmother, who is not as kind as she seems. As the story progresses, readers will be invested in Sophie's future and remain leery of Claudia, the stepmother. Familiar plot points from the original tale make their way into this drama-filled retelling, which nevertheless twists and turns. Lessons on trust and romance are accompanied by moments of strength and weakness from both Claudia and Sophie, leading to a satisfying ending.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Fairy-tale retellings are always popular, and best-selling Melissa de la Cruz knows exactly how to make them shine.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

De la Cruz (Cinder & Glass) loosely reimagines "Snow White" in this beguiling historical fantasy set in 1621 Bavaria. Sixteen-year-old Sophie, daughter of the Duke of Bavaria, is initially wary of her new stepmother, shy, enigmatic Claudia. Despite Sophie's original unease, though, the two become steadfast confidants following Claudia's rocky introduction at court, at which she faints during Sophie's entrance. At her father and Claudia's wedding, Sophie meets Prince Philip of Spain, and their mutual attraction quickly blossoms, notwithstanding his betrothal to an English princess. Their determination to marry sparks a war between Spain and England, and makes Sophie the target of assassins, causing her to flee into the woods to find shelter with seven young miners. But even there, she may not be safe for long. De la Cruz eschews the original tale's fantastical aspects and creeping sense of danger for romance and courtly intrigue, grounding the gently unspooling narrative in the source material's familiar framework. The subversive interpretation of Claudia's role as stepmother and queen-to-be shrouds her in alluring ambiguity and promotes foreboding narrative tension, and her relationship with Sophie, and Sophie's stubborn resourcefulness, prove a welcome highlight. Ages 12--up. Agent: Richard Abate, 3Arts Entertainment. (Apr.)

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 8 Up--In this novel, Lady Sophie, known as Snow White, makes an enemy of King Ferdinand of Spain when she falls in love with his son, Prince Phillip, during his visit to Bavaria. Sophie escapes her father's palace to save her life and spends the winter in an abandoned cottage along with seven orphans who work in the mines. With the help of her deceased mother's dagger and a couple of surprising characters, Lady Sophie learns to care for herself and the people in her father's dukedom. De la Cruz writes a very recognizable "Snow White" fairy-tale retelling with the sweet romance readers would expect along with the welcome addition of some new female friendships. Sophie, previously sheltered from life outside the duke's palace, becomes a thoughtful yet determined ruler as suspicious events force her to become more independent and self-sufficient. VERDICT For libraries looking to add to their YA fairy-tale collection.--Maria Martin

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by Kirkus Book Review

In a single day, the beautiful daughter of the widowed Duke of Bavaria acquires a mysterious stepmother and falls in love with the heir to the Spanish throne. Nicknamed Snow White for her light complexion, Sophie, 16, has led a lonely life in the castle since her mother died. Her father is seldom home, and even when he is present, he has little time for his only child. Now, he's arranged for Sophie to make her debut into society on the same day he marries Lady Claudia, who comes from a noble family in Moldavia. Thrilled to learn her stepmother is young, Sophie can't wait to meet her, though after they have a weird encounter in the castle larder, Sophie wonders if Claudia's to be trusted. She has no such doubts about Prince Philip, the young man she meets at her debut, however. While he's equally smitten, his father, King Ferdinand of Spain, has other ideas. Sophie discovers hidden depths in Claudia but remains far from certain of a future with Philip, whose father will stop at nothing to prevent their marriage. The characters are Europeans living in 1621 Bavaria, but little is done to bring the era or setting to life. Inconsistent characterization and plotting toy with readers' expectations. Fairy-tale retellings are popular, and this is well-trodden territory that demands something that feels fresh. Unfortunately, slapdash execution yields generic results. A miss from a prolific author; cotton candy for her fans. (author's note) (Fantasy. 13-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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As the evening came to a close, Philip bid thanks and good night to Maximilian and Claudia and stood awkwardly with Sophie at the door. They lingered, both reluctant to part ways once again. "Lady Sophie," he said. "The evening is so pleasant. Shall we stroll around the gardens?" "Without a chaperone?" Sophie teased, then looked more carefully behind him. "Your courtier isn't with you, is he?" "I've dismissed him. He returned to England when I was supposed to." Sophie narrowed her eyes at this. It didn't seem like King Ferdinand was one to let his only son stay in another country without a guardian, and she began to wonder if Philip was giving the full story. "You've been on your own all this time?" she said slowly. "Of course not. I've got my servants and staff. Shall we?" Did she need a chaperone in her own house? Sophie did not think so. It was late, and the brisk night air sent breezes rippling through the gardens. The light of the full moon cast a silvery sheen over the paths. Though they stayed in view of the palace and its guards, Sophie had a feeling--similar to the night before--that everything was tinted with some sort of magic when they were together. "May I show you my favorite spot before you go?" Sophie asked, forcing the question out before she changed her mind. It would involve going off unsupervised, but Maximilian and Claudia were already up in their chambers, and Sir Rodrigo was, mercifully, far from here. They could sneak around the servants. Worried she may never get the chance again, Sophie felt she couldn't pass it up. Philip glanced back at the palace, where the guards seemed disinterested in their movements. "You're sure?" Sophie nodded. "We'll be quick." She grabbed hold of his hand, pulling him through the autumn flowers toward the west side of the palace, where tall hedges formed a miniature maze. They slipped through the leafy corridors, Sophie leading by heart, until they reached a little pool of fish and a bubbling fountain that sparkled in the light of the moon. No sound reached them except for the movement of the water. "This is lovely," Philip said, hushed. "I can tell why it's your favorite." "My mother came here often to think and read. I like to save it for special occasions." "Is this a special occasion?" Sophie hitched as she became distinctly aware of the privacy afforded by the hedges, of how closely the two of them were standing together, of the way her heart rate galloped at the question. "It's just a nice night," she whispered. Philip looked at her for what seemed like months, years, studying her face and meeting her eyes so boldly that it was hard to return the gaze. Then he looked away, concentrating hard on the fish in the fountain. "What I'd started telling you last night," he said. "Before Claudia fell ill. I wanted to tell you that you are the reason I did not go to England." Philip let out a long breath. "There--I said it." Sophie could barely speak. "I was?" He met her eyes at last, and it was as if a spark was lit between them. Sophie felt his gaze flooding her like warmth. "Yes," he whispered. "Are you glad I am still here?" "Yes," she breathed. Philip exhaled. It seemed like he wanted to say something more, but instead he bit his lip and turned away. "Is something wrong?" she asked, concerned. He looked back at her and shook his head with a smile. Time moved very slowly as Sophie watched him, framed by the hedges. They both looked up at the moon and the stars, sitting together quietly. She didn't know what to say but also felt that she needn't say anything at all. "Your hair is so dark," he said, almost as if he were talking to himself, but he was staring at her with an awed look in his eye. "It makes your skin look..." "Snow-white?" she asked, teasing. "It's what they used to call me as a child." "Snow White," he murmured reverently. Excerpted from Snow and Poison by Melissa de la Cruz All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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