Having read Stepsister by Jennifer Connelly I was very keen to read Poisoned and was not disappointed. This is a very different Snow White story to the usual fairy tale or the way it is portrayed by Disney. Sophie is about to come of age and take over as queen in place of her stepmother who has been ruling since the king died. The two women are very different. Sophie is kind and loving and wants to help not only people but also animals. The queen believes that Sophie is weak and only a strong, and feared ruler can save the country from its enemies. Through the story Sophie learns not to listen to those who say she is weak and useless and must have a prince to protect her. She learns to rely on her own strength and finds that her kindness to others is repaid many times. Much of the original story is included such as the magic mirror, poisoned apple but always with a twist