The Poisoned Princess
by Valia Lind / 5 stars
I've read several fairytale retellings of Snow White before, but there's something special about Ivanna and her seven bogatyrs.
Going into this, I didn't even know a Russian version of the Snow White fairytale existed. To be fair though, my "original" was the Disney version. Maybe that's why I enjoy retellings so much - there's always similar points, but the interpretation differs.
The forest - Skazka - is a character in it's own right. Especially since this is the third book in the world, it's had time to develop, and finding it's magic in this tale was such a sweet experience. I definitely want more, and will be tracking down the previous books shortly after this.
The tale starts in much the same way I would expect. Until it's one of the queen's maids who takes Ivanna into the forest, tasked not with stealing the girl's heart and returning it to the queen, but to tie her to a tree and leave her for the wolves to deal with. Or the helpful way the forest seems to lead her to the empty cottage. What awaits her there is not miners, but soldiers from a neighboring kingdom. Soldiers that include her betrothed, who she's been exchanging letters with for the last two years, though they've only used their patriarchal names.
Neither side reveals their secrets, but Ivanna is allowed to stay, and a steady friendship grows. Except for with Dimitri, who is suspicious of her from the start. She smiles too much. She doesn't complain enough. Her mannerisms seem off. Her connection with the forest.
Out of the forest come two other additions I loved - the bunny Kroshka, who quickly attaches herself to Ivanna; and the dog Sokolko who claims Dimitri.
Perfect for those out there who love new takes on classic fairytales, and who'd embrace entering a larger world at the same time. The final chapters left hope that we were meeting characters who'd either been introduced before, or would have their own chance to shine later.
I was thoroughly enthralled by this retelling. It never got too dark, and the happy ever after was there, along with great friendships and the power of finding your own family. Along with some light romantic angst. It may have just been the right time for me to read it, or that it was the perfect mix of storytelling and wonder that led to me giving this 5 stars. They come easier now, but they still are rare!
Thank you to the publishers through BookSirens for providing me with a free copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
