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BLANCA NIEVES Y EL CAZADOR-BOL
Blanca Nieves es la única persona en el mundo aún más bella que la malvada reina Ravenna, deseosa de acabar con ella. Pero lo que la reina no imagina es que la joven que amenaza su reinado ha sido entrenada en las artes de la guerra por el cazador que tenía la misión de asesinarla.Y ES AQUÍ DONDE LA HISTORIA QUE CONOCÍAMOS D E BLANCA NIEVES TIENE OTRO FINAL…UNA NUEVA, SOBRECOGEDORA Y SORPRENDENTE VERSIÓN DEL CUENTO CLÁSICO.
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First published June 5, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 739 reviews
June 17, 2012
I did it!! I finished the book before I saw the movie at 5:00pm today.
MOVIE:
You know what? I loved the book and the movie. Charlize Theron is a wonderful actress and she went hard as the Evil Queen "Ravenna". Chris Hemsworth *Swoon* I love him and as "Eric" he was perfect. I can't see anyone replacing him. Now onto Snow White... Snow... Oh, Snow... Kristin... Snow... WHY? To be honest I still don't think she brought anything to "Snow White". I'm sorry Twilighters but she will forever be Bella frickin Swan. I wish they would have gotten Malese Jow. She would have made a wonderful Snow White. The movie was great, I loved the score, all of the actors except for Kristin. I loved her In "The Runaways" and "Panic Room" but not as Snow White. I also heard it will be a trilogy. What??? how? and why? The movie ended and everything is well. Why two more movies? how in the fuck will they pull this shit off?? I don't get it. I honestly don't get how there will be two more movies. It's insane.
BOOK:
The novel is a tie-in to the motion picture. What does this mean? it means that the author Lily Blake took the script and worked it into novel form. Lily Blake! you did a spectacular job converting the script into a book. I applaud you tremendously! The book was fast paced, full of action, and I couldn't stop reading it. Why can't more authors write books like this? the character development was perfect, the story line was set, and the writing was freaking awesome. Even though this is a novelization of a movie, it has become one of my favorites of 2012. This book was 220 pages, did you hear that kiddos? 220 pages! not 500, not 900, not 1000, 220 pages. And what a bomb ass 220 paged book that was. If there are any others besides me out there reading this, take pointers from Lily's writing, she knows how to give you everything in a small amount and I hope to read one of her own books soon. This is my opinion, you may hate the book and the movie but that is all you. I enjoyed both but I loved the book more. Also, there are differences with the book and the movie. Some things are explained better in the book and there are more scenes. All thanks to the writer.
Read the book before you see the movie! :)
-R.D.
MOVIE:
You know what? I loved the book and the movie. Charlize Theron is a wonderful actress and she went hard as the Evil Queen "Ravenna". Chris Hemsworth *Swoon* I love him and as "Eric" he was perfect. I can't see anyone replacing him. Now onto Snow White... Snow... Oh, Snow... Kristin... Snow... WHY? To be honest I still don't think she brought anything to "Snow White". I'm sorry Twilighters but she will forever be Bella frickin Swan. I wish they would have gotten Malese Jow. She would have made a wonderful Snow White. The movie was great, I loved the score, all of the actors except for Kristin. I loved her In "The Runaways" and "Panic Room" but not as Snow White. I also heard it will be a trilogy. What??? how? and why? The movie ended and everything is well. Why two more movies? how in the fuck will they pull this shit off?? I don't get it. I honestly don't get how there will be two more movies. It's insane.
BOOK:
The novel is a tie-in to the motion picture. What does this mean? it means that the author Lily Blake took the script and worked it into novel form. Lily Blake! you did a spectacular job converting the script into a book. I applaud you tremendously! The book was fast paced, full of action, and I couldn't stop reading it. Why can't more authors write books like this? the character development was perfect, the story line was set, and the writing was freaking awesome. Even though this is a novelization of a movie, it has become one of my favorites of 2012. This book was 220 pages, did you hear that kiddos? 220 pages! not 500, not 900, not 1000, 220 pages. And what a bomb ass 220 paged book that was. If there are any others besides me out there reading this, take pointers from Lily's writing, she knows how to give you everything in a small amount and I hope to read one of her own books soon. This is my opinion, you may hate the book and the movie but that is all you. I enjoyed both but I loved the book more. Also, there are differences with the book and the movie. Some things are explained better in the book and there are more scenes. All thanks to the writer.
Read the book before you see the movie! :)
-R.D.
June 8, 2012
Warning: MIGHT be spoilers.. I say a bit about the plot but I've done my best to leave out spoilers, but a couple might of slipped
I've seen the advertisement for the film on TV many times and it looks amazing, but going to the cinema is so expensive so I can't afford it which is why I decided to pick up the book instead.
And I'm so happy I did..
As you can tell from the title, this is a re-telling of the fairy tale Snow White by Brothers Grimm and it was also made into a Disney movie.
I am a huge fan of fantasy kingdoms, castles, royalty, swords, quests, and evil queens. All of which are included in this story.
Snow White's father King Magnus was killed on his wedding night by his wife Queen Ravenna, and she imprisoned Snow White in the castle dungeon. Ravenna is a witch who needs to suck out the youth out of young girls to stay young. Then when Ravenna asks the mirror on the wall "who is the fairest of them all?" He replied "There is one more beautiful than you" and Ravenna is told that if she consumes Snow White's heart, she will stay young. She sends for Snow White, but Snow White manages to escape and she seeks refuge in the Dark Forest. Nobody who enters the forest comes back out alive, except a man called Eric, who Ravenna sends into the forest to return Snow White back to her.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was short, fast paced and well written. I really liked Snow White's character even though I didn't picture Kristen Stewart when I was reading about her.
My favourite character is Eric. He was very mysterious and had a very interesting back story and I really felt sorry for him. I feel that he was a well-developed character with a realistic personality.
I wanted to get to know Snow White's childhood friend William's character a bit more because he was interesting but I didn't feel like I got to know his character very well..
My favourite part was the relationship between Eric and Snow White.
*Update* I went to see the film at the cinema with a friend, and it was amazing! The book and the film are so alike, and they did leave some of the book out but no important parts, so overall it was fantastic. I prefer the book because I prefer reading than watching films. I didn't picture Kristen Stewart as Snow White, even when I was watching the film. I HATE Twilight and didn't like Kristen in it, but her acting was really good in Snow White, so if you've read the book YOU HAVE TO SEE THE FILM!!!
I've seen the advertisement for the film on TV many times and it looks amazing, but going to the cinema is so expensive so I can't afford it which is why I decided to pick up the book instead.
And I'm so happy I did..
As you can tell from the title, this is a re-telling of the fairy tale Snow White by Brothers Grimm and it was also made into a Disney movie.
I am a huge fan of fantasy kingdoms, castles, royalty, swords, quests, and evil queens. All of which are included in this story.
Snow White's father King Magnus was killed on his wedding night by his wife Queen Ravenna, and she imprisoned Snow White in the castle dungeon. Ravenna is a witch who needs to suck out the youth out of young girls to stay young. Then when Ravenna asks the mirror on the wall "who is the fairest of them all?" He replied "There is one more beautiful than you" and Ravenna is told that if she consumes Snow White's heart, she will stay young. She sends for Snow White, but Snow White manages to escape and she seeks refuge in the Dark Forest. Nobody who enters the forest comes back out alive, except a man called Eric, who Ravenna sends into the forest to return Snow White back to her.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was short, fast paced and well written. I really liked Snow White's character even though I didn't picture Kristen Stewart when I was reading about her.
My favourite character is Eric. He was very mysterious and had a very interesting back story and I really felt sorry for him. I feel that he was a well-developed character with a realistic personality.
I wanted to get to know Snow White's childhood friend William's character a bit more because he was interesting but I didn't feel like I got to know his character very well..
My favourite part was the relationship between Eric and Snow White.
*Update* I went to see the film at the cinema with a friend, and it was amazing! The book and the film are so alike, and they did leave some of the book out but no important parts, so overall it was fantastic. I prefer the book because I prefer reading than watching films. I didn't picture Kristen Stewart as Snow White, even when I was watching the film. I HATE Twilight and didn't like Kristen in it, but her acting was really good in Snow White, so if you've read the book YOU HAVE TO SEE THE FILM!!!
August 8, 2012
I should have known better than to read a book based on a movie based on a folk tale, but I read it anyway. It had a lot of potential, plot-wise; I would be all about a well-written story in which Snow White escapes her evil stepmother and is trained to fight in order to kill the evil queen. But the book moved too fast. A teenage girl who has been locked in a dungeon for ten years is not going to be physically fit, even if she had spent those years doing situps and pushups and jogging in place (which this protagonist probably hasn't). She wouldn't even have had the stamina to run through the woods all day, let alone learn in one day the knife skills necessary to kill someone. What the book needed was for Snow White to disappear into the Dark Forest and have several months (if not years) pass while she learned to fight.
The half-baked romance between Snow White and Eric was also disappointing. There were a lot of "he might almost have been handsome" and "he hadn't noticed how beautiful she was" inner thoughts, but no one acted on them and they seemed kind of forced. The ending of the book was abrupt and inconclusive. Overall, I doubt I will be seeing the movie if it's anywhere near as bad as this was.
The half-baked romance between Snow White and Eric was also disappointing. There were a lot of "he might almost have been handsome" and "he hadn't noticed how beautiful she was" inner thoughts, but no one acted on them and they seemed kind of forced. The ending of the book was abrupt and inconclusive. Overall, I doubt I will be seeing the movie if it's anywhere near as bad as this was.
Read
August 10, 2015I so wish this book was better. I wish it was 200 pages longer and written with more detail.
Alas, it is not so.
Full review this afternoon. Such disappointment. Wow.
Alas, it is not so.
Full review this afternoon. Such disappointment. Wow.
June 27, 2012
First of all, I haven't yet seen the movie...
Secondly, dispite giving this book 3 stars (I felt it was too rushed all the way through) I did enjoy it, and I still want to see the movie. (Chris Hemsworth DOES help swing this though lol)
To summerise: A nice, quick read :)
Secondly, dispite giving this book 3 stars (I felt it was too rushed all the way through) I did enjoy it, and I still want to see the movie. (Chris Hemsworth DOES help swing this though lol)
To summerise: A nice, quick read :)
November 20, 2025
Being the lover of fairy tales that I am, I went to go see Snow White & The Huntsman in theaters when it came out in 2012. It was a pretty decent film, and the novelization of the movie is about the same.
The book misses some of the scenery chewing Charlize Theron did as the evil Queen Ravenna but does emphasize the more low-key evil of her performance. We get some more insight into The Huntsman character of Eric as a person and not just the hulking hunkiness of Chris Hemsworth.
We spend less time with the dwarves except in where it counts and even less time with William, the son of an ally to Snow White's father and her childhood friend. We also get straight to the part where Ravenna married Snow White's father and killed him on their wedding night, no dragging our heels about the death of her mother. Snow White goes from being seven to seventeen, but we do get to learn things from her perspective.
She isn't a passive princess; she's training to be a warrior but just happens to be beautiful inside and outside. The Huntsman also doesn't treat her like a child once Eric gets to see some of the fire in Snow White that reminds him of his late wife. William is meant to be the "prince" but there is no romance between him and Snow White is not looking for romance in this version.
The atmosphere is dark and dreary and even the happy ending is less chipper than you would expect but not even as grim as the original version of Snow White. Even so, reading this book is perfect for an overcast November day or for anyone who found the film to be underwhelming.
Not the fairest of all adaptations, Snow White and The Huntsman still has a magic all its own.
The book misses some of the scenery chewing Charlize Theron did as the evil Queen Ravenna but does emphasize the more low-key evil of her performance. We get some more insight into The Huntsman character of Eric as a person and not just the hulking hunkiness of Chris Hemsworth.
We spend less time with the dwarves except in where it counts and even less time with William, the son of an ally to Snow White's father and her childhood friend. We also get straight to the part where Ravenna married Snow White's father and killed him on their wedding night, no dragging our heels about the death of her mother. Snow White goes from being seven to seventeen, but we do get to learn things from her perspective.
She isn't a passive princess; she's training to be a warrior but just happens to be beautiful inside and outside. The Huntsman also doesn't treat her like a child once Eric gets to see some of the fire in Snow White that reminds him of his late wife. William is meant to be the "prince" but there is no romance between him and Snow White is not looking for romance in this version.
The atmosphere is dark and dreary and even the happy ending is less chipper than you would expect but not even as grim as the original version of Snow White. Even so, reading this book is perfect for an overcast November day or for anyone who found the film to be underwhelming.
Not the fairest of all adaptations, Snow White and The Huntsman still has a magic all its own.
March 6, 2018
OK, sé que en realidad no es una novela sino un guión novelizado, ¡pero podría haber aprovechado para corregir los defectos de la película! O sea, al tener más tiempo para desarrollar la historia por no tener un límite de tiempo, lo suyo es que hubiera rellenado las lagunas existentes y desarrollado mejor la trama y a les personajes. Eso no ocurre. Se mantienen los mismos fallos y deus ex machina, pero quitando el atractivo visual. Es decir, lo mismo que en la película y sin las ventajas de esta. No merece la pena porque para eso te ves la película, que es más entretenida y terminas antes.
June 11, 2025
Dieses Buch war sehr sehr spannend und man konnte gar nicht aufhören zu lesen wenn man einmal dazu gekommen ist. Es hat aber leider nur vier Sterne bekommen und nd fünf weil sie William nicht geliebt hat💔 sie hat ihn zwar dann am Ende als ihren König genommen aba da stand das sie ihn nur als Freund sehr dolle liebt
Naja wenigstens hat sie William genommen und nd den Jäger (es stand da nd direkt das sie ihn liebt aba trotzdem würde es indirekt gesagt)
William❤️❤️❤️
Naja wenigstens hat sie William genommen und nd den Jäger (es stand da nd direkt das sie ihn liebt aba trotzdem würde es indirekt gesagt)
William❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2019
Κριτική στο bookstagram μου @fantasy_.books.__(θα ανεβει συντομα)
November 6, 2024
Τον τίτλο του σημερινού βιβλίου, οι περισσότεροι θα τον γνωρίζετε μέσω της κινηματογραφικής του εκδοχής που έσκασε μύτη στις ελληνικές αίθουσες πριν από μερικές μόνο ημέρες. Δεν ξέρω πόσοι από εσάς γνωρίζατε ότι η εν λόγω ιστορία κυκλοφορεί και σε λογοτεχνική έκδοση -σε μια εξαιρετική οφείλω να ομολογήσω έκδοση στη χώρα μας από τον Ψυχογιό- όμως, αντίθετα με όσα άλλα βιβλία έχουν παρουσιαστεί στην στήλη μας, το συγκεκριμένο δεν έδωσε έμπνευση ώστε να προχωρήσει κάποιος στην κινηματογραφική του μεταφορά αλλά, συνέβη ακριβώς το αντίθετο. Τι εννοώ; Ότι η κυρία Lily Blake δεν σκαρφίστηκε από μόνη της αυτή την παραλλαγή του κλασσικού και πολυαγαπημένου παραμυθιού της Χιονάτης αλλά, βασίστηκε στην πρωτότυπη ιδέα του Evan Daugherty, ο οποίος είναι και ένας εκ των τριών σεναριογράφων που εργάστηκαν για τις ανάγκες του κινηματογραφικού αυτού story. Αλλά ας δούμε τα πράγματα από την αρχή, ξεκινώντας να ξετυλίγουμε το νήμα της ιστορίας εκεί που αρχίζει.
Ο βασιλιάς Μάγκνους, κάποιο διάστημα μετά τον θάνατο της γυναίκας του, γνωρίζει κι ερωτεύεται την Ραβένα, μια νεαρή καλλονή η οποία καταφέρνει να κλέψει την καρδιά του, να κερδίσει την εμπιστοσύνη του και να τον βγάλει από την θλίψη του, αποφασίζοντας μάλιστα να την κάνει γυναίκα και βασίλισσά του. Αυτή η επιλογή του όμως θα αποβεί μοιραία αφού σκοπός της Ραβένα δεν είναι άλλος από το να εκδικηθεί τον θάνατο της μητέρας της που προκλήθηκε από τα χέρια των στρατιωτών του βασιλιά. Τη νύχτα του γάμου τους, του αφαιρεί την ζωή και αποκτά τον ολοκληρωτικό έλεγχο του βασιλείου σκορπώντας τον θάνατο. Η μόνη που γλιτώνει από την αιματηρή επίθεση είναι η κόρη του βασιλιά, η εφτάχρονη Χιονάτη, που θα περάσει τα επόμενα δέκα χρόνια της ζωής της σε ένα μπουντρούμι, παρατηρώντας μέσα από τα κάγκελα της φυλακής της τον κόσμο της να βυθίζεται στο αίμα, τη βία και το σκότος. Όταν όμως η Ραβένα ανακαλύπτει ότι ο μοναδικός τρόπος να διατηρήσει τις μαγικές της δυνάμεις και τα νιάτα της, που ολοένα και φθίνουν, είναι να σκοτώσει τη Χιονάτη, δεν διστάζει στιγμή. Η Χιονάτη ωστόσο καταφέρνει να δραπετεύσει για να βρεθεί στο Σκοτεινό Δάσος και από εκεί, με τον Κυνηγό Έρικ στο πλευρό της που από διώκτης της, γίνεται σύμμαχός της στη μάχη να ακολουθήσει το πεπρωμένο της.
Προσωπικά δεν ανήκω στην κατηγορία εκείνων που ενοχλούνται από τις διασκευές κλασσικών παραμυθιών. Μπορεί οι αρχικές τους εκδοχές να είναι ωραίες για να τις εξιστορείς σε μικρά παιδιά λίγο πριν πάνε για ύπνο, ή για να εμπνέουν την ομάδα της Disney αλλά, κακά τα ψέματα, έναν ενήλικο που έχει αφήσει εδώ και καιρό πίσω του την παιδική αθωότητά του, πρέπει να δώσεις κάτι παραπάνω για να καταφύγει σε ένα λογοτεχνικό παραμύθι. Και ακριβώς αυτό είναι η "Χιονάτη Και Ο Κυνηγός". Είναι μια πιο επική παραλλαγή της κλασσικής ιστορίας από την οποία δεν απουσιάζουν τα βασικά της στοιχεία όπως, η ίδια η κεντρική ηρωίδα, η κακιά μητριά, ο Κυνηγός που καλείται να σκοτώσει την πρώτη και τελικά της χαρίζει τη ζωή, οι εφτά νάνοι, ο γοητευτικός πρίγκιπας και το καταραμένο μήλο που καταδικάζει σε αιώνιο ύπνο όποιον κάνει το λάθος να το δαγκώσει. Απλά, είναι αρκετά διαφορετικός ο τρόπος με τον οποίον όλα τα προηγούμενα παρουσιάζονται, αρκετά πιο διαφορετικός ο τρόπος κατανομής του χρόνου που πρωταγωνιστεί το καθένα από τα παραπάνω και κατ' επέκτασιν, ο τρόπος που επηρεάζουν την ίδια την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας.
Η Χιονάτη μπορεί να είναι η προσωποποίηση της ομορφιάς, της καλοσύνης και της αθωότητας όμως, όλα αυτά συνδυάζονται με ένα πάθος και μια μαχητικότητα που απουσιάζουν από την πρωτότυπη ιστορία. Αυτό το γεγονός από μόνο του, αρκεί για να κάνει την πρωταγωνίστρια πολύ πιο ενδιαφέρουσα στα μάτια ενός ενήλικου αναγνώστη. Δεν είναι απλά μια θηλυπρεπής, καθωσπρέπει παρουσία που περιμένει να σωθεί από έναν γοητευτικό και δυνατό άντρα αλλά, στηρίζεται στην δικιά της δύναμη και θέληση προκειμένου να ακολουθήσει το πεπρωμένο της, ακόμα κι αν αυτό την οδηγεί σε μια ριψοκίνδυνη μάχη που μπορεί να της στερήσει ακόμα και την ίδια της την ζωή, ως πολεμίστρια και όχι ως θεατής. Δεν περιμένει την λύτρωση αλλά την διεκδικεί, αποτελώντας το σύμβολο εκείνο που περιμένει εδώ και δέκα χρόνια ο ταλαιπωρημένος και βασανισμένος λαός της που ακόμα και αν το ήθελε, δεν θα μπορούσε να της αντισταθεί και να μην την ακολουθήσει ακόμα και μέχρι την κόλαση. Παράλληλα, ο κεντρικός αρσενικός χαρακτήρας της ιστορίας για πρώτη φορά, δεν είναι ο πρίγκιπας αλλά, ο Κυνηγός, εκείνος που την άφησε να ζήσει, όχι μόνο για σώσει τον λαό της αλλά τελικά, για να σώσει τον ίδιο από τους δικούς του, προσωπικούς καθαρά δαίμονες.
Η Lily Blake μένει πιστή στο κινηματογραφικό σενάριο ακολουθώντας ακριβώς τους ίδιους, κινηματογραφικούς ρυθμούς και στην λογοτεχνική μορφή αφήγησης της ιστορίας. Αυτό της επιτρέπει να την αναπτύξει με γρήγορους ρυθμούς, οι οποίοι δεν αφήνουν περιθώρια για κενά, άνευρα διαστήματα, κρατώντας αμείωτο το ενδιαφέρον του αναγνώστη από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος. Οι περιγραφές της είναι ρεαλιστικές και ζωντανές, μεταφέροντάς μας το σκοτεινό κι επικίνδυνο κλίμα που περιβάλλει ολόκληρο το βασίλειο. Την ίδια στιγμή, σκιαγραφεί με λεπτομέρεια τους εμπλεκόμενους στην ιστορία χαρακτήρες, επιτρέποντάς μας να ρίξουμε μια ματιά όχι μόνο στο ποιοι είναι σήμερα και ποιοι δεσμοί ακριβώς δένουν τις μεταξύ τους μοίρες αλλά, και το ποιοι ήταν στο παρελθόν καθώς και ποια ήταν τα γεγονότα που τους οδήγησαν να γίνουν ότι είναι στο σήμερα. "Η Χιονάτη Και Ο Κυνηγός" είναι μια ιστορία για το πεπρωμένο και την ανθρώπινη δύναμη που υπάρχει κάτω από αυτό που φαίνεται στην επιφάνεια, που βρίσκεται βαθιά μέσα μας, μια ιστορία με ένταση, δράση και γρήγορους ρυθμούς που δεν θα καταλάβετε για πότε φτάσατε στο τέλος της.
Ο βασιλιάς Μάγκνους, κάποιο διάστημα μετά τον θάνατο της γυναίκας του, γνωρίζει κι ερωτεύεται την Ραβένα, μια νεαρή καλλονή η οποία καταφέρνει να κλέψει την καρδιά του, να κερδίσει την εμπιστοσύνη του και να τον βγάλει από την θλίψη του, αποφασίζοντας μάλιστα να την κάνει γυναίκα και βασίλισσά του. Αυτή η επιλογή του όμως θα αποβεί μοιραία αφού σκοπός της Ραβένα δεν είναι άλλος από το να εκδικηθεί τον θάνατο της μητέρας της που προκλήθηκε από τα χέρια των στρατιωτών του βασιλιά. Τη νύχτα του γάμου τους, του αφαιρεί την ζωή και αποκτά τον ολοκληρωτικό έλεγχο του βασιλείου σκορπώντας τον θάνατο. Η μόνη που γλιτώνει από την αιματηρή επίθεση είναι η κόρη του βασιλιά, η εφτάχρονη Χιονάτη, που θα περάσει τα επόμενα δέκα χρόνια της ζωής της σε ένα μπουντρούμι, παρατηρώντας μέσα από τα κάγκελα της φυλακής της τον κόσμο της να βυθίζεται στο αίμα, τη βία και το σκότος. Όταν όμως η Ραβένα ανακαλύπτει ότι ο μοναδικός τρόπος να διατηρήσει τις μαγικές της δυνάμεις και τα νιάτα της, που ολοένα και φθίνουν, είναι να σκοτώσει τη Χιονάτη, δεν διστάζει στιγμή. Η Χιονάτη ωστόσο καταφέρνει να δραπετεύσει για να βρεθεί στο Σκοτεινό Δάσος και από εκεί, με τον Κυνηγό Έρικ στο πλευρό της που από διώκτης της, γίνεται σύμμαχός της στη μάχη να ακολουθήσει το πεπρωμένο της.
Προσωπικά δεν ανήκω στην κατηγορία εκείνων που ενοχλούνται από τις διασκευές κλασσικών παραμυθιών. Μπορεί οι αρχικές τους εκδοχές να είναι ωραίες για να τις εξιστορείς σε μικρά παιδιά λίγο πριν πάνε για ύπνο, ή για να εμπνέουν την ομάδα της Disney αλλά, κακά τα ψέματα, έναν ενήλικο που έχει αφήσει εδώ και καιρό πίσω του την παιδική αθωότητά του, πρέπει να δώσεις κάτι παραπάνω για να καταφύγει σε ένα λογοτεχνικό παραμύθι. Και ακριβώς αυτό είναι η "Χιονάτη Και Ο Κυνηγός". Είναι μια πιο επική παραλλαγή της κλασσικής ιστορίας από την οποία δεν απουσιάζουν τα βασικά της στοιχεία όπως, η ίδια η κεντρική ηρωίδα, η κακιά μητριά, ο Κυνηγός που καλείται να σκοτώσει την πρώτη και τελικά της χαρίζει τη ζωή, οι εφτά νάνοι, ο γοητευτικός πρίγκιπας και το καταραμένο μήλο που καταδικάζει σε αιώνιο ύπνο όποιον κάνει το λάθος να το δαγκώσει. Απλά, είναι αρκετά διαφορετικός ο τρόπος με τον οποίον όλα τα προηγούμενα παρουσιάζονται, αρκετά πιο διαφορετικός ο τρόπος κατανομής του χρόνου που πρωταγωνιστεί το καθένα από τα παραπάνω και κατ' επέκτασιν, ο τρόπος που επηρεάζουν την ίδια την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας.
Η Χιονάτη μπορεί να είναι η προσωποποίηση της ομορφιάς, της καλοσύνης και της αθωότητας όμως, όλα αυτά συνδυάζονται με ένα πάθος και μια μαχητικότητα που απουσιάζουν από την πρωτότυπη ιστορία. Αυτό το γεγονός από μόνο του, αρκεί για να κάνει την πρωταγωνίστρια πολύ πιο ενδιαφέρουσα στα μάτια ενός ενήλικου αναγνώστη. Δεν είναι απλά μια θηλυπρεπής, καθωσπρέπει παρουσία που περιμένει να σωθεί από έναν γοητευτικό και δυνατό άντρα αλλά, στηρίζεται στην δικιά της δύναμη και θέληση προκειμένου να ακολουθήσει το πεπρωμένο της, ακόμα κι αν αυτό την οδηγεί σε μια ριψοκίνδυνη μάχη που μπορεί να της στερήσει ακόμα και την ίδια της την ζωή, ως πολεμίστρια και όχι ως θεατής. Δεν περιμένει την λύτρωση αλλά την διεκδικεί, αποτελώντας το σύμβολο εκείνο που περιμένει εδώ και δέκα χρόνια ο ταλαιπωρημένος και βασανισμένος λαός της που ακόμα και αν το ήθελε, δεν θα μπορούσε να της αντισταθεί και να μην την ακολουθήσει ακόμα και μέχρι την κόλαση. Παράλληλα, ο κεντρικός αρσενικός χαρακτήρας της ιστορίας για πρώτη φορά, δεν είναι ο πρίγκιπας αλλά, ο Κυνηγός, εκείνος που την άφησε να ζήσει, όχι μόνο για σώσει τον λαό της αλλά τελικά, για να σώσει τον ίδιο από τους δικούς του, προσωπικούς καθαρά δαίμονες.
Η Lily Blake μένει πιστή στο κινηματογραφικό σενάριο ακολουθώντας ακριβώς τους ίδιους, κινηματογραφικούς ρυθμούς και στην λογοτεχνική μορφή αφήγησης της ιστορίας. Αυτό της επιτρέπει να την αναπτύξει με γρήγορους ρυθμούς, οι οποίοι δεν αφήνουν περιθώρια για κενά, άνευρα διαστήματα, κρατώντας αμείωτο το ενδιαφέρον του αναγνώστη από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος. Οι περιγραφές της είναι ρεαλιστικές και ζωντανές, μεταφέροντάς μας το σκοτεινό κι επικίνδυνο κλίμα που περιβάλλει ολόκληρο το βασίλειο. Την ίδια στιγμή, σκιαγραφεί με λεπτομέρεια τους εμπλεκόμενους στην ιστορία χαρακτήρες, επιτρέποντάς μας να ρίξουμε μια ματιά όχι μόνο στο ποιοι είναι σήμερα και ποιοι δεσμοί ακριβώς δένουν τις μεταξύ τους μοίρες αλλά, και το ποιοι ήταν στο παρελθόν καθώς και ποια ήταν τα γεγονότα που τους οδήγησαν να γίνουν ότι είναι στο σήμερα. "Η Χιονάτη Και Ο Κυνηγός" είναι μια ιστορία για το πεπρωμένο και την ανθρώπινη δύναμη που υπάρχει κάτω από αυτό που φαίνεται στην επιφάνεια, που βρίσκεται βαθιά μέσα μας, μια ιστορία με ένταση, δράση και γρήγορους ρυθμούς που δεν θα καταλάβετε για πότε φτάσατε στο τέλος της.
March 4, 2018
Eccomi qui, finalmente, a parlare di Biancaneve e il Cacciatore. Se ben ricordate al momento di fare l'anteprima del libro mi ero dichiarata "dubbiosa ma curiosa" su questa storia. A lettura ultimata posso dire di esserne rimasta davvero affascinata ed entusiasta! D'accordo, dalle quattro stelle lo avevate già capito, ma per me è stata una vera sorpresa. Ero assolutamente convinta di trovarmi davanti ad un libro da due stelle, uno di quelli che ti fanno storcere il naso e che chiudi con un certo sollievo.. al contrario, se invece di 240 pagine ne avesse avute 700 sarei stata felice. Ebbene sì, ho finito Biancaneve e mi dispiace, un po' mi manca l'atmosfera da favola cupa, la Foresta Tenebrosa e la malvagia Ravenna. So benissimo che state tutti pensando al film appena uscito al cinema, quindi mi levo il pensiero: no, non l'ho ancora visto. La mia preoccupazione più grande, infatti, era proprio quella di leggere il libro e immaginare Kristen Stewart ogni due righe.. credetemi, non avrei retto. I gusti sono gusti, e a me come attrice proprio non piace. Immaginate quindi la sorpresa quando, a pagina 200, mi sono resa conto che non avevo pensato alla Stewart nemmeno una volta. Dopo essermene accorta ho fatto uno sforzo, ho chiuso gli occhi dopo aver letto una determinata scena e ho cercato di immaginare la Stewart al posto di Biancaneve... nulla da fare.
Pelle bianca e candida come la neve, labbra rosse a forma di bocciolo, capelli neri come la notte e grandi occhi castani. Non è la Stewart, c'è poco da fare. Né di aspetto né di carattere. Non ho visto il film ma so come recita, e non credo che assomigli neanche lontanamente alla Biancaneve del libro.
Nel libro la figura della bella Biancaneve non viene totalmente stravolta, ci troviamo comunque di fronte ad una fanciulla pura di cuore e ingenua, ma è molto bello il modo in cui la vediamo cambiare durante il viaggio nella Foresta Tenebrosa. Biancaneve acquista coraggio, forza e consapevolezza, trasformandosi in una principessa desiderosa di combattere per la libertà del suo popolo e pronta a morire per sconfiggere Ravenna.
Accanto a lei troviamo diversi personaggi particolare come i nani e, naturalmente il Cacciatore. Non mi aspettavo che Eric (il Cacciatore, appunto) avesse una storia così.. profonda alle spalle. È davvero un personaggio ben riuscito, molto lontano dal bell'imbusto scontroso e affascinante che ci avevano lasciato immaginare.. è un uomo tormentato e bugiardo, con un passato di cui non vuole liberarsi e, la maggior parte delle volte, è sporco e ubriaco. Insomma, niente principe azzurro.
Altro personaggio che mi è piaciuto davvero molto: la Regina Ravenna. Alcuni capitoli sono dedicati a lei, e questo ci permette di capire cosa l'ha portata diventare la malvagia sovrana che è. Ci viene raccontata anche la sua, di storia, e alla fine non si può non affezionarsi a lei e al suo desiderio di immortalità. La grafica del libro poi è meravigliosa. Ogni capitolo è preceduto da una pagina nera con uno stemma, e nelle prime pagine la filastrocca in perfetto stile fiaba dark fa il suo effetto.
Lo stile naturalmente è molto semplice, il che permette al lettore di buttarsi a capofitto nella Foresta Tenebrosa e di divorare quest'avventura in poche ore... avrei voluto che durasse di più, mi sono trovata davvero bene in compagnia di questo libro e delle sue atmosfere.
Mi sento anche abbastanza sicura nel dire che Biancaneve è stato trasformato in una favola epica e dark, come cita la copertina, ma non romantica. Non voglio dire che l'amore sia assente dalle pagine, ma non vi troverete davanti a nessuna fanciulla innamorata del principe, né ad un Cacciatore protettivo.. niente smancerie, sguardi dolci o principesse che si perdono in romantici pensieri. L'amore è presente come contesto, questo sì, ma niente di più.
Spesso nelle recensioni mi trovo a dire che è stata una lettura piacevole, ma che non vale la pena comprare il libro.. sono felice di poter dire che, se la Mondadori non mi avesse inviato una copia del romanzo, a quest'ora nella mia libreria ci sarebbe una bellissima favola dark in meno.. e se me lo avessero prestato sarei corsa a comprarlo per averne una copia tutta mia. Davvero, non pensavo, ma l'ho proprio adorato!
Pelle bianca e candida come la neve, labbra rosse a forma di bocciolo, capelli neri come la notte e grandi occhi castani. Non è la Stewart, c'è poco da fare. Né di aspetto né di carattere. Non ho visto il film ma so come recita, e non credo che assomigli neanche lontanamente alla Biancaneve del libro.
Nel libro la figura della bella Biancaneve non viene totalmente stravolta, ci troviamo comunque di fronte ad una fanciulla pura di cuore e ingenua, ma è molto bello il modo in cui la vediamo cambiare durante il viaggio nella Foresta Tenebrosa. Biancaneve acquista coraggio, forza e consapevolezza, trasformandosi in una principessa desiderosa di combattere per la libertà del suo popolo e pronta a morire per sconfiggere Ravenna.
Accanto a lei troviamo diversi personaggi particolare come i nani e, naturalmente il Cacciatore. Non mi aspettavo che Eric (il Cacciatore, appunto) avesse una storia così.. profonda alle spalle. È davvero un personaggio ben riuscito, molto lontano dal bell'imbusto scontroso e affascinante che ci avevano lasciato immaginare.. è un uomo tormentato e bugiardo, con un passato di cui non vuole liberarsi e, la maggior parte delle volte, è sporco e ubriaco. Insomma, niente principe azzurro.
Altro personaggio che mi è piaciuto davvero molto: la Regina Ravenna. Alcuni capitoli sono dedicati a lei, e questo ci permette di capire cosa l'ha portata diventare la malvagia sovrana che è. Ci viene raccontata anche la sua, di storia, e alla fine non si può non affezionarsi a lei e al suo desiderio di immortalità. La grafica del libro poi è meravigliosa. Ogni capitolo è preceduto da una pagina nera con uno stemma, e nelle prime pagine la filastrocca in perfetto stile fiaba dark fa il suo effetto.
Lo stile naturalmente è molto semplice, il che permette al lettore di buttarsi a capofitto nella Foresta Tenebrosa e di divorare quest'avventura in poche ore... avrei voluto che durasse di più, mi sono trovata davvero bene in compagnia di questo libro e delle sue atmosfere.
Mi sento anche abbastanza sicura nel dire che Biancaneve è stato trasformato in una favola epica e dark, come cita la copertina, ma non romantica. Non voglio dire che l'amore sia assente dalle pagine, ma non vi troverete davanti a nessuna fanciulla innamorata del principe, né ad un Cacciatore protettivo.. niente smancerie, sguardi dolci o principesse che si perdono in romantici pensieri. L'amore è presente come contesto, questo sì, ma niente di più.
Spesso nelle recensioni mi trovo a dire che è stata una lettura piacevole, ma che non vale la pena comprare il libro.. sono felice di poter dire che, se la Mondadori non mi avesse inviato una copia del romanzo, a quest'ora nella mia libreria ci sarebbe una bellissima favola dark in meno.. e se me lo avessero prestato sarei corsa a comprarlo per averne una copia tutta mia. Davvero, non pensavo, ma l'ho proprio adorato!
July 13, 2012
I'm beginning to think that books based on movies are forever doomed. From last year’s Red Riding Hood to this new gothic fairy tale remake, these types of books are setting the bar excruciatingly low for their kind.
I want to begin this review by saying that I have not yet seen the Snow White and the Huntsman movie. I do plan to see it when it comes out on DVD I’ve actually heard great things about it, which is why I picked up the book in the first place. Unfortunately, the book sucks.
I mean, Blake’s writing is really good. Her gothic style is quite gripping, and her imagery is lovely. But what good is a finely crafted tool that writes empty messages?
The characterization in Snow White and the Huntsman is horribly poor. The only definitive qualities we are given to attribute to Snow—I’m calling her Snow despite the book’s lack of this apparent nickname—are her courage, her mysteriousness, and the fact that she slants her eyes when she’s angry. I would add her scrawny physique to this list (she’s been locked up in a tower for 10 years), but she apparently develops high endurance and stamina after escaping her prison, because she traipses through the Dark Forest for days and fights off huge monsters.
The Huntsman is no better. I don’t understand why Snow holds him in such high regards; it’s not like he has much going for him. Let’s review his qualities, shall we? He’s a drunk. He can track animals. Oh, and he’s saved Snow White’s life a few times. He’s also almost killed her, but that’s beyond the point, isn’t it?
Now, the evil queen—she’s something else. If Ravenna wants something, she makes every attempt to get it, paying no heed to the consequences of her actions. Her motivations are crystal clear, her cruel personality is well shaped, and she is most certainly Snow White and the Huntsman’s best developed character. I could have used a little less evil laughing, but I still believe that she is the highest point of this novel. And you know it’s a bad sign when I’m rooting for the bad guy.
Blake’s protagonists are not the only element of hers that fell flat; her plot was also very disappointing. I think that the reason I’m so angry about this is because it held so much promise. The ideas which she had to go on were amazing—I’m told that the movie’s plot is flawless—and I feel as though if she would have developed it just a bit more, Snow White and the Huntsman would have been that much better. Its measly 200 pages are certainly not enough to do it justice.
Did I mention the fact that Snow White and the Huntsman’s ending is awful? Because it is. Let me put you in context here: Blake has a bit of a love triangle going on between Snow, the Huntsman, and a certain childhood friend. Now, in the last chapter, Snow White clearly chooses which option she prefers. However, this option leaves (in a self-deprecating type way) and Snow just lets him go. She just lets him go without even telling him of her feelings for him. Where is that decided evil queen when you need her?
I’m giving Snow White and the Huntsman 2.9/5 stars. It had so much potential but failed to measure up to its expectations, lacking real characters, a decent ending, and the imaginative plot details trademarked by YA novels.
More reviews at www.whatyareading.com
I’ll keep you posted,
Ana
I want to begin this review by saying that I have not yet seen the Snow White and the Huntsman movie. I do plan to see it when it comes out on DVD I’ve actually heard great things about it, which is why I picked up the book in the first place. Unfortunately, the book sucks.
I mean, Blake’s writing is really good. Her gothic style is quite gripping, and her imagery is lovely. But what good is a finely crafted tool that writes empty messages?
The characterization in Snow White and the Huntsman is horribly poor. The only definitive qualities we are given to attribute to Snow—I’m calling her Snow despite the book’s lack of this apparent nickname—are her courage, her mysteriousness, and the fact that she slants her eyes when she’s angry. I would add her scrawny physique to this list (she’s been locked up in a tower for 10 years), but she apparently develops high endurance and stamina after escaping her prison, because she traipses through the Dark Forest for days and fights off huge monsters.
The Huntsman is no better. I don’t understand why Snow holds him in such high regards; it’s not like he has much going for him. Let’s review his qualities, shall we? He’s a drunk. He can track animals. Oh, and he’s saved Snow White’s life a few times. He’s also almost killed her, but that’s beyond the point, isn’t it?
Now, the evil queen—she’s something else. If Ravenna wants something, she makes every attempt to get it, paying no heed to the consequences of her actions. Her motivations are crystal clear, her cruel personality is well shaped, and she is most certainly Snow White and the Huntsman’s best developed character. I could have used a little less evil laughing, but I still believe that she is the highest point of this novel. And you know it’s a bad sign when I’m rooting for the bad guy.
Blake’s protagonists are not the only element of hers that fell flat; her plot was also very disappointing. I think that the reason I’m so angry about this is because it held so much promise. The ideas which she had to go on were amazing—I’m told that the movie’s plot is flawless—and I feel as though if she would have developed it just a bit more, Snow White and the Huntsman would have been that much better. Its measly 200 pages are certainly not enough to do it justice.
Did I mention the fact that Snow White and the Huntsman’s ending is awful? Because it is. Let me put you in context here: Blake has a bit of a love triangle going on between Snow, the Huntsman, and a certain childhood friend. Now, in the last chapter, Snow White clearly chooses which option she prefers. However, this option leaves (in a self-deprecating type way) and Snow just lets him go. She just lets him go without even telling him of her feelings for him. Where is that decided evil queen when you need her?
I’m giving Snow White and the Huntsman 2.9/5 stars. It had so much potential but failed to measure up to its expectations, lacking real characters, a decent ending, and the imaginative plot details trademarked by YA novels.
More reviews at www.whatyareading.com
I’ll keep you posted,
Ana
June 19, 2012
I confess that I'm a little wary of reading books based on movies as it seems a little unnatural - surely movies should be based on books? Still, I wanted to know what all the fuss was about surrounding Snow White and the Huntsman. To be honest, I lack the concentration span for films, so it was actually great to see that a novel was being released - I can use my own imagination and take it at my own pace.... but now, after reading the book, I do want to go and see the film version!
I have read some fantastic fairytale retellings (Cinder) and some not so great ones, so it was interesting to see what this was like. Snow White is one of the most popular fairytales that I think almost everyone knows about. It's a little dangerous to mess around with something the world knows and loves, but I think that for the most part, the changes worked out okay.
The story was vivid and it felt as though there was a lot of adventure, even though it wasn't particularly fast-paced. I think that if the pace had been a bit more rapid, it would have been more effective - I think that the blurb of this book makes it sound a little more action packed than it is, but the book remained simple, perhaps so that it is more accessible for younger readers.
There wasn't really anything complex about this book - it was relatively short and a quick read, so there wasn't much room for depth, but I don't feel as though the story suffered for that - I still got a good idea about all of the characters and they were firm in my mind. Personally, I like to learn more about the emotions of characters, but even without this, I did have an idea of what the characters were feeling. Of course, more development could have been made but for the type of book this is, it wasn't necessary- it's just a reasonably quick, entertaining read and it's good that way - I think that it could've gone disastrously wrong if it took itself too seriously - the easy-to-read yet still quite beautiful writing is definitely a bonus for younger readers.
I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed by the ending of this book - there wasn't a huge climax in the story and the ending didn't really come as much of a shock, either. There was potential to notch up the tension a bit, but it never seemed to happen. I personally thought that the ending was a little boring and a bit of an easy way out of the story, though I guess it did tie things up.
Although this is a very simple and quick book to read, it was enjoyable and I am glad that I read it - just to see what the twist on this traditional fairytale was. The book does feel quite 'cinematic' at points and I feel like maybe the story could be portrayed in a slightly more exciting way on screen. However, I'm a firm believer in reading the book and seeing the film. If you like reading, for less than the price of a cinema ticket, I'd pick this up and give it a try.
I have read some fantastic fairytale retellings (Cinder) and some not so great ones, so it was interesting to see what this was like. Snow White is one of the most popular fairytales that I think almost everyone knows about. It's a little dangerous to mess around with something the world knows and loves, but I think that for the most part, the changes worked out okay.
The story was vivid and it felt as though there was a lot of adventure, even though it wasn't particularly fast-paced. I think that if the pace had been a bit more rapid, it would have been more effective - I think that the blurb of this book makes it sound a little more action packed than it is, but the book remained simple, perhaps so that it is more accessible for younger readers.
There wasn't really anything complex about this book - it was relatively short and a quick read, so there wasn't much room for depth, but I don't feel as though the story suffered for that - I still got a good idea about all of the characters and they were firm in my mind. Personally, I like to learn more about the emotions of characters, but even without this, I did have an idea of what the characters were feeling. Of course, more development could have been made but for the type of book this is, it wasn't necessary- it's just a reasonably quick, entertaining read and it's good that way - I think that it could've gone disastrously wrong if it took itself too seriously - the easy-to-read yet still quite beautiful writing is definitely a bonus for younger readers.
I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed by the ending of this book - there wasn't a huge climax in the story and the ending didn't really come as much of a shock, either. There was potential to notch up the tension a bit, but it never seemed to happen. I personally thought that the ending was a little boring and a bit of an easy way out of the story, though I guess it did tie things up.
Although this is a very simple and quick book to read, it was enjoyable and I am glad that I read it - just to see what the twist on this traditional fairytale was. The book does feel quite 'cinematic' at points and I feel like maybe the story could be portrayed in a slightly more exciting way on screen. However, I'm a firm believer in reading the book and seeing the film. If you like reading, for less than the price of a cinema ticket, I'd pick this up and give it a try.
January 29, 2015
Who will you be when faced with the end?
The end of a kingdom,
The end of good men,
Will you run?
Will you hide?
Or will you hunt down evil with a venomous pride?
Rise to the ashes,
Rise to the winter sky,
Rise to the calling,
Make heard the battle cry.
Let it scream from the mountains
From the forest to the chapel,
Because death is a hungry mouth
And you are the apple.
So who will you be when faced with the end?
When the vultures are circling
And the shadows descend
Will you cower?
Or will you fight?
Is your heart made of glass?
Or a pure Snow White?
Isn't that great? Things like that are why I love fairytales. Anyway... Snow White and the Huntsman. It's fairly common for books to be made into films. What you don't hear so much of is films being made into books, which is what this is. If you read Snow White and the Huntsman because you've seen the film, you're going to know most of this story. The plot strays little. If you read it as a novel in its own right, you're probably going to be disappointed. Not that it's bad as per se, but in converting a book to film, you often lose depth - it's hard to portray characters' thoughts and feelings on screen, for example. Unfortunately, the author* has not added any of that depth back in in converting the story the other way. There isn't a great deal of characterisation and how Snow White transforms from girl-who's-been-locked-in-a-dungeon-for-ten-years to warrior princess in, what, a week isn't addressed at all.
But that's not to say there's no value at all in reading Snow White and the Huntsman. If you enjoyed the film, which I did, despite Kristen Stewart hamming it up**, then it's interesting to read this as kind of an extended version, with a few extra scenes etc. Particularly in the sense that we get a bit more of Ravenna's backstory, which shows her not as pure evil, but someone seeking revenge for the murder of her mother.
It's not something to go out of your way to buy, but I did enjoy it.
*Yes, author. I know other people have commented on such a short book having four authors - it doesn't. The author of the book is Lily Blake. The others are responsible for the screenplay which this is based upon.
**I don't understand why she sometimes seems such an iffy actress, given she did a pretty good job in Welcome to the Rileys and The Runaways. Bizarre.
The end of a kingdom,
The end of good men,
Will you run?
Will you hide?
Or will you hunt down evil with a venomous pride?
Rise to the ashes,
Rise to the winter sky,
Rise to the calling,
Make heard the battle cry.
Let it scream from the mountains
From the forest to the chapel,
Because death is a hungry mouth
And you are the apple.
So who will you be when faced with the end?
When the vultures are circling
And the shadows descend
Will you cower?
Or will you fight?
Is your heart made of glass?
Or a pure Snow White?
Isn't that great? Things like that are why I love fairytales. Anyway... Snow White and the Huntsman. It's fairly common for books to be made into films. What you don't hear so much of is films being made into books, which is what this is. If you read Snow White and the Huntsman because you've seen the film, you're going to know most of this story. The plot strays little. If you read it as a novel in its own right, you're probably going to be disappointed. Not that it's bad as per se, but in converting a book to film, you often lose depth - it's hard to portray characters' thoughts and feelings on screen, for example. Unfortunately, the author* has not added any of that depth back in in converting the story the other way. There isn't a great deal of characterisation and how Snow White transforms from girl-who's-been-locked-in-a-dungeon-for-ten-years to warrior princess in, what, a week isn't addressed at all.
But that's not to say there's no value at all in reading Snow White and the Huntsman. If you enjoyed the film, which I did, despite Kristen Stewart hamming it up**, then it's interesting to read this as kind of an extended version, with a few extra scenes etc. Particularly in the sense that we get a bit more of Ravenna's backstory, which shows her not as pure evil, but someone seeking revenge for the murder of her mother.
It's not something to go out of your way to buy, but I did enjoy it.
*Yes, author. I know other people have commented on such a short book having four authors - it doesn't. The author of the book is Lily Blake. The others are responsible for the screenplay which this is based upon.
**I don't understand why she sometimes seems such an iffy actress, given she did a pretty good job in Welcome to the Rileys and The Runaways. Bizarre.
August 20, 2012
My bestfriend gave this book to me on my birthday so I started reading it right away :) It was quite an easy read. I finished withing 5 hours. Anyway, as everyone may already know its a book based on a movie that's base on a folk tale. The plot was promising though I think the story moved wayyy too fast. Snow White was trapped inside the dungeon for 10 years, it's a bit skeptical that she learned how to fight and hold a sword in just a few days. How the heck did she also have the stamina to run around the Dark Forest for how many days? Beats me.
Also the forced "romance" between Snow (I'm calling her that because calling someone Snow White just seems weird to me) and Eric annoyed me. I don't know why but I like books where they always insert romances in so obviously I was always looking forward to the interactions between the two. NEVER HAPPENED. It was just "he might almost have been handsome" and stuffs like that. What annoyed me even more is the ending where Eric just goes back to his old self and being alone. Bohooo.
So I liked the book but not really LOVE it in a way I love books. It lacked the character development and excitement I was hoping for. But since my best friend gave it to me, I appreciate it! ♥
Also the forced "romance" between Snow (I'm calling her that because calling someone Snow White just seems weird to me) and Eric annoyed me. I don't know why but I like books where they always insert romances in so obviously I was always looking forward to the interactions between the two. NEVER HAPPENED. It was just "he might almost have been handsome" and stuffs like that. What annoyed me even more is the ending where Eric just goes back to his old self and being alone. Bohooo.
So I liked the book but not really LOVE it in a way I love books. It lacked the character development and excitement I was hoping for. But since my best friend gave it to me, I appreciate it! ♥
June 13, 2012
Tie-in books are hit and miss, usually miss.
“Snow White and the Huntsman” was a definite miss. I really wanted to like it, because I was so excited about the movie. The trailers looked amazing!
I read the book to tide me over until the movie comes out on DVD, as I won’t be seeing it in the theatre. But reading the tie-in made me not want to see the movie at all. The story, which seemed so cool and different in the trailers, was boiled down to a lackluster tale that went from A to B to C.
The writing is what bothered me the most. The characters are flat and never really developed. They’re inconsistent, too. For example, Snow White was locked up in a tower for ten years. Yet a few days after escaping, she’s trekking through the woods all day and learning to fight. The author goes from harping on her weak body to totally forgetting it.
A day after finishing the book, and I’ve already forgotten most of it. Not quite the experience I was hoping for. I’ll still check the movie out, but now I’m not so sad about my decision to wait for it on DVD.
“Snow White and the Huntsman” was a definite miss. I really wanted to like it, because I was so excited about the movie. The trailers looked amazing!
I read the book to tide me over until the movie comes out on DVD, as I won’t be seeing it in the theatre. But reading the tie-in made me not want to see the movie at all. The story, which seemed so cool and different in the trailers, was boiled down to a lackluster tale that went from A to B to C.
The writing is what bothered me the most. The characters are flat and never really developed. They’re inconsistent, too. For example, Snow White was locked up in a tower for ten years. Yet a few days after escaping, she’s trekking through the woods all day and learning to fight. The author goes from harping on her weak body to totally forgetting it.
A day after finishing the book, and I’ve already forgotten most of it. Not quite the experience I was hoping for. I’ll still check the movie out, but now I’m not so sad about my decision to wait for it on DVD.
January 4, 2016
Reading Challenge 2016.
1. Un libro basado en un cuento de hadas
No estoy acostumbrada a leer este tipo de libros, no me llaman la atención. Sin embargo, resultó envolvente desde las primeras páginas. Casi no recordaba la historia de Blancanieves (es de mis princesas menos favoritas), así que fue un giro agradable y diferente al hacer a una Blancanieves fuerte, con carácter, y desarrollar una historia con un cazador que debía matarla.
La prosa es simple y llana, nada muy literario ni elaborado. Los personajes también resultan ser simples, a excepción de Ravenna, que puedo ver en la piel de Charlize Theron al cien por ciento. Tiene algo de fantástico, épico y romántico. Lo que sí es que bastante cliché y típico, un poco cursi pero sin ser demasiado empalagoso.
Después de leer esto, realmente no me quedan ganas de ver la película.
1. Un libro basado en un cuento de hadas
No estoy acostumbrada a leer este tipo de libros, no me llaman la atención. Sin embargo, resultó envolvente desde las primeras páginas. Casi no recordaba la historia de Blancanieves (es de mis princesas menos favoritas), así que fue un giro agradable y diferente al hacer a una Blancanieves fuerte, con carácter, y desarrollar una historia con un cazador que debía matarla.
La prosa es simple y llana, nada muy literario ni elaborado. Los personajes también resultan ser simples, a excepción de Ravenna, que puedo ver en la piel de Charlize Theron al cien por ciento. Tiene algo de fantástico, épico y romántico. Lo que sí es que bastante cliché y típico, un poco cursi pero sin ser demasiado empalagoso.
Después de leer esto, realmente no me quedan ganas de ver la película.
November 12, 2019
Si no hubiese visto la película antes quizás me habría gustado más.
April 23, 2025
Awesome quick read!! Love this author back when I read the reign book series! So glad I could read it
August 29, 2020
My view of the story is a grim version of Snow White, I wanted more action especially in the Dark Forest. But overall it was a quick and average read for me. 3 stars
July 20, 2012
I saw the movie before I read this book. I enjoyed the movie so much, that I had to pick up the book and see how they compare. Now, I know this book was written based on the script of the movie, so I knew it was going to be pretty close to the movie. I think there were things I liked better in the movie and some things I liked better in the book.
Better in the movie:
1) Most of the backstory was told at the beginning of the movie - you knew who William was before she was trying to escape, etc. In the book, only the part about the Queen killing the King was really at the beginning, so a lot of the backstory came from memories in the characters' heads. So I felt like I didn't relate to them as much because it was just a quick recap of something important that needed to be said, but it was more in passing.
2) I didn't get as attached to the dwarves, and specifically Gus, in the book. They spent such little time with the Dwarves in the book, and Gus wasn't really mentioned in the book
Better in the book:
1) You get inside Snow White's and the Huntsman's minds more. You are able to see their relationship build better. Obviously in the movie you root for him because he's one of the main characters and he's Chris Hemsworth for Pete's sake. I liked seeing that relationship grow. And you could see and feel better why the Huntsman is the one who wakes her.
2) In the book you really see the Huntsman's transformation from sulking widower to having some hope again, which I really enjoyed. Even though the book was only 220 pages with a lot of wasted pages for chapter numbers, you still really saw character growth in Snow White and the Huntsman. Now, perhaps some of this came from it being a movie script prior, but you really don't get to see the inner thoughts of Snow White and the Huntsman in the movie, so you attach to them better and really see why the things that happen do happen.
3) The book still ends the same way without a kiss! What kind of fairy tale ends without a kiss???? In the movie she just smiles at him in the end while he's kind of off to the side. I liked in the book, though, that it specifically called out that she only thought of William as a friend, but she really liked the Huntsman. I liked how it wrapped up who she actually cared about, but I was so annoyed at that ending, when he obviously loves her - the only girl or person in the world who was able to pull him out of his depression. Sigh. I know it's based on a fairy tale, but I'm really hoping for a sequel that will have a happier ending in terms of love!
Overall thought I really enjoyed this Snow White story. The only thing was that in some parts, the perspective changed abruptly. One moment it was Snow White's perspective, and then the next paragraph it was the Queen's. That was a littl jarring. Normally perspective changes happen with breaks in the chapter or just a new chapter. But this had several times where one paragraph was from one perspective and the next another perspective. I understand that the author needed to tell the scene from two perspective sometimes, and obviously no one wants to read the same scene twice, but it was still jarring for me. But otherwise it was great. I think if you liked the movie you will really enjoy the book and vice versa. And I thought this was a very good version of Snow White. Modern yet still true to the medieval times that Snow White is usually told.
Better in the movie:
1) Most of the backstory was told at the beginning of the movie - you knew who William was before she was trying to escape, etc. In the book, only the part about the Queen killing the King was really at the beginning, so a lot of the backstory came from memories in the characters' heads. So I felt like I didn't relate to them as much because it was just a quick recap of something important that needed to be said, but it was more in passing.
2) I didn't get as attached to the dwarves, and specifically Gus, in the book. They spent such little time with the Dwarves in the book, and Gus wasn't really mentioned in the book
Better in the book:
1) You get inside Snow White's and the Huntsman's minds more. You are able to see their relationship build better. Obviously in the movie you root for him because he's one of the main characters and he's Chris Hemsworth for Pete's sake. I liked seeing that relationship grow. And you could see and feel better why the Huntsman is the one who wakes her.
2) In the book you really see the Huntsman's transformation from sulking widower to having some hope again, which I really enjoyed. Even though the book was only 220 pages with a lot of wasted pages for chapter numbers, you still really saw character growth in Snow White and the Huntsman. Now, perhaps some of this came from it being a movie script prior, but you really don't get to see the inner thoughts of Snow White and the Huntsman in the movie, so you attach to them better and really see why the things that happen do happen.
3) The book still ends the same way without a kiss! What kind of fairy tale ends without a kiss???? In the movie she just smiles at him in the end while he's kind of off to the side. I liked in the book, though, that it specifically called out that she only thought of William as a friend, but she really liked the Huntsman. I liked how it wrapped up who she actually cared about, but I was so annoyed at that ending, when he obviously loves her - the only girl or person in the world who was able to pull him out of his depression. Sigh. I know it's based on a fairy tale, but I'm really hoping for a sequel that will have a happier ending in terms of love!
Overall thought I really enjoyed this Snow White story. The only thing was that in some parts, the perspective changed abruptly. One moment it was Snow White's perspective, and then the next paragraph it was the Queen's. That was a littl jarring. Normally perspective changes happen with breaks in the chapter or just a new chapter. But this had several times where one paragraph was from one perspective and the next another perspective. I understand that the author needed to tell the scene from two perspective sometimes, and obviously no one wants to read the same scene twice, but it was still jarring for me. But otherwise it was great. I think if you liked the movie you will really enjoy the book and vice versa. And I thought this was a very good version of Snow White. Modern yet still true to the medieval times that Snow White is usually told.
November 2, 2012
I have been looking forward to this film for a while and when I discovered there was a novelization that I should give it a whirl. This is my first read from the Poppy imprint of Hachette Book Group but I'd come back for more. Tonight I was able to turn the last few pages and finish this book and while it did not take incredibly long to read in less than a handful of sessions I am greatly looking forward to the movie even more now. It is a good thing on my timing to finish it as my Enginerd brought home the DVD today.
I was curious about what to expect in "another" Snow White tale. As we have Once Upon a Time on TV and then also the film Mirror Mirror. What I found was that the TV show is an interesting drama and Mirror Mirror was a comedy. Snow White & the Huntsman is action and drama perhaps with a quirk of personality humorous within to repreive from the dark. It is dark and perhaps challenging. Much with a take from The Count of Monte Cristo it seems the impossible is made to happen in an imprisonment, yet it is the mental imprisionments that seem to be just as strong of a chain as the physical.
While I wouldn't fall this an incredible novel to pour over, it does draw a good picture and I cannot wait to watch the film. I definitely was surprised by certain turns of events and think things worked out in an intriguing way. It is Snow White in a classic legend of a fairy tale but it is unique at that. While there is no birdseed and a carriage at the end I am curious about the possibility left open for a sequel. Although I haven't a clue as to what could happen next ...
Thanks to LB.
types on Kindle Fire
posted: I have been looking forward to this film for a while and when I discovered there was a novelization that I should give it a whirl. This is my first read from the Poppy imprint of Hachette Book Group but I’d come back for more. Tonight I was able to turn the last few pages and finish this book and while it did not take incredibly long to read in less than a handful of sessions I am greatly looking forward to the movie even more now. It is a good thing on my timing to finish it as my Enginerd brought home the DVD today.
I was curious about what to expect in “another” Snow White tale. As we have Once Upon a Time on TV and then also the film Mirror Mirror. What I found was that the TV show is an interesting drama and Mirror Mirror was a comedy. Snow White & the Huntsman is action and drama perhaps with a quirk of personality humorous within to repreive from the dark. It is dark and perhaps challenging. Much with a take from The Count of Monte Cristo it seems the impossible is made to happen in an imprisonment, yet it is the mental imprisionments that seem to be just as strong of a chain as the physical.
While I wouldn’t fall this an incredible novel to pour over, it does draw a good picture and I cannot wait to watch the film. I definitely was surprised by certain turns of events and think things worked out in an intriguing way. It is Snow White in a classic legend of a fairy tale but it is unique at that. While there is no birdseed and a carriage at the end I am curious about the possibility left open for a sequel. Although I haven’t a clue as to what could happen next …
*Thanks to Little Brown for providing a copy for review.*
I was curious about what to expect in "another" Snow White tale. As we have Once Upon a Time on TV and then also the film Mirror Mirror. What I found was that the TV show is an interesting drama and Mirror Mirror was a comedy. Snow White & the Huntsman is action and drama perhaps with a quirk of personality humorous within to repreive from the dark. It is dark and perhaps challenging. Much with a take from The Count of Monte Cristo it seems the impossible is made to happen in an imprisonment, yet it is the mental imprisionments that seem to be just as strong of a chain as the physical.
While I wouldn't fall this an incredible novel to pour over, it does draw a good picture and I cannot wait to watch the film. I definitely was surprised by certain turns of events and think things worked out in an intriguing way. It is Snow White in a classic legend of a fairy tale but it is unique at that. While there is no birdseed and a carriage at the end I am curious about the possibility left open for a sequel. Although I haven't a clue as to what could happen next ...
Thanks to LB.
types on Kindle Fire
posted: I have been looking forward to this film for a while and when I discovered there was a novelization that I should give it a whirl. This is my first read from the Poppy imprint of Hachette Book Group but I’d come back for more. Tonight I was able to turn the last few pages and finish this book and while it did not take incredibly long to read in less than a handful of sessions I am greatly looking forward to the movie even more now. It is a good thing on my timing to finish it as my Enginerd brought home the DVD today.
I was curious about what to expect in “another” Snow White tale. As we have Once Upon a Time on TV and then also the film Mirror Mirror. What I found was that the TV show is an interesting drama and Mirror Mirror was a comedy. Snow White & the Huntsman is action and drama perhaps with a quirk of personality humorous within to repreive from the dark. It is dark and perhaps challenging. Much with a take from The Count of Monte Cristo it seems the impossible is made to happen in an imprisonment, yet it is the mental imprisionments that seem to be just as strong of a chain as the physical.
While I wouldn’t fall this an incredible novel to pour over, it does draw a good picture and I cannot wait to watch the film. I definitely was surprised by certain turns of events and think things worked out in an intriguing way. It is Snow White in a classic legend of a fairy tale but it is unique at that. While there is no birdseed and a carriage at the end I am curious about the possibility left open for a sequel. Although I haven’t a clue as to what could happen next …
*Thanks to Little Brown for providing a copy for review.*
January 21, 2015
I LOVED this book. It was charming and I enjoyed it a lot. The ending was rushed which was my only gripe with the whole thing.
Everyone knows the story of Snow White. This book is a dark twist on the light and fluffy Disney fairy tale that everyone is used to.
It's about a girl named Ravenna and her brother Finn. Their village is burned and their mother is killed. Before she dies she bestows a gift on them. It connects them. It gives them beauty. Once their mother dies, they are on their own. The King of Commonwealth finds Ravenna, thinking she is a prisoner and befriends her and falls in love with her. The king has a daughter, Snow White. Right after the King marries Ravenna, she murders him on her wedding night and becomes queen and takes over the kingdom. She sucks the life and beauty out of young girls to keep herself young. She has Snow White thrown into a cellar for 10 years, not wanting her to die but not wanting her around, either. It's not until the mirror on the wall tells Ravenna that killing Snow White would give her immortal beauty to where she would never have to age again. But at that point Snow White find a way to escape. She goes into the dark forest that has killed many. It's magical in a bad way. Pollen that will kill you if you inhale it, and quick sand that will sink you. Only one man has ever survived it. The queen hires him to get Snow White back, but he befriends her. He then helps her escape to Duke Hammond's place, where her childhood friend is at that she thought about for so many years in the cellar.
The story mostly takes place during Snow White and the Huntsman's journey. The very end, when Snow White finally kills Ravenna, is rushed which I didn't like. Other than that, it was a charming story. I'd definitely recommend it.
Everyone knows the story of Snow White. This book is a dark twist on the light and fluffy Disney fairy tale that everyone is used to.
It's about a girl named Ravenna and her brother Finn. Their village is burned and their mother is killed. Before she dies she bestows a gift on them. It connects them. It gives them beauty. Once their mother dies, they are on their own. The King of Commonwealth finds Ravenna, thinking she is a prisoner and befriends her and falls in love with her. The king has a daughter, Snow White. Right after the King marries Ravenna, she murders him on her wedding night and becomes queen and takes over the kingdom. She sucks the life and beauty out of young girls to keep herself young. She has Snow White thrown into a cellar for 10 years, not wanting her to die but not wanting her around, either. It's not until the mirror on the wall tells Ravenna that killing Snow White would give her immortal beauty to where she would never have to age again. But at that point Snow White find a way to escape. She goes into the dark forest that has killed many. It's magical in a bad way. Pollen that will kill you if you inhale it, and quick sand that will sink you. Only one man has ever survived it. The queen hires him to get Snow White back, but he befriends her. He then helps her escape to Duke Hammond's place, where her childhood friend is at that she thought about for so many years in the cellar.
The story mostly takes place during Snow White and the Huntsman's journey. The very end, when Snow White finally kills Ravenna, is rushed which I didn't like. Other than that, it was a charming story. I'd definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2012
I have no idea how to rate this book so I opted with three because it wasn't boring and it was... well, okay. Not bad, not good. You know, that sort of thing.
I had watched the movie and I wasn't impressed. Of the plot I mean. The visuals was stunning and the setting was beautiful. My favorite scene was when Ravenna was surrounded by her (yeah, you guess it) ravens. I have a copy of the movie and I repeated that scene like twice. The second best scene was when the mirror took its "human" form. But the plot. Oh, the plot. Wait, what plot? "... the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman who was dispatched to kill her." She HAS? Save for the (very short) scene where the Huntsman advised her on how to use the knife, he didn't teach her anything at all! So how was that training? Okay, then maybe they did train but it just wasn't shown? Fine. But why did she suck at the part where she fought with Ravenna? Oh, don't give me that crap that Ravenna had powers and SHE didn't. Snow White's swordplay was ridiculous. All she did was stab or slash. Really? What training!!! She seriously thought she could defeat Ravenna with that?!?! I frankly wished that Ravenna had won. Although she was an obvious nutcase, she was the best character in the movie.
And so we move on to the book. It delved on the portions that were rushed in the movie. It was a little slow but nothing I couldn't bear. The book is better in my opinion.
I had watched the movie and I wasn't impressed. Of the plot I mean. The visuals was stunning and the setting was beautiful. My favorite scene was when Ravenna was surrounded by her (yeah, you guess it) ravens. I have a copy of the movie and I repeated that scene like twice. The second best scene was when the mirror took its "human" form. But the plot. Oh, the plot. Wait, what plot? "... the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman who was dispatched to kill her." She HAS? Save for the (very short) scene where the Huntsman advised her on how to use the knife, he didn't teach her anything at all! So how was that training? Okay, then maybe they did train but it just wasn't shown? Fine. But why did she suck at the part where she fought with Ravenna? Oh, don't give me that crap that Ravenna had powers and SHE didn't. Snow White's swordplay was ridiculous. All she did was stab or slash. Really? What training!!! She seriously thought she could defeat Ravenna with that?!?! I frankly wished that Ravenna had won. Although she was an obvious nutcase, she was the best character in the movie.
And so we move on to the book. It delved on the portions that were rushed in the movie. It was a little slow but nothing I couldn't bear. The book is better in my opinion.
July 30, 2012
Since I saw the movie, that's probably why I gave this 2 stars, at first. This was a shoddily written book. I could have done better at writing it. It should have been listed as a junior novelization, it's that poorly written, except some junior novelizations are quite good. I like the character of the Huntsman, which saved this. More back story could have been included on every character, including Snow White.
She spent most of her life in a tower, yet she wasn't bitter, but kind. She should have had a happy childhood to dwell on, but you only get bare mentions of it. The most back story is on Eric, the Huntsman, but it's at the oddest times, when it's uncalled for.
And there were some extremely childish descriptions, here and there. Took me right out of the story, reading about Snow White reaching to "pet" the beautiful white horse that she meets in the Enchanted Forest. You pet puppies, cats, and miniature horses. Other descriptions stood out and made me think the author didn't know anything about fighting, horses, clothing, or personal characterizations.
It could've been fabulous, and it was a complete disappointment.
Now, having written this, I'm changing it to 1 star. Don't read it. Just watch the movie and imagine the details. This book won't tell you anything more that you want to know.
She spent most of her life in a tower, yet she wasn't bitter, but kind. She should have had a happy childhood to dwell on, but you only get bare mentions of it. The most back story is on Eric, the Huntsman, but it's at the oddest times, when it's uncalled for.
And there were some extremely childish descriptions, here and there. Took me right out of the story, reading about Snow White reaching to "pet" the beautiful white horse that she meets in the Enchanted Forest. You pet puppies, cats, and miniature horses. Other descriptions stood out and made me think the author didn't know anything about fighting, horses, clothing, or personal characterizations.
It could've been fabulous, and it was a complete disappointment.
Now, having written this, I'm changing it to 1 star. Don't read it. Just watch the movie and imagine the details. This book won't tell you anything more that you want to know.
August 29, 2016
Alright .So two days ago I finished Snow White & the Huntsman and I don't think is one of the best books I've read so far ... It's not that I didn't like it .I did enjoyed it but it wasn't one book I could not put down because of the plot or anything ... Although it was a fast read book (and by that I mean it was a book that made me go through it quickly ) nothing reaallyy exciting happend . I already knew the end because come on of course the evil queen has to die (!!) but I didn't know how . I liked the way Finn died and I was waiting for that with a little bit of an excitement to be honest! And i teard up when Gas sacrificed for Snow White and got killed ... For me this was a touching moment . Yesterday I watched the movie adaptation and there were aome differences . In the book ,the girl who talked with Snow White was named Rose ( I read the greek version so I have no idea how her name is actually spelled ) and in the movie somehow her name changed and she was called Gretta or something like that (again I don't know how is spelled) !! Like WHAT ? Aaanyways I enjoyed this book and that's why I gave it 3/5 stars . I think it's a good book in case you've read too many series or trilogies and you want something different . Thanks for taking your time to read my review I really appreciate that ! Have a beautiful day <3 ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2017
If there were half stars this would be 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. Such a different take on Snow White. We don't just get 'her parents die this is her step mother'. You learn about how the step mother came to be and how her father died. I like the difference in the mirror. It doesn't just talk back - it forms into a statue. I don't want to give away too much but I really enjoyed what a take charge kind of character Snow White was! I would definitely suggest this book to a friend.
March 26, 2012
Can't wait to see the movie!
It needs to hurry up and be June 1st already, SWATH is the movie I am most excited for this year for sure!
Kristen Stewart makes a perfect Snow White, she is so beautiful and talented. and Chris is a perfect choice for the Huntsman!
I can't wait to see the chemistry between Chris and Kristen as The Huntsman and Snow!
<3
It needs to hurry up and be June 1st already, SWATH is the movie I am most excited for this year for sure!
Kristen Stewart makes a perfect Snow White, she is so beautiful and talented. and Chris is a perfect choice for the Huntsman!
I can't wait to see the chemistry between Chris and Kristen as The Huntsman and Snow!
<3
March 20, 2021
Urgh I'm so disappointed by this! I felt like the author missed 100 pages of emotions forming, and actual drama unfolding, because everything I read didn't seem to make sense? Definitely want to watch the movie again, though I don't remember that being great!
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December 21, 2014bu kitabı okuyacağınıza masalını okuyun daha iyi. -_- hiç bişey yoktu kitabın içinde. dümdüz okundu ve bitti.
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