The Wildest Things: A Whimsical Sapphic Retelling
From the moment I learned that The Wildest Things was a sapphic retelling of Snow White by the talented Andrea Hannah, I found myself absolutely captivated. There’s something magical about reinterpreting classic tales through fresh perspectives, especially in the realm of young adult fantasy where the possibilities are endless. It’s always thrilling to dive into a story that weaves together fantasy elements with deeper themes of love, power, and redemption. And so, I embarked on this journey from October 1st to October 10th, powered by my anticipation for a unique twist.
A Tale Interwoven with Heart and Intrigue
Set against the backdrop of a kingdom ravaged by corrupt monarchy, the story introduces us to Snow and Iliana—two characters whose fates collide in the most unexpected ways. While the premise drew me in, my feelings towards the characters were complex. Snow, the main character, often came off as bland and spoiled, making it hard to relate to her struggles. Despite her royal burdens, I found her selfishness frustrating. Conversely, Iliana emerged as a truly compelling character—her depth and potential to impact the storyline significantly resonated with me.
The themes are just as intertwined as the fates of the characters. The exploration of power dynamics and the quest for reclaiming a rightful throne feels timely and relevant. It echoes real-world issues about justice and corruption, offering readers a mirror to reflect on societal norms. Nevertheless, the pacing sometimes felt hurried—a whirlwind of rushed revelations and forced connections that detracted from the otherwise enchanting backdrop.
Stylistic Choices and Pacing
Andrea Hannah’s writing style is something I’ve admired in her previous works, like Of Scars and Stardust. However, in The Wildest Things, it seemed to lack the fluidity I had hoped for. The narrative felt choppy at times, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the rich world building that Hannah often excels at. Though the world was populated with intriguing elements, they felt spread too thin, making it hard for me to grasp the entire landscape at times.
There’s also an emotional weight carried by the character dynamics—Iliana and Snow are electric together, even if their relationship felt rushed. I desperately wanted to see their bond developed more thoroughly. The end of the book, however, took me by surprise and left me with a hopeful sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Wildest Things is a solid addition to the contemporary YA fantasy genre, especially for those who cherish sapphic representation and fairytale retellings. While it didn’t strike the emotional chords I had anticipated, the essence of the story shone through. I believe it would resonate with readers seeking adventure, romance, and just a hint of darkness.
This book may not have been the strongest contender in my personal library, but it certainly opened my eyes to the many shades of storytelling. If you’re looking for a fresh spin on a beloved classic, then this retelling might just be the adventure you crave. Let’s light it up and rattle some stars, shall we?