The story holds many hidden gem within the pages and it was an enjoyable experience overall. I would say it’s more reinvented than a retelling of the classic.
I must admit that it made me think at the Virgin Queen and her appetite for virgins blood to stay young as the King Manford lived his life. I don’t particularly like Sophia because I still see her as a teenager and very unsure about her life and future. It’s an age when you have to feel and discover the world and life’s opportunities so the gay heroine at sixteen is a bit lost on me here. The patriarchy fight has been happening for many years and will still be a long time before we can live in a better place for everyone.
The writing was great and the story overall was interesting but I wouldn’t say it’s a favourite unfortunately.

Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.