Poisoned

In this reimagining of the classic Snow White tale, Princess Sophie is deemed too weak and kind to rule by her ruthless stepmother, Queen Adelaide. Believing the queen's harsh words, Sophie is led into the forest by the huntsman, who removes her heart. However, she is saved by seven mysterious brothers who replace her heart with one of their own making. As Sophie recovers, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting dark forces and uncovering the true meaning of strength and kindness.

Recommendation: This empowering and action-packed novel is recommended for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy fairy tale retellings with a feminist twist. Jennifer Donnelly crafts a compelling narrative that challenges traditional notions of strength and beauty, encouraging readers to find power in kindness and resilience.

Ideal for:

• Young adult readers interested in fantasy and fairy tale adaptations
• Fans of strong female protagonists and themes of self-empowerment
• Readers who appreciate narratives that challenge societal norms

Similar Reads:

• Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
• Queen of Snow by Laura Byron and Jessie Cal
• Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

Stylistic Features:

• Rich, descriptive prose that brings the fairy tale world to life
• A blend of traditional fairy tale elements with modern themes
• Multi-dimensional characters who evolve throughout the story

Content Warnings: The novel contains themes of attempted murder, emotional abuse, and dark magic, which are integral to the plot but handled in a manner suitable for the target age group.

Poisoned has been recognized as an American Library Association-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults and was optioned for film by Lynette Howell Taylor and Bruna Papandrea.