(LOOK AT THAT ADORABLE CHIBI ART STICKER BY THE AUTHOR! IS IT NOT THE MOST PRECIOUS THING OF ALL TIME??)
Title: Fairest Son
Author: H.S.J. Williams
Goodreads • Amazon • Author’s Website
I just read this delightful reverse retelling and I loved it! A retelling where “Snow White” is a fae prince and there’s a huntress instead of a huntsman? Sign me up!
I was so intrigued by the idea of the roles being reversed and having a hero as the Snow White character and a fairy, and I was not disappointed!
I looooved the faerie elements and how they fit into the story. The nods to folklore and traditional faeries (changelings, iron, etc.) PLEASED ME SO MUCH. It felt a smidge Celtic in some bits, which also made me happy.
The retelling parts were sooo intriguing and well done and unexpected but totally worked! I don’t want to spoil any of it, because part of the fun is discovering it yourself, but wow.
Prince Idris is A PRECIOUS CINNAMON ROLL WHO MUST BE PROTECTED. He is just the absolute nicest person to ever live, despite all he’s been through. *sobs and protects him from evil villains and authors* Although he is also epic from time to time, so there’s that. IDRIS IS FABULOUS.
I loved Keeva and was verrry intrigued by her storyline.
The writing was gorgeous and reminds me of Goldstone Wood and I’m super impressed with how well the point of view of a blind character was written, because skills!
There were several twists that took me by surprise and made me go OH! (No spoilers, but hoo boy. *rubs hands together gleefully*)
ALSO. THE CROWN BIT AT THE END! :O *chills* So. Epic. And the fox and animals! So precious!
All of that and more, packed into a mere novella which I was able to devour in a couple of hours. Such a delightful read! Perfect for those looking for a quick read with fabulous twists on Snow White.
(Warning: there are definitely gruesome parts involving a character being severely maimed, and other creepy parts, so if you’re squeamish, beware. That and hanging out in the villain’s point of view at times were the only things I didn’t love about this. XD)
Have you read this one? Do you love retellings?
I’m so excited to read this author’s upcoming novel Moonscript!
Also, February is Fantasy Month so be sure to check out more fantasy fun at Jenelle Leanne Schmidt’s blog!
The Page Dreamer (Deborah O'Carroll) 