The Wildest Things: A Captivating, If Flawed, Fairytale Retelling
As someone who has always been drawn to unique takes on classic tales, Andrea Hannah’s The Wildest Things felt like it was practically calling my name. A sapphic retelling of the iconic Snow White? Yes, please! The blend of young adult fantasy, horror elements, and intense emotional undercurrents had me intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis. Having explored Hannah’s previous works, I expected an imaginative journey, and this book does deliver—albeit with a few bumps along the way.
A Twisted Fairytale
At its core, The Wildest Things is an exploration of power, betrayal, and identity. The story follows Snow, a princess whose sheltered life has left her with a whitelist of traits: bland, spoiled, and a bit self-centered. While this lack of relatability made her journey challenging for me at times, I appreciated the contrast provided by Iliana—a side character whose depth and strength are palpable. Their complicated relationship is the heart of the book and forms a compelling undercurrent that balances the fantastical with the personal.
The narrative melds familiar tropes in a refreshingly unexpected way, with elements like a corrupt monarchy and a princess determined to reclaim her throne. However, the pacing suffered a bit; key moments felt rushed, making me wish for a deeper exploration of their whirlwind emotions. That said, the twists in their relationship kept me engaged, especially when the tension between trying to kill and falling in love simmered to a slow boil.
The Writing Style
Now, let’s talk about the writing. In the past, Andrea Hannah’s versatility has impressed me, but here, it felt surprisingly inconsistent. While the world-building was extensive—and I commend the imaginative details—it often felt scattered, almost as if the plot was engineered to rush through significant ideas rather than allow them to unfold naturally. Readers might find themselves yearning for more fluidity. Some moments certainly sparkled—pun intended, given Hannah’s ability to craft eerie, yet enticing imagery—but others left me scratching my head.
In my review copy, I noted the absence of favorite quotes or clear standout moments since it was an unfinished version. While I’m sure the polished product will shine, I found myself missing those quotable lines that truly resonate long after reading.
Final Thoughts
Despite the rocky road, I can confidently say The Wildest Things is a decent read, especially for those who relish sapphic fairytales. While I didn’t connect deeply with Snow, Iliana’s strength kept me hanging on. Her character is an embodiment of the potential that exists within the story, and it’s hard not to root for her journey, even through the clumsiness of the plot.
Overall, if you’re a fan of unique retellings or are simply looking for a fantasy story saturated with emotional conflict and dark undertones, this book might just be your cup of tea. It may not be perfect, but it definitely has its moments that light up the page and rattle the heart. I look forward to seeing the final draft and sharing some of my favorite lines once I have the full publication. Until then, see you in the realm of magical castle secrets and twisted paths of redemption!