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sjeckert's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this story and its unique take on Snow White! I thought the intrigue and the romance were very well written. I did struggle quite a bit with the narrator, as it was hard to listen to at first and only grew on me enough to finish it, but given the choice, I would probably read this one instead of listening in the future. I listened to a review copy, but these are my honest opinions.
redcupbookclub's review
1.0
This is supposed to be a Sleeping Beauty retelling of sorts. The only connections to fairytale is a mean, ugly stepmother, a mirror slave and a random apple. Beyond those two minor points, which both felt forced, I would argue furiously against any comparisons.
I have never read from C. S. Johnson before this book, so I was not prepared for the heavy Christian overtones. This would have been fine if it made sense to the story. As it was, the blatant preaching felt out of place and extremely forced.
The writing also gave me pause. It felt very staccato; with short, choppy sentences. I expected a story that leaned into fairytale to have a more whimsical rhythm to the writing.
The plot and the characters left me wanting. The plot, with its political machinations and opposing nations, could have had potential, but Johnson focused so heavily on the romance between Ebony and Rion, that the story felt like an afterthought. And speaking of Ebony and Rion, both characters were little more than cliche, biblical virtues personified. In fact, all of the characters felt at once overdone and devoid of substance.
I did not enjoy this read and would hesitate to pick up anything else by this author.
I have never read from C. S. Johnson before this book, so I was not prepared for the heavy Christian overtones. This would have been fine if it made sense to the story. As it was, the blatant preaching felt out of place and extremely forced.
The writing also gave me pause. It felt very staccato; with short, choppy sentences. I expected a story that leaned into fairytale to have a more whimsical rhythm to the writing.
The plot and the characters left me wanting. The plot, with its political machinations and opposing nations, could have had potential, but Johnson focused so heavily on the romance between Ebony and Rion, that the story felt like an afterthought. And speaking of Ebony and Rion, both characters were little more than cliche, biblical virtues personified. In fact, all of the characters felt at once overdone and devoid of substance.
I did not enjoy this read and would hesitate to pick up anything else by this author.
despinareviews's review
2.0
This book is a Christian retelling of Snow White with hints of Cinderella thrown in for good measure. Princess Ebony (daughter of King Maru) and Prince Rion (son of Queen Varyes) are young and in love [despite the fact they are technically stepsiblings, they are seen as having been more akin to childhood friends who were at a distance] They pursue their love despite society (and particularly the Queen!) telling and showing them that their interracial romance should have no place, remaining defiant in their love.
A refreshing take on the fairytale, this book delves into the world of politics surrounding the nations, experiences of racism and slave trade, but also contrasts that to concepts of light, song and love. The main characters are so in love that they become blinded by the bad intentions of those around them, and it becomes quickly apparent that they should not have underestimated the Queen ...
I found the dynamic between the two main characters lovely and their love and dedication to one another was a really good read. Prince Rion in particular came across as a bit clueless when it came to the torment Princess Ebony had endured and the power dynamics there (basically racism and THEN some!), and they both seemed a bit naive when it came to the Queen, but it was a very quick read which was well paced (though slightly repetitive at parts).
NOTE: This story is told from three perspectives - Ebony, Rion and Queen Varyes.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
A refreshing take on the fairytale, this book delves into the world of politics surrounding the nations, experiences of racism and slave trade, but also contrasts that to concepts of light, song and love. The main characters are so in love that they become blinded by the bad intentions of those around them, and it becomes quickly apparent that they should not have underestimated the Queen ...
I found the dynamic between the two main characters lovely and their love and dedication to one another was a really good read. Prince Rion in particular came across as a bit clueless when it came to the torment Princess Ebony had endured and the power dynamics there (basically racism and THEN some!), and they both seemed a bit naive when it came to the Queen, but it was a very quick read which was well paced (though slightly repetitive at parts).
NOTE: This story is told from three perspectives - Ebony, Rion and Queen Varyes.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
constant2m's review
4.0
Northern Lights, Southern Stars is a unique take on the story of Snow White. Deeper than the original fairy tale, it looked at international politics, the slave trade, racism, and the power of kindness and hope and love. Instead of white, Princess Ebony is dark-skinned, as is her entire nation. The prince she loves is white. They would not be the first mixed-race marriage, yet there were many who refused to accept the mixed relationships and the children that came from these marriages. That was difficult to read. There was also a contrast between those who believed in God and those who practiced evil magic. Ebony was mistreated and had her life threatened on many occasions. However, she never gave up faith or allowed her trials to make her bitter. She was a lovely, compelling hero who made faith and hope and love seem attainable to any of us.
The story was told in three perspectives, the princess, the prince, and the evil queen. Each of these was clearly marked and easy to follow. However, they also meant the reader is stuck in the head of each of these three people a bit more than necessary. I struggled with that - a bit too much of the omniscient perspective. This lessened as the book progressed and by the end, I had almost forgotten my annoyance at the beginning. Additionally, much of the story was written in present tense, which made it more difficult to read. Overall, I recommend the book and look forward to reading more books by C.S. Johnson. The imaginative take on the overtold story of Snow White was delightful and refreshing.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.
The story was told in three perspectives, the princess, the prince, and the evil queen. Each of these was clearly marked and easy to follow. However, they also meant the reader is stuck in the head of each of these three people a bit more than necessary. I struggled with that - a bit too much of the omniscient perspective. This lessened as the book progressed and by the end, I had almost forgotten my annoyance at the beginning. Additionally, much of the story was written in present tense, which made it more difficult to read. Overall, I recommend the book and look forward to reading more books by C.S. Johnson. The imaginative take on the overtold story of Snow White was delightful and refreshing.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.
nuphoc3's review
5.0
Loved that it was a retelling of the Cinderella stories. Grant it everyone lived happily ever after as you usually find in fairy tales but still loved it
crystalmcgough's review
5.0
This book is absolutely beautiful! I adore C.S. Johnson’s writing style. Not once have her characters failed to capture my heart. If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings, this one is a MUST READ!
Ebony’s character growth throughout the story and her circumstances is both encouraging and refreshing to the soul. The spiritual messages woven throughout felt genuine and, once again, refreshing.
Prince Rion ... SWOON!!!!!!!
And Queen Varyes ... wow, what a complex character she is! A perfect and believable mixture of tragedy, insecurity, and evil.
This is definitely one of my favorite versions of Snow White!
Ebony’s character growth throughout the story and her circumstances is both encouraging and refreshing to the soul. The spiritual messages woven throughout felt genuine and, once again, refreshing.
Prince Rion ... SWOON!!!!!!!
And Queen Varyes ... wow, what a complex character she is! A perfect and believable mixture of tragedy, insecurity, and evil.
This is definitely one of my favorite versions of Snow White!
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