Project Snow

by Cherita Smith

Snow White meets genetic engineering in this captivating novelette that blends science fiction and fairy tale — you’ll be hooked from the very first line.

Like most engineered kids, Amara can't wait to turn sixteen. Sixteen means confirmation of immunity to the aging infection that plagues mankind. And confirmation means freedom, leaving behind the quarantine of the Tower where she's lived all her life for a new life in the city — no filtration veils required.

But the queen has other plans. The queen is dying and needs a new heart. Daughter or not, Amara's will do. A Guardsman wants to save Amara, but is it for love, or his own dark want?

This is an alternate cover edition for B01M1BH77W

Genres: Short Stories, Fairy Tales, Ebooks, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adult Fiction

31 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2017

About the author

CHERITA SMITH is a writer of fictional words, doer of magical deeds, lover of social justice, dope street art and pretty, girly things. From the coastal edge of the City of Angels, she weaves speculative fiction tales of all kinds— from dystopian science fiction to paranormal urban fantasy for both teens and adults. Dark, lush and haunting with a dash of creepy thriller and sprinkle of fairytale myth is her preferred writing jam.

For updates on future books & exclusive free stories, visit her online at cheritasmith.com.

Reviews

[catherine ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author for providing a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review*

Actual Rating: 3.75

I've always loved fairy tale retellings, and I jumped at the chance to read this novella. Project Snow takes place in a world plagued by infection. The only cure? Genetic engineering. When Amara turns sixteen, she will officially be considered immune, able to leave the Tower where she's been confined her entire life. But things aren't that simple. Not when the queen has her own plans, plans to cut out Amara's heart to replace her own.

One word that immediately comes to mind after reading this book is "potential". This book has so much of it, and I can't but wonder what it would be like if this was fleshed out into a full novel. With that said, I'll add that the pace of this book was fast. Like, really fast. The story jumps right in, and it speedily moves along, vaguely following the plot of "Snow White". Because everything was so compacted, the story was action-packed and wild the entire way through.

But for the same reason, I feel like I didn't quite get adequate time to get to know the characters. We follow the main character's emotional ups and downs, and it's easy to see how she could be overwhelmed, but I feel as though a more solid idea of her personality would help readers further understand the main character's relationship with the people around her. We saw a glimpse of this through Amara's conversations with her sisters, but I would love to see more.

One strength that I immediately noticed about this book was the powerful writing style. It was fluent and engaging, and as a sucker for heart-wrenching descriptions and memorable quotes, I was pulled right in.

I'll end my review with this: I absolutely loved the ending. It was the type of ending that left me speechless, then made me want to hurl the book across the room, then left me sitting in the same spot for hours, wondering.

I love those endings.

[Dev · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really good short story and an interesting Snow White retelling but overall I would have liked the main character to be a little more ...active, I guess. I know Snow White isn't very proactive in the version of the story we all know, but this is a retelling so you can shake things up a bit. And even though the concept is interesting and very well done, it's kind of annoying when the MC just lets herself be lead around by others all the time and doesn't actually DO anything at all. Also the epilogue was a bit weird, I think I would have liked the whole thing better without it. Unless the author is planning some kind of sequel, which could be cool.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and interesting, with a totally expected middle but unforeseen twist at the end.

[Nataly Luevanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this retelling of a classic tale. I thought the writing was engaging and different.
It kept the same concept of the original story with a futuristic and cultural twist. I just wish there was more! The story was very fast-paced and left me with some unanswered questions. I want to know what happens next and what led to their world being the way it was, although that was briefly mentioned. Overall, I loved it!

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple modern-day interpretation of Snow White. Prequel to longer series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome rewrite of the children's fairy tail Snow White. Set in a different time and place we follow
Amara's coming of age story. This is a very quick read. You won't guess the ending in a million years

[Cherita · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, obviously I'm biased as I'm the one who wrote this. I didn't realize authors could rate and review their own books, and I'm not sure how I feel about that because of the aforementioned obvious bias. But, it's only one review and, since authors can rate and review, here I am giving myself a wildly biased 5-star because I can. And also because I loved it, so much so, I'm turning it into a full-length novel. So there you go.

[OldBird · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weird and wonderful Snow White retelling set in a futuristic age of high tech and genetic engineering. It's a really original take on the tale, and I loved all the little details. Our Snow White girl isn't your YA butt-kicker; she's more passive, like the original sort of fairy tale princess, but it suits the narrative of her extremely sheltered upbringing and ignorance. It's written third person present tense which is a tricky one to pull off without alienating you from the characters, but does it well.

I was a bit saddened by the open nature of the ending though - I wanted to know what happened with the other characters and society and- well, everything!

-I received a free copy of this e-book in a giveaway. This does not influence my review-

[Robert Zimmermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this short story from Cherita Smith. I’ve been trying to read more fairy tale retellings, so it was only natural that this one worked well with my current reading mood.

I’ll be honest that I’m not very familiar with the “original” Snow White story. But it’s safe to say that readers shouldn’t expect a Disney movie from this story. It’s a bit dark, like may tales are. I’m glad the author kept the not-so-happy element in there.

With this being a short story, an author must sacrifice extensive world building in order for there to be room for the characters and plot. I feel that to a point that’s the case with this story. Smith set this in a world unlike our own, after a major event that changed the way the world lives and even looks. While I wasn’t really lost reading this story, I do feel like it could have benefited from having some more world building take place. it was intriguing and I wanted more. Maybe there’s more the author plans on doing with this world and readers will get it when that comes out. I’d for sure enjoy that.

While the characters weren’t very fleshed out, I think it worked just fine in this one. I was actually a bit surprised to be content not getting so deep into each of the major characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I wanted a little bit more from it. But as I mentioned, maybe there’s more in store for us. I’d be more than happy to read more.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novelette has an interesting premise. From some of the description it would be easy to think this is a twist on the tale of Snow White. And if you look hard enough you’ll find aspects of the story that are shared with the classic fairytale. But I think to view this as a retelling or revamping of that story might be a stretch. This story stands just fine on its own with its tale of genetic engineering (who this happens to and why is the heart of the story) set in a dystopian world.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Carolyn Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true page turner that I could not put down! It is full of suspense, deception and jaw dropping surprises. A dystopian monarch with sinister plans and a brilliant, twisted mind. The monarch's court full of their own intrigue and objectives. An a innocent doe-eyed princess that is caught up in the heartbreaking machinations of it all. When the horrific truth is revealed it will stun as well as make the reader ponder just how close we are to such a possible reality. I extremely look forward to the continuation of this tale.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a free digital copy of this book.**

What a fun, intriguing story! This is not a full-length novel, but a short story that has such potential to become one. I would be interested in reading a full-length version of this tale. Project Snow is a scientific retelling of Snow White, set in a world where once people turn sixteen, they are given an immunity to aging. Amara is about to be sixteen, however, in this world a queen rules, and she has other intentions.

While reading this story there are several references throughout to remind you that this is a retelling of Snow White. Although there is not much time to get to know Amara, I found her likable and wanted to read more about her. I have read other scientific retellings of Snow White and was not impressed, but this one really fascinated me. I hope the author does consider a rewrite into a full-length novel!

[Dawn-Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has promise, but unfortunately it's a novella and just as things were getting interesting it was over. It felt like the author just gave up on the main plot and thought it would be a good idea to add an epilogue that left even more questions than the main plot. It's unfortunate because this was a compelling take on the story of Snow White.

[montuos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating reimagining of the classic Snow White tale. Highly recommended for those who like or don't mind dark stories.

I was lucky enough to pick up this book via a promotional giveaway; my opinion remains my own.

[Sy ║▌║█│▌ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the concept of this book but it was too short for my liking, the last chapter frustrated me to no end i actually wanted more it wasn’t enough! If it was maybe a tad longer it would have been great.

[Jesse Bosco (joywithjesse) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Umm...what

I downloaded this book not realizing how short it truly is. I was hoping that it would be a bit longer as the concept of the story did intrigue me. I will be interested to see if this is fleshed out as the author says it might be.

[Elan Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting...

Not what I expected, but the short story was good in a strange way...clones raised as princesses for the sole purpose of keeping the queen alive...mishap and love with security leads to a choice.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge - a genre hybrid: science fiction & fairy tale

Interesting retelling. I'd love to see more of this world and for Amara (Snow White) to be more proactive in what happens to her.

[Amanda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the different take on it. I would definitely read more if there were more after.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful bookcover! This is a fairy retelling. It's so-so. I wasn't impressed.

[Jassa Myne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad for a starting point. Or rather, this is what I am guessing since it's so short.

[Vikarti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great SciFi version of Snow White. I want to read promised series about her.

[Frieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

I’ve read a few versions of fairytales and this is a good and interesting AI side take on Snow White.

[Anna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a futuristic version of Snow White with a ending that shakes up your understanding of what was going on.

[Annemarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting idea, well written, but nothing really happened, and the lead character didn't do anything at all...

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written fairy tale retelling with a science fiction bend, "Project Snow" has environmental disaster, genetic engineering and cloning, romance, family bonds, and a surprise ending that was awesome. I really enjoyed this story.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

New techno age retelling of Snow White. Like the fairy tales, the characters are little snippets of the story and non identifiable.
Four stars because it's an impossible retelling for anyone else to top.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very different and highly unpredictable revision of Snow White. I recommend it highly

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting take on the Snow White story. It probably should have stopped a little before as the ending felt like a prelude to a further story. I loved the characters, the world building was very interesting and I would enjoy seeing more of it.

[Laura Kehoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick read. I don't read a whole lot of novellas, but when I saw this was a retelling of Snow White, I knew I had to give it a read. The writing was really great, and the story was so interesting. I would have liked to get to know the world and characters more, but I get that in a short story like this that isn't possible. The epilogue threw me off a little and I was a bit confused. But overall, I had a fun time reading this futuristic, scifi fairy tale retelling. I'd be interested to see what other stories Smith comes up with in the future!