Reflect: Snow White Retold

Romance a Medieval Fairytale #16

by Demelza Carlton

A princess in danger. A heroic huntsman. A reflection revealing too much truth.

Once upon a time...

Princess Guinevere and her brother, Prince Xylander, flee the mad king's court in search of a marriage alliance with another kingdom.

But when Guinevere's new husband falls ill and his only heir goes missing, Guinevere and Xylander must save the suddenly hostile kingdom or face exile...and their father's wrath.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...whose will be the worst fate of all?


Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Fairy Tales, Historical Romance, Retellings, Paranormal

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.

Reviews

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually so good and funny too!
And it was also very clever written as well. Since Guinevere was the main character and yet she was portrayed as the Queen with the magic mirror, but a kind and sweet queen who was misunderstood many times!

We see the love life of Guinevere and her younger brother Xylander. Who are fleeing from their father who has gone mad and wishes to harm them. Desperate to flee, Lander takes his sister and they arrive at a kingdom whose king Guinevere was meant to marry. And wanting to feel safe again, she asks for his marriage, even if the king is now old and grey.
But on her wedding night, the king has taken ill and she is blamed for it.
Now Lander and Guinevere need to find a way to protect themselves from death and help restore the kingdom

It's a race against time as they are both misunderstood by many, but will they be free once again and be able to find love with someone ?

Really good tale, very funny too!

Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my, what a twisted mashup of Snow White and Arthurian myths!

Ooh, I loved this twisted mashup retelling!

Guinevere and Lander escape their mad father, the king to the neighbouring land in the hope that marriage ties to King Artorius and his daughter might save their lives. Needless to say, things do not go as planned but end with a HEA nevertheless.

I loved how the Evil Queen from Snow was melded into Guinevere from Arthurian times and twisted into a benevolent damsel in distress. What if Guin never cheated? What if the Evil Queen never killed her husband? What if both queens were one and the same person? What if the huntsman misunderstood the queen’s orders? What if the seven dwarves were just burly miners unable to recognise an incognito princess and lusting for female company in a remote location? What if the apple was a remedy not a cursed artefact? There were so many fairytale and mythological elements deliciously turned on their head that I couldn’t put this book down! All the stories in the series are amazing, but this is the most memorable, I think.

Recommended for lovers of retold fairytales, fairytale and myth mashups, strongwilled damsels in distress for YA and NA audiences alike with some steam, but literally closed door (as in some things are overheard behind closed doors).

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Carlton creates another fairytale retelling that barely resembles the original, and yet in many ways, it may be better, or at least, more realistic. Here, the queen/stepmother is the heroine and the Snow White character, though not bad, is immature and self-absorbed. The seven dwarves have a much darker side than any children's fairytale could ever show, though I don't think it's a stretch to say most anyone who has read the original has wondered just how likely it is that a young maiden could wander into the cottage of seven men (albeit dwarves) and emerge relatively unscathed.

I liked the names that Ms. Carlton chose for the characters: King Artorius, Queen Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, and a few other knights. The characters were interesting, although I found Prince Xylander a bit dense, which I guess made him the perfect match for Princess Zurine. There were a few gaps in the story, nothing major, but it could have benefited from a bit more closure with Xylander and Zurine, if nothing else. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and though I wouldn’t consider it Ms. Carlton’s best, it’s still better than a lot of other stuff out there.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time ... there was an author named Demelza Carlton who had a wonderfully twisted and fun imagination which magically enabled her to reimagine classic fairy tales into new, exciting genuine stories clearly modeled on but improving the classics. Reflect: Snow White Retold (Romance a Medieval Fairytale series Book 16) is one such tale. The story of what happens when Princess Guinevere and her brother, Prince Xylander, flee their kingdom is quite simply superb. It’s not bedtime reading for your children not definitely is great bedtime reading for yourself. great writing. I’m glad I downloaded it. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, action, suspense, some magic, intrigue, violence, darkness and a little romance in this fairy tale retold. The princesses and the prince were struggling with their fate, a kingdom was at stake and a cruel villain was waiting to strike. So much was happening that there’s no time to be bored or distracted. Enjoyed the witty plot development with the interesting and entertaining twists that I was not expecting. Guinevere’s character was a strong one, Xylander a little naïve and Zurine still was learning. Impressive how the author played, changed and twisted with characters and situations at will, and made them work in an intriguing and interesting way. Like how this story kept me following the royal drama.

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my new favorites in the series. It was a unique and engaging take on the Snow White fairytale, and I loved that characters from the legend of King Arthur were woven throughout. The story flowed and was well written. Though it is a retelling of Snow White, the points of view are from unexpected characters from the original tale, providing a very different story. The characters were compelling, and Lancelot was just as dreamy as one would hope. He is my favorite hero in this series. I was sad to finish reading because I wanted more, especially more interactions between Guinevere and Lancelot. This will definitely be a reread in the near future.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

👑 Brilliant mix of fairy tale and Arthurian legend😊
December 1, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍 👍I've read a number of the author's retold 🏰 fairy tales and this, for me, may be the best one yet! It's a seamless and pretty quick read, cleanly written, with just a touch of romantic heat, and a truly unexpected and unique take on the Snow White and Evil Step-mother Queen story. The seven miners in the woods are no friendly dwarves and the Queen is VERY misunderstood. Weaving King Arthur's court into Snow White's tale was so-o-o captivating!:-)

I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Renee Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Guinevere and her brother, Prince Xylander, must leave home to avoid their father's wrath. Once a loving man, their father has gone mad. He severely threatens Guinevere if the King he has chosen does not accept her hand in marriage. They manage to sneak out and travel to King Artorius' castle. Guin marries the much older king thinking to be safe from her father. Little does she know there is intrigue and maliciousness in the King's Court. This is a wonderful fairytale that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from the first page. I highly recommend it for those who love fairytales and even those who have never read one. I'm hooked and it gets five stars from me.

[Elspeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series but boy is the audiobook narrator awful.

In this book Guinevere and her brother escape their home and she is set to wed King Arthur while her brother would marry Arthur's daughter, who is kidnapped by 7 miners. The daughter/princess is saved and they marry, but the main story is about Guinevere. Arthur dies after their wedding night so she is blamed and has to leave the castle. The princess also thinks she tried to get her killed so she's against Guinevere as well.

Guinevere is brought to Sir Lancelot's castle where she becomes the Chatelaine (? - she's in charge) and he is in love with her from afar. Cute story with two different fairy tales as a base.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved every one of these retold fairy stories. Demelza Carlton takes the well know story of Snow White and turns it on its head even managing to link it to her Rumplestiltskin book and weave in the Knights of the round table - genius. The books can be read in any order and are all brilliant. Looking forward to the next one. If you have not read any of these books what are you waiting for - lots of twists and turns and eventually a HEA.

I received an ARC but have willing left a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I didn't pay attention to the title when I started reading it and I kept thinking it was a cross between Knights of the Roundtable and Snow White, only not really. I don't want to ruin the story for you so I will only say that the stepmother is not evil and the seven men are. Soooo, have a read and scratch your head at the glorious confusion, I mean fusion.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent retelling of Snow White, which also includes elements of the King Arthur story. Well written and full of drama, tension, moments of laughter and, of course, a twist of romance, this is a brilliant book that I highly recommend to all adult lovers of fairytales. And once you've enjoyed this one, you won't be able to help yourself reading the rest of the series too - they're just awesome!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my favourite genre, and the story flows in an unbelievable series of misinterpretations and half heard whispers (why would they think the Queen meant to cut out the Princess’s heart as the first thought, not once clarifying). But this is a fairytale so and unbelievable is it stock trade. So it is a really good reinterpretation of this genre. Easy to read as well. I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of read and review.

[Katie Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a twisting tale and a wonderfully fresh take on the Evil Queen, Snow White, and the Huntsman. Guinevere and Xylander are on the run from their father. I loved how complex the characters are and that Ms. Carlton pulled bits of other tales into this story. I was rooting for everyone to have their happy ending, but it almost seems impossible that it might happen. I highly recommend you read this retelling!!

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relying on her usual romantic flair and talent for bringing legends and fairy tales to life, Demelza Carlton melds the classic stories of Snow White and the Arthur-Guinevere- Lancelot love triangle into a single story. The characters are full blown and life-like and there's enough palace intrigue to satisfy even the most demanding fan of courtly shenanigans.
Carlton's Medieval Fairytale series rarely disappoints, but this is definitely one of the better ones.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I truly enjoyed this book and am giving my honest review. This was entertaining and had lots of humour. You have so many misunderstandings and many twists to the plot that you cannot put the book down. A really good read with characters you will grow to love. I would recommend this book.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story with all of the elements of Snow White but, beware, they are not in the usual order. The Queen, the Huntsman, the Princess, and even Sir Lancelot are truly fabulous characters. I hope that you enjoy this story as much as I did.

I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am leaving my honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisted but thoroughly enjoyable retelling of Snow White with some additional mythical characters thrown in for good measure. With steam, humour, and the fusing of different tales to create this descriptive and engaging storyline. I liked it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great version of Snow White. This story is sweet and just a little sad in parts. You have all the characters from your classic story, the evil queen, the huntsman, the cottage in the woods but with a very interesting twist on the step mum and the seven dwarfs. This book has twists that you don't expect. A really good read.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflect: Snow White Retold (A medieval fairytale romance series) is a revived version of the enchanted classic fairytale with a unexpected twist. Well detailed world building detail settings & descriptions. Composed of a fusion of action, dark moments, magic, mystery, suspense, & bit of romance. Characters include The Queen, The Huntsman, The Princess, and Sir Lancelot. Royal family melodrama cleverly braided throughout the fairytale.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 5

This is what happens when Snow White gets mixed up with sir Lancelot, Geneviere, a king that loosely resembles king Arther, and seven dwarfs that are not dwarfs. Oh, and spice up this mix and match with adult undertones. It becomes the birth of something I wish would make it to film! Very happy to add this book to my collection! All my reviews are always voluntarily written

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free book and voluntarily chose to review it. This author’s imagination is unbelievable. She twists the tale and gives us a new point of view. I have loved all of her previous tales and can’t wait for another one. Loved it.

[Suez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Guinevere and her misunderstood role as the wicked stepmother in Snow White ... flawlessly blended with her thrilling forbidden love for Lancelot. I highly recommend this absolutely enjoyable non stop, action packed adventure. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy

[Joanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Show White, the princess live happily ever after? Does her Prince come to save her? All these questions are answered when you read this story. Uncommon events happen to the Queen but there is Sir Lancelot and the story continues. Good storytelling.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Carlton did something I had not expected from Snow White retellings. It was a completely diffrent story connected to Arthurian myths.

I enjoyed it very much as I found my long Lost Love to those retellings.

[Starr Wilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Really enjoyed this unique twist on Snow White...although once more it ks very surface scratching of the tale most of us know from Disney although I have a feeling she is aiming for the original tale then twisting it but it was great..

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good twisted fairytale retelling. It is a retelling of Snow White, but with shades of the Arthur legends as well. I like how the "evil queen" is the hero and it is done without making Snow White the villain.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique, well-written retelling of Snow White. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/review/R6NMKGA...

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful retelling of Snow White. A refreshing change to a classic story.