What do you think?
Rate this book
The Girl Behind The Glass: Spellbound Chronicles, Dark Fairytale Retold
What if Snow White had a stepsister?
Winnie is the daughter of the mayor of the cursed Mirror Village, Cranwick. She has always felt trapped, since her city is controlled by the brutal Roth witches, and the only way out of the city is through their mirror portals.
Princess Frost is the lonely princess of Icefall, the Winter kingdom. She has felt abandoned since her mother's death five years ago, especially since, for the last three years, he has been courting a princess that she knows nothing about.
From different sides of their world, when Winnie's mother starts to become secretive, sneaking around the city and talking to the witches through the mirrors, Winnie and Princess Frost each uncover a trail of her secrets. Winnie's mother has found herself trapped into a forced marriage with the Winter king, soon to become Princess Frost's stepmother, in order to find a cure for Winnie's father's sickness.
But there is far more to the new queen of Icefall than meets the eye. She gave her heart away to the witches to heal her husband's sickness, but courting the Winter king through the mirrors has opened up feelings she had not planned to uncover. When tragedy almost strikes on their wedding night, Princess Frost has no choice but to flee, leaving Winnie to follow her and find herself in a world she doesn't understand.
The two stepsisters must find a way to take down the cruel queen, with the help of a coven of powerful witches and a few mage soldiers, to end Winnie's mother's brutal schemes, or lose everything.
But how far would you go to save those you love if the villain of your story was the person you loved the most in the world?
Winnie is the daughter of the mayor of the cursed Mirror Village, Cranwick. She has always felt trapped, since her city is controlled by the brutal Roth witches, and the only way out of the city is through their mirror portals.
Princess Frost is the lonely princess of Icefall, the Winter kingdom. She has felt abandoned since her mother's death five years ago, especially since, for the last three years, he has been courting a princess that she knows nothing about.
From different sides of their world, when Winnie's mother starts to become secretive, sneaking around the city and talking to the witches through the mirrors, Winnie and Princess Frost each uncover a trail of her secrets. Winnie's mother has found herself trapped into a forced marriage with the Winter king, soon to become Princess Frost's stepmother, in order to find a cure for Winnie's father's sickness.
But there is far more to the new queen of Icefall than meets the eye. She gave her heart away to the witches to heal her husband's sickness, but courting the Winter king through the mirrors has opened up feelings she had not planned to uncover. When tragedy almost strikes on their wedding night, Princess Frost has no choice but to flee, leaving Winnie to follow her and find herself in a world she doesn't understand.
The two stepsisters must find a way to take down the cruel queen, with the help of a coven of powerful witches and a few mage soldiers, to end Winnie's mother's brutal schemes, or lose everything.
But how far would you go to save those you love if the villain of your story was the person you loved the most in the world?
555 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2023
4 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 29, 2022
I wrote this witchy book a few years ago during NaNoWriMo, and I can't wait to see it come to life over the next few months just as I have with my first book, Steel Princess! If you love a dark fantasy retelling, of Snow White especially, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it. Come along the journey with Winnie and Frost as they face Winnie's mother and Frost's new stepmother, finding new friendships and protecting the kingdom they care for dearly.
February 22, 2026
I love fairy tale retellings or reimaginings, and The Girl Behind the Glass is a fast paced, dark, and magical read. I'm a "judge the book by its cover" girl, and this cover is simply lovely. The story, narrated from both Winnie's and Princess Frost's POVs, gives the reader the perspectives of the stepsisters, as their bond grows slowly. The complexity of Winnie's Mother's situation is heart-wrenching, making her villain origins story so much more layered. I loved the atmospheric world-building, especially of the Mirror Village.
August 7, 2023
I’m not much of a fan of Snow White but am a fan of this author so was very happy to ARC read and WOW did she not disappoint! Winnie and Princess Frost’s adventure and storyline overall was awesome to read, the world building and background information presented was so great! This is such a captivating story, I felt like I was watching it happen, the world building + character development is so beautifully written! I cannot wait for more by this author!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
February 24, 2026
I’m such a sucker for a fantasy novel! Throw in a Snow-White Step-Sister twist, witches and a quest to save the villain and I’m all in!
First of all – I know I shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but OMG it’s so pretty! I’ve read this one as a eBook but I might need to own this as a pretty book to live on my bookcase… maybe in a glass case… that’s probably going too far.
I’m just going to start with the only negative. It’s a fantasy book so as always happens when I fall in love with a series (at the time of reviewing this one) I find out that book 2 isn’t out yet and I neeeeeeeeeeeed to know what happens.
But having to wait angst aside I otherwise loved this book.
Took me a chapter or two to get into it, but as soon as everyone was together I was hooked. There was the odd moment where it was a bit too jumpy, but that could have been my ebook reading skills and CFS brain. Winnie and Frost are brilliant FMC’s and they work well together. The switching between the two step-sister’s point of view was well managed and I like the slightly overlap that happens at time. The pace is fab and the worldbuilding is well written. I did chortle at a slight Wicked quote – but I’m not sure it if was deliberate or it was my brain.
I found that I easily got sucked into this story and there were enough twists and turns along the way that I didn’t start thinking about the fact that it was a retelling. But then there was the comfort that it sort of was the same story… but it wasn’t. Nicely done!
A must read for non-spice, dark fantasy and Disney / Grims Fairy Tale lovers.
First of all – I know I shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but OMG it’s so pretty! I’ve read this one as a eBook but I might need to own this as a pretty book to live on my bookcase… maybe in a glass case… that’s probably going too far.
I’m just going to start with the only negative. It’s a fantasy book so as always happens when I fall in love with a series (at the time of reviewing this one) I find out that book 2 isn’t out yet and I neeeeeeeeeeeed to know what happens.
But having to wait angst aside I otherwise loved this book.
Took me a chapter or two to get into it, but as soon as everyone was together I was hooked. There was the odd moment where it was a bit too jumpy, but that could have been my ebook reading skills and CFS brain. Winnie and Frost are brilliant FMC’s and they work well together. The switching between the two step-sister’s point of view was well managed and I like the slightly overlap that happens at time. The pace is fab and the worldbuilding is well written. I did chortle at a slight Wicked quote – but I’m not sure it if was deliberate or it was my brain.
I found that I easily got sucked into this story and there were enough twists and turns along the way that I didn’t start thinking about the fact that it was a retelling. But then there was the comfort that it sort of was the same story… but it wasn’t. Nicely done!
A must read for non-spice, dark fantasy and Disney / Grims Fairy Tale lovers.
June 29, 2024
After meeting you at Brown Books, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your novel, April. It's in a genre that I wouldn't usually be drawn to, being a more mature reader. But who doesn't love a fairy tale?
It has as expected sparked some Literary Illustrations for my collection. Would love to share some of the character sketches next time you are about or maybe via the power of Insta :)
It has as expected sparked some Literary Illustrations for my collection. Would love to share some of the character sketches next time you are about or maybe via the power of Insta :)
October 3, 2023
I was privileged enough to receive an arc copy of this. I’m not paid for my review.
This book was reallly well written, the background information and world building was done so well!
The storyline of Winnie and Princess first was amazing
The end has me waiting with anticipation
This book was reallly well written, the background information and world building was done so well!
The storyline of Winnie and Princess first was amazing
The end has me waiting with anticipation
February 16, 2026
I absolutely love a fairytale retelling and this book forms the first dark read in the Spellbound Chronicles series.
I was instantly drawn to this by the front cover which is beautiful but does hint at a darkness hidden inside.
I think that, with the title, also told us that this could be a retelling of Snow White and I was so excited to dive in and find out.
This is actually my third read by this author and having loved the two books in a different series, I was pretty confident that I'd love the characters and writing style here.
Although there are obvious similarities with the original tale, I loved to see how things differed and how the overall atmosphere mirrored or altered throughout the read.
I thought the world building through the first part of the book was wonderful - and I normally have to force myself through this.
The writing really draws us into this world and I was completely invested in the lives of these characters, the role that the witches play in this and what would happen for the different families.
The pace really slowed down for me in the next section though and with so many new characters, I have to admit that I got a little lost as to each of the roles until later in the read.
This was a super chunky read though and I feel that maybe if I'd given myself more time to relax on it, I'd have followed this a little better.
By the final section I was so engrossed that I just couldn't put it down and raced to the end eating up all the twists and turns along the way.
Overall a great read - just a little chunkier than my usual reads which maybe slowed me down a little.
I'm still really looking forward to more from this series soon.
I was instantly drawn to this by the front cover which is beautiful but does hint at a darkness hidden inside.
I think that, with the title, also told us that this could be a retelling of Snow White and I was so excited to dive in and find out.
This is actually my third read by this author and having loved the two books in a different series, I was pretty confident that I'd love the characters and writing style here.
Although there are obvious similarities with the original tale, I loved to see how things differed and how the overall atmosphere mirrored or altered throughout the read.
I thought the world building through the first part of the book was wonderful - and I normally have to force myself through this.
The writing really draws us into this world and I was completely invested in the lives of these characters, the role that the witches play in this and what would happen for the different families.
The pace really slowed down for me in the next section though and with so many new characters, I have to admit that I got a little lost as to each of the roles until later in the read.
This was a super chunky read though and I feel that maybe if I'd given myself more time to relax on it, I'd have followed this a little better.
By the final section I was so engrossed that I just couldn't put it down and raced to the end eating up all the twists and turns along the way.
Overall a great read - just a little chunkier than my usual reads which maybe slowed me down a little.
I'm still really looking forward to more from this series soon.
February 23, 2026
This was my first twisted fairy tale book I’ve read and it definitely did not disappoint!
We follow through Winnie’s difficult predicament regarding finding out her mum isn’t as nice as she seems, we also follow Frost, a lonely princess who has been through a lot, both of their choices have ended in consequences. However throughout the book we see both Winnie and Frost blossom as separate people and become empowering women, but we also see their friendship go from strength-to-strength as they support each other with the struggles they are constantly going through.
The rest of the characters that are alongside Winnie and Frost’s journey, we see grow close to both ladies, they have such a supportive dynamic and it’s what friendship should be about in real life. I admire that there was a fantastic diverse character thrown into the mix that is light hearted and funny and adds a sprinkle of sunshine to the adventure.
The book is a slow read at first and it takes a while to get your head wrapped around. I did find myself getting slightly confused at first however there are a lot of twists involved that keep you on your toes! The world building is phenomenal and you can tell that a lot of thought and creative energy has gone into the book, all the way from the stunning graphics stunning and characters, to their roles and personalities involved in the storyline!
As a whole this was a fantastic read and most definitely is a brutalised version of Snow White which I absolutely loved! I 100 percent recommend this read especially if you’re into the darker side of fairytales and fantasy.
We follow through Winnie’s difficult predicament regarding finding out her mum isn’t as nice as she seems, we also follow Frost, a lonely princess who has been through a lot, both of their choices have ended in consequences. However throughout the book we see both Winnie and Frost blossom as separate people and become empowering women, but we also see their friendship go from strength-to-strength as they support each other with the struggles they are constantly going through.
The rest of the characters that are alongside Winnie and Frost’s journey, we see grow close to both ladies, they have such a supportive dynamic and it’s what friendship should be about in real life. I admire that there was a fantastic diverse character thrown into the mix that is light hearted and funny and adds a sprinkle of sunshine to the adventure.
The book is a slow read at first and it takes a while to get your head wrapped around. I did find myself getting slightly confused at first however there are a lot of twists involved that keep you on your toes! The world building is phenomenal and you can tell that a lot of thought and creative energy has gone into the book, all the way from the stunning graphics stunning and characters, to their roles and personalities involved in the storyline!
As a whole this was a fantastic read and most definitely is a brutalised version of Snow White which I absolutely loved! I 100 percent recommend this read especially if you’re into the darker side of fairytales and fantasy.
October 11, 2023
4.5/5
“It was only just the beginning of the rest of our lives.”
Who else just LOVES fairytale retellings/reimaginings?!? If you’re looking for a suspenseful, entertaining, and jaw-dropping Snow White retelling, I highly recommend reading The Girl Behind The Glass by April Grace!
From the first page, readers will be intrigued and excited to find out more about the characters and the worlds. The plot is excellent, the characters are super interesting, and the Snow White references are just perfect. The incorporation of the witches, mirrors and glass add a different dimension to the story!
Winnie, Wicked and Princess Frost are absolutely incredible characters. They both have such different personalities but when they work together, they mesh really well. They both have the same end goal, to destroy the evil queen, and eventually become extremely close friends.
There are so many secrets, betrayals, and revelations that arise as the story continues. You’ll just have to read to find out more!!!
“It was only just the beginning of the rest of our lives.”
Who else just LOVES fairytale retellings/reimaginings?!? If you’re looking for a suspenseful, entertaining, and jaw-dropping Snow White retelling, I highly recommend reading The Girl Behind The Glass by April Grace!
From the first page, readers will be intrigued and excited to find out more about the characters and the worlds. The plot is excellent, the characters are super interesting, and the Snow White references are just perfect. The incorporation of the witches, mirrors and glass add a different dimension to the story!
Winnie, Wicked and Princess Frost are absolutely incredible characters. They both have such different personalities but when they work together, they mesh really well. They both have the same end goal, to destroy the evil queen, and eventually become extremely close friends.
There are so many secrets, betrayals, and revelations that arise as the story continues. You’ll just have to read to find out more!!!
February 22, 2026
The Girl Behind the Glass is a fairytale retelling of Snow White, but with a Brothers Grimm vibe rather than Disney's dancing princess singing to birds.
A princess looking for revenge for the killing of her father and a mayor's daughter trying to save her mother from a cursed deal with witches is how the story starts! But all is not what it seems from the outset, and we are introduced early on to the Evil Queen.
This is an easy read, a typical retold fairytale style, so perfect to snuggle down and delve into the world of Winnie, Wicked, Frost and the darker side of fairytales.
It's fast-paced, with many plot twists and 'what just happened' moments. It will leave you trying to work out what is coming next, and then sideswipe you.
How far would you go to save the ones you loved, and what would you be willing to trade to a Roth Witch when currency is your heart, soul and name?
A princess looking for revenge for the killing of her father and a mayor's daughter trying to save her mother from a cursed deal with witches is how the story starts! But all is not what it seems from the outset, and we are introduced early on to the Evil Queen.
This is an easy read, a typical retold fairytale style, so perfect to snuggle down and delve into the world of Winnie, Wicked, Frost and the darker side of fairytales.
It's fast-paced, with many plot twists and 'what just happened' moments. It will leave you trying to work out what is coming next, and then sideswipe you.
How far would you go to save the ones you loved, and what would you be willing to trade to a Roth Witch when currency is your heart, soul and name?
February 18, 2026
This is my first foray into the fairytale reimagining subgenre, and I found it to be interesting and entertaining. This one is a reimagining of Snow White with a darker feel. You’ll find different details that relate to the original as you read, but this is more like something you would find written by the Brothers Grimm. If you enjoy fairytales as they were originally written before they were made not so scary to appeal to younger audiences, this is right up your alley. Fortunately, I enjoy both the original and the more sanitized versions, so I did enjoy The Girl Behind the Glass and give it 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 24, 2026
If you like classic fairytales with a twist, then I think the Girl Behind the Glass offers a creative version of the classic Snow White tale, blending fairytale with modern-day. The result is a story that feels both familiar and new, especially with its inventive use of mirror portals and layered magic systems.
The complex characters and constant twists keep the story engaging, with shifting motivations that add depth and unpredictability. The magic system, particularly the mirror travel, expands the story in interesting ways. While the pacing varies and takes some getting used to, it’s an easy to read story that makes this a good book for those looking for a fairytale with a twist.
October 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this fairytale retelling. The way the chapters are set out was something I'm not use to. At times I did feel I was confused since it felt it jumped back and forth but overall was awesome to read 😊
The storyline was enjoyable, the main characters Winnie, Frost and then Wicked I've grown attached to.
Would definitely rate this a 4, would have been a 5 but as I said the chapters sometimes confused me. Maybe this is due to me not being use to this set up.
I recieved this ARC for an honest review and do not get paid. All thoughts/opinions are my own.
The storyline was enjoyable, the main characters Winnie, Frost and then Wicked I've grown attached to.
Would definitely rate this a 4, would have been a 5 but as I said the chapters sometimes confused me. Maybe this is due to me not being use to this set up.
I recieved this ARC for an honest review and do not get paid. All thoughts/opinions are my own.
September 30, 2024
Oh my days, this book is everything. I loved it so much. When I listened to the audio book of the steel princess I was so excited when she sent me this book as an audio as well. And boy did it not disappoint. I was hooked, it took some time to get into but after that you cant stop listening or reading it. The adventures, the character development and the way the story was written, it was absolutely stunning. Every single time I listened to it I immediately felt like I was in that world, I imagined it, I smelt it and everything.
Im so excited for the next books😍
Im so excited for the next books😍
August 28, 2025
It took me a little bit to get into the flow with this one, which is purely on me and my difficulty with fantasy. I must say I loved it. by halfway, I was hooked, and getting to the end, I was left wanting more. I now can not wait for book 2 in this duology. It is a story of finding yourself and your strength along with a family that may not have been the one you grew with but the one you deserve. Calling this a retelling of Snow White just doesn't do the story justice. It is a work all on its own ❤️
February 21, 2026
I’m a sucker for a good retelling of a fairytale and this one is brilliant. Winnie is one of the main characters in this Snow White retelling. She lives in the cursed Mirror Village of Cranwick, where her mother is the mayor. The city is controlled by the evil Roth Witches and the only way out is through their mirror portals. Winnie discovers that her mother is trapped on the other side of one of the portals and is being forced to marry the Winter King, to become Princess Frost’s step mother. This was a great retelling with super world building. The characters were very well developed and likeable. There was plenty to like and enjoy about this book. It started a bit slow but it wasn’t long before I was hooked. O really enjoy this author’s books and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
September 4, 2023
the girl behind the glass by @aprilgrace1 on instagram
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
you guys are gonna have to check this book out!! it comes out oct 14th so head over to the authors page to learn more!
this is a great story that gives you a bit of dark fantasy with a snow white retelling! the main characters are two girls who are very different but develop a sisterly relationship that i love! so many twists and turns in this book leave you excited for the next chapter :)
check out this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
you guys are gonna have to check this book out!! it comes out oct 14th so head over to the authors page to learn more!
this is a great story that gives you a bit of dark fantasy with a snow white retelling! the main characters are two girls who are very different but develop a sisterly relationship that i love! so many twists and turns in this book leave you excited for the next chapter :)
check out this book!
February 11, 2025
The girl behind the glass, an amazing book, the world building, the characters,the plot was absolutely knocked outta the park. I really enjoyed this other version of ‘fairytales’. It has such a different and dark twist to what we’re used to with happily ever after and such. I just love this author’s writing style and how she brings her book world to fruition, every book I read from her grows more on me. 5 ⭐️ for me. Well done @aprilgrace1 🥰🥰🥰
May 14, 2024
I was sent a free copy for my honest review!
Magical retelling of snow white. Full of twists and turns that keeps you turning the page. This story is told form multiple perspectives which allows you to be fully immersed in what is happening on all sides. Fantastically written fantasy that leaves you wanting more.
Magical retelling of snow white. Full of twists and turns that keeps you turning the page. This story is told form multiple perspectives which allows you to be fully immersed in what is happening on all sides. Fantastically written fantasy that leaves you wanting more.
August 18, 2024
I was lucky enough to be able to arc listen to this for April and I will definitely be buying the paperback versions of this and couple of others it was amazing she is Defo and up and coming author and I e to watch out for !!!
February 1, 2025
Gripping from start to finish.
Lovely written book like a dark fairytale telling it was amazing and can’t wait to read more from this author
Lovely written book like a dark fairytale telling it was amazing and can’t wait to read more from this author
November 9, 2024
This is an ARC I received for free, I’m not sponsored, and I’m not paid. This is a Snow-White retelling of a sort. 3.5 Stars (rounded up for Goodreads as they don't do halves)
We are introduced to the world of Witches & Enforcers. The city of Cranwick is under the strict thumb of the Roth Witches due to a centuries old curse. No protests are allowed and Winnie (the current Mayor of Cranwick’s daughter) is slowly losing the blinkers she has when it comes to the nefarious practices which are allowed to go on. Culminating in her accidentally killing one of the witches after overhearing the same witch forcing her mother, Laraia, to marry the King of Icefall in order to get the cure for her husband, Farn and if she doesn’t he will continue to sicken and eventually die and Winnie will become the Mayor of Cranwick and the Witches’ puppet. Winnie is hellbent on saving her gentle, loving mother from this fate and begs her not to go to Icefall and betray her father and herself.
Princess Frost is the only daughter of King James of Icefall and doesn’t trust her soon to be stepmother, Laraia and tries to warn her father but to no avail. She is betrothed to Prince Hugo of the Autumn Kingdom. He loves her but she doesn’t feel the same, they’ve grown up together and loves him like a brother. And it’s here in Frost’s point of view that we get the contrast for the thoughts that Frost has about Laraia and the thoughts of Winnie for her beloved mother.
The wedding is fast approaching and Winnie is ever more desperate to stop her mother making a big mistake. She rushes through the mirror to save her mother but the witches control the mirrors and every journey through requires a payment. Can Winnie come to terms with the price she paid and what was the price extracted from her mother? One thing is for sure nothing in Winnie’s world will ever go back to how they were and there is always a price to be paid.
The ending of Part 1 – just oh my god! I was sat there and like omg…. Omg……OMG!!!
Unfortunately, partway through Part 2 the narrative started to lose me and by Part 3 I was done. There were so many characters introduced that they were hard to keep track of and because of the quick POV switches I didn’t really get connected to any of them and therefore didn’t care about them at all, most of them were irrelevant. It was also hard to keep track of events because they were happening so quickly and choppily for me, things would just get interesting, and we’d be switched to a different POV somewhere else. The action/battle sequences weren’t as intensely written as they could have been and seemed to be glossed over.
But in contrast to that the world building was amazing, I would have liked to have seen some of the other kingdoms and the ramifications of events on those other areas. The main characters were well written and the writing for the relationships those characters had with each other was really well done. Although, I have a gripe with one. The antagonist fell a bit flat for me. I don’t know whether its because I’m more jaded with the books I usually read but what I wanted from this character (who was so well written in the first part) was a menacing Mother Gothel type character and she turned into more of an annoyance. Although we are told of the horrible deeds, she commits we don’t really get a feel for it or how it impacts the kingdom so when the interactions come its more of a pop than a kaboom. It’s not horrific in detail like it could have been and it feels like the stakes aren’t that high.
But that being said, this is the first book in a series, and as an introduction to the world of seasonal kingdoms, mirrors, witches and magic there was a lot of lore potential which could impact elements of the story going forward. More detailed review here: https://youtu.be/mSj-yEvNMZ8
We are introduced to the world of Witches & Enforcers. The city of Cranwick is under the strict thumb of the Roth Witches due to a centuries old curse. No protests are allowed and Winnie (the current Mayor of Cranwick’s daughter) is slowly losing the blinkers she has when it comes to the nefarious practices which are allowed to go on. Culminating in her accidentally killing one of the witches after overhearing the same witch forcing her mother, Laraia, to marry the King of Icefall in order to get the cure for her husband, Farn and if she doesn’t he will continue to sicken and eventually die and Winnie will become the Mayor of Cranwick and the Witches’ puppet. Winnie is hellbent on saving her gentle, loving mother from this fate and begs her not to go to Icefall and betray her father and herself.
Princess Frost is the only daughter of King James of Icefall and doesn’t trust her soon to be stepmother, Laraia and tries to warn her father but to no avail. She is betrothed to Prince Hugo of the Autumn Kingdom. He loves her but she doesn’t feel the same, they’ve grown up together and loves him like a brother. And it’s here in Frost’s point of view that we get the contrast for the thoughts that Frost has about Laraia and the thoughts of Winnie for her beloved mother.
The wedding is fast approaching and Winnie is ever more desperate to stop her mother making a big mistake. She rushes through the mirror to save her mother but the witches control the mirrors and every journey through requires a payment. Can Winnie come to terms with the price she paid and what was the price extracted from her mother? One thing is for sure nothing in Winnie’s world will ever go back to how they were and there is always a price to be paid.
The ending of Part 1 – just oh my god! I was sat there and like omg…. Omg……OMG!!!
Unfortunately, partway through Part 2 the narrative started to lose me and by Part 3 I was done. There were so many characters introduced that they were hard to keep track of and because of the quick POV switches I didn’t really get connected to any of them and therefore didn’t care about them at all, most of them were irrelevant. It was also hard to keep track of events because they were happening so quickly and choppily for me, things would just get interesting, and we’d be switched to a different POV somewhere else. The action/battle sequences weren’t as intensely written as they could have been and seemed to be glossed over.
But in contrast to that the world building was amazing, I would have liked to have seen some of the other kingdoms and the ramifications of events on those other areas. The main characters were well written and the writing for the relationships those characters had with each other was really well done. Although, I have a gripe with one. The antagonist fell a bit flat for me. I don’t know whether its because I’m more jaded with the books I usually read but what I wanted from this character (who was so well written in the first part) was a menacing Mother Gothel type character and she turned into more of an annoyance. Although we are told of the horrible deeds, she commits we don’t really get a feel for it or how it impacts the kingdom so when the interactions come its more of a pop than a kaboom. It’s not horrific in detail like it could have been and it feels like the stakes aren’t that high.
But that being said, this is the first book in a series, and as an introduction to the world of seasonal kingdoms, mirrors, witches and magic there was a lot of lore potential which could impact elements of the story going forward. More detailed review here: https://youtu.be/mSj-yEvNMZ8
October 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this read by a new to me author, April Grace. It’s a dark, fantasy Snow White retelling that will pull you in and not let you go until the last page. The world building was excellent and the character development really brought it to life. Winnie and Frost are very different but have such a great friendship. In a works full of witches, they work together to stop the evil that is overtaking their world. I definitely recommend.
January 1, 2024
*copy recieved in exchange for an honest review*
I recently had the pleasure of becoming immersed in The Girl Behind the Glass, a fantasy retelling of Snow White with a dark twist.
Told in a dual narrative style, we’re introduced to Winnie, daughter of the Mayor of Cranwick and Princess Frost, daughter of the King of Icefall. Both characters are fierce and willing to do whatever it takes for the ones that they love. I did say this was a twist on the traditional Snow White fairytale so of course we also have a stepmother and plenty of high-stakes secrets and plotting.
I absolutely adored the world-building and the dual narrative; admittedly I did struggle initially to understand the inner workings of the world and conflict with the witches but the more I read, the more familiar and addictive it became. The Girl Behind the Glass is a book with strong, sassy female protagonists and themes of family, identity and belonging that you’re guaranteed to get hooked on.
I can’t wait to see more of what this world brings!
I recently had the pleasure of becoming immersed in The Girl Behind the Glass, a fantasy retelling of Snow White with a dark twist.
Told in a dual narrative style, we’re introduced to Winnie, daughter of the Mayor of Cranwick and Princess Frost, daughter of the King of Icefall. Both characters are fierce and willing to do whatever it takes for the ones that they love. I did say this was a twist on the traditional Snow White fairytale so of course we also have a stepmother and plenty of high-stakes secrets and plotting.
I absolutely adored the world-building and the dual narrative; admittedly I did struggle initially to understand the inner workings of the world and conflict with the witches but the more I read, the more familiar and addictive it became. The Girl Behind the Glass is a book with strong, sassy female protagonists and themes of family, identity and belonging that you’re guaranteed to get hooked on.
I can’t wait to see more of what this world brings!
November 29, 2024
Young adult
September 8, 2023
A literally Grimm Dark tale featuring our favorite bedtime stories!
Never trust a witch.
In a world where witches and corruption rule, Winnie stands up against foes with more power than she could imagine. But while Winnie's courage and heart cause her to remain defiant, her mother has chosen to make a deal. In exchange for healing for her husband, she gave the witches her most valued possession -- her heart. Under their orders, she then betroths herself to a king in another realm.
Although her mother tries to keep the deal a secret, Winnie suspects her treachery -- and she's not the only one. Frost, the daughter of the engaged king, has her own suspicions as it concerns her soon-to-be stepmother. When the evil new queen attempts to kill her husband on her wedding night, the two daughters form an unlikely alliance to stop the evil now released upon the land.
April Grace manages to combine several fairytales into one. This book is full of deceit, betrayal, love, sacrifice, grief, and heart. With Grace leading the way, we enter into vivid, beautiful realms filled with unique people and situations. All along the way, we are given protagonists worthy of rooting for. Not to mention the inside of the book and the cover are absolutely stunning.
Never trust a witch.
In a world where witches and corruption rule, Winnie stands up against foes with more power than she could imagine. But while Winnie's courage and heart cause her to remain defiant, her mother has chosen to make a deal. In exchange for healing for her husband, she gave the witches her most valued possession -- her heart. Under their orders, she then betroths herself to a king in another realm.
Although her mother tries to keep the deal a secret, Winnie suspects her treachery -- and she's not the only one. Frost, the daughter of the engaged king, has her own suspicions as it concerns her soon-to-be stepmother. When the evil new queen attempts to kill her husband on her wedding night, the two daughters form an unlikely alliance to stop the evil now released upon the land.
April Grace manages to combine several fairytales into one. This book is full of deceit, betrayal, love, sacrifice, grief, and heart. With Grace leading the way, we enter into vivid, beautiful realms filled with unique people and situations. All along the way, we are given protagonists worthy of rooting for. Not to mention the inside of the book and the cover are absolutely stunning.
July 7, 2024
This is a stunning, spellbinding story of evil, of love, of family and foes, of magic and mystery.
It is beautifully written, has a cast of captivating characters, and suspense, and tension right through 'til the end. The book cleverly echoes the famous fairytale of Snow White, but in such a way that is entirely unique, clever, and modern. I was totally absorbed, and it took barely a chapter to be hooked and committed to Frost and Winnie and follow their story.
Between reading I was desperate to get back to it, it's rare to find prose that is as deliciously sweet it's like biting into your favourite chocolate bar, and I just wanted more and more!
Can't wait to read more from this author.
It is beautifully written, has a cast of captivating characters, and suspense, and tension right through 'til the end. The book cleverly echoes the famous fairytale of Snow White, but in such a way that is entirely unique, clever, and modern. I was totally absorbed, and it took barely a chapter to be hooked and committed to Frost and Winnie and follow their story.
Between reading I was desperate to get back to it, it's rare to find prose that is as deliciously sweet it's like biting into your favourite chocolate bar, and I just wanted more and more!
Can't wait to read more from this author.
February 22, 2026
So I saw “twisted fairytale retelling” and with title containing the word “glass”
I (wrongly) assumed Alice in Wonderland. Wishful thinking on my part maybe, but upon reading the blurb it became clear that we were leaning more into Sleeping Beauty. That’s not to say I was disappointed- far from it! This story is really well told with whip smart dialogue and well thought out characters. It was interesting in that it was paced differently in different sections but I think it worked. And there’s some things in there to really make you think and I love that in a book. I really enjoyed it - bring on the next in the series!
I (wrongly) assumed Alice in Wonderland. Wishful thinking on my part maybe, but upon reading the blurb it became clear that we were leaning more into Sleeping Beauty. That’s not to say I was disappointed- far from it! This story is really well told with whip smart dialogue and well thought out characters. It was interesting in that it was paced differently in different sections but I think it worked. And there’s some things in there to really make you think and I love that in a book. I really enjoyed it - bring on the next in the series!
February 26, 2026
The Girl Behind The Glass by April Grace.
Wow what a really good read. I loved the cover. It's gorgeous. While it did take me a minute to get into the story. Once I did I couldn't put it down. I love a retelling story. Snow white is a favourite of mine. I love the world-building. I love the mirror village. Oh to see this on TV. The special effects would be amazing. I liked the writing style and the story. This is the 3rd book I've read by this author. I loved her first 2. I definitely recommend this book.
Wow what a really good read. I loved the cover. It's gorgeous. While it did take me a minute to get into the story. Once I did I couldn't put it down. I love a retelling story. Snow white is a favourite of mine. I love the world-building. I love the mirror village. Oh to see this on TV. The special effects would be amazing. I liked the writing style and the story. This is the 3rd book I've read by this author. I loved her first 2. I definitely recommend this book.
August 31, 2023
I've never read a fairytale retelling before, and I don't think I'll ever find one as good as this. I was so invested in their stories; I hated when I had to put it down. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say...HUGO!! and be gone :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews