A Maiden of Snakes Review

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Maiden of Snakes by Jane McGarry
Published by JM Books on August 28, 2022
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retelling
Pages: 270
Format: Paperback
Source: Provided by author for honest review
Goodreads

When Marchioness Lamberico fails to conceive a child, she solicits the help of Imelda, the village witch. Nine months later, she gives birth to a baby girl. Biancabella. Though perfect in every other way, the infant is born with a snake wrapped around her neck. To the relief of the marchioness, the creature vanishes at once and, in the joy of motherhood, is soon forgotten. When Biancabella is a young girl, the snake reappears and explains their uncommon sisterhood. Samaritana helps Biancabella unlock her magical gifts and asserts that so long as they are together, all will be well. Their close, though secret, relationship unites them above all others. Years pass, the sisters contented, until the day King Ferrandino of Naples arrives, seeking Biancabella’s hand in marriage. What follows shatters the sisters’ bond, leading to misfortune and betrayal, which forces them to grapple with not only the loss of their connection, but leaves each fighting for her life. Loosely based on the Italian fairy tale Biancabella and the Snake, the story explores how the love can transform from a domineering and covetous power to authenticity and, ultimately, redemption.

 Julie’s Review:

I enjoy a well-done fairy tale retelling so I jumped on the chance to read this one as the description enchanted me. A Maiden of Snakes is based on an Italian fairy tale, which intrigued me since I’m so much more familiar with Grimm’s. This one held some familiarity of Snow White, but not really. And then it took off somewhere else entirely. If curious, you can read the Biancabella and the Snake fairytale here.

Now, A Maiden of Snakes follows the fairy tale closely enough with similar characters, situations, and outcomes – giving more back story and explanation of the magical birth and bond between the girl and the snake. The story is told beautifully as we come to understand just how captivating and special Biancabella is with her beauty, the flowers falling from her hands, and gems falling from her hair. The conflict unfolds as predicted when the sisters get into a fight, feel betrayed by one another, and separate.

A complaint I’m going to make is the editing in the book at times was overlooked. The book I received was not marked as an uncorrected ARC, it does have a barcode and ISBN, but it also didn’t have copyright page – so it could be a print on demand or early copy. So it is possible my copy was not the current print edition. The book itself has been out for some time. Yet there were a handful of places that looked unedited (sentences ending without a period, incorrect apostrophe, etc). So I will hope the final copy being sold has already been through a final round of editing.

I also don’t quite understand the tagline “obey her and all will be well” as that’s not really what is going on here. Who are we obeying? The snake twin, it appears is who is meant, but she’s not evil. The mother-in-law? Doesn’t quite fit either. The general premise was to teach a lesson of bond and working together to find a compromise that will suit those involved, rather than uttering ultimatums and keeping secrets from each other.

There is redemption, and reconciliation, but not much character development. The characters are as they are told about, either pure evil or pure of heart. The romance was very simple, not much showing but we were told of the girl’s feelings right away. Perhaps the intent is to appeal to younger audiences and be more appropriate for all, but as a YA it could have used more depth.

The cover is gorgeous. I love the purples and the greens and the silver over the black. The snakes intertwined in the gate that represents the young girl’s garden is visually pleasing. I do enjoy the font, bold and blocky but curvy and beveled. I do like that style mix. I would be interested in reading more from this author.

The story is written in an easy to read tone, making this a great read for young readers and adults alike. The read was clean, though there is violence. The fairy tale feel is lovely and fun, and draws you in. I finished this book in a couple of days, easily enjoying it on a lazy weekend afternoon. An enjoyable read for fans of retellings and unique fairy tales that aren’t too mainstream.

and a half

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