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

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.

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.

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.)