Y'all should know by now that I love fairytale retellings (and if you didn't, now you do). Especially if that fairytale is put into a unique setting. Thus, I knew I was going to love this book. Happy to report, I was right.
I've been wanting to read one of Rachel's books for what feels like forever, and her newest release seemed like the perfect place to start. A Snow White retelling set in the 1873? Yes please!
One Bad Apple
Author: Rachel Kovaciny
Genre: Historical Fiction
Content: Some threats of violence, and a few moments of racial prejudice
Main Character: Levi Dalton
Synopsis:
When a wagon train of Black pioneers rescues the seven orphaned Dalton cousins from the side of the trail, it seems like an answer to their prayers. As they roll west toward Kansas, fourteen-year-old Levi Dalton is dazzled by the beautiful Mrs. Mallone. She's a healer, and her knowledge of medicines and herbs inspires Levi to want to become a doctor. Maybe then he can stop people from dying of fevers and illnesses like his folks did.
But Mrs. Mallone's stepdaughter, Hopeful, warns Levi not to become too attached to the healer. Levi dismisses her warnings and his own misgivings until the day he sees something dreadful.
Levi knows he needs to tell someone what he’s seen before it’s too late. But will anyone believe the story of a fourteen-year-old orphan? Will anyone stand up to evil, no matter how beautifully it’s packaged?
But Mrs. Mallone's stepdaughter, Hopeful, warns Levi not to become too attached to the healer. Levi dismisses her warnings and his own misgivings until the day he sees something dreadful.
Levi knows he needs to tell someone what he’s seen before it’s too late. But will anyone believe the story of a fourteen-year-old orphan? Will anyone stand up to evil, no matter how beautifully it’s packaged?
I don't think I've ever read a Snow White retelling from the point of view of one of the seven dwarves, but golly was it a lot of fun. Levi was such a unique protagonist - I always love when a story is told from a very specific point of view, which in this case was that of a 14-year-old boy. The whole book would have a completely different flavor if it had been told from the perspective of Hopeful or Jacob or Ness. But because it's Levi, the viewpoint is so unique.
The plot was fascinating, and I loved the way the fairytale was woven into the non-magical setting. Hopeful was such a perfect Snow White (plus her relationship with her Dad was so soft, my emotions ;-; ) She's just a good person, but she's not naive. Also her dad is an absolute sweetheart and I love them together. Also the Daltons are so wholesome and I just want these kids to be happy is that too much to ask?
Mrs. Mallone was an excellent villain - I absolutely hated her. Which, in my mind, is one mark of a well-written antagonist. What an awful person she is. xD
The historical element of this book was everything, you guys. You can truly tell that Rachel took her time researching - my inner ten-year-old that dreamed of being part of a wagon train was thriving as I read this. It was definitely educational, while also being entertaining, so basically my favorite thing ever? Oh, and the fairytale elements?? I mean?? One of the most unique Snow White retellings I've ever read while also including every important motif from the original? Heck yes!!
The plot was fascinating, and I loved the way the fairytale was woven into the non-magical setting. Hopeful was such a perfect Snow White (plus her relationship with her Dad was so soft, my emotions ;-; ) She's just a good person, but she's not naive. Also her dad is an absolute sweetheart and I love them together. Also the Daltons are so wholesome and I just want these kids to be happy is that too much to ask?
Mrs. Mallone was an excellent villain - I absolutely hated her. Which, in my mind, is one mark of a well-written antagonist. What an awful person she is. xD
The historical element of this book was everything, you guys. You can truly tell that Rachel took her time researching - my inner ten-year-old that dreamed of being part of a wagon train was thriving as I read this. It was definitely educational, while also being entertaining, so basically my favorite thing ever? Oh, and the fairytale elements?? I mean?? One of the most unique Snow White retellings I've ever read while also including every important motif from the original? Heck yes!!
Basically, I absolutely devoured this book, and I need more of Rachel's books in my life as soon as possible please and thank you.
Overall Rating: 5 baskets of apples out of 5
Overall Rating: 5 baskets of apples out of 5
About the Author:
Born only a few miles from where Jesse James robbed his first train, Rachel Kovaciny has loved the Old West all her life. She now lives in Virginia with her husband and their three homeschooled children. In her free time, Rachel writes for the magazines "Femnista" and "Prairie Times," reads, bakes, blogs, watches movies, and daydreams.
Connect with Rachel: Her website ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook
Well there you have it, friends! Have you read this book or any others from Rachel? Let me know in a comment below!
Born only a few miles from where Jesse James robbed his first train, Rachel Kovaciny has loved the Old West all her life. She now lives in Virginia with her husband and their three homeschooled children. In her free time, Rachel writes for the magazines "Femnista" and "Prairie Times," reads, bakes, blogs, watches movies, and daydreams.
Connect with Rachel: Her website ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook
Well there you have it, friends! Have you read this book or any others from Rachel? Let me know in a comment below!
~ Abby
No comments:
Post a Comment