*This is a standalone novel.*
On the same day, Lady Sophie, daughter of Duke Maximilian
and the late Duchess Maria of Bavaria, gains a beautiful stepmother only 10
years her senior and falls in love with Prince Philip, heir to the Spanish
throne and son of King Ferdinand. Unsure of Lady Claudia at first, with her
sneaking about in a servant’s uniform and staff calling her a witch, Sophie
becomes close to her stepmother, who loves her. The love between Sophie and
Philip incites violent anger in the king of Spain. He expects Philip to
marry a princess of England and so commands Sophie’s death. With Duke
Maximilian in a coma-like sleep and Philip called off to war with England,
Sophie flees to the woods and takes on the name Snow White, which her mom used
to call her. She finds refuge in the home of seven orphans (Anselm, Klaus,
Willem, Bren, Markus, Johann and Thomas), ranging in age from approximately 12
years old down to four or five. Children of all ages have been working in the
mines, which is deplorable, and Sophie went to her father hoping he’d be able
to convince his ministers to accept a new budget to aid the villagers.
She’s unsuccessful, but her taking an interest in palace affairs shows maturity.
Tucked away with the seven young miners and with her mother’s blade in her
possession (her training is thanks to Chef), she feels safe until an actual
witch arrives. She is the witch of the woods whom Lady Claudia trusts and whom
Duchess Maria trusted before her. But can Sophie trust her when she asks her to
bite into the most luscious apple she’s ever seen? Is love stronger than
poison?
Many are
familiar with the framework of fairy tales, and the tale of Snow White is
classic. In de la Cruz’s interpretation, there’s no wicked stepmother trope and
the witch is anything but evil. Sophie, despite her coddled upbringing, is
stubborn and resourceful, refreshingly capable of hard work in order to survive
and do her part to help at the home of the young miners. This story
holds the refinement of court and fast-blooming love, but also contains
imminent threat and anticipated danger. Per the Author’s Note, the
story is loosely based on the “true” stories that scholars believe
inspired the tale of “Snow White.” While there are generic moments, I found the
historical fantasy to read fast with its twists, turns and the occasional dead
sprint away from danger. It is a beguiling YA novel, alluring with a
determination to overcome and survive. I’m satisfied adding it to my YA
collection.
Also by de
la Cruz: Cinder & Glass
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