My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I loved Stepsister and was well on the way to loving this one, too, until the end. I will not give spoilers, but if you read it and are wondering why, then chat with me personally. But let me tell those of you who aren't going to read it why I did like the book initially. First, it is not just a book about snow white and the seven dwarves. It's a much darker book about people's hearts being cut out (but they don't die). It's about being a ruler who asks for sacrifices vs. the ruler who is willing to sacrifice. It's about a girl who has learned to overcome the negative influences in her life to be herself. And there is definitely the one to one ratio of the classic story to this story regarding characters, so I enjoyed the different tone of the book despite the fact that Disney has overtaken the "classic" with its saccharine sweetness. (but let's admit it, sometime we need that, too). I would encourage people to read the book, and the problem I have with it is my problem- not with the book itself or the writing or anything at fault with Jennifer Donnelly.