Today I’m bringing you epic winter goodness for your reading pleasure. This book released recently, and you can buy it. But I guess first I need to tell you why you should buy it.
The tales warn of faeries lurking beyond the iron-bound trees, eager to snatch wayward children. Yet at the onset of every winter Neve and Vale cross the iron’s protection and dance to the snow bees’ song.
The year Neve comes of age a faery lord joins the dance. He tempts Neve into accepting a dangerous magic and then steals Vale away.
Alone in the Ice Palace, Vale will need all of his wits to survive. Faeries whisper behind every door, and elves watch from the shadows. The Snow Queen’s court plays for blood.
To rescue her brother Neve journeys north. Ice answers her call, but with a terrible price. It will take more than dreams for Neve to master the magic. If she fails, both she and Vale will fall prey to winter’s fury.
My Review:
The Winter Queen’s Tale by Naomi P. Cohen is not just a retelling of the classic, The Snow Queen, it adds to the story in a way that also acts as a kind of sequel.
In this novel the story of Gerda and Kai is woven with that of Neve and Vale, siblings who are chosen by the snow bees to become Fae and replace the Snow Queen from Andersen’s version. Just as Gerda is making her way to the snow palace to save Kai, Neve must make her way there in order to reunite with her brother and claim her throne.
I really enjoyed this sorta-retelling. It added a lot to the story and filled in some of Andersen’s confusing ending. (like why in the original the snow queen doesn’t seem to be around to put up a fight when Gerda arrives.)
The characters of Neve and Vale are dynamic and fun to read, and I was glad to read in the afterward that the author is working on another story about them.
I received an early review copy from the author. My opinion are my own and are honestly expressed.
Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/46EWikI
C. O. Bonham 