Jeanette Rose's Snow White offers a fresh and intriguing take on the classic fairy tale, weaving a narrative that is both familiar and refreshingly new. This reimagining delves deep into the origins of the Evil Queen, Azura, while simultaneously exploring the life of Snow White, the Vessel of the Ice Elemental. Through its rich storytelling and complex characters, the novel invites readers into a world where dark magic and elemental forces collide, creating a tapestry of intrigue, power, and forbidden desire.

At the heart of the story is Azura, a character whose ambition and cunning are palpable from the very beginning. Unlike traditional portrayals of the Evil Queen, Rose provides Azura with a compelling backstory that explains her motivations and desires. Azura's need to consolidate power is not just a quest for dominance but a necessity born from her reliance on Dark Magic. The finite nature of her power source—the remains of supernatural creatures—adds a layer of urgency and desperation to her actions. This nuanced portrayal of Azura as a character driven by both ambition and necessity makes her a fascinating and, at times, sympathetic antagonist.

In contrast, Snow White is depicted as a figure of purity and isolation. As the Vessel of the Ice Elemental, she is both revered and kept at a distance, her touch capable of sending shivers down one's spine. Rose skillfully captures Snow's longing for connection and warmth, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her excitement at the prospect of her father's plan to invite eligible ladies and princesses to their kingdom is palpable, highlighting her desire for friendship and acceptance.

The dynamic between Azura and Snow White is one of the novel's most compelling aspects. Their relationship is marked by a tension that is both electrifying and dangerous. Azura's immediate attraction to Snow, described as a "dark beauty with the scent of frosted apples," adds a layer of complexity to their interactions. Snow's dreams of Azura's touch and kiss, juxtaposed with her fear of losing the chance for friendship, create a poignant and bittersweet narrative thread. This exploration of forbidden desire and the boundaries of friendship adds depth to the story, making it more than just a simple tale of good versus evil.

Rose's writing is evocative and atmospheric, bringing the mystical world of Lithelle to life. The descriptions of the Mystical woods and the elemental powers are vivid and immersive, drawing readers into a realm where magic is both wondrous and perilous. The author's ability to balance the fantastical elements with the emotional depth of her characters is commendable, creating a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

One of the novel's central themes is the exploration of power and its consequences. Azura's quest for power is driven by her need to sustain her dark magic, but it also raises questions about the nature of power itself. Is power inherently corrupting, or is it the choices one makes in the pursuit of power that define one's character? Rose does not provide easy answers, instead allowing readers to grapple with these questions alongside her characters.

Another significant theme is the idea of identity and self-acceptance. Both Azura and Snow White struggle with their identities—Azura as a practitioner of Dark Magic and Snow as a Vessel of the Ice Elemental. Their journeys toward self-acceptance and understanding are central to the narrative, offering a message of empowerment and resilience.

In comparison to other reimaginings of fairy tales, such as Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles or Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver, Rose's Snow White stands out for its focus on the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist. While Meyer's series emphasizes a futuristic twist and Novik's work delves into Slavic folklore, Rose's novel is rooted in the exploration of character dynamics and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Overall, Jeanette Rose's Snow White is a captivating and thought-provoking reimagining of a classic tale. With its richly developed characters, evocative writing, and exploration of complex themes, the novel offers a fresh perspective on the story of Snow White and the Evil Queen. It is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and those who appreciate stories that challenge traditional narratives and delve into the intricacies of human nature.