When I found out that long-time friend and writing pal Skye Hoffert had won a spot in Rooglewood Press’s Five Poisoned Apples, I was ecstatic! We’ve been beta readers for each others’ stories a couple times before, and what always struck me about her writing were the characters. Stark. Gritty. Brimming with dangerous life. So to hear that the world would finally get a chance to meet some of them made me squeal with joy!
I was kindly provided an e-book copy of Five Poisoned Apples in exchange for a review of Skye’s winning story, Falling Snow.* (Of course, I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.)
*And once I get my hands on a print copy, stay tuned for a review of the full anthology!
Falling Snow
Snow White at the circus–that was the first thing to grab my attention. And that grungy setting kept me entranced right to the final page. Skye succeeds in painting the two faces of the circus with vibrant brushstrokes, both the glamorous veneer and the dank shadows beneath.
The next thing to hook me in was, of course . . .
The Characters (most of whom are fae!)
Snow: She’s not the timid, cutesy thing of the Disney film. This Snow is guarded, capable, and wounded. If you’ve read the story, you know how much her emotions pop in the wire-walking scene!
Chayse: Easily my favorite character! Fiery abilities, a tortured relationship with his mother, and a tattered/hobo-like appearance make him a unique and lovable romantic interest.
Cynfael: He’s everything you expect a fae prince to be, with a healthy helping of snark added to his cunning personality. He and Chayse sort of share the roles of prince and huntsman . . . but I shan’t say more. Spoilers, sweetie.
The dwarves: They’re a ragtag group of clowns who, in their own gruff way, look after Snow. Goodness knows she needs it.
The queen: She’s the sort of villainess I love to hate, and she personifies the circus itself with her glittering mask hiding a heart of rot.
Alilion: He doesn’t show up much, but he seems to play a minor role as the mirror. Also detestable, as one might expect.
So what about the plot?
Trust me, if you think you know the tired old “Mirror, mirror, on the wall,” set up, you’ll get a pleasant surprise here. The classic pieces have been rearranged on the chessboard, with some very clever twists to keep you on your toes.
Plot is my biggest struggle in novellas because it’s hard to contain within such a small word limit. But Skye ratchets up the suspense and advances the game so deftly, I nearly forgot I wasn’t reading a full novel. Even though I’d read an early draft, my heart was pounding at all the right moments! And there’s just enough time before reaching The End to breathe a sigh of relief.
Ack, I need to read this ASAP! Great review, Tracey!
Yes, you do!!! Thanks, Nicole. ^_^ I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the collection.
I LOVE THIS STORY SO VERY MUUUCH!!! I love how you said it: "Skye succeeds in painting the two faces of the circus with vibrant brushstrokes, both the glamorous veneer and the dank shadows beneath." YES. Everything was so vivid. The writing was just…AWK. So vivid and emotional. And then the CHARACTERS. *clutches heart* I can't! I loved it all so very much.
And I'm still bouncing off the walls over our Skye being PUBLISHED. It's so surreal and wonderful and just EEP. I'M SO PROUD!
EEEP, ME TOOO!!! It definitely was vivid and emotional and all the things! 😀 Haha, you're making me feel all fangirly again. (I saw character pictures for Cynfael and Chayse and it made me love them even more, btw.)
I KNOW, I'M SO EXCITED! <333
I so need to read Skye's story ;D And the rest of the anthologies! I've been following them for years, but for some reason never read any of the anthologies ;0
keturahskorner.blogspot.com
Yes, you doooo! All of the anthologies have been amazing thus far, and from the look of Five Poisoned Apples, it won't disappoint either!
I really need to get my hands on a copy!!! I've been excited about it since we learned that her story had been selected!!
Hey, maybe there's time to ask for it for Christmas! ;D Me too–it's so fun seeing friends achieve publication!
It was such a surreal and cool moment seeing this in my inbox!
Thank you for reviewing this! You are the best!!!! Once and The Greatest Showman are two of my favorite things, so to even see it in the same sentence with them is too much! *dying*
Thanks again!!!
<333
I can imagine!
Thank YOU for giving me an opportunity to review! *hugs* Well, it's true–the circus reminded me of The Greatest Showman, and the Queen (along with several other characters) made me think of Once.
Of course, darling! <333
I got to beta-read this, and I agree about the splendid grunginess. As long as revisions went well, it should be a great novella.
I didn't know you'd beta read it too! Cool! It turned out even better after editing. Hope you get a chance to read the full collection!