Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis Published by Disney-Hyperion on October 14th 2014
Source: Purchased
Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Action & Adventure
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Princess Snow is missing.
Her home planet is filled with violence and corruption at the hands of King Matthias and his wife as they attempt to punish her captors. The king will stop at nothing to get his beloved daughter back—but that’s assuming she wants to return at all.
Essie has grown used to being cold. Temperatures on the planet Thanda are always sub-zero, and she fills her days with coding and repairs for the seven loyal drones that run the local mines.
When a mysterious young man named Dane crash-lands near her home, Essie agrees to help the pilot repair his ship. But soon she realizes that Dane’s arrival was far from accidental, and she’s pulled into the heart of a war she’s risked everything to avoid. With the galaxy’s future—and her own—in jeopardy, Essie must choose who to trust in a fiery fight for survival.
Anddd we have another Snow White retelling to add to our shelves! I’d recommend to read this with a fresh, open mind, considering the multiplicity of fairy tale retellings set in science fiction settings. This one still remains highly original and has characters and plots that are unique to itself, despite the seemingly similar backgrounds to other books.
Stitching Snow really hooked me in the beginning when we see our main character, Essie, beat some dude in a fight. Essie actually has genetically modified white hair, which coincides with the the whole “Snow White” aspect. So yes, she’s handy with technology, good at defending herself, and has a quick wit, but she has her own problems too. After getting kidnapped by the love interest (fun times), she discovers that she’s actually the missing Princess Snow. Essie finds that people want her back on the throne, and thus appear the evil stepmother… and father!
The only complaint I have with this book was the lack of attention towards the antagonists, King Matthias and Queen Olivia. Readers never really get a clue on why the queen wanted Essie killed. There wasn’t even a weird talking mirror to council her on that stuff and tell her that she was more beautiful. Although they fit in as the role of antagonists, the lack of depth to their actions left much to be desired. It seems as if they were just evil for the sake of being, well, evil.
The romance going on was so nice to read about! There is no love triangle or insta-love. In fact, Dane’s actions towards Essie in the beginning (re: kidnapping) sparked more animosity than anything. However, he definitely had his reasons and their developing relationship throughout the book is so worth reading. The slow burn romance will definitely keep you engaged as you fall in love with these two determined characters. Dane was so sweet and loyal to Essie, and it was great to see the romance set aside for the bigger plot of getting Essie back on the throne.
There are many cute Snow White references littered throughout the book, including Essie’s seven “dwarves,” who are drones that she programmed herself. (Gasp! A princess who can actually do something!) They help her out with fixing things and provided a wonderful addition to the cast. There’s also a poisonous “apple” that we get to see, and a true love’s kiss in the end – but not the one you’re imagining, from the Disney movie. There are little twists to each of these Snow White aspects that you really can’t help but appreciate while reading.
The setting ranged from the frozen land of Thanda to the technologically centered city of Garam, to the stunning topography of Windsong. Each area was unique to itself and provided a beautiful backdrop for our characters. Although the writing was fairly simple, it makes for a quick read that you won’t get tired of.
Despite the lack of detail to the villain’s motives and explanations, the book was really fun to read! Readers who enjoy fairy-tale retellings will definitely enjoy this one. There were quite a bit of Snow White aspects that were cute additions, but could be a bit distracting. Either way, the plucky characters, slow-burn romance, and compelling setting makes for an adventure-filled read that’s just as delightful as a juicy, red apple.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Aila J.
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[…] Stitching Snow by RC Lewis | I actually read it a while ago but really liked it so I did a review. Yes, it’s yet another fairy tale retelling set in space, but it really stands out on its own and is full of feels! | 4 stars […]
I was pleasantly surprised about this book, and ended up really enjoying it! I loved the whole 'robotics' aspects of the dwarves, and Essie was pretty kickass. I've picked up a copy of the author's other retelling, just need to find a time to get into it. 🙂
I'm the absolute same, Joy! I really need to start Spinning Starlight, because it seems as awesome as this one. I'm so glad you were pleasantly surprised about it. This does seem like one that is off the radar to many people!
Glad to hear there wasn’t a love triangle here; in truth I’m tired of them in YA. Though I’m not happy to hear about the lack of attention towards the antagonists. I love a well-written complex villain. Wonderful review, Aila!
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Yeah, unfortunately I felt like the villains were just there for the plot's sake. I didn't mind, I guess, because more Essie and Dane time! <3 (hehe otp for life)
Okay for real though, love triangles are the absolute death of me. I can stand books that have them, but sometimes they can become so irritating.
Glad to see you liked it. I remember liking it too, but can't remember too many details. I do remember the dad was pervy, though.
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LOLOL. What a detail to remember, aha. Maybe it's time for a reread to rediscover what you liked about it? 😉
Thanks so much! And it certainly is that – fun and action-packed!
I see why you caution to have an open mind! It sounds similar to other YA fantasy retellings with sci-fi. But! I'm so interested in this! Great review 😀
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I'm glad you think so! And yeah, it always makes me a bit sad when readers start comparing these sci-fi retellings. From the ones I've read personally, they all have a different way of standing out!
This sounds like such a fun Snow White retelling Aila with the different back drops! I always skipped past this one because of Cinder (which I love so much) but it definitely sounds closer to the fairy tale. Lovely review hun!
Yeah, I was so sad when people skipped this one because they compared it to Cinder. :') I guess it was also the matter of timing the release so close to when that series was becoming a big thing. I'm glad to say that it really stands out by itself, however, and was ultimately an awesome read!
Definitely picking this one up! I love retellings anyway, but Snow White has become one of my faves. Awesome review!
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YAAS, I'm so glad, Lekeisha! Good thing there are tons of awesome Snow White retellings in the YA world!
This sounds so interesting! Sort of like Cinder, but she's not actually a cyborg, isn't she? And the kidnapping part sounds like Tangled, but overall it sounds so badass and fun 😀 Thanks for sharing!
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Nope, she's definitely not a cyborg! But her hair was genetically altered to be white, thus the name "Snow White" hehe. Omg now that you mention it – yes! It does have remnants of Tangles (maybe that's another reason why I loved it so much).
But I love villains! I might not be reading this anytime soon but I already know that I want more from the villains especially in fairytale inspired books like this where in the original tale, the villain played a major role.
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Ahaha for real, villains totally need more spotlight! I tend to either love them, or love to hate them (is there a difference?) The latter was the one that applied to the evil stepmother in this book.
I had such a weird experience with this one. I think I enjoyed the beginning, but the middle kind of faltered and dragged. I might just pick up the second book just to see if I'd feel differently about the series in general.
Great review.
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I do believe that Spinning Starlight, the next book the author wrote, is just a companion and doesn't have to do with anything in this book! I'm so sorry that the latter half of Stitching Snow was disappointing for you. I hope you do enjoy other book though!
This sounds like it was a really creative and entertaining retelling so I am so glad to hear you liked it so much! The characters and the slow-burn romance both sound amazing. Definitely going to have to give this a try now! Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
Thanks so much Zoe! <3 And it really was entertaining! Despite having elements from a fairytale, it could really stand out on its own story. *Sighs* the romance was definitely lots of swoon!
I had so much fun reading Stitching Snow and those drones are adorable. The antagonistic between Essie and Dane and then the slow-building friendship to romance just added to my enjoyment. I'm glad you enjoyed this one Aila – are you planning on reading her other books?
Thanks for the lovely review 🙂
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I definitely am, Kim! I haven't started Spinning Starlight yet, but I ordered a copy and it's just begging to be read. 🙂 I'm planning to read it in between all these review books.
Ahh yes, antagonistic relationships ftw! Seriously, they make my world go round HEHE.
I've never heard of this one before, but it sounds delightful. I'll definitely have to check it out and add it to my TBR. I'm relieved to hear that the romance is actually good! Those are kind of rare these day. Amazing review!
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I TOTALLY GET YOU KYNNDRA. And thank you! <3
But for real, like romances these days are left, right, love-dodecagon, soap opera-worthy! What happened to a good ol' fashioned linear relationship where a guy likes a girl (or vice versa, or with different genders)? I JUST WANT MY SHIP TO BE HAPPY. :')
The fact that there's no insta-love or love triangle in this book makes me really want to pick it up! I just LOVE retellings and this is one I've had my eye on for quite awhile. Great review!
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Ooh, I'm so glad to hear! That's another reason why I fell in love with it other than being a retelling. The linear relationship and support Dane and Snow gave each other was totally worth reading.
I've been really picky when it comes to reading retellings, as the last few that I've read didn't really work out for me, bit this one sounds wonderful Alia. I especially like the sound of the slow burn romance. Lovely review! 🙂
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Yess, the romance is absolutely scorching! I really enjoyed it. I'm so sorry that your other retellings didn't work out! 🙁 I loveee these kind of books, so I'm always on the search for them hehe. 😉
GAH! Ever since I read The Lunar Chronicles, I've fallen in love with fairytale retellings! I also love the fact that there was no insta love or anything like that because that always bothers me! HATE INSTA LOVE… But I also love that the princess was able to do things on her own and didn't count on anyone else to do things for her! <3
I TOTALLY GET YOU KEIONDA. I'm so happy this book doesn't have it! It's more of a wary, skeptic attitude towards the love interest and then a gradual romance. But yessss, fairytale retellings are SO up my alley 😀
This sounds like something that I will really enjoy. Thanks for the review.
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It's a pleasure! And I'm so happy to hear that 😀
This sounds like such a good book, Aila! Especially since, reading the synopsis, it doesn't sound like a Snow White retelling to me – it sounds like it could be its own individual story! <3
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Ooh so true. I absolutely adore how it's set in outer space. :DD And while you can see heavy elements of Snow White in the story, it definitely could stand on its own!
This sounds so cool!! Wonderful review xx
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