The First Look of Poisoned was extremely gripping! I saw that is was marked as Young Adult on Goodreads, and even though I am past that age category, I gave it a go. I feared it would be too naive and childish, and that a "feminist retelling" would be too much like pandering, but boy was I wrong.
Right from the prologue was I unnerved - the description of the act was beautifully described, and you could feel both the pain and the sorrow of both characters. It will be interest to follow to see what will happen after this scene.
Starting the first chapter with the hunt was well done; it allowed us to have a first view of all the key characters and how they interact with one another.
Sophia's internal conflict was interesting, as we, as the readers, get to see both her facade and her true nature. The switiching POVs will let this aspect of the novel flourish.
Of course it wouldn't be a YA book without two possible dashing suitors and it will be interesting to see how Jennifer Donnelly deals with them.
Finally, the Queen, the typical evil stepmother we know from the classic fairytales. However, the switching POVs as aforementioned allowed us to note a different side of her. It was poignant to see her discuss the politics behind gender and positions of power with Sophia - we can see how she is having to influence others to be seen as a good ruler.
This First Look was wonderful, I was gripped! The discussions of gender felt genuine, and I am interested to see where Jennifer Donnelly takes this modern retelling of a classic story.
Right from the prologue was I unnerved - the description of the act was beautifully described, and you could feel both the pain and the sorrow of both characters. It will be interest to follow to see what will happen after this scene.
Starting the first chapter with the hunt was well done; it allowed us to have a first view of all the key characters and how they interact with one another.
Sophia's internal conflict was interesting, as we, as the readers, get to see both her facade and her true nature. The switiching POVs will let this aspect of the novel flourish.
Of course it wouldn't be a YA book without two possible dashing suitors and it will be interesting to see how Jennifer Donnelly deals with them.
Finally, the Queen, the typical evil stepmother we know from the classic fairytales. However, the switching POVs as aforementioned allowed us to note a different side of her. It was poignant to see her discuss the politics behind gender and positions of power with Sophia - we can see how she is having to influence others to be seen as a good ruler.
This First Look was wonderful, I was gripped! The discussions of gender felt genuine, and I am interested to see where Jennifer Donnelly takes this modern retelling of a classic story.