CW: violence/abuse, colorism (challenged)

I’ve read three of Anna-Marie’s four novels and this one is absolutely my favorite. It’s whimsical and emotional and amazing. It’s about sisters, romance, friendship, magic, identity, and family; it’s everything you could want in a story. It also tackles many important issues, a major one being colorism, though as a white reviewer that’s not in my lane to discuss.

I loved all four of the protagonists: Blanca, Roja, Page, and Yearling. They were so dynamic and I loved them on their own and as a group. Blanca and Roja are struggling to find themselves beyond the light and dark expectations everyone has of them. Page is a genderqueer boy that uses varied pronouns and I love her so much. Yearling is rougher around the edges but sweet, and adapting to losing vision in one eye. Roja and Page are my favorites, but I love all four of these characters so much. I also love the gay grandmas; they‘re minor characters but they‘re great. YA needs more gay grandmas.

This is one of those situations where I can’t find the words to express how much I loved this book. It’s exquisite. Although I don’t think I’ve read many other retellings this year, this is the best. I read one version of Snow White, Rose Red for one of my English classes earlier in the semester, and it’s definitely one of my favorite fairytales. Anna-Marie masterfully blended the details I know with their own magic and mystique.

Anna-Marie always comes up with whimsical, wonderful stories and three-dimensional characters you can’t help but love, and this was no exception. I can’t wait to read more from them. If you read one of their books before the year is up, make it this one.