Poisoned is a fascinating new take on the old fairy tale of Snow White by Jennifer Donnelly. This is the huntsmans story of taking Snow White into the woods on the orders of the Queen, Snow White's wicked stepmother as she believes Snow White is too weak to be Queen and she will inherit the crown that day as it's her seventeenth birthday. At the hunt Snow White had allowed the wolf they were hunting to escape then released a little hound who had been too frightened to attack the wolf and had been ordered to be killed by the Queen. In retaliation the Queen orders the kennel boy who had pleaded for mercy for the dog to be whipped and the whole pack to be slaughtered. The Queen has considered many suitors who might make a suitable husband for Snow White and be strong enough to overcome Snow White's tenderness. The huntsman tells of taking Snow White into the woods and plunging a knife between her ribs. He then goes on to tell of his expertise in gutting deer and that it only takes him a few moments and he is holding the heart on his hands to take back to the Queen as proof that Snow White is dead. However, has he taken Snow White's heart or that of one of the woodland animals? This is exceptionally well written, keeping the reader guessing what might come next. Will there be seven dwarves, will the Queen discover Snow White is still alive and take her a poiosoned apple, will one of the young princes find Snow White and restore her to her kingdom? So looking forward to reading the rest of this book.