The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine

     Normally when a story is re-told, then told again, and again and again, it becomes zestless, boring and  repetitive.  That's not the case with this tale, though I am becoming bored with the Snow White redux.  I can happily say, The Shadow Queen, by  C. J. Redwine, was different and written in a way, you could almost overlook the fact that it's recycled!

    I wanted this book because of the amazing photo.  I know it's nothing but a black apple with stenciled lettering, but it's so crisp, clean and HD'd to death- I had to read it.  And you know what, sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.  It was devilishly good.      The story is about a battle of witches for one kingdom- pretty much.  It's a continuous fight between Queen Irina and Princess Lorelei, step-mother verses child.  The princess is trying her best to defeat her evil step-mother in retaliation for killing her family and destroying the surrounding lands of Ravenspire and its people.  Using an insidious vine that grows black, poisonous apples, the Queen takes from everywhere and everyone to stay strong and alive, but she's got a weakness.  And a slightly weak backstory.

     Lorelei is fighting not only to save her land but also the land of Prince Kol of Eldr, the land of Draconi.  He's from a race called Draconic, who are being attacked by ogres.  Together they have to fight against spells of skulking trees, creepy crawlies and so much more,  in order to retrieve a heart, regain their homes, return peace to their lands and over-throw the evil Queen.

     It was a pretty good telling, with small instances where you were pressed to remember it was another version of Snow White.  Things like, "Mirror, Mirror..." and calling Prince Cole Kol 'The Huntsman' were all souviners, but they didn't take from the twist of the tale.  I enjoyed it and found myself quite entertained.  Especially the serious, magical element.  It was new and refreshed by cool stuff like the telekinesis- a power I've always wished I possessed.

     All in all, I liked it, but I don't need any more Snow White.  
​On to the next read!