Snow & Poison

Featured

3.3

5.0 (1)

1470 0

Write Review Add to favorites

User Photos (1)

Author(s)

Melissa de la Cruz

Publisher

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

12+

Release Date

April 18, 2023

ISBN

978-0593326688

Buy This Book

Love is stronger than poison in this lush retelling of "Snow White" by #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.

Known as Snow White, Lady Sophie has led a sheltered life in the mountains of Bavaria. Until now. Her father, the widowed Duke Maximilian, is at last remarrying, and on the day of his historic wedding, Sophie is making her high-society debut.

At the ball, Sophie charms the dashing Prince Philip, heir to the Spanish throne. But as Philip and Sophie start falling deeply in love, the king of Spain loses his temper. His wish is that Philip would marry a princess. And now, his command is Sophie’s death.

In a quest for survival, Sophie seeks refuge in the home of seven orphans, the counsel of a witch, and the safety of her blade. With the looming threat of war upon her duchy, Sophie must ponder: Can she do right by her home and honor her heart’s desire?

"[A] beguiling historical fantasy." —Publishers Weekly

Editor review

1 review

Classic Fairy Tale with a bit of a twist

June 27, 2023 (Updated: June 28, 2026)

Overall rating

3.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

3.0

Writing Style

3.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Snow & Poison was is a good historical reimagining of Snow White. "Factual" elements are layered upon an imaginative world that feels both familiar and new.

It took me a little bit to get through this decently short novel, as I found the plot to move along slowly, and didn't intrigue me until most of the way through. It didn't help that most of the story was Sophie pining for Prince Philip.
The romance is basically 'love at first sight,' and they have a few tribulations to get through, but it is sweet. There is a fade to black scene.

I wasn't fond of the child labor in the story, but I feel it helped give Sophie (and maybe her family) the push they needed.

I rather enjoyed that the step mother wasn't the villain, as she is always portrayed. They way Claudia (the step mom) and Sophie bonded was great!
The female characters are strong. About half way through, Sophie becomes this dependable and self-assured woman. It's great to see women change the dynamic of society.

This would make a great read for fans of the show Once Upon a Time, and anyone looking for a dependable Snow White retelling.

Cherokee Crum, Blog Manager and Staff Reviewer Top 50 Reviewer 379 reviews

Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0

User reviews

1 review

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0(1)

Characters

5.0(1)

Writing Style

5.0(1)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0(1)

Already have an account? or Create an account

A strong and brave princess

April 13, 2026 (Updated: June 28, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
I've read one or two books by Melissa de la Cruz before ie Jo & Laurie and loved it. I read a review for Snow and Poison and knew I'd love it as well.
I love how creative Ms. de la Cruz is when it comes to her takes on a fairytale. She doesn't make the princess a wimpy girl - she makes her strong and brave. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of Snow White as a Bavarian princess who is in danger. Snow (Lady Sophie) is brave, strong and willing to risk everything for those she loves.
Outstanding story for YA and adults.