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Snow
"When the girl brought my bowl she was in and out through the door like she couldn't move fast enough. And when the lock clicked after her I found something she'd left. A knife. And not one for spreading butter, but a sharp one for slitting throats." Locked in a cell by her stepmother, Snow grows small but she still grows. Even so, she's hardly a match for a world gone wild, where the sun has disappeared behind clouds for good. The night the hunter takes her into the forest with orders to cut out her heart, Snow makes him a promise she isn't sure she can keep. And then she runs. Snow's life is no fairytale. As she grows up her path will take her into the mountains, over misty passes, desolate gorges and alpine rivers, as well as to the city, where she will make her case for the return of what is hers. And her childish promise will not be forgotten. A dark and lyrical "Snow White" retelling set in a postclimate-change world, "Snow" is a fairytale of the future.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
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132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 4, 2020
Snow by Gina Inverarity is a post climate change, post modern world Snow White retelling that is honestly completely captivating and filled to the brim with a wonderful eerie setting and lyrical, illustrious writing and just such a fitting read for these unusual times that we find ourselves in at the moment.
I was instantly drawn into the frankly mesmerising world of Snow. I’ve not read a great deal of Snow White retellings, which made me appreciate this beautiful book even more! I haven’t read anything like Snow before, a book that’s set in a world which frankly could well be considered not potentially at all far off from the state of the world now – a post climate change world! I mean, all you have to do is look at the news or social media or anywhere online to read about how the environment, the climate, is struggling. I feel like Gina’s illustrious and eerie post climate setting in Snow felt like looking through a crystal ball and potentially seeing the future.
Snow is honestly just such an admirable character, so fierce and brave. Right from the first page I absolutely adored her character and hoped that this small but fierce girl who was locked away in a cell by her menacing Stepmother, would eventually flourish and be safe and well. I felt so saddened as I learnt the story of her heart wrenching years, never knowing her Mother and then having to see her beloved Father in such poor health and then nor even properly being able to farewell him, for her Stepmother kept Snow locked away, hardly cared for and fed, completely shut off from everything that’s happening in the outside world.
I absolutely adored the originality of this retelling, having a Hunter who was instructed to bring back Snows’ heart to The Wicked Stepmother, Rain. The book had the occasional passage told from his perspective which gives the reader an insight into his not so completely cold, unfeeling heart and having his inner thoughts and feelings towards young Snow. I absolutely adored their dynamic throughout, I completely cheered when she ran after bargaining with him, and those parts of the book told from his perspective were just so heartfelt! Whilst I did feel like this was a titular character (Snow) story, The Hunter was completely an integral part of it, too.
It’s during her early moments of being on the run that Snow, after escaping the deadly clutches of a she-bear, finds herself an animal companion in the bears’ baby cub. I absolutely adored their familiar-like bond! Both bear cub and girl were abandoned at such a young age and left to fend for themselves, but baby bear latches on to Snow and what blooms is easily just one of my favourite animal/human bonds! It was just so heartwarming and exciting seeing bear and human flourish, whilst still being exposed to all sorts of misfortunes and horrors whilst trying to find a safe haven, I just couldn’t help but cheer them on all the way and hope that Snow and Little Bear found happiness and safety in the Mountain that should rightfully be hers from birthright, the Mountain that is hers,, the people that should be hers. I absolutely adored Snow’s steely reserve, though, for not once did she want to challenge her Stepmothers’ rule, she just wanted to be free and be safe and to go home, as she always should’ve been able to – I loved how she’s always felt a kinship to her Mountain home, too. It was completely heart wrenching for Snow to learn that there was a price for her heart from that ruthless Stepmother of hers and that the mountain folk had been lead to believe that this fierce but darling girl should be completely isolated and shunned, killed even!
Snow was honestly such a captivating journey at every step throughout, with a wholly memorable, admirable and wonderful titular character. I’m definitely calling this one of my new favourite retellings this year and honestly given the time we’re living in and faced with now, I definitely encourage and advocate that everyone read Snow.
I was instantly drawn into the frankly mesmerising world of Snow. I’ve not read a great deal of Snow White retellings, which made me appreciate this beautiful book even more! I haven’t read anything like Snow before, a book that’s set in a world which frankly could well be considered not potentially at all far off from the state of the world now – a post climate change world! I mean, all you have to do is look at the news or social media or anywhere online to read about how the environment, the climate, is struggling. I feel like Gina’s illustrious and eerie post climate setting in Snow felt like looking through a crystal ball and potentially seeing the future.
Snow is honestly just such an admirable character, so fierce and brave. Right from the first page I absolutely adored her character and hoped that this small but fierce girl who was locked away in a cell by her menacing Stepmother, would eventually flourish and be safe and well. I felt so saddened as I learnt the story of her heart wrenching years, never knowing her Mother and then having to see her beloved Father in such poor health and then nor even properly being able to farewell him, for her Stepmother kept Snow locked away, hardly cared for and fed, completely shut off from everything that’s happening in the outside world.
I absolutely adored the originality of this retelling, having a Hunter who was instructed to bring back Snows’ heart to The Wicked Stepmother, Rain. The book had the occasional passage told from his perspective which gives the reader an insight into his not so completely cold, unfeeling heart and having his inner thoughts and feelings towards young Snow. I absolutely adored their dynamic throughout, I completely cheered when she ran after bargaining with him, and those parts of the book told from his perspective were just so heartfelt! Whilst I did feel like this was a titular character (Snow) story, The Hunter was completely an integral part of it, too.
It’s during her early moments of being on the run that Snow, after escaping the deadly clutches of a she-bear, finds herself an animal companion in the bears’ baby cub. I absolutely adored their familiar-like bond! Both bear cub and girl were abandoned at such a young age and left to fend for themselves, but baby bear latches on to Snow and what blooms is easily just one of my favourite animal/human bonds! It was just so heartwarming and exciting seeing bear and human flourish, whilst still being exposed to all sorts of misfortunes and horrors whilst trying to find a safe haven, I just couldn’t help but cheer them on all the way and hope that Snow and Little Bear found happiness and safety in the Mountain that should rightfully be hers from birthright, the Mountain that is hers,, the people that should be hers. I absolutely adored Snow’s steely reserve, though, for not once did she want to challenge her Stepmothers’ rule, she just wanted to be free and be safe and to go home, as she always should’ve been able to – I loved how she’s always felt a kinship to her Mountain home, too. It was completely heart wrenching for Snow to learn that there was a price for her heart from that ruthless Stepmother of hers and that the mountain folk had been lead to believe that this fierce but darling girl should be completely isolated and shunned, killed even!
Snow was honestly such a captivating journey at every step throughout, with a wholly memorable, admirable and wonderful titular character. I’m definitely calling this one of my new favourite retellings this year and honestly given the time we’re living in and faced with now, I definitely encourage and advocate that everyone read Snow.
May 8, 2020
Snow by Gina Inverarity is the perfect young adult (YA) book for our times; a dystopian retelling of the Snow White fairytale in a modern post-climate-change world set in New Zealand.
The story opens in a fortified chateau in the mountains where a child (Snow) is held captive by her stepmother, Rain. Rain is the archetypal wicked stepmother and Snow, in contrast, is strong and true despite her small stature. She reminded me very much of the protagonist Ophelia in the brilliant YA French steampunk series, The Mirror Visitor by Christelle Dabos (which I have raved about for eons).
Although elements of Snow's world reflects our current post-bushfire, refugee crises and global pandemic world of 2020 - this never becomes a story that is too grim or harsh. We take hope because Snow takes hope.
What I most enjoyed about Snow:
- the capture of a much colder New Zealand - Inverarity's sense of place is vivid and rich. I really enjoyed imagining this story world;
- the intimate relationship between Snow and her bear cub, Little Bear. Their relationship is a joy to behold;
- the premise of a post-climate-change world that seemed entirely plausible and dark but with a glimmer of hope;
- the retelling of the Snow White fairytale. I read Snow in a couple of sittings because it was an easy, enjoyable read and I was genuinely curious about how the story would play out;
- I love the book cover and the detail on the inner pages is gorgeous, too. The making of Snow has obviously been a labour of love, and it shows.
If you enjoy reading modern retellings of fairytales or dystopian fiction, this book is for you. Highly recommended reading for YA readers and anyone who enjoys a good story.
The story opens in a fortified chateau in the mountains where a child (Snow) is held captive by her stepmother, Rain. Rain is the archetypal wicked stepmother and Snow, in contrast, is strong and true despite her small stature. She reminded me very much of the protagonist Ophelia in the brilliant YA French steampunk series, The Mirror Visitor by Christelle Dabos (which I have raved about for eons).
Although elements of Snow's world reflects our current post-bushfire, refugee crises and global pandemic world of 2020 - this never becomes a story that is too grim or harsh. We take hope because Snow takes hope.
What I most enjoyed about Snow:
- the capture of a much colder New Zealand - Inverarity's sense of place is vivid and rich. I really enjoyed imagining this story world;
- the intimate relationship between Snow and her bear cub, Little Bear. Their relationship is a joy to behold;
- the premise of a post-climate-change world that seemed entirely plausible and dark but with a glimmer of hope;
- the retelling of the Snow White fairytale. I read Snow in a couple of sittings because it was an easy, enjoyable read and I was genuinely curious about how the story would play out;
- I love the book cover and the detail on the inner pages is gorgeous, too. The making of Snow has obviously been a labour of love, and it shows.
If you enjoy reading modern retellings of fairytales or dystopian fiction, this book is for you. Highly recommended reading for YA readers and anyone who enjoys a good story.
May 7, 2020
I love a good fairytale retelling and this one certainly did not disappoint, I finished this in a single sitting. We follow our MC, Snow, as she escapes the clutches of her evil step mother through a uniquely dark and captivating take on a childhood favourite of mine.
I enjoyed her connection with Little Bear 🐻, and to the mountain - to home. Gina has created a captivating retelling in a post climate world with strong character development that had me constantly turning the page!
If you enjoy fairytale retellings then this one’s for you!
I enjoyed her connection with Little Bear 🐻, and to the mountain - to home. Gina has created a captivating retelling in a post climate world with strong character development that had me constantly turning the page!
If you enjoy fairytale retellings then this one’s for you!
April 20, 2020
I really loved this book, it is lush and gritty and romantic, and I adore fairytale retellings... I read this in one sitting, it just pulled me in so deep. A beautiful book!
May 8, 2020
Growing up, Snow White was always my favourite fairytale and I have often sought out Snow White retellings so what grabbed me in the first instance was how this story is a retelling set in a post climate change era. We often read Snow White set in historical or medieval times so why it took a moment for me to get my head around the new setting, this was very enjoyable and cleverly executed. The characters we meet and follow in this book are those you come to like, particularly the Little Bear and The Hunter whom Snow spends a lot of time with during this story. Although this was a work of fiction, the author did well in exploring effects of climate change and cleverly weaving those themes into the story. Overall I enjoyed this story and would rate this a retelling that was very well done. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The pacing was just right and I believe I would not just recommend this to fans of fairytale retellings but to readers of fantasy stories that are either inspired or set in the real world as you can address real world issues through a fantasy lens. Suitable for readers from 12 years and up. With special thanks to Aus YA Bloggers and Wakefield Press for having me on board for their Snow Blog Tour.
May 3, 2020
**I was given this book in exchange for an honest review**
There’s a fair amount of risk in taking on a retelling, especially one of the Disney classics. Ensuring that you give the original story the respect it deserves whilst making it unique and distinctly yours would be no mean feat. And I have read several Snow White retellings that have all desperately missed the mark for me.
But Gina Inverarity is nothing like the rest. Her take on Snow White was one like I’ve never seen before, combining the essence of the beloved fairytale in a post-climate-change world.
What I loved most about Snow is that it was relatable- almost scarily so. The world that she lives in could very well be our own (and when I found out where it was actually set! 😱😍) which was both intriguing and entirely terrifying.
Snow herself is a wonderful character to follow. Although she grew up in a setting where the landscape was just as likely to kill her as her stepmother, she never loses her fighting spirit and never stops trying- even when the odds are stacked firmly against her. But Snow didn’t get through it all on her own. What was even more endearing than Snow’s resilience was her beautiful friendship with the most unlikely of creatures.
Inverarity has woven a magical tale with just the right amount of wonder. And for this incredible story, she is most definitely the fairest of them all.
There’s a fair amount of risk in taking on a retelling, especially one of the Disney classics. Ensuring that you give the original story the respect it deserves whilst making it unique and distinctly yours would be no mean feat. And I have read several Snow White retellings that have all desperately missed the mark for me.
But Gina Inverarity is nothing like the rest. Her take on Snow White was one like I’ve never seen before, combining the essence of the beloved fairytale in a post-climate-change world.
What I loved most about Snow is that it was relatable- almost scarily so. The world that she lives in could very well be our own (and when I found out where it was actually set! 😱😍) which was both intriguing and entirely terrifying.
Snow herself is a wonderful character to follow. Although she grew up in a setting where the landscape was just as likely to kill her as her stepmother, she never loses her fighting spirit and never stops trying- even when the odds are stacked firmly against her. But Snow didn’t get through it all on her own. What was even more endearing than Snow’s resilience was her beautiful friendship with the most unlikely of creatures.
Inverarity has woven a magical tale with just the right amount of wonder. And for this incredible story, she is most definitely the fairest of them all.
May 4, 2020
From the moment that I opened this novel, I was swept up in a sense of nostalgia for the stories that I read in my childhood. The use of varying fairy tale archetypes and the modern climate concerns was an interesting twist to the traditional tales of old that had me turning page after page.
Throughout this particular retelling, there were three main elements that I enjoyed: the mountain setting, the characteristics of Snow and the inclusion of different environmental concerns.
To start, the mountain itself was in itself its own character. I thought it was clever of Inverarity to highlight that the mountainside was able to both give and take life, and that it was all dependent on how the characters tried to negotiate their own survival by working with the mountain and not against it.
Secondly, Snow’s character evolved logically throughout the progression of the story. Though she was equipped to handle to isolation from her time living in the castle, she was made to develop her resilience and ingenuity through a series of challenging circumstances in the wild. I liked that her character learnt as she went, and that she wasn’t trained from the very beginning to have these survival skills.
Finally, I thought the overarching theme of the dark skies and cold weather was a nice tie to a world that had been pushed too far. Inverarity punctuated this theme quite nicely by adding in other elements to this, e.g. the punctured waste barrel polluting the river and the mass movement of peoples due to the rising sea levels.
A powerful Snow White retelling fused with pertinent climate issues – this version of a beloved fairy tale really does make you take a step back and think about the current environmental concerns ravaging our world.
Thank you @ausyabloggers and @wakefieldpress for having me as a part of the #SNOWtour!
Throughout this particular retelling, there were three main elements that I enjoyed: the mountain setting, the characteristics of Snow and the inclusion of different environmental concerns.
To start, the mountain itself was in itself its own character. I thought it was clever of Inverarity to highlight that the mountainside was able to both give and take life, and that it was all dependent on how the characters tried to negotiate their own survival by working with the mountain and not against it.
Secondly, Snow’s character evolved logically throughout the progression of the story. Though she was equipped to handle to isolation from her time living in the castle, she was made to develop her resilience and ingenuity through a series of challenging circumstances in the wild. I liked that her character learnt as she went, and that she wasn’t trained from the very beginning to have these survival skills.
Finally, I thought the overarching theme of the dark skies and cold weather was a nice tie to a world that had been pushed too far. Inverarity punctuated this theme quite nicely by adding in other elements to this, e.g. the punctured waste barrel polluting the river and the mass movement of peoples due to the rising sea levels.
A powerful Snow White retelling fused with pertinent climate issues – this version of a beloved fairy tale really does make you take a step back and think about the current environmental concerns ravaging our world.
Thank you @ausyabloggers and @wakefieldpress for having me as a part of the #SNOWtour!
May 8, 2020
Review originally published on my blog as part of the AusYABloggers tour here!
As soon as I started reading, I was instantly mesmerised by the world, and how Snow has to face difficult times, growing up with a bitter step-grandmother.
I felt that Snow's speech pattern was written really well in the book, and made for a unique voice that still remains in my head! Snow truly presents herself as a larger-than-life character that powers through all that has happened to her, no matter if it is life-or-death or just a minor thing. I also loved how she developed as a character throughout the book, forming connections with not only the bear (which was super cute to read about, but also bittersweet), but the people who have been sent by her stepmother that try to hurt her.
The world itself is portrayed as bleak. This bleak feeling set the tone for the book and the events that conspire within Zealand, which is a post-climate change New Zealand. The descriptiveness of the world and what the wild is made me shiver to read about, as I didn't know what would conspire whilst reading each page. I also feel like the bleakness of the setting could truly be a warning for us in the present day, and a look into what the future could look like.
Overall, I adored this dark retelling of Snow White, and now I really wish I had a bear of my own too!
My rating for this book is 4/5
Thanks Wakefield Press and AusYABloggers for a copy of this GORGEOUS book! :)
As soon as I started reading, I was instantly mesmerised by the world, and how Snow has to face difficult times, growing up with a bitter step-grandmother.
I felt that Snow's speech pattern was written really well in the book, and made for a unique voice that still remains in my head! Snow truly presents herself as a larger-than-life character that powers through all that has happened to her, no matter if it is life-or-death or just a minor thing. I also loved how she developed as a character throughout the book, forming connections with not only the bear (which was super cute to read about, but also bittersweet), but the people who have been sent by her stepmother that try to hurt her.
The world itself is portrayed as bleak. This bleak feeling set the tone for the book and the events that conspire within Zealand, which is a post-climate change New Zealand. The descriptiveness of the world and what the wild is made me shiver to read about, as I didn't know what would conspire whilst reading each page. I also feel like the bleakness of the setting could truly be a warning for us in the present day, and a look into what the future could look like.
Overall, I adored this dark retelling of Snow White, and now I really wish I had a bear of my own too!
My rating for this book is 4/5
Thanks Wakefield Press and AusYABloggers for a copy of this GORGEOUS book! :)
April 28, 2024
This was just like I remembered it and actually pretty good seeing as though I read this over 2 years ago.
September 17, 2022
I wanted to give this more stars because the kea were awesome, as were all the little South Island hints, but there were just a few too many eye roll moments for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
Rating: 4.5 stars
Snow is a mind-blowingly fresh take on a Snow White retelling. A few words that come to mind when I think about this book are eloquent, action packed and dark. This story was not what I expected at all and it surpassed all of my expectations! I was captivated from start to finish and I didnt want it to end.
Gina Inverarity presents an unflinchingly brutal take on this beloved fairytale which dispels with the whimsy and instead delivers an honest version of this beloved tale. The world building is incredibly vivid, the romance is mature and dignified and the writing style original and raw with a badass female protagonist to round it all off.
Snow is a must for fans of fantasy, retellings and all around good reads.
Snow is a mind-blowingly fresh take on a Snow White retelling. A few words that come to mind when I think about this book are eloquent, action packed and dark. This story was not what I expected at all and it surpassed all of my expectations! I was captivated from start to finish and I didnt want it to end.
Gina Inverarity presents an unflinchingly brutal take on this beloved fairytale which dispels with the whimsy and instead delivers an honest version of this beloved tale. The world building is incredibly vivid, the romance is mature and dignified and the writing style original and raw with a badass female protagonist to round it all off.
Snow is a must for fans of fantasy, retellings and all around good reads.
December 4, 2021
Great book, well written and well defined characters, no-ones totally evil or good. A fairytale set in the a Post-Climate-changed world. New Zealand is unrecognisable. Snow is wonderful......
April 1, 2020
I may be a tad biased, as I had a (small) part in editing this one, but I absolutely adore it! Fast paced and un-put-downable, the characters wormed themselves into my head, and have firmly remained lodged there. The writing style is interesting and fresh, the plot line is a fascinating tale on an age old story, and I am completely in love with this book. If you’re interested in fairytales, fantasy, and brilliant female protagonists, this one is for you.
August 5, 2020
It went to the DNF zone when I felt like re-reading Harry Potter
May 6, 2020
I’ve always been quite wary of picking up Disney retellings. To be honest, a part of me prefers the simplicity and the nostalgia of the movies. When it comes to retelling stories that are beloved, an author takes a risk between crafting a truly unique story yet keeping elements of the original. I’ve seen this wonderfully done in Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik and Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao.
Snow by Gina Inverarity is a post-climate change, post-cataclysm story set during a time of perpetual winter. As I have been reading this, the weather where I’m at is dropping. Because of this I found the author’s descriptions of the gritty and eerie environment so much more.
Snow is a fierce and admirable character. Even when faced with the hunter who was meant to kill her, Snow faced him off with only her wits. Having been imprisoned in a tower by her stepmother, Snow was frail and had no skill to ensure her survival. In this way, we see her character reflected in Little Bear. Both had been young when they lost their mother, they were both vulnerable to the freezing environment and it was only by being together that they survived. I loved the connection between Little Bear and Snow – the way they understood each other and protected each other.
Snow is a fierce and admirable character. Even when faced with the hunter who was meant to kill her, Snow faced him off with only her wits. Having been imprisoned in a tower by her stepmother, Snow was frail and had no skill to ensure her survival. In this way, we see her character reflected in Little Bear. Both had been young when they lost their mother, they were both vulnerable to the freezing environment and it was only by being together that they survived. I loved the connection between Little Bear and Snow – the way they understood each other and protected each other.
The story was even more enchanting because we get to follow Snow from a frail young girl to one who goes back to her stepmother to claim the chateau and mountain that is rightfully hers. The story of Snow is bittersweet. I love the relationship between her and the Hunter, especially the scenes we get of the Hunter's perspective. I found those be written with so much longing and emotion. I can't recommend this book enough!
I received a physical copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You can find me at Camillea Reads || Twitter || Instagram || Tumblr
Snow by Gina Inverarity is a post-climate change, post-cataclysm story set during a time of perpetual winter. As I have been reading this, the weather where I’m at is dropping. Because of this I found the author’s descriptions of the gritty and eerie environment so much more.
Snow is a fierce and admirable character. Even when faced with the hunter who was meant to kill her, Snow faced him off with only her wits. Having been imprisoned in a tower by her stepmother, Snow was frail and had no skill to ensure her survival. In this way, we see her character reflected in Little Bear. Both had been young when they lost their mother, they were both vulnerable to the freezing environment and it was only by being together that they survived. I loved the connection between Little Bear and Snow – the way they understood each other and protected each other.
Snow is a fierce and admirable character. Even when faced with the hunter who was meant to kill her, Snow faced him off with only her wits. Having been imprisoned in a tower by her stepmother, Snow was frail and had no skill to ensure her survival. In this way, we see her character reflected in Little Bear. Both had been young when they lost their mother, they were both vulnerable to the freezing environment and it was only by being together that they survived. I loved the connection between Little Bear and Snow – the way they understood each other and protected each other.
The story was even more enchanting because we get to follow Snow from a frail young girl to one who goes back to her stepmother to claim the chateau and mountain that is rightfully hers. The story of Snow is bittersweet. I love the relationship between her and the Hunter, especially the scenes we get of the Hunter's perspective. I found those be written with so much longing and emotion. I can't recommend this book enough!
I received a physical copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You can find me at Camillea Reads || Twitter || Instagram || Tumblr
May 6, 2020
My blind-as-a-bat self didn’t read the tagline for this book before diving in, so I got about 30 pages through and I’m thinking Hmmmm this is very Snow-Whitish. Y’all can slap me now pls.
Also, can we take a moment to note that this is New Zealand Young Adult fiction! I could be wrong, but this is the first NZYA book I’ve ever read, and I just wanted to celebrate this li’l moment.
But daaaaang. I was thinking hells yeah OZYA did it again, but NZYA is clearly killing it as well.
Snow was nothing like I’ve ever read before. I love myself a good fairytale retelling, and I’ve never read a Snow White one before (or maybe I have, but clearly I’m not very good at picking up clues omfg) so this was right up my alley.
When I had the startling realisation of OH, SNOW WHITE, I was a little worried because this book is set in a post climate-change world where things aren’t as bright as the snow they all walk on. I thought HUH, how would the cutesy Disney tale (clearly I need to read more OG fairytales) fit into this world. With princes and kisses and cute furry animals. You know what I’m talking about!
But girl was I wrong! I got a badass protagonist, in an unfamiliar world, but also *technically* contemporary (y’all know that’s my wheelhouse). Plus, a REALLY COOL sidekick.
I mean GUYSSSSSSS. Our protagonist has a bear as a sidekick. All I’m saying is YES PLEASE. (Also high-key super scared of bears, but the idea is weirdly appealing to me???)
All I’m saying is that, you should definitely find yourself a copy of this book! <3
Also, can we take a moment to note that this is New Zealand Young Adult fiction! I could be wrong, but this is the first NZYA book I’ve ever read, and I just wanted to celebrate this li’l moment.
But daaaaang. I was thinking hells yeah OZYA did it again, but NZYA is clearly killing it as well.
Snow was nothing like I’ve ever read before. I love myself a good fairytale retelling, and I’ve never read a Snow White one before (or maybe I have, but clearly I’m not very good at picking up clues omfg) so this was right up my alley.
When I had the startling realisation of OH, SNOW WHITE, I was a little worried because this book is set in a post climate-change world where things aren’t as bright as the snow they all walk on. I thought HUH, how would the cutesy Disney tale (clearly I need to read more OG fairytales) fit into this world. With princes and kisses and cute furry animals. You know what I’m talking about!
But girl was I wrong! I got a badass protagonist, in an unfamiliar world, but also *technically* contemporary (y’all know that’s my wheelhouse). Plus, a REALLY COOL sidekick.
I mean GUYSSSSSSS. Our protagonist has a bear as a sidekick. All I’m saying is YES PLEASE. (Also high-key super scared of bears, but the idea is weirdly appealing to me???)
All I’m saying is that, you should definitely find yourself a copy of this book! <3
September 26, 2025
Absolutely loved this. Not my normal fare, but the post-apocalyptic world, the fairytale retelling of Snow White, the voice and adventures of our main character, the setting of an Aotearoa of the future (so exciting to see my own country in a book - that never happens! and it was so cool to try to identify areas and birds the characters encounter), the thoughtful and intelligent discussion of our potential future in this world, and amazingly enough the hope it ends on (after, ya know, most of humankind has died and those who haven't are now living a life of extreme hardship)... all combined together, I loved it.
A little funny: a recent story I read (Nettle by Bex Hogan), I found frustrating because of the grammatical errors. It was annoying and off-putting. Yet "Snow" is rife with grammar different from what we would consider correct in today's world, but it has been so deliberately and carefully crafted, and it immerses us so well in this bizarre new world and character voice. THIS is how you do it!
I found this book really different, and although it doesn't have a lot of aspects I would normally look for in a book, this one worked for me. Really interesting, really thought-provoking, really immersive. An unflinching look at our world's potential (devastating) future. A creative and thoughtful fairytale retelling.
Recommended.
A little funny: a recent story I read (Nettle by Bex Hogan), I found frustrating because of the grammatical errors. It was annoying and off-putting. Yet "Snow" is rife with grammar different from what we would consider correct in today's world, but it has been so deliberately and carefully crafted, and it immerses us so well in this bizarre new world and character voice. THIS is how you do it!
I found this book really different, and although it doesn't have a lot of aspects I would normally look for in a book, this one worked for me. Really interesting, really thought-provoking, really immersive. An unflinching look at our world's potential (devastating) future. A creative and thoughtful fairytale retelling.
Recommended.
November 24, 2025
This apocalyptic retelling of Snow White brings a new level of eeriness to the fairy tale. Snow is a girl who grew up in a wintry wasteland, where summers are short and people never see the sun. When her self-obsessed city-slicker stepmother wants her dead, Snow manages to escape with the help of a humble hunter. After growing up in the harsh cold of the mountain lands, she must accept the aid of the same hunter in order to reach the city and reclaim her land.
The concept behind this story was both unique and compelling. Snow is a likable character, with grit and yet remarkable kindness. She both elicits sympathy and respect for her survival skills and wit. The author also did an excellent job capturing dialect through her perspective and language. It is rare for me to find a heroine I admire as a character. Her relationship with the hunter was also sweet.
At times the story seemed to move slow, but by the end of it I wished it had been a bit longer and had more character development. It was a satisfying read, for the most part, but I wished it had gone more into depth on her character growth.
The concept behind this story was both unique and compelling. Snow is a likable character, with grit and yet remarkable kindness. She both elicits sympathy and respect for her survival skills and wit. The author also did an excellent job capturing dialect through her perspective and language. It is rare for me to find a heroine I admire as a character. Her relationship with the hunter was also sweet.
At times the story seemed to move slow, but by the end of it I wished it had been a bit longer and had more character development. It was a satisfying read, for the most part, but I wished it had gone more into depth on her character growth.
July 11, 2021
I wish I had something insightful to say...
It's an interesting snow white retelling, I think I liked what was added while all the major plot-points were still hit, just in more realistic ways rather than magical. The post-climate change stuff is relevant but never the focus so hesitant readers shouldn't worry about it being preachy.
The writing style is definitely odd so it was on thin ice at the start, but I told myself to give it 50 pages (25% of the book, which is my usual DNF point) and see how I felt then. Well my brain calibrated pretty well by that point and it didn't really bother me afterwards.
I liked the main character Snow quite a bit and absolutely fell in love with her bear too.
Content Warning in the book for attempted sexual assault. It's pretty brief and easy to skip over.
It's an interesting snow white retelling, I think I liked what was added while all the major plot-points were still hit, just in more realistic ways rather than magical. The post-climate change stuff is relevant but never the focus so hesitant readers shouldn't worry about it being preachy.
The writing style is definitely odd so it was on thin ice at the start, but I told myself to give it 50 pages (25% of the book, which is my usual DNF point) and see how I felt then. Well my brain calibrated pretty well by that point and it didn't really bother me afterwards.
I liked the main character Snow quite a bit and absolutely fell in love with her bear too.
Content Warning in the book for attempted sexual assault. It's pretty brief and easy to skip over.
May 31, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this lil book up on a whim but I am now so happy I did. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS AUTHOR, SHE NEEDS TO BE WAY MORE HYPED!!
Snow is a very unique and bracing retelling of Snow White. Set in a post-apocalyptic New Zealand, this story was enchanting and haunting. It made me uncomfortable and shocked and absolutely horrified while simultaneously warming my heart and igniting my love of nature, the land, and animals.
Snow’s life is so tough, but her dedication to pushing ever onwards and to truly knowing and obeying her needs is beautiful. Her connection with Little Bear was written so wonderfully and everything they went through together hit me in my soul. I found her call to the wild to be very relatable and it made me yearn for a life living off the land, but evident from her plights, I clearly wouldn’t survive :P
Snow is a very unique and bracing retelling of Snow White. Set in a post-apocalyptic New Zealand, this story was enchanting and haunting. It made me uncomfortable and shocked and absolutely horrified while simultaneously warming my heart and igniting my love of nature, the land, and animals.
Snow’s life is so tough, but her dedication to pushing ever onwards and to truly knowing and obeying her needs is beautiful. Her connection with Little Bear was written so wonderfully and everything they went through together hit me in my soul. I found her call to the wild to be very relatable and it made me yearn for a life living off the land, but evident from her plights, I clearly wouldn’t survive :P
May 6, 2020
It’s my stop on the Snow by Gina Inverarity Book Review Tour!
Thank you @wakefieldpress and @ausyabloggers for the beautiful review copy. First of all, the cover of this book is stunning. It would definitely have been a cover buy for me if I’d seen it on a bookstore shelf.
Now for the REVIEW:
SNOW is a fairytale retelling of Snow White set in a dystopian New Zealand, where the land has been enveloped in an endless fog, the clouds in the sky never clearing. The story is narrated by the MC, Snow, and follows her journey after she escapes her evil stepmother.
What I loved about this book was the world building of this dystopian world. I felt like I was right there trudging through the snow with Snow. The fairytale elements were wonderfully interwoven, giving a nod to the traditional tale while still telling its own unique story. Snow’s narration was compelling and I was invested in her story, wanting to know how it all ended.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down and I read it in two sittings. So if you like fairytale retellings, dystopian reads and survival type stories, I highly recommend SNOW.
Thank you @wakefieldpress and @ausyabloggers for the beautiful review copy. First of all, the cover of this book is stunning. It would definitely have been a cover buy for me if I’d seen it on a bookstore shelf.
Now for the REVIEW:
SNOW is a fairytale retelling of Snow White set in a dystopian New Zealand, where the land has been enveloped in an endless fog, the clouds in the sky never clearing. The story is narrated by the MC, Snow, and follows her journey after she escapes her evil stepmother.
What I loved about this book was the world building of this dystopian world. I felt like I was right there trudging through the snow with Snow. The fairytale elements were wonderfully interwoven, giving a nod to the traditional tale while still telling its own unique story. Snow’s narration was compelling and I was invested in her story, wanting to know how it all ended.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down and I read it in two sittings. So if you like fairytale retellings, dystopian reads and survival type stories, I highly recommend SNOW.
June 4, 2021
I do enjoy a well written adapted fairy tale. This one certainly spins some new twists. Snow is a tough, stubborn and gritty survivor in a cold and inhospitable land changed by ‘post environmental collapse’.
The basic elements of the traditional tale are still there - murderous and self seeking step-mother, a remorseful hunter and seven miners (of short stature) that are corse and largely unpleasant (certainly not our ‘cute’ Disney characters). There is also the addition of a bear as Snow’s companion - a co-survivor in a cruel world.
There are elements in this book that definitely push it into the YA category.
The basic elements of the traditional tale are still there - murderous and self seeking step-mother, a remorseful hunter and seven miners (of short stature) that are corse and largely unpleasant (certainly not our ‘cute’ Disney characters). There is also the addition of a bear as Snow’s companion - a co-survivor in a cruel world.
There are elements in this book that definitely push it into the YA category.
March 26, 2021
This is a clever retelling of Snow White, in a land of endless winter - where a bear can save your life.
Case in point: accidently releasing an apex predator. I loved the scientific article at the end, which fixed my confusion of parrots in a snow-bound land. I though this was set in future Australia, but everything makes sense now.
I love the last illustration after the Acknowledgements, but I hate the cover.
"It seemed to me that every action set off a spinning wheel of possibilities."
Case in point: accidently releasing an apex predator. I loved the scientific article at the end, which fixed my confusion of parrots in a snow-bound land. I though this was set in future Australia, but everything makes sense now.
I love the last illustration after the Acknowledgements, but I hate the cover.
November 22, 2025
Beautiful lyrical retelling of Snow White with a focus in an empowered young girl who has to overcome much hardship. Embued with commentary on climate change and the prospensity of the masses to be swayed by whatever narrative they hold as the most valuable to their own worlds. It leads a young reader to question their own values in how they percieve their own identities and the importance of holding true to what they define as being their most central values.
September 20, 2020
Very good updating of Snow White, but with a post climate meltdown twist. This is set in NZ, too!
I loved the sections dealing with the girl bonding with the bear.
The ending was a little....trite? But I believe this is the author's first YA book and I hope she does more as parts of this were really rivetting. Awesome illustrations too.
I loved the sections dealing with the girl bonding with the bear.
The ending was a little....trite? But I believe this is the author's first YA book and I hope she does more as parts of this were really rivetting. Awesome illustrations too.
July 21, 2021
"You were following your path, Snow, and I know now what I didn't know then, that it's my path to follow yours." - Snow, Gina Inverarity
April 22, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Read
October 1, 2025DNF at 33 pages- i think i’m too far out to the YA age bracket for this one 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
December 22, 2020
❄️ ❄️ ❄️SNOW REVIEW❄️ ❄️ ❄️
Synopsis:
When the girl brought my bowl she was in and out through the door like she couldn’t move fast enough. And when the lock clicked after her I found something she’d left. A knife. And not one for spreading butter, but a sharp one for slitting throats.
Locked in a cell by her stepmother, Snow grows small but she still grows. Even so, she’s hardly a match for a world gone wild, where the sun has disappeared behind clouds for good. The night the hunter takes her into the forest with orders to cut out her heart, Snow makes him a promise she isn’t sure she can keep. And then she runs.
Snow’s life is no fairytale. As she grows up her path will take her into the mountains, over misty passes, desolate gorges and alpine rivers, as well as to the city, where she will make her case for the return of what is hers.
And her childish promise will not be forgotten.
A dark and lyrical Snow White retelling set in a postclimate-change world, Snow is a fairytale of the future.
Review: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5/5⭐️ This was a dark, spellbinding retelling of a classic fairytale.
Snow’s voice was so unique and spoke so loudly from every page of the book. Her adventure was so interesting, it kept the pages turning.
I love some well fleshed out side characters and I think the hunter was such an amazing character with so many layers. The mountain and Little Bear just as interesting.
It was so fast paced and Snow was such a kickass female protagonist. (We love a female badass Snow that isn’t Kirsten Stewart). This definitely sets up a strong female role model for young adults and I adored that so much.
I’ve heard this author has previously written children’s fiction and the start did have a middle-grade feel to it but it matured as the story progressed and I really enjoyed it. There wasn’t a slow moment in the book.
This post-climate change approach was like nothing I’d seen before and it was just such a breath of fresh air. If you’re a fan of startling, dark fairytale retellings this is the book for you!
-A huge thank you to @ausyabloggers @wakefieldpress and author @ginainver
Synopsis:
When the girl brought my bowl she was in and out through the door like she couldn’t move fast enough. And when the lock clicked after her I found something she’d left. A knife. And not one for spreading butter, but a sharp one for slitting throats.
Locked in a cell by her stepmother, Snow grows small but she still grows. Even so, she’s hardly a match for a world gone wild, where the sun has disappeared behind clouds for good. The night the hunter takes her into the forest with orders to cut out her heart, Snow makes him a promise she isn’t sure she can keep. And then she runs.
Snow’s life is no fairytale. As she grows up her path will take her into the mountains, over misty passes, desolate gorges and alpine rivers, as well as to the city, where she will make her case for the return of what is hers.
And her childish promise will not be forgotten.
A dark and lyrical Snow White retelling set in a postclimate-change world, Snow is a fairytale of the future.
Review: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5/5⭐️ This was a dark, spellbinding retelling of a classic fairytale.
Snow’s voice was so unique and spoke so loudly from every page of the book. Her adventure was so interesting, it kept the pages turning.
I love some well fleshed out side characters and I think the hunter was such an amazing character with so many layers. The mountain and Little Bear just as interesting.
It was so fast paced and Snow was such a kickass female protagonist. (We love a female badass Snow that isn’t Kirsten Stewart). This definitely sets up a strong female role model for young adults and I adored that so much.
I’ve heard this author has previously written children’s fiction and the start did have a middle-grade feel to it but it matured as the story progressed and I really enjoyed it. There wasn’t a slow moment in the book.
This post-climate change approach was like nothing I’d seen before and it was just such a breath of fresh air. If you’re a fan of startling, dark fairytale retellings this is the book for you!
-A huge thank you to @ausyabloggers @wakefieldpress and author @ginainver
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