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diadaily's review against another edition
2.0
Boring. Does nothing interesting with the Snow White story, does not explore any class issues or the origins (fucked up!!!) of the tale. Weakest in this series yet.
amandasbookreview's review against another edition
5.0
A Dream of Ebony and White by Melanie Cellier is the fourth book in the Beyond the Four Kingdoms series and a retelling of Snow White. Snow just lost her father and consumed with grief, that is, if she were allowed to grieve. Her stepmother is cruel and can’t be trusted and Snow isn’t well versed in politics or how to run a kingdom. Alexander is her dearest friend and a royal huntsman. He hears of a plan to kill Snow, so he whisks her off to the forest. There she meets seven children who let her stay and help her learn about the forest and survival. But will it be enough to take on her stepmother?
Snow White is not my favorite fairytale, so I was not expecting to be thrilled with this retelling. Boy, was I wrong! I LOVED this version! There is so much complexity to Snow. She is a young girl, discovering herself, her emotions, and not having the courage to take on her stepmother consumes her. How can she possibly be worthy or good enough to take over the thrown? Well, with a little help from Alexander and the 7 children. She grows. She grows stronger and learns more about her people and how to lead them.
Also, I love the change from dwarves to children. These kids are orphans and have had to survive on their own. They are able to show her the skills she will need to serve her people. But my absolute favorite part in this whole story… is her finding family where she thought all was lost. This discovery is so tender that it brought tears to my eyes. (You will have to read it to see!) And as always, Esther Wane is phenomenal!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Snow White is not my favorite fairytale, so I was not expecting to be thrilled with this retelling. Boy, was I wrong! I LOVED this version! There is so much complexity to Snow. She is a young girl, discovering herself, her emotions, and not having the courage to take on her stepmother consumes her. How can she possibly be worthy or good enough to take over the thrown? Well, with a little help from Alexander and the 7 children. She grows. She grows stronger and learns more about her people and how to lead them.
Also, I love the change from dwarves to children. These kids are orphans and have had to survive on their own. They are able to show her the skills she will need to serve her people. But my absolute favorite part in this whole story… is her finding family where she thought all was lost. This discovery is so tender that it brought tears to my eyes. (You will have to read it to see!) And as always, Esther Wane is phenomenal!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
meganlheywood's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I liked the storyline, but the writing seemed to be of a lesser caliber compared to her previous books. I felt there were gaps in some of the back story with her mother and some repetitive words and phrases. Still a hit for me, but not my favorite of the series.
readingromancehea's review against another edition
4.0
Alexander is very loyal. Her step mother is cruel. The orders are a little too much. Alexander? The children are so sweet. Why doesn't she get it? Training is great! A lifetime, really? What about Alexander? Invitation only was perfect. Good job Snow. What a difference. Daria! Star Crossed Lovers? That's cute. It'll never go away. Poppy! Sterling is annoying. Would she really do that? Snow?! You are very foolish. The Godmother is very sneaky. Finally. Really, Sterling? Snow is still very sweet after everything. Tarver is amazing! What a good retelling.
linneahe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
merieshenanigans's review against another edition
4.0
Another awesome book by Melanie Cellier! I love retellings of Snow White, and this one is no exception. Blanche (Snow) was an amazing character with realistic problems, which she solved by discovering her inner strength. Alexander was a great spin on the common Prince Charming elements of the story... and the way the author incorporated the laces, the comb, and the apple was fantastic! Also, the "seven dwarves" in this book were adorable. I'm not giving out any spoilers though... :))
beckybmckinney's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
pinkreverie's review against another edition
3.0
The only thing keeping me from giving this 4 is that I’m unsure of his age. Early on in the book they refer to him as an old man... I don’t think he’s elderly, but there clearly is a bit of a gap. I also believe Blanche is 15/16. I hate age gaps, so yikes... the rest I really liked though.
delightful_reading's review against another edition
4.0
This was a sweet retelling. I liked how Blanche found herself by gaining confidence not by becoming a warrior. While I do like Snow White being an outlaw (in the style of Once Upon a Time), I find that sometimes the sweet to warrior transition doesn't always make sense. And in this book it didn't, so I'm really happy about how the author handled it. Also, I liked how Blanche found allies. Additionally, Blanche and Alexander had a great relationship.
All in all, a nice spin on Snow White that sees Blanche gaining confidence and not becoming battle happy.
All in all, a nice spin on Snow White that sees Blanche gaining confidence and not becoming battle happy.