Girls Made of Snow and Glass

Girls Made of Snow and Glass reimagines the Snow White fairy tale in a kingdom trapped in eternal winter. The story follows two protagonists: sixteen-year-old Lynet, who was created from snow in her dead mother's image, and her stepmother Mina, whose father replaced her heart with glass to save her life. Mina arrives in the northern kingdom of Whitespring as a teenager, determined to win the king's affections and secure her position. Lynet grows up idolizing her stepmother while struggling with the pressure to become exactly like her mother, even as she discovers her own identity and desires. The narrative alternates between Lynet's present-day story and Mina's past, exploring their parallel journeys and complex relationship. Both women must confront questions about love, power, and the ability to choose their own paths despite the magic that shaped them. This feminist reimagining examines mother-daughter relationships and the ways women's stories are shaped by others' expectations. The novel challenges traditional fairy tale tropes about good and evil, beauty, and the nature of love.

Readers describe this feminist Snow White retelling as atmospheric and character-driven, with many noting the complex mother-daughter relationships and LGBTQ+ representation. Positive reviews highlight: - Nuanced portrayal of female characters, especially the stepmother - Beautiful, winter-themed prose - Well-developed romance subplot - Focus on family bonds over romance Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in first half - Lack of action/plot momentum - Some find the writing style cold or distant - Character motivations can feel unclear Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) "The writing is gorgeous but moves like molasses," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another praises how it "gives depth to characters usually portrayed as one-dimensional villains." Barnes & Noble readers rate it 4.2/5, with several reviews specifically commending the fresh take on the stepmother character and the book's exploration of female power.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig This gothic retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" features a sister uncovering dark family magic while navigating palace intrigue and death.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik A reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin follows a moneylender's daughter who must navigate power, magic, and survival in a winter kingdom.

For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten A young woman sacrifices herself to a forest-bound monster in this "Red Riding Hood" retelling that explores sacrifice, power, and sisterly bonds.

Malice by Heather Walter This Sleeping Beauty retelling centers the story of the villain and presents a complex romance between princess and dark fairy.

Gild by Raven Kennedy A dark retelling of King Midas transforms the myth into a story of imprisonment, power dynamics, and the price of magic.

🌨️ This feminist reimagining of Snow White draws inspiration from both the Grimm Brothers' version and Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen." ❄️ Author Melissa Bashardoust wrote the first draft of this novel while she was still in college, though it went through many revisions before publication. 💘 The book explores two distinct types of magic - one tied to snow and ice, and one connected to mirrors and glass - representing different forms of power and control. 👑 Unlike traditional Snow White retellings, this version focuses on the complex relationship between the stepmother and stepdaughter, examining both of their perspectives as protagonists. 🏰 The story's setting, Whitespring Castle, was inspired by Russian winter palaces and features magical glass gardens that bloom year-round despite the perpetual winter.