The Poisoned Princess

The Skazka Fairy Tales #3

by Valia Lind

An arranged marriage. Seven rugged warriors. A plan to take back the kingdom.

Princess Ivanna Sergeevna has been a captive in her own castle for most of her life. Her every move watched by her cruel stepmother, her father gone without a trace, she spends her days sneaking down to the kitchens and dreaming of the day her arranged marriage becomes reality. After all, the letters she and the prince have been exchanging make him seem like someone she can call a friend and she can use one of those.

But when her stepmother tries to kill her, Ivanna has no choice but to flee, finding a refuge in an out-of-the-way cottage in the magical forest, occupied by seven rugged bogatyrs—mysterious knights she’s only heard whispers of within the castle gossip mill.

The most mysterious—and annoyingly handsome—Dimitri, seems to have a bone to pick with her, and she has her own misgivings about the so-called hero. But Ivanna isn’t just a damsel in distress and has a plan. It involves getting back to her prince and taking the queen off the throne, once and for all.

But with the close proximity to the knight, a magical bunny, and the whole band of brothers, everything Ivanna has thought about the world is put to the test. When the time comes, she’ll have to choose between her duty to the kingdom and her heart.

Is she strong enough to make the choice that can cost her her happily ever after?

A Curse So Dark and Lonely meets Divine Rivals in this standalone retelling of the traditional Russian Snow White fairytale.
Set in the world of Skazka, this full length novel is full of swoony grumpy sunshine romance, found family, forced proximity and adventure!

**The Poisoned Princess is a complete standalone set in the world of Russian fairytales. Journey back to Skazka or begin your adventure for the first time with this enchanting tale. Each book in the Skazka Fairy Tales series can be read on its own and in any order. Happily ever after guaranteed!

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Romance, Fairy Tale Retellings, Fairy Tales, Fantasy Romance

414 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind has always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first published book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in Young Adult fiction.
In 2015, her YA thriller, Pieces of Revenge, was the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
You can visit her online at http://valialind.com or follow her on Instagram, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.
For a free book, sign up for her newsletter --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f0t1xi1qmr

Reviews

[Valia Lind]

READ NOW --> https://www.amazon.com/Poisoned-Princ...

This book, you guys. This book. I love it so much. Ivanka and Dimitri, the seven bogatyrs, the judgmental bunny, the magical forest...there's so much to love about this story! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to retell one of my childhood favorites!

You can grab it in any format: (beautiful) hardback, paperback, and kindle. You can also read it in KU!
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Thank you, thank you, for giving me a chance to share my stories with you!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, for reading my books! <3

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite version of a Snow White retelling!!

This was SO GOOD!!!! I definitely think I prefer the Russian version of Snow White more than the Disney!! And Lind’s version is absolutely delightful!!

I loved Dimitri!! He and Ivanna are definitely grumpy/sunshine, but Dimitri is also definitely a cinnamon roll!!! I love all the seven rugged bogatyrs!!

I have really enjoyed the world of Skazka!! I need to go back and read The Skazka Chronicles, I have them, I just need to read them and learn about the history of Skazka and Queen Calista!!

I really enjoy Lind’s stories and am always on the lookout for her next release! If you enjoy fairytale retellings and very unique versions, then you will love the Skazka Fairytales!!

[Melinda Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC copy and my honest review:

The Posioned Princess is one beyond enchanting and completely cozy story! With its quintessential mix of sweet and endearing heroin, swoon worthy and enticing hero, interesting and unique magic, wickedly evil villain, and captivating world building and its wonderfully incorporated Russian influence this is one Snow White Retelling that is NOT TO BE MISSED!

Princess Ivanna hasn’t been allowed to leave the castle since her father’s death in the Skazka Forest ten years ago. Honestly she isn’t even allowed to roam the castle as she wishes, lucky for her secret passageways abound and she has become proficient in them allowing her to seek companionship with some of the servants, in particular the castle cook. Her other saving grace is the secret letters she sends and receives from her betrothed, a Prince from another kingdom that she hopes to befriend even if she believes true love is not possible between them. Although her step mother hasn’t ever been a true and loving parent, she has never been outright evil to her she either. So when Ivanna is for forced to “escape” into the forest just to find out it’s a murder plot to steal her thrown Ivanna is left heartbroken and confused. Lucky for her she is able to escape and soon finds herself standing before a mysterious and intriguing cabin and what follows is a truly unique story filled with handsome of swoon worthy bogatyrs, secret letters, hidden identities, and a princess that who is determined to take back her Kingdom no matter the consequences.

This book was utterly fantastic and completely cozy and I just LOVE cozy! And this book had cozy in spades.

My absolute very favorite aspect about was the seemlessly weaved in and incorporated use of Russian words and lingo. It was so well done and really brought a new and interesting flare to this world. (Don’t worry, there is a word glossary in the back) And I just felt that this little aspect really made the world come alive!

My second favorite thing about this story just had to be the sentient forest/world—Skazka. I’ve come to realize this summer I’m a sucker for sentient…whatever—houses, forests, objects—whatever…I love them all! And The Poisoned Princess’s Skazka was completely intrigueing and fantabulous and I just absolutely adored it.

So yeah…I’m realizing that there are sooooooo many amazing aspects to this book…I could write several (and I do mean several) more paragraphs on different things I loved (I may or may not have just had to stop myself from starting the next paragraph with aspect #3 that was perfectly done…) but I realize I should leave them for you to discover.

So if you love a great fairytale retelling (or just a wonderfully cozy and enchanting story in general) filled with magic, mayhem, good and evil, mystery and secrets, a sentient forest/world, and lots and lots of sweet, clean, romance then you just HAVE to read The Poisoned Princess.

[Jaclyn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several fairytale retellings of Snow White before, but there's something special about Ivanna and her seven bogatyrs.

Going into this, I didn't even know a Russian version of the Snow White fairytale existed. To be fair though, my "original" was the Disney version. Maybe that's why I enjoy retellings so much - there's always similar points, but the interpretation differs.

The forest - Skazka - is a character in it's own right. Especially since this is the third book in the world, it's had time to develop, and finding it's magic in this tale was such a sweet experience. I definitely want more, and will be tracking down the previous books shortly after this.

The tale starts in much the same way I would expect. Until it's one of the queen's maids who takes Ivanna into the forest, tasked not with stealing the girl's heart and returning it to the queen, but to tie her to a tree and leave her for the wolves to deal with. Or the helpful way the forest seems to lead her to the empty cottage. What awaits her there is not miners, but soldiers from a neighboring kingdom. Soldiers that include her betrothed, who she's been exchanging letters with for the last two years, though they've only used their patriarchal names.

Neither side reveals their secrets, but Ivanna is allowed to stay, and a steady friendship grows. Except for with Dimitri, who is suspicious of her from the start. She smiles too much. She doesn't complain enough. Her mannerisms seem off. Her connection with the forest.

Out of the forest come two other additions I loved - the bunny Kroshka, who quickly attaches herself to Ivanna; and the dog Sokolko who claims Dimitri.

Perfect for those out there who love new takes on classic fairytales, and who'd embrace entering a larger world at the same time. The final chapters left hope that we were meeting characters who'd either been introduced before, or would have their own chance to shine later.

I was thoroughly enthralled by this retelling. It never got too dark, and the happy ever after was there, along with great friendships and the power of finding your own family. Along with some light romantic angst.

Thank you to the publishers through BookSirens for providing me with a free copy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tell me, pretty looking-glass
Nothing but the truth, I ask
Who in the world is the fairest
And has beauty of the rarest?”

Fairytale retellings I love very much, so I had to read The Poisoned Princess by Valia Lind. It’s book 3 in The Skazka Fairy Tales, but a standalone story in these series, and a retelling of Snow White in a Russian setting. Valia Lind mentioned in her book that she likes the Russian version of Snow White more than the original, and that’s why she wrote this story this way.

From the very first I liked Ivanna, the princess, a lot. She is sheltered, because the Queen told her there is danger, but she likes to explore the castle and sneaks around. I found her a bit naive, she accepts it all, but maybe when you live a sheltered life, you have no idea. She changes letters with her fiance, whom she never met, and these letters are lovely to read. When she has to flee, she finds a abandonned cottage in the magical forest of Skazka, but then seven men show up, traders, who, even though they are suspicious, let her stay. One of them is Dimitri, the grumpiest of them all. As they don’t know who she is and we, the readers, do know that, it’s a joy to read this story. I smiled a lot.

We have a dual POV, because Dimitri has a voice as well in this book. He is grumpy, but protective of his friends and of Ivanna as well. He even buys her shoes and clothes (swoon), and during the story they get along better. I had a feeling he and his friends are not a normal traders and as the plot comes along, we get a glimpse what is going on. It’s such a nice story to read, because we know who Ivanna is and who Dimitri is, and they don’t. I almost could not put the book down, because I wanted to know what would happen next and how things would work out once they would realise who the other one is. This made for some nice suspense and expectations.

The writing style is very nice, so flowing and it’s an easy and charming read. There are many traces of the original story of Snow White, but this Russian versian is lovely in a different way, which I liked a lot.

So, if you like a lovely fairytale retelling, look no further, because this book I can highly recommend. I will definitely read the other books in this series.

[Kreela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is dual POV between the princess with the ever-changing name and Dimitri, aka. Grumpy or Distrustful/Disdainful. What I really like is that Valia used her Russian roots to bring Snow White back to a retelling of the Russian version, with Russian phrases.

The Romance:
================
Let’s face it; this story is primarily a romance, even if the story itself is engaging. I admit I am no fan of saccharine romances, but Valia does it well.
“He tastes as breathtaking as a gorgeous sunset looks and when his arms wind around my back and pull me tighter against him, I think I have found my favorite place in the world.”

After all: ““You have to get better,” I say, taking a deep breath to keep the tears at bay. “You have to name your dog.””
Sure, we’ll go with that! 😘

--There is mooning
--They hide the truth from each other
--Both are sweet and care about the common people, even those not of their country
--And they develop the relationship first as pen pals
===============


The scene where the runaway princess meets the 7 bogatyrs is amazing. I don’t ever recall reading about a runaway pleading for shelter, and the princess slam-dunks it.


#FeelGood
#Cozy Fairy Tale
#The almost-queen who doubts herself
#Out-Disney’s Disney
#Slow pacing

The Characters:
=============================
Queen Pelageya, a cold step-mother who saved and tutored Princess Ivanna until the fateful day she picked up a mirror.
Princess Ivanna, or Surgeivka, a naive, kept girl hidden from her own populace who excels at being a “ray of sunshine!”
Skazka: the spirit of the forest
The bogatyrs, a band of musketeers, or rebels, who have terrorized the queendom. This is a much better rendition of the 7 dwarves from Disney! They still have descriptions similar to grumpy, happy...but also scholar, musician...

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poisoned Princess: A Snow White Retelling (The Skazka Fairy Tales, #3)
Valia Lind
A princess held captive by the Queen, her stepmother. Her father, the King, is missing. Princess Ivanna Sergeevna daydreams about her arranged marriage for then she will have someone on her side and can escape the queen. She and the prince have been writing to each other; Ivanna has shared her thoughts and fears in her letters. She does not believe they will ever share true love, the best she can hope for is friendship, companionship, and support.
The Queen plots Ivanna’s murder, causing the Princess to flee the castle; she hides in a small cottage in the magical forest. The owners, seven handsome, mysterious knights, allow her to stay with them. Dimitri a grumpy knight, seems to be annoyed by Ivanna’s presence. Ivanna has a plan; she wants to find her prince and remove the queen from the throne. Dimitri watches her closely and finds himself wanting to protect Ivanna just as he protects the other knights which he considers to be his family. He is impressed as Ivanna works and helps around the cabin. She does not feel intitled. Ivanna is naïve and sees the good in everyone.
The Poisoned Princess is a beguiling fairytale. Ivanna is a delightful heroin, and the hero is tempting. This is the retelling of Snow White, while the reader will recognize the well-known version there are also differences that flesh out the tale. I have always been a push over for fairy tales. I will definitely look at this series and play catch up.
Thank you to BookSirens for a copy of The Poisoned Princess for review purposes. All reviews are my unbiased opinions.

[Alison Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like fairytale retellings, especially with a Russian Twist, than The Poisoned Princess by Valia Lind. There's a lot to like in this fantasy romance version of Snow White. Including an interesting twist in the acknowledgement of the characters' magical land existing alongside the human realm. That side of things is not explored in this story but is set up as background as the tale of Princess Ivanna of Korolevstvo Tsetov unfolds. Told from the First Person POV of Ivanna and then alternating with the POV of Dmitri, a Bogatyr/Knight with a secret, the story holds a lot of charm. It's an intriguing setting with likeable characters.
I would say though that for me the heavy emphasis on the romance side of the novel, despite its enchanted surroundings, began to weigh down the momentum of the story. The evil Queen Pelageya never quite comes across as a true threat, all her evil machinations happening 'off-screen', as it were. Without that credible danger to the protagonist, the stakes never seem too steep nor the risks all that great. So the opportunity for a greater degree of dramatic tension is lost in favour of the romance side of things. There's plenty here to appease fans of fantasy romance and fairytale retellings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of Snow White but this retelling was fantastic!

First of all I loved the Russian spin on it and the Russian words sprinkled throughout. The 7 men were all wonderful in their own ways and honestly, I would love short stories for them all!! (blinks hopefully at author) They were that impactful!

I loved Ivanka and Demitris relationship, I love the grumpy/sunshine troupe!!! I loved especially, that as they drew closer the kept teasing each other and that didn't just disappear into mushy sentiments. The only flaw in their moments together was the use of the word "tugging" it got a bit old.

The whole point of the mens mission never really was clear to me unfortunately, it didn't make a ton of sense for them to be living in the forest and then Dimitri having to go home but I'll allow it because it moved the plot.

I do wish we could've had a bit more of the queen to really get a feel for her evil, I felt like all her parts (the end especially) were rushed through.

The whole magical forest element was amazing, I loved that the forest just does what it wants as that really helps stories like these along without overdoing the magical element.

Overall I really liked this book and I'm definitely planning to read the other books in this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fiyin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best retellings of Snow White I've ever read.

After I discovered the Russian version of the fairy tale, Pushkin's 'The Tale of the Dead Tsarevna and the Seven bogatyrs' I decided I actually prefered it to the traditional western version.

I love how the author incorporated events and even some lines from the poem in this story.

I love how Valia once again included words and phrases in Russian in her writing; How Ivanna and her betrothed wrote each other letters long before they met and that we get to read those letters; the fun dynamic between the seven and between them and the Princess; the pets (I adore those pets, especially Kroshka. She's a Queen) and most of all I just love the bickoring between Ivanka and Dimitri. It's so cute!

Ivanka was just the brightest ray of sunshine, and Dimitri was so grumpy, but really just a softy and I love them both so, so much.

I really feel this book had the best supporting cast in the series so far, and I love the part where I get to see characters from other books at the end.

I can't wait to read the next Skazka fairy tale . . . Though I'm honestly not sure it could top this one!

* I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review of my own free will.

[arthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
This is probably my new favorite retelling. I loved the vibe of the story, it was so cozy and warm. The banter between Ivanka and Dimitri was so fun and had me laughing at my kindle. The bogatyrs were one of my favorite parts of this whole story, they were all so kind and sweet to Ivanka and helped her out even though she crashed their cottage while they were away. They were also really funny, I loved seeing their relationships with one another and how they all protected each other but also included Ivanka into their family. The bunny was so cute as well, I love how Dimitri was basically terrified of it the whole time. His dog was also very cute and the animals were a fun addition to the story. Dimitri's nickname for Ivanka made me smile, it was so sweet and I adored getting his pov, him being jealous over her having a fiancé was really funny. It was so nice being back in the world of Skazka and seeing characters from the previous two books towards the end was so special. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next one!

Tropes in this book:
- he falls first
- grumpy guy sunshine girl
- arranged marriage
- dual pov

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Skazka fairytales continues with the third book in the series, The Poisoned Princess. This time around Valia tackles the Snow White fairytale but with her typical Russian flare.


Grumpy meets Sunshine. There isn't a better description for Ivanka and Dimitri. Ivanka starts of naive but quickly learns. I love the fact that Ivanka didn't act royal, she didn't expect things, and she was grateful for the guys (the 7 Bogatyrs) kindness. Ivanka was willing to do the work (I also loved that the guys didn't treat her as a slave). Pull her half and all with a smile on her face and a sunny outlook on things that could help but win people over.


Dimitri on the other hand wouldn't be persuaded at first, he wasn't intrusting of Ivanka. The eye battles and barbs being lobbed back and forth were fantastic. Dimitri is a grumpy pessimist who doesn't like change. However, Dimitri's true nature won out. He's the protective sort, I could see that in his interactions with the others. The six other men are his family and he just wants to protect them. Eventually, that applies to Ivanka as well. I don't know when it changed but watching their feelings develop was a tender moment. Then when they finally admit their feelings, it's super sweet.


The other six men in this series have to be mentioned. Igor, Kostya, Pavel, Arseniy, Yasha, and Maxim. Each has their role and somehow manages to fit together perfectly. The way the guys interact, first with each other then with Ivanka, it's touching. They are a family that looks out for each other. Ivanka learned a lot from them and she finally gained the family that she deserved.


I love the way that Valia blends the well-known Snow White fairytale and blends it with a Russian version of the tale. There of course were the symbols you would normally identify with Snow White, the murderous queen, a naive princess, a cottage in the woods, and a glass coffin to name a few. However then Valia added in, forest spirits, Knights on a quest, magical animals who might be spirit guides (seriously, they have strong personalities), and so much more. I love learning more about Russian culture through clothing, food, and language. Then there are the touches of magic, even the land itself is magic and has a personality. I love this series.


Valia did a fantastic job, crafting another beautiful fairytale. My favorite part has to be the Bogatyrs (knights), the family that Ivanka gained through her experience. Not to mention the love between her and Dimitri was touching. They are now among the other great couples in Skazka, who also make an appearance in Ivanka's and Dimitri's HEA. I have a feeling that we may be getting Princessa Alyona's story next. Even if I'm wrong, I'll be happy with what Skazka tale comes next.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on the retelling of Snow White. It has the Russian language, food, clothes, the magical perspective from another culture interwoven and merging in a really cool way. It's a clean story too. We have Princessa Ivanka, young, sweet, at times naive, dealing with her evil stepmother who is running the lands and sits on the throne in Skazka. Ivanka's father went missing 10 yrs ago. With the jealous queen wanting to be the fairest of them all, she wants to get rid of Ivanka. Forever.🪞

Time to run and hide.🐇🫣 Ivanka finds a cottage where 7 men live. And the grumpy blue eyed man Dimitri is the one who gives her a hard time but also likes her too. He can't like her. Why does she keep smiling at me? The man goes through all his puzzling thoughts alone. But the other 6 men, his friends, can see it and whole heartily make playful jokes at his grumpy self. Ivanna, aka Ivanka, is also drawn to him too. Anytime she looks at him, his blue eyes are staring right back at her. Well then. Grumpy man with his arms crossed and being in his humph state 24 7 it is.😁 At times the modern lingo felt weird in the fairytale. It took me out of the realm that it was suppose to be creating. Like words gross or let's go out on a date seemed odd for me. Or certain luxuries from the human realm like indoor plumbing or running hot water being there. I guess it's like the animated movie Shrek in that respect.😄🧌😄 But it wasn't too bad. Ivanka will have to return to her castle, with her new found family by her side, to regain her throne. Can they battle the Queen and win?? If you want a different story, give this one a try. Enjoy.👸🏻♥️🤴

🏰🍎Thank you for an early book. This is my honest review on the story I read.🍎🏰

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Tell me, pretty looking-glass, Nothing but the truth, I ask: Who in all the world is fairest And has beauty of the rarest?”

This was such an amazing retalling, I really enjoyed it and Ivanka and Dimitri enemies to lovers vibe was everything, I loved there arguments while they was denying to themselves how they feel!

The found family trope to is perfect. The writing is amazing and I liked how at the end of the book it explains what every Russian word/phrase means.

The magic in the book is as special as the princessa.

"Then I stand and face the mirror once more. The girl who stares back at me doesn’t look like a princess— she looks like someone whose whole life has just gone up in flames. And not even manageable flames. The magical roaring kind that takes down whole towns in mere seconds. It’s like the firebird himself descended on me and burnt everything to the ground."

🖤 Snow White retelling
🖤 Enemy to lovers
🖤 Found family
🖤Magic

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Molly Persson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poisoned princess - Valia Lind

4⭐️
First of all I really enjoyed the story, the dynamic between the characters and the overall world building. I do however feel a bit confused about some things that happened, like I still don’t understand how the curse was broken after she ate the apple? (Listen we all know the original snow white don’t come at me yelling SPOILERS, everyone knows this right?) also adding to my confusion was the fact that it was dual POV, personally not a huge fan of this (my brain can’t handle the switching from person to person) I tend to avoid books that are multiple POV’s for this reason, so I was pretty surprised when we suddenly switched POV every chapter, since the blurb only told me about Ivanna and didn’t give me any info about Dimitri. However I didn’t let that affect the rating, so idk why I even mentioned it… oh well. I do recommend this book to fans of fairytale retellings, fantasy and magic!

I was given this ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Molly Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a lovely twist to Snow White and I loved reading it. This story has a lot of things that I love, amongst them are Dimitri, the bunny, the magical forest, etc. The book was super cozy and the story really kept my attention until the end. I enjoyed the incorporation of the Russian lenguage but I would have enjoyed it more if I had discovered the glossary in the back. I think it would have been better to have it on the front but I still enjoyed the story. I loved Snow White in this book, I really liked how she was willing to risk everything for the people her father loved and trusted. The book made me feel q lot of emotions and even made me tear up a little which I never do for a book. I loved the prince and their bickering, the seven men made me laugh and made the story so much more enjoyable for me their interactions were amazing. Honestly this was a wonderful book and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series.

[Alexis Almanzar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for free.

I absolutely adored this retelling. It had all my favorite tropes, and it told the Snow White story in a more relatable, modern light. I loved that Ivanka became her own saving grace with the help of the men. I feel like this author did a great job showing growth and self awareness in both Dimitri and Ivanka’s POV.

I wish there were a little bit more moments between Ivanka and Dimitri where I could see their relationship change from hostile to romantic. I did feel like it was very sudden. However, I loved their love. Dimitri is the dark, broody type we all love. I also loved the role of Kroshka and Sokolko. They were a big part of Dimitri and Ivanka coming together to defeat the Queen and overcome their hostility.

I was able to realize the twists pretty quickly, but it didn’t take any good elements away from the story at all! I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend.

[Piros OlaSz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Never got a book series that it gets better and better but here we are…

I started this series as Im. B&B retelling fan but here I am… becoming a Snowwhite addict….

So: I luved this book so so much. I enjoyed the characters dynamics the whole story / world set and how it has been different meanwhile alike the story we all know.

The foreign words are smartly wowen in that you dont need to go to the back what means what but it is smartly explained in the next sentence or so.

Beside all of the good stuff above it is standalone only with some reference to prev book characters (It was good to see them back) and some glipms of future characters..

I absolutely luved this book and hope to get soon the next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I have read this author before and always look forward to her books. Based on Snow White, it is a different version of the famous tale and a thoroughly enjoyable one. I struggled with some of the pronunciation as it has some Russian influence and is based in a mythical place. Perhaps a glossary of words at the beginning of the book with pronunciation would help rather than the back. I personally hate looking at the back of the book for this, especially on an e-book. However, it didn't detract from the overall book too much, and it may just be my preference. It also seems to follow on from previous books which I have not read, although is a standalone. I would therefore recommend reading other books in this world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing how quickly a book can be devoured while sitting in waiting rooms - and this was especially a joy to read!

Fairy Tale Retelling is a genre all on its own. And I applaud any author that attempts it - for I think there is plenty of room for error in failure in this particular genre. How do you take a well-known story and re-imagine it in a way that keeps to the old feel but offers something new, unique and all together enjoyable?

This author does just that! I was so pleasantly surprised! The author does a great job of re-imagining this story as well as adding new aspects and feelings to it. Character development is good and writing is very good.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[NiqueReads]

This Snow White retelling is not your usual. Ivanka has a strength in her. The Russian influence is strong, too, and it's very interesting because there are significant differences from what Disney gave us when we were kids.

I enjoyed the book because I was hopeful that Ivanka will find her happily ever after. When the queen sent her to the forest, she ended up meeting new friends who journey with her as she discovers who she is.

Ivanka's an admirable character because even from the start of the book, her heart is set on her people. Plus, I liked her chemistry with Dimitri, and I especially loved the dual POV.

This book got me hooked on the author and makes me want to read the whole series!

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't generally like Snow White. She's too perfect and kind of annoying. I loved this Snow White. Completely naive and sheltered, yes. Willing to risk everything for the people her father loved and believed in, also yes. And so so so much sass. So very yes! I loved her constant bickering with the prince more than anything. They were a fantastic couple.

There were moments that moved me to tears. There were moments that I was cheering. And there were moments where I was chuckling, mostly because of the seven non-dwarf men in her life. They were an amazing group of brothers for someone who had spent most of her life hidden away and devoid of family. The conversations felt like some of the random conversations I've had with my brother, which I can assure you are utter nonsense and oh so much fun.

I also loved that the prince had a mission. He wasn't just there to rescue a beautiful princess. Actually, he wasn't planning to rescue her and didn't even know she was beautiful. And wonderful. He had things to do. And he was doing them. As any good prince should. I also loved how they actually trusted each other, when they weren't bickering, that is. But to be able to say, I know who you are so fully that it doesn't matter what you may have done in the past or what someone else says about you, I know you...it's a beautiful thing. And that was this book. All kinds of wonderful, lovely surprises.

Valia never ceases to surprise me with the stories she tells and the way she tells them. I especially love her fairy tale retellings, which are uniquely beautiful. I edited this book, and I reviewed it because I loved it.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Poisoned Princess was a cute, fun read. I thought there would be more spice to it, but no such luck. Despite that, I enjoyed the story. I liked the spin on Snow White and I loved the camaraderie between the men. If there was a (slightly spicier) series based on the other 6 men, I’d be all in. While I enjoyed this little bit of magic and escapism, I probably will not read the other books in this series of fairy tale retellings, just because I like my books to have a bit more steam to them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for this book.

[SassypantsReading]

The Poisoned Princess was a cute, fun read. I thought there would be more spice to it, but no such luck. Despite that, I enjoyed the story. I liked the spin on Snow White and I loved the camaraderie between the men. If there was a (slightly spicier) series based on the other 6 men, I’d be all in. While I enjoyed this little bit of magic and escapism, I probably will not read the other books in this series of fairy tale retellings, just because I like my books to have a bit more steam to them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for this book.

[HappyThingsBookishDreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute Snow White retelling.

I loved the Russian influence on the story as seen in the names of the characters, the foods, and the magical creatures. I found this to be a cozy read, in that it is a story that most people are familiar with and this version does stick with the main plot points that can be found in the original fairy tale.

I enjoyed the spin on the "7 dwarves" and I loved the romance in this book.

If you are a fan of the story of Snow White, enjoy romance, and are looking for a cozy read then you will enjoy this book!

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristin Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I am in love with this book. I read a lot of fairy tale retellings, but this was my first Snow White retelling because it isn't my favorite fairy tale. I now must read the Russian version, but I'll go ahead and give full credit to Valia Lind for making this story so wonderful.

I won't spoil anything, but I loved the reveal to the reader before Ivanka. It made the book unputdownable. Ivanka's reaction was also perfection.

This was my forst of the Skazka Fairy Tales, but I am adding the others to my list! Anyone who loves a good fairy tale should do the same.

Thank you, Skazka Press and Goodreads, for a copy of this lovely book.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a retelling of Snow White that was surprisingly traditional and yet very much not. I enjoyed this because it is an unusual version of this story that strummed all the right heartstrings. I want to read it again with KM Shea's "Snow White" and Melanie Cellier's "Happily Ever Afters" and compare how differently each author retold this fairy tale because each author has done the tale justice with their version (and enjoy how each strums slightly different heartstrings).

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachelle Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful retelling of Snow White. The way the author combined the classic elements of the story with the Russian culture and folkore was done really well. And the romance was swoon-worthy. My heart literally melted on several occasions. I adore all of the characters in this and wish it was longer.

There were a few minor things I would change, but they aren't worth getting specific about since this is an ARC and I don't know what may have been tweaked i in the final version.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book! Ivanna is a princess but hasnt seen many people since her papa died ten years prior. When a maid takes her to the forest, she is almost left for dead but stumbles across a cottage. 7 men live there and agree to let her stay even if they dont know what to make of her, especially Dimitri. That all changes as the two find themselves drawn to each other even as they keep secrets. But secrets always have a way of coming out.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Poisoned Princess is The Skarka Fairy Tells the retelling of Snow White by Valia Lind. I believe that it is hard to retell a well known story and make it fresh. This retelling is a Russian tale. I recognized the story and I felt that the author was very successful in maintaining the integrity of the fairy tale while making the story unique. I enjoyed this version of Snow White. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.