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

This was an enjoyable read, loosely inspired by Sleeping Beauty without relying too heavily on it. The story takes a darker, yet captivating turn. Overall, a solid book.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This retelling of Snow White is full of twists, turns, and wicked things. When Snow White wakes up from her poisoned apple slumber, the forest is nothing like is used to be. Things have mutated and become dark all around. Will Snow be able to find her true calling, inner magic, and help the land she loves? It's an interesting take on the fairytale and much darker than I was expecting, but if you read this one, you're in for a wild ride.

This was an interesting retelling of the plight of Snow White after waking without the Prince's kiss. Meeting Henrick and the subsequent quest to return Snow to her home was full of danger and excitement. The changes to the land and creatures was creative. There was no romance in the tale, not even at the end where the author attempted to force the element. I enjoyed the new elements of this retelling until the very end where I felt cheated. I should have looked up the word sapphic from the book's description before starting the book; then I wouldn't have felt so betrayed by the unforgivable perversion. This is a series that I will not be continuing.
The rest of this review contains spoilers: I am not homophobic, and there could have been a way to introduce this trendy element to the story that was not so atrocious. Henrick could have been a woman, Briar could have connected with Snow, or another character could have joined them on their quest. Iliana is the evil Queen that wants Snow dead. You don't go through everything that Snow endured just to decide that you want to get with the person that wants to kill you. Um, unless you are stupid. Either way, unrealistic love element vs stupid heroine, I'm out. Not interested in finding out what happens next. My heroes can make mistakes and be confused, but they can't be so unrealistic and embrace their own death after promising to help the kingdom and still have me care about what happens to them.

Loved the book until Chapter 34. Wish I hadn't ready beyond that point.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Really interesting take on the Snow White tale! I’ve not been the biggest fan of this particular fairy tale, but gave this book a shot based on the description, and I’m glad I did! The nature element is just really cool and unique and kept me engaged. This was also surprisingly dark, which I enjoyed on the cusp of spooky season.

Instead of the seven dwarves, they are mossfolk whose spirits are each connected to a different tree. Twenty years have passed since Snow White ate the poisoned apple. When she suddenly awakens, she discovers the land has drastically changed, cursed by blight. Her evil stepmother is dead, and the stepmother’s daughter, Iliana, is the new queen. She is more powerful than her mother in some ways, but she still lacks the ability to control nature in the ways necessary to restore the land. For that she needs to become the Seasonkeeper. And to become the Seasonkeeper, she needs Snow White, or at least her heart.

As Snow White tries to avoid being captured or killed, including by the mossfolk who once cared for her, but also by the feral beasts inhabiting the land, she will discover that she has a deep-seated connection to nature. She will also slowly learn that her complacency and passivity have kept her unbalanced and prevented her from realizing the power she possesses and the extent of her power.

While there is a sapphic element to the story, it is not as prominent as the description of the book suggests. However, it is used effectively and creatively. The story contains plenty of twists and turns and will keep the reader engaged.

I AM LOVING THE SAPPHIC RETELLINGS OF FAIRYTALES THIS YEAR!

Seriously, snow white being queer makes so much more sense! This story is wonderfully dark, full of queer longing and fear. I loved every aspect of this story, and devoured the book while I was dealing with a bad headache.

Thanks Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC!

<i><b>”I'd wasted so much of my life yearning for companionship from a boy who never deserved mine. Now there was a boy who did deserve it, and all I could think about was his sister.”</b></i>

After a poison apple incident, Snow White is put into a deep sleep. Her seven mossfolk have put her in a glass coffin praying that she wakes up to save Roanfrost.

20 years later, Snow White awakens but the world she once known is gone and now mutated animals walk the dying land.

There’s an evil queen that wants her dead-she must team up with Hendrick to save Roanfrost from the Blight and stop Queen Iliana. But what happens when Snow starts falling in love with the enemy.??



⭐️⭐️ ~ 2.5

I love Snow White retellings and this one was so good I was invested in knowing what would happen next. I did find it slow and the reasoning for a 2.5 rating but that ending definitely put me in so many emotions. I had teary eyes and felt protective of snow.

That cliffhanger ending.. will this continue into a possible sequel.? I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

<b>Thank you to NetGalley, Andrea Hannah, and the publishers for the chance to read and review this e-arc in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions remain my own.</b>

The Wildest Things takes your retellings expectations and creates unique and capturing story. With vivid descriptions and beautiful romance this is absolutely a must-read for fantasy readers. Overall, an excellent read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun sapphic Snow White retelling. Perfect for fall season. Gives a little dark/spooky vibe. I hope it gets some traction in the book community.