Reimagined fairy tales are always great reads. The amount of world building necessary to carve out a singular interpretation leads to wonderful work like Andrea Hannah's The Wildest Things. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the eARC, these opinions are my own. A thrilling retelling! Snow White wakes up to a world rocked by a plaque. The animals have mutated and the land has wilted. Snow must go on journey to find out what happened and how to stop it. But with a new Evil Queen in her way, one who she can’t help but feel an attraction to, the journey will no be an easy one. Can she stop the plague and return the land to what it once was? I really enjoy retellings especially when they’re queer! I loved the imagery and world building! Also I’m always a fan of enemies to lovers! A fast paced, intriguing story, about self-discovery and courage!

Yeah, this is just a huge no from me.

This book is such a slog; I was legit bored to tears. This slowness primary stems from the long-winded, multi-chapter worldbuilding dump. You can't just tell the reader everything about your world like that. I wasn't even invested in the main character yet, so why should I care anything about this world? And all of this was before Snow got told what happened to the world after she died. The mossfolk (AKA the original seven from the story) telling her was fine, but Snow revealing everything that came before that out of dialogue killed any interest I initially had in the story.

The characters weren't any better. Snow had some interesting things going in her character, as her arc is basically deconstructing what "fairness" is and growing from that dainty, innocent persona she had for her whole life. This arc should have captured me in theory, but this girl's nonsensical attraction to the evil queen, who is her stepmother's daughter by a father that wasn't Snow's. Their interactions are mostly contained in the last third of the book, and the only thing they seem to have is that they both think the other is hot. But Snow should know better because the queen is, as stated many times throughout the narrative, a replica of the stepmother who abused her! It's just so weird that this is the romance of the book. Not as bad as it could be, but even if there was solid, well-written chemistry, there would still be some lingering weirdness.

The rest - I couldn't care less. The woodsman stand-in was a prop to keep Snow alive until she could wield magic, the mossfolk weren't as explored as they could have been, and the rest of the story, when the info-lore dumping slowed down, just felt like a waste of time.

I think it's safe to say my journey with Hannah's solo books ends here, but I will be reading her co-authored fantasy with Rebecca Mix. Hopefully, that will turn out better than what I got here.

The Wildest Things is a sapphic, dark Snow White retelling and I couldn’t get enough of it. Trigger warning to animal lovers, there are many creatures that were affected by the blight, almost like they are eaten away in places. I loved this take on Snow White, the kingdoms power comes from the king and his SeasonKeeper (usually the wife or passed down) which nature has to accept. After twenty years of the deep sleep Snow White wakes up to a whole new world she has to figure out. The forest and nature are characters in their own right throw the story. You have this darkly poisoned forest that is almost beautiful its own awful way. Snow White the fairest of them all has to find out what that means to her and how she get her kingdom back! Full of curious creatures, love, friendship, and detestation. The magic of nature is so well done, it gives you hope when the world feels like it’s falling apart for Snow White.

4.5⭐️

Thank you to Wednesday Book and NetGalley for my gifted copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for allowing me to read this book!

I feel... well, yes, i was attracted to this book because of the sapphic snow white retelling, and I knew it was going to be enemies to lovers. Still, I felt like the......

It is enemies, of a sort. Death is the intention each each to work on the other. And, there's an immediate attraction between them, which feels kind of... strange to me. I mean, yes, I'm a lesbian, but someone trying to kill me, I don't get distracted by how beautiful they are, and their eyes don't stick in my mind.
There also didn't seem to be much of a connection between "snow" and "heart" while the other 'parts' to magic seemed to have a little. Every human also seemed to be white? Which felt strange, given that an emphasis was put on patriarchy keeping women small and molding them a certain way. The way the mossfolk were characterized seemed a little messy as well, as if stand-ins for many different things.

There also seemed to be a lot loose ends, as if waiting for a (small) sequel, even. For the book's sake, I hope there is one!

This jumped out at me because of the sapphic romance (obviously) and the deliciously creepy Snow White cover (though girl needs to ease off on the peach blush with her skin tone). I loved the beginning premise: Snow White wakes up in her glass coffin decades after she fell asleep, alone. No prince ever woke her up.

There were a lot of interesting elements to this: a sort-of post-environmental-apocalypse fantasy dystopian setting; the seven dwarves as enslaved miner "mossfolk", beings with bark skin and leaves as hair that could turn into actual trees; the magic mirror having its own POV chapters. There were some worldbuilding information dumps, but it had a lot of potential and the climax was exciting.

But wow did I hate the "love interest" Iliana. She's the daughter of the Evil Queen/Snow White's stepmother (she and Snow White share the same last name because of that, but I'm happy to report that they are NOT related). I have absolutely no idea why Snow White would be into her other than she's apparently really hot, because the only other distinct thing about her is that she's powerhungry. Iliana's trying to kill Snow White at first, then they meet in person for the first time and she steals Snow's job, at the end they meet for the second time, she commits unforgivable murder, and then they're kissing?? The mirror would've made a better love interest. As it was, the friendships between Snow and Henrik and Snow and Dunn (and between Snow, Henrik, and the bunny Blueberry) were the real love in the book. If there was to be a sapphic romance in this, Henrik should have been female. But at least there isn't a lot of romance. Snow and Iliana just stare at each other a few times and share a couple pecks.

I wasn't a huge fan of Snow herself at first. She starts off VERY useless and cries a lot, though that drops off once woodland creatures stop randomly appearing and trying to eat her.

The prose wasn't the smoothest to me, and mixed with some of the plot beats made this feel almost like a debut novel. I grew used to the prose as the book progressed, but there were descriptive phrases that reminded me a little of The Stars Are Dying (🫣). A girl was described as "buoyant", an apple was "bulbous" and then compared to the moon, tree branches were "nimble." Maybe I just don't like poetry and the problem is me.

Is this to be a series? The ending didn't wrap up much. What's happening with the twins? Pomeroy? Briar? I'm left with many questions, but maybe we're meant to imagine the rest ourselves. I can vibe with that.

excuse me please don’t leave me hanging like that….this was so thrilling. I loved the retelling and wished it never ended. I alao now want a bunny named Blueberry. Your writing is so famtasric and your use of imagery is apectacular. I can realy pocture what is going on. I can’t wait to see what happens next (if there is a next). 10 🌸 out of 5 🌸

I received a free EARC of this book from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

There were some really great storylines in this book and I really liked that it flipped the idea of Snow White on it's head. There was no prince coming to save her and wake her or whatever. It wasn't really a romance either, which I had though it might be a bit more than it was. However, it had strong female empowerment throughout and I LOVED that.
Henricks death was sad, and felt unnecessary, and made it very hard to overcome when Iliana reawakens.. I get the point of nurture vs. nature, and how she became what she was supposed to be, even though at the end she seemed to hate it (or maybe just accept it?). I'm not super sure. That's where the problem with this book lies with me. The ending felt abrupt and confusing and not fully wrapped up. It hints at a sequel which is great, because ... um, what? I get cliffhangers, but this felt more like the author just stopped writing in the middle of a chapter and called it good. I also didn't love that they shared the same last name, and even though they weren't blood related, it still felt almost a little icky to me. Otherwise, I think it would have been five stars.

The Wildest Things is more than just a retelling—it’s a powerful meditation on the wildest parts of ourselves and the dreams that drive us. Hannah has crafted a story that resonates with anyone on a journey toward self-acceptance, making this a must-read for fans of magical, character-driven tales that aren’t afraid to confront life’s messier truths. This book is a celebration of courage, identity, and the beauty found in embracing our own complexities.

I love retellings and was excited to receive this arc. It didn’t disappoint! The author has a unique take on this fairytale, bringing in a sapphic twist, exceptional world-building, and vivid imagery that made for an immersive reading experience. At over 300 pages, I flew through it; the author held my interest and kept me guessing about what was going to happen next. The chemistry between Iliana and Snow was palpable.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to read in advance!

Really doesn't rely too much on Snow White, instead taking the time to create its own dramatic liberty and pull off some absolutely incredible and impeccable vibes. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while, and was so excited when I got approved for an arc! It’s a sapphic dark fantasy retelling of Snow White. While I did enjoy this book, it took me a bit to get through it. The magic system was well developed, if not a little confusing at times. Snow White is finally awake…twenty years after she bit into the infamous poisoned apple. When Snow’s glass coffin shatters unexpectedly, she awakens to find a world much different than the one she left. Her kingdom and the rest of the land has been ravaged by the Blight. The animals are now mutated and wicked, the soil is seeped with toxins, and an evil girl sits on the throne of Roanfrost. If Snow wants to reclaim her rightful place as Princess and Seasonkeeper, she’ll have to traverse through a decaying land filled with monstrous beasts, all while being hunted by creatures she once called friends. And the enchanting Queen Illiana, the daughter of the last evil queen, will stop at nothing to rip Snow’s heart right from her chest. All in all, a pretty good story filled with poison, sapphic yearning, and a once demure princess who is now learning to release her darker impulses.

In "The Wildest Things," Andrea Hannah delivers an enthralling sapphic retelling of Snow White that is as enchanting as it is heart-wrenching. The narrative invites readers into a richly imagined world where the familiar fairy tale is reinterpreted through the lens of love, identity, and the complexities of human emotion. Hannah's writing vividly brings to life Snow’s internal battle as she navigates a decayed world filled with both beauty and darkness. What stands out in this retelling is Hannah's exploration of Snow’s darker impulses, skillfully portraying her internal conflict with nuance and depth. The author does not shy away from depicting the struggles that come with power and the desire for redemption, allowing readers to feel Snow’s turmoil in a profoundly personal way. The emotional stakes are high, and Hannah masterfully balances moments of despair with glimmers of hope, making Snow’s journey both captivating and heart-rending. The themes of love and self-discovery are woven intricately throughout the narrative, transforming what could have been a simple fairy tale into a powerful exploration of the human experience. As Snow grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her, readers are invited to reflect on their own journeys of self-acceptance and the wildest dreams that drive them forward. Hannah’s prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the world Snow inhabits while also delving deep into her psyche. The relationships Snow forms—especially the sapphic romance that blooms amidst the chaos—are tenderly crafted, showcasing the beauty and complexity of love in all its forms. This retelling is not just a reimagining of a classic tale; it is a celebration of the wildest things we hold dear, the passions that ignite our spirits, and the courage it takes to embrace our true selves. Overall, "The Wildest Things" is a captivating read that lingers long after the last page is turned. Andrea Hannah has crafted a story that resonates with anyone who has ever dared to dream big, reminding us that the journey of self-discovery is often the wildest adventure of all. This book is a must-read for those seeking a tale that is both magical and deeply relatable, a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability.

I likely will not be reading this book anytime soon - so my usual three stars average rating. I will of course update if / when I have read it.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sending an ARC copy for me to read. This is my honest review of the book.

When I started The Wildest Things, I knew I was in for something unique, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! This book is a rollercoaster, packed with mystery, layered characters, and a setting that felt alive in every scene.

One of the strongest aspects of this story was the character work. The main character, Juniper, felt so raw and real—she’s complex, driven, and you can feel her struggles as if they’re your own. I also loved the supporting cast, especially Iris, who brought this refreshing energy to the story. Each character had such depth, and Andrea Hannah does a fantastic job making you care about them without needing too much backstory.

The writing style is another standout. Andrea Hannah’s prose is beautifully descriptive and atmospheric without being overdone. I felt like I could smell the woods, hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, and practically feel the tension in the air. It’s the kind of immersive writing that pulls you in and doesn’t let go, which I loved.

That said, there were a few things that I felt could have been handled differently. The plot was fast-paced, but sometimes it felt a bit too jumpy. There were moments where I was left with questions that never got answered, and while I appreciate an open-ended mystery, I think a little more clarity on certain points would’ve helped. I found myself re-reading parts just to be sure I didn’t miss something, which broke the flow a bit.

Also, there was a twist near the end that felt slightly rushed. I was left wanting just a little more explanation to fully wrap my head around it. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did leave me a bit unsatisfied and wanting answers that never came.

Overall, The Wildest Things is a gripping, well-written book with memorable characters and a setting that leaps off the page. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a mix of mystery and atmosphere. With a little more clarity in some parts, this would’ve been a 5-star read for me. As it is, I’m giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

I did not finish this book. I gave it eight chapters then looked at the reviews that had already been written. Perhaps that isn't the fairest thing to do, but I was struggling.

There is so much backstory required for this book to even get off the ground. I personally got lost in it all. I love fantasy books; however, high fantasy requires a well done introduction of the world. This felt like the reader was just plopped into the world without any real way of understanding what was happening. That may not have a been a big issue, but if this is a retelling connecting the original tale and showing the reader where the new tale merges and diverges seems to be helpful.

I was not impressed and decided to give it up.

this book was weird and very amateur.

As you may have guessed it's a retelling with a theme of plague. The whole concept of the book is based on balancing good and evil. The writing would give so many unnecessary details. There would be three paragraphs of details to one paragraph of story telling. This book just WOULDN'T END. It like a five year old talking, just continuously adding things.

Basically, Snow White comes back, there's a plague that has hit all wildlife. Someone is supposed to be nature's advocate and the queen is stealing magic trying to be that advocate. Her excuse for causing so much harm to others is that she is fighting the patriarchy. What was really weird and uncomfortable to read was the constant forced kissing. Maybe these were poorly written scenes but essentially every time the evil queen goes to kill Snow White she forces herself on her and kisses her. I'm a dark romance reader but the lack of consent just didn't sit well. It's very misplaced for the type of book. Overall, this just seemed too much and did not fit the story.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. Please pick this book up I promise it won't disappoint

The prose is solidly okay---accessible, for sure. Leans YA without that crossover potential. In certain parts that felt like they were supposed to be serious, it fell a bit flat. I thought maybe Andrea was a debut author, but I was surprised to see she's written multiple novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

THIS WAS SO GOOD.

I mean, maybe it is because I am re-watching Once Upon a Time alongside reading this, but I thoroughly enjoyed this darker retelling of Snow White. The basis is the same - she is the fairest and she is taken down by her evil stepmother. But there is not true loves kiss to save her.....she saves herself.
"You knew I'd eventually wake.
I learned my lesson the first time. Snow White of Sonderwood, Keeper of Roanfrost, always rises again."

I love the idea of magic being tied in this nature, and Hannah did it so well in this one. I was intrigued by the different territories representing different seasons, and it makes sense that Roanfrost was winter. Seeing Snow commune with Nature and all its intricacies was so cool, and it made what the "villains" were doing that much worse.

One of the things that this book did well was show that Snow is a human being. The decree to be Seasonkeeper talked about being "fair," which Snow felt she wasn't after her face was marred and she made some error in judgments. I think that is what made her fair. She made errors just like anyone else, and she felt more realistic in that way, but still Nature chose her over all else. Snow doesn't need a man or seven dwarves to save her, we see her do it herself time and again.

I love seeing how the world was ravaged by the Blight, and how it affected both the land and the animals. And......I think this will be a series? No way we can end like that, I know there has to be more to the story here!

The one thing that made me a little iffy was the sprinkling of romance. There is a semi love circle, in which Snow has feelings for both the brother and sister (they are twins). These twins are also *technically* her step-siblings.....even if they were born after Snow "died" and lived a completely different life up until now. By all accounts, they are strangers, but also *technically* related by marriage. And, you know, Snow is *technically* 20 years older than these kids (who are basically 17/18), so there is that going on too? I don't know, maybe don't think too much into it...

ANYWAY, I really enjoyed this world and loved diving into it. The story is dark and gritty, but Snow is such a complex character and I loved to see her evolution over the course of this book. This one surprised me in the best way! I could see this turning into a duology or a trilogy, and I think it would make a good movie/show as well. I look forward to what is next!
Content warnings: death, body horror, gore, animal death, torture, loss of a loved one, kidnapping, buried alive, suicide, blood, violence