Synopsis
An arranged marriage. Seven rugged warriors. A plan to take back the kingdom.
Princess Ivanna Sergeevna has been a captive in her own castle for most of her life. Her every move watched by her cruel stepmother, her father gone without a trace, she spends her days sneaking down to the kitchens and dreaming of the day her arranged marriage becomes reality. After all, the letters she and the prince have been exchanging make him seem like someone she can call a friend and she can use one of those.
But when her stepmother tries to kill her, Ivanna has no choice but to flee, finding a refuge in an out-of-the-way cottage in the magical forest, occupied by seven rugged bogatyrs—mysterious knights she’s only heard whispers of within the castle gossip mill.
The most mysterious—and annoyingly handsome—Dimitri, seems to have a bone to pick with her, and she has her own misgivings about the so-called hero. But Ivanna isn’t just a damsel in distress and has a plan. It involves getting back to her prince and taking the queen off the throne, once and for all.
But with the close proximity to the knight, a magical bunny, and the whole band of brothers, everything Ivanna has thought about the world is put to the test. When the time comes, she’ll have to choose between her duty to the kingdom and her heart.
Review
Wow! I am in love with this book. I read a lot of fairy tale retellings, but this was my first Snow White retelling because it isn't my favorite fairy tale. I now must read the Russian version, but I'll go ahead and give full credit to Valia Lind for making this story so wonderful.
I won't spoil anything, but I loved the reveal to the reader before Ivanka. It made the book unputdownable. Ivanka's reaction was also perfection.
This was my first of the Skazka Fairy Tales, but I am adding the others to my list! Anyone who loves a good fairy tale should do the same.
Thank you, Skazka Press and Goodreads, for a copy of this lovely book.
Dates read: Jan 1, 2024 - Jan 1, 2024