Snow

by Bill Carmona

Girls don’t fight to win. They fight to belong.

In a city ruled by female gangs, weakness is a death sentence — and loyalty can be more dangerous than betrayal.

Red always wanted to lead.

She just didn’t expect the chance would come at Ripley’s expense — the one person she had always admired.

But when she receives a black rose — the mark of a final challenge — she’s forced into a brutal world where every fight demands blood, and every bond comes at a cost.

As underground battles, addiction, and ritual betrayals tear the gangs apart, Red finds herself caught between survival… and the dangerous need to belong.

Then Ripley returns.

A legend. A ghost. A threat to everything holding the city together.

And when she does, nothing — and no one — will survive unchanged.

Snow is a dark YA dystopian novel about power, pain, and obsession — perfect for readers who crave fractured heroines, brutal worlds, and relationships that cut as deep as knives.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

About the author

I'm an independent author published in literary anthologies of poetry and short stories. I have published three novellas on Amazon and am drawn to dark, gritty narratives centered on identity, power, and survival. Violent Times is my most recent novella.

Reviews

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snow is a bleak dystopian world

Snow is a bleak dystopian society ruled by women gangs with names like Eels, Hyenas and Coyotes. Metaphors for their animalistic portrayal. There is a precise hierarchy and pecking order within each gang. The leaders are called Princesses and elders who are retired princesses. They war and fight between gangs for power, sometimes to the death. Red is the protagonist, a substitute Princess for Ripley, who is in the hole. She is a proud fighter but also young and inexperienced. When Ripley decides that she's had enough of this brutal existence, she takes Red and Tina and tries to escape. There is little redemption in this story. It's very harsh and explicit drug use, violence and sexually. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and their plight was so one dimensional. Dark and nihilistic.

[Yusuf Bhatti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I finished SNOW last night and I'm still processing if I'm being honest. I picked it up thinking it would be another one of those YA dystopian things with the love triangle and the perfect heroine who can't do nothing wrong. But this? This was something else.

The world building is really good but not in that info-dumpy way where the author explains everything for pages. You just kinda figure it out as you go? Like the rose system with the different colors meaning different fights? I loved that. And the gangs all being run by women because of what happened in the world ruled by men? That was such a cool twist even though its dark when you think about it.

Red's voice took me a minute to get used to if I'm gonna be honest. Shes rough and she doesn't always say the right thing and sometimes shes kinda mean? But I think that's the point. By the end I was so invested in her and Tina. The scene in the cowshed when they finally kiss???? I literally screamed. And then the old lady walking in on them lmaooo perfect timing.

The Hole chapters with Ripley and María were probably my favorite part. I didn't think I'd care about a cooking scene but the way they bond over arguing about pizza vs burritos? That felt so real. And then what happens to Ripley... I won't spoil it but I had to put the book down for a minute. That part is rough. Really rough.

Some parts dragged a little for me especially in the middle? And I wish we got more of Gore because shes such a good villain and I wanted to understand what made her so hateful. Also the ending with Tina... I'm not okay. I'm genuinely not okay. I kept hoping she'd make it even though I knew she probably wouldn't. The way Red buries her by the road and talks to her at the end? Yeah that one hurt.

The writing is kinda simple but it works? Like it fits Red's character because shes not someone who uses big words or whatever. Shes a fighter. She sees things straight. But then there's these moments of beauty that sneak up on you. The stuff about the sunset and how Tina always watched it like it was the first time? That killed me.

I don't know if I'd call this a happy book because its not. But its real and its raw and the characters stick with you. I keep thinking about Ripley and if she made it out. I hope she did. I like to think shes out there somewhere watching over Red like Red believes.

Definitely recommend if you like dystopian stuff but want something grittier. Just have tissues ready for the last bit. Trust me.

[Allen Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red is a young fighter in a post-apocalyptic city ruled by female gangs, where colored "roses" decree mortal duels. Together with Tina, an idealistic nurse who dreams of a better world, and the legendary Ripley, she must flee through enemy territories toward freedom.
The narrative voice is hypnotic, direct, stark, brutally honest. Carmona perfectly captures the mindset of a teenage warrior slowly learning to feel. The worldbuilding is exceptional: gangs with distinct identities (Eagles, Panthers, Coyotes), a rose-duel system, a matriarchal society replicating all the flaws of patriarchy. No info-dumping: you discover the world through Red's eyes.
The characters are unforgettable. Red, obsessed with becoming Princess yet incapable of emotional connection. Tina, the book's pure heart who sees beauty everywhere. Ripley, the tragic legend who sacrifices everything. Their love develops naturally, from the first kiss while Red milks cows to silences heavy with meaning.
The violence is shocking but never gratuitous—mutilations, torture, children's deaths. Every act has narrative weight, makes us understand why these characters desperately want to escape. Ripley's prison flashbacks are heartbreaking: torture, trauma, salvation through unexpected friendship.
The ending is devastating but also realistic and painful. Perfectly consistent. No false optimism, but hope earned through suffering.
It can be compared to "The Hunger Games" but far more mature and darker.
The core of the novel is how hatred and segregation destroy societies. Trauma and how friendship saves from the abyss. Power that corrupts regardless of gender. Sacrifice. The impossibility of completely escaping one's past.
Be prepared to graphic violence, children's deaths, sexual trauma (implied), substance abuse, LGBT+ relationship, explicit language. It's not for weak stomachs or those seeking lightness.
"Snow" is one of those rare books that let you think. Economical yet powerful prose. Every sentence has a precise weght, it counts. Emotional moments are earned, never manipulative. Bill Carmona has created a work that's brutal yet poetic, desperate yet moving, dark yet luminous.

"Someone you love never really dies—only when you stop thinking about them."

[Brian Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow is a raw and unfiltered story set in a world where gangs rule, violence is constant, and survival depends on loyalty and instinct. The book follows Red, a young fighter trying to hold on to her humanity while navigating a brutal landscape of rival crews, shifting alliances, and the constant threat of death. The world is harsh, but the characters have heart, and that is where the book shines.
Red, Ripley, and Tina form the emotional core of the story. Their bond feels real, and their journey through hostile territories gives the book its momentum. Ripley’s time in the Hole is one of the strongest sections, showing how trauma shapes leadership and how strength can come from suffering. Tina brings warmth and compassion into a world that has almost forgotten those qualities, and her relationship with Red adds depth to the narrative.
The story explores loyalty, found family, and the cost of breaking away from a system that wants to own you. The Coyotes section is especially strong, offering a glimpse of community and honor in a world that has very little of either. The final act, with the Panthers’ attack and Tina’s death, hits hard and gives the ending its emotional weight. Red’s final reflections carry a sense of loss, but also a sense of hope that something better might exist beyond Snow.
Snow is a gritty tale about survival, loyalty, and the small sparks of hope that keep people moving forward. Readers who enjoy dystopian gang fiction with emotional stakes will find something here to connect with.

[Nick Malara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bill Carmona’s Snow is a gritty, fast-moving YA dystopian thriller that drops readers into a brutal, all-female gang society where violence, hierarchy, and survival dictate everything. Told through the voice of Red, a hardened, impulsive fighter, the novel blends coming-of-age elements with relentless action and a dark, almost nihilistic tone.

The strongest aspect of Snow is its voice and atmosphere. Red’s narration feels raw, unapologetic, and consistent from start to finish, pulling you straight into the harsh reality of this world. The concept itself is compelling. A dystopian society run by female gangs, built on strict hierarchies and ritualized combat, feels both unique and cinematic.

That said, the pacing can be uneven. Some sections move quickly and are packed with tension, especially the buildup to the black rose fight, while others don’t hit with the same intensity. I also would have liked to see a bit more character development. While Red is clearly defined, most of the growth takes a backseat.

Overall, this feels less like a character-driven story and more about the world itself and the constant fight to survive within it.

[J. Domino · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a dystopian place called Snow, there exist gangs of women, mostly young women, because they seldom live long enough to become old. The gangs, with names like Coyotes, Hyenas, and Panthers, are at perpetual war and often fight to the death for no real reason other than dominance. The protagonist, named Red, is a member of the Eagles. The opening chapter finds her down on her luck but attempting to find her footing until, for no apparent reason, she receives a black rose, which signals a fight to the death. The fight to the death is interrupted by the return of Ripley, one of the legendary Eagles' leaders, from the Hole, a sort of prison. Together, Ripley, Red, and a few other Eagles attempt to make an escape from Snow but are caught and must battle their way to freedom.

I simply did not connect with this book or the characters. It was targeted at Young Adults, but the amount of violence, references to drug use, and even a graphic sex scene were, in my opinion, outside the range of normal for teenagers. Except for a few underlying moral anecdotes about right vs wrong, I saw little value in this story. Dystopian or not, I wouldn’t want my teenager to read this book.

[Huey Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cold, Quiet Ache That Lingers

There’s a quiet heaviness to Snow—the kind that settles in slowly and refuses to lift. It isn’t loud or showy; it seeps in, leaving a lingering chill that feels more emotional than atmospheric.

What gives the book its weight is the protagonist’s inner fracture—a person not simply lost, but stubbornly, almost willfully adrift. There’s a guardedness to them, a reluctance to confront what’s buried beneath the surface, and that tension becomes the engine of the story. Their flaws—emotional distance, hesitation, a kind of muted despair—shape every interaction and make even small moments feel consequential.

The prose leans toward the precise and atmospheric. It’s controlled, occasionally sparse, but effective in building mood. This is very much a slow burn; the pacing is deliberate, asking for patience, but rewarding readers who are willing to sit with the discomfort.

[Junaid Murtuza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Snow by Bill Carmona more than I expected. The story throws you into a gritty world ruled by female gangs, where loyalty, survival, and power constantly clash. Bill Carmona wastes little time building tension, and the idea of the black rose challenge immediately grabbed my attention. Red is a compelling protagonist whose determination and flaws make her easy to root for, while Ripley’s return adds mystery and raises the stakes. The dialogue is fast-paced, and the action scenes keep the pages turning.

Although the novel is relatively short, the world feels unique and has enough depth to make me want to learn more about its characters and gangs. Some moments move very quickly, and I would have liked a little more development for a few side characters, but it never became boring.

Overall, Bill Carmona delivers an entertaining YA dystopian novel with strong characters, an original premise, and plenty of suspense. A solid read for fans of dark, action-packed fiction.

[Alexandra Blade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a raw, uncompromising tale of survival. It follows three girls who choose to abandon a violent gang system to seek an alternative beyond their city’s borders. The journey is a constant collision with reality, where every choice carries heavy consequences and danger remains a constant threat in every district they cross.

The style is lean, gritty, and stripped of any embellishment, perfectly reflecting the protagonist’s worldview. The narrative relies on fast-paced dialogue and a tight rhythm that keeps the tension high. Although the final events unfold at a breakneck speed, the book stands out for its bluntness and its ability to depict a ruthless world through simple, high-impact language.

[Kahlani Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where survival hinges on violence and brute strength, “Snow” by Bill Carmona takes us to a post-apocalyptic setting. Red, Tina, and Ripley must navigate enemy territories to escape this regime. The concept of a city run by an all-female gang adds an intriguing twist. Some scenes with Ripley were tough to handle, and at times, the story's pace felt a bit slow. But overall, this is a raw and gritty story I couldn’t put down. A few tears might have been shed, too. Warning: this book contains explicit language, substance abuse, graphic violence, death (including children), and trauma.

[Rachel Conlin-McLeod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raw and gritty

The narrative is raw and somewhat adolescent, like the environment and energy surrounding Red and her companions.

Girl gangs at each other's throats for no more motive than hate or boredom or the hint of more turf or territory. It is not very sophisticated or complex. At times, it seems so arbitrary and meaningless. Such seems to be the world the narrator, Red, describes.

Meaning is found in companionship, camaraderie, and not just survival for its own sake. There is a yearning for connection.

[David Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Anti Barbie Dystopian Universe

Bill Carmona's Snow is a fairly well-written dystopian action-adventure where young women battle each other in regional gangs. Men are nowhere to be seen in this part of the world. The best part of the story is the pacing, especially after the first third of the book, and the well written dialog between the characters, including Red, Roberta, and Tina. The only issue, for me, is some spelling issues and a lack of dialog tags in some areas. Otherwise, a very good read. I hope the story continues.

[Lisette Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gritty, intense, and impossible to ignore.

Snow throws you into a harsh, violent world where belonging comes at a cost, and the stakes feel real from the start. Red is a strong, complex lead, and the dynamics between the girls—loyalty, power, and blurred lines—add so much depth.

It’s raw, dark, and emotionally charged, with an atmosphere that really sticks with you. If you like fierce heroines and dystopian worlds that don’t hold back, this one definitely delivers.

[Luvica Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the dystopian vibe. And the whole idea of the society being ruled by girl gangs was a nice refreshing twist.

It's definitely dark, gritty, and brutal.

I honestly wish there was way more sex, at least to balance out all the violence. But a story about wild and crazy girl gangs, I definitely expected and hoped for a lot of sex too.

I also wished for more vivid descriptions in general.

But still, this is one of the more unique and entertaining stories I've read lately.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA novel has a strong start. It's gritty, and will pull you (or your teen) in from the first page. The adolescent dynamics between Red and Riley are authentic, compelling, and emotionally charged. I think it's a topic and writing style that will appeal to teens who like dystopian future. While the pacing may be a little uneven it's a solid choice because it's dark and engaging.

[A. Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

SNOW leans fully into a raw, dystopian edge. It’s a YA dystopian novel, but it doesn’t hold your hand at all. It’s gritty, messy, and honestly kinda brutal in the way it handles loyalty, power, and survival. To me, though, the relationships are what carry it, esp Red, Tina, and Ripley.

It’s set in a world run by female gangs, where everything is built around power, territory, and survival. The whole rose system was really interesting too... diff colored roses marking different types of fights, with black roses meaning something much more final. It’s simple, but it works, and you kinda just pick it up as you go. I've never seen it done before and I liked it.

I loved the line: “Girls don’t fight to win. They fight to belong.” Then we have: “Don’t say that. You’re not a burden. You’re the most important person here.” that’s another line I loved.

It’s also written in past tense, which took me a second to settle into, but once I did, it flowed really naturally with Red’s voice. It’s not a super long read either, sits around 90 pages, so it moves pretty fast. It’s not a light read, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re into darker YA dystopian stories with real emotional weight, this one definitely leaves a mark.