Snow & Poison

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.)