"Blood Red, Snow White" by Marcus Sedgwick

Some novels give you exactly what you expect (like Kelley Armstrong's books), and there's something to be said for consistency.  Some books disappoint you (for me,  "Eat, Pray, Love").  Other books are so utterly surprising that they take your breath away.  Whatever expectations you had shatter, and you are completely spellbound in the story.

"Blood Red Snow White," by Marcus Sedgwick, is one of these rare books.  It was charming, entrancing, and powerful.  It weaved together Russian history, fairy tales, and beautiful writing in such a way that I was completely engrossed by the book and disappointed when it ended (only because it meant that I had to stop reading).  I wish that I had written this book, but--as I didn't--I am so glad that I read it.

To read my full review of Sedgwick's "Blood Red, Snow White," click here.

"Goddess of the Rose" by P.C. Cast

We all know the story of "Beauty and the Beast".  It has been adapted into children's movies, inspired art work,  and helped to shape the romantic ideas of multiple generations.  Compared to the wimpy princesses traditionally featured in fairy tales, Belle is always portrayed as smart and strong willed.  She's a heroine I find far easier to relate to (and that I'd rather my daughters emulate as well).  Even the Beast is a fascinating character (if far more interesting as the Beast than the prince...I can remember as a child how we quickly discarded the transformed prince doll and played exclusively with Belle and the Beast).

In "Goddess of the Rose", P.C. Cast combines the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale with other myths (notably the Minotaur) and a modern twist.  The rose takes on even more importance than you're used to, and becomes a powerful symbol for her rather than just a token for him.  It is a symbolic, romantic novel that will keep you entertained and perhaps longing to meet a Beast of your own (and start a rose garden).

To read my longer review of "Goddess of the Rose", click here.
To find out more about "Goddess of the Rose" and P.C. Cast's whole Goddess series, visit her official website.