The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is a villain origin story and a twist on a classic fairytale. Villain origin stories, particularly those from classic stories, are hugely popular. I am immediately drawn to them so when Gena Showalter revealed she was writing about the Evil Queen's origins I was instantly intrigued.
I have wanted the Evil Queen to get a well done origin story for as long as I can remember so I am hoping this one is a good as I think it'll be.
The Goodreads synopsis for this novel certainly helps set high expectations. A conflicted woman who could be tempted to the dark side, a doomed romance, and more await!
Welcome to the Forest of Good and Evil. A dream come true, and a living nightmare.
“Evil isn’t born, it’s made.
One thought and action at a time.
Take a good look at what you’ve made.”
Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future.
Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real life fairy tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors.
Look. See… What will one peek hurt?
Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.
With powers beyond her imagination or control—and determined to change Fate itself—Everly returns to the land of her birth. There, she meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed.
As bits and pieces of the prophecy unfold, Everly faces one betrayal after another, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Can she resist, or will she become the queen—and villain—she was born to be?
Snow White retellings (or reimagings) have begun to give Snow (and the Evil Queen) more complex relationships and more agency so I hope this one continues that trend. I am curious to see if this story's Prince, Roth Charmaine, is more textured as well.
As part of offering up a variety of posts this year, I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!
1 The romance between Roth and Everly is high on my reasons to read this. A doomed romance usually works on me and I am curious to see how this one will be developed. I am guessing this book's version of Snow will factor in some how (but would be pleasantly surprised if she didn't).
As part of offering up a variety of posts this year, I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!
1 The romance between Roth and Everly is high on my reasons to read this. A doomed romance usually works on me and I am curious to see how this one will be developed. I am guessing this book's version of Snow will factor in some how (but would be pleasantly surprised if she didn't).
2 This is the first book in what seems to be a series! If this means other fairytale retellings are on the way I am even more excited. I loved Once Upon A Time when it was good (so seasons 1 and 2) and would love another richly developed fairytale world to fall in love with.
3 As previously mentioned these origin stories of infamous villains are hot right now. These stories allow for the reader to see a character they are used to looking at one way in an entirely new light. It, usually, adds some sympathy for the villain (even if short lived) and makes a case that from a different point of view the villain may not be such a villain after all.
The Evil Queen releases June 25, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (or snag it with those holiday gift cards).
You can find out more about Gena by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.
Do you love fairytale retellings like I do? Are you a fan of villain origin stories? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Do you love fairytale retellings like I do? Are you a fan of villain origin stories? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list.
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