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Girls Made of Snow and Glass Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 650 ratings

Melissa Bashardoust’s acclaimed debut novel Girls Made of Snow and Glass is “Snow White as it’s never been told before...a feminist fantasy fairy tale not to be missed” (BookPage)!

“Utterly superb.” —ALA
Booklist, starred review
“Dark, fantastical, hauntingly evocative.” —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“An empowering and progressive original retelling.” —
SLJ, starred review

Sixteen-year-old Mina is motherless, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone—has never beat at all, in fact, but she’d always thought that fact normal. She never guessed that her father cut out her heart and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle and sees its king for the first time, Mina forms a plan: win the king’s heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she’ll have to become a stepmother.

Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her late mother, and one day she discovers why: a magician created her out of snow in the dead queen’s image, at her father’s order. But despite being the dead queen made flesh, Lynet would rather be like her fierce and regal stepmother, Mina. She gets her wish when her father makes Lynet queen of the southern territories, displacing Mina. Now Mina is starting to look at Lynet with something like hatred, and Lynet must decide what to do—and who to be—to win back the only mother she’s ever known…or else defeat her once and for all.

Entwining the stories of both Lynet and Mina in the past and present,
Girls Made of Snow and Glass traces the relationship of two young women doomed to be rivals from the start. Only one can win all, while the other must lose everything—unless both can find a way to reshape themselves and their story.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up—When Mina fell ill, her father the magician cut out her dying heart and replaced it with glass. Unable to love or be loved, Mina learns that beauty can be used to manipulate others. At 16, she leaves the South with her father to move North where snow perpetually falls. Her father is being rewarded for curing the king's daughter, the cover story the king is using for having the magician create a baby replica of the recently deceased queen out of snow and blood. Soon after, Mina marries the king in hopes that being queen will bring her the love she desires. However, she forms a real bond with her stepdaughter Lynet. At 15, when Lynet learns what she really is, the clash for the role of queen begins. While kill or be killed is the only option Mina sees, Lynet believes she can save Mina's heart and find a happily ever after for everyone. Told in alternating viewpoints, this work uses elements from recognizable fairy tales to create an empowering novel with strong, three-dimensional female protagonists who refuse to let jealousy and power break their bond. Filled with magic, adventure, and interesting characters such as the huntsman created by Mina from glass to cure her loneliness, and Nadia the fearless court surgeon whose friendship with Lynet turns to something more, this debut will keep readers thoroughly engaged. VERDICT A refreshing and progressive original retelling. Highly recommended.—Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ

Review

Booklist Top 10 First Novel for Youth
Junior Library Guild Selection
ALA’s Amelia Bloomer List for Feminist Literature
Nominated to ALA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults List

“This beautifully wrought novel offers plenty of fairy-tale wonder, but Bashardoust resists the most common tropes; instead, she tells a story where women save each other with their own ingenuity, bravery, and love, and power and compassion can exist hand in hand. Compellingly flawed characters, vivid world-building, and pitch-perfect pacing make this utterly superb.” ―ALA
Booklist, starred review

“An empowering novel with strong, three-dimensional female protagonists who refuse to let jealousy and power break their bond. Filled with magic, adventure, and interesting characters, this debut will keep readers thoroughly engaged. A refreshing and progressive original retelling. Highly recommended.” ―
School Library Journal, starred review

“Magic, mother-daughter conflict, and the quest for self-identity are given a dark and fantastical treatment in this chilling feminist adaptation of the Snow White fairy-tale. A hauntingly evocative adaptation that stands on its own merits.” ―
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“If you thought you were done with the re-imagined fairy tale trope, suspend your moratorium for
Girls Made of Snow and Glass: Melissa Bashardoust has created a story more The Bloody Chamber than damsel-in-distress fable.” Bustle

“This is Snow White as it’s never been told before. Fans of
Game of Thrones will relish the loyalties and betrayals; with elements of the medieval legend of the golem, echoes of the movie Frozen, and plenty of magic, Girls Made of Snow and Glass is a feminist fantasy not to be missed.” ―BookPage

“A gripping, dark, and ultimately heart-affirming retelling of the rivalry between Snow White and her wicked queen, but this time that wickedness is a wild longing―in both women―to be loved and seen for who they really are. These are fairy tales the way they’re supposed to be―full of horror and doubt, with the actualization of the heroines always shining at the center, sharp as glass.” ―
Blackbird

“A must-have for those who love luscious YA retellings. Absolutely stunning.” ―
Book Riot

“A richly written rethinking of Snow White...Bashardoust thoughtfully reflects on the complicated nature of the stepdaughter/stepmother relationship while exploring agency, individuality, love, and free will.” ―
Publishers Weekly

“In
Girls Made of Snow and Glass, Melissa Bashardoust has given us exquisite displays of magic, complex mother-daughter relationships, and gloriously powerful women triumphing in a world that does not want them to be powerful. A gorgeous, feminist fairy tale.” ―Traci Chee, author of The Reader and The Speaker

Girls Made of Snow and Glass is like reading a particularly wonderful and vivid dream, complete with imaginative magic, delightful characters, and beautiful language. Melissa Bashardoust's debut novel is everything a fairy tale should be.” ―Jodi Meadows, coauthor of My Lady Jane and author of Before She Ignites

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N1U27PI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Flatiron Books (September 5, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 5, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6348 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 650 ratings

About the author

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Melissa Bashardoust
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Melissa Bashardoust received her degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, where she rediscovered her love for creative writing, children’s literature, and fairy tales and their retellings. She currently lives in Southern California with a cat named Alice and more copies of Jane Eyre than she probably needs. Melissa is the author of Girls Made of Snow and Glass and Girl, Serpent, Thorn.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
650 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the story's fresh take on Snow White. They found the book enjoyable and easy to read, especially for young readers. The imagery was described as beautiful and atmospheric. Readers appreciated the character development, particularly the stepparent relationship. The writing quality was praised as well-written and kept them hooked. The emotional content focused on love, identity, and family. It also highlighted female empowerment and complex relationships between women.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

25 customers mention "Story quality"22 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story's fresh take on modern-day Snow White. They find the retelling inventive and magical, with wintery scenes and magic. The story has a light lesbian romance with exciting adventures and heart-wrenching moments. It's a great read for fantasy fans.

"...Such a joy. I also really loved the fairy tale twists with the Mirror, the traditional Snow White ending, and many other little nods to the original...." Read more

"...well plotted, well told, has unique and arresting characters, exciting adventures, heart-wrenching moments, and is a completely unique reimagination..." Read more

"...But I liked the story a lot." Read more

"This is a retelling of the Snow White fairytale with an interesting twist...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it a great read for fantasy fans and young readers alike. Readers enjoy reading about Mina and Lynet. The author does a brilliant job creating the characters.

"I've read my fair share of retellings and this is one of the best I've ever read. Definitely a new favorite!..." Read more

"...Melissa Bashardoust does a brilliant job when it comes to creating and developing her characters...." Read more

"...But the king has a secret. Lynet is the greatest creation of the magician, made when the queen died out of snow...." Read more

"Good, easy read. Some parts lingered too long and other parts left you wanting more details. Overall a good read." Read more

9 customers mention "Beauty"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's beautiful imagery and atmospheric settings. They find it an enchanting and creative reimagining of the Snow White tale.

"...We don't know a lot about the world but there is enough to make it lush and atmospheric even if I'd like to know more...." Read more

"...Girls Made of Snow and Glass is a beautifully delicate and inventive snow-covered retelling that perfectly merges together the traditional Snow..." Read more

"I am impressed. This take on Snow White is beautifully done, a contemplation of love, identity, and family that is utterly refreshing...." Read more

"...and how they were both created, which I found to be both eerie and kind of cool. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development. They find it wonderful and deep, especially the portrayal of the stepparent relationship.

"...There is magic, and there is plot, but this is 100% a character driven narrative...." Read more

"...does a brilliant job when it comes to creating and developing her characters. Mina believes that the ability to love will forever elude her...." Read more

"...I was particularly moved by the stepparent relationship’s portrayal. As a stepmother, I felt seen in a way I wasn’t expecting...." Read more

"...It is well plotted, well told, has unique and arresting characters, exciting adventures, heart-wrenching moments, and is a completely unique..." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written, engaging, and easy to read. The plot is well-developed with unique characters.

"...It is well plotted, well told, has unique and arresting characters, exciting adventures, heart-wrenching moments, and is a completely unique..." Read more

"Good, easy read. Some parts lingered too long and other parts left you wanting more details. Overall a good read." Read more

"...This one is better. The writing kept me hooked. I felt as though I was there in their lush world...." Read more

"I loved that the romance in the book wasn't a main focus, the writing was really good, and even my law teacher (high school) was mildly interested..." Read more

5 customers mention "Emotional content"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the story emotional. They appreciate the contemplation of love, identity, and family. The book portrays genuine love, jealousy, and growth. It is a story about our worthiness to give and receive love. The romance and friendship blossom into real relationships.

"...It was the slowest burn possible but it is a very real friendship that blossoms into a real and sweet romance. Such a joy...." Read more

"I am impressed. This take on Snow White is beautifully done, a contemplation of love, identity, and family that is utterly refreshing...." Read more

"...has unique and arresting characters, exciting adventures, heart-wrenching moments, and is a completely unique reimagination of a beloved tale...." Read more

"...And it is a story about our worthiness to give and receive love." Read more

5 customers mention "Female empowerment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers a strong female perspective and explores complex female relationships. They appreciate the powerful women with different points of view.

"...you love retellings, dark fantasy, complicated relationships, and complex women." Read more

"...to read a story that had such two very different, yet strong female points of view...." Read more

"...It is a story that looks at the complexity of female relationships and the push and pull of competition and advancement versus care and support...." Read more

"...these are some seriously powerful women with a complex relationship so take what you know of Snow White and throw it in the trash...." Read more

4 stars
4 out of 5 stars
4 stars
Thank you kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.I just finished reading this new ya retelling. First, I can't believe that this is the author's debut novel. What??? She's definitely one to watch because this story was imaginative and incredibly captivating. It follows two main characters. Mina is the daughter of a magician who longs to feel love. Unfortunately, she has a heart made out of glass. Lynet is a protected princess who was made out of snow. It's no coincidence that she looks exactly like the dead queen. Both are controlled and desperate to just find their true self. The story is told in alternating perspectives from both past and present. It was a really pleasant way to really get to know these characters and watch as their lives slowly intertwined.I loved spotting the familiar fairytale references that were woven throughout the book. Mina plays the part of the queen from Snow White. She has been raised to believe that her beauty is her only good quality. She loves to look at her own reflection and even turns her magic mirror into a huntsman. Talk about a good side character!!! With Lynet, you get the Frozen/Elsa connotations. She lives in a kingdom that is cursed with endless Winter and can manipulate the snow to her advantage.With that being said, this story is way more that just a fractured fairytale. It's definitely a tad darker that other ya retelling and contains an overall feeling of sadness. Both of these characters have been through some emotional experiences as well as neglect and verbal/psychological abuse. Neither had the perfect upbringing and it shaped them into who they are today. It's always intriguing to wonder how a character becomes a villain in the first place. I knew Mina's intentions were wrong on several occasions, but you just couldn't help feeling sorry for her. This story does contain a lot of really good magic, tons of feminist views (YAY) and even a delicate relationships. Lynet explores the idea of having feeling for another femal character. It's done in a really sweet and endearing way! It would make a wonderful selection for a bookclub because there truly are so many topics that you could discuss and debate further!The ending completely surprised me and I love that the author took it that direction. If you are a fan of retellings, then this is definitely one that you don't want to miss!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2017
    I've read my fair share of retellings and this is one of the best I've ever read. Definitely a new favorite! It takes a story that is inherently filled with notions of innocence and jealousy and female competition (Snow White) and turns it into something complex and emotional. There is magic, and there is plot, but this is 100% a character driven narrative. It's a book to read slowly and absorb (even though I read the last 300 pages in one sitting). We don't know a lot about the world but there is enough to make it lush and atmospheric even if I'd like to know more. There is also a dual narrative between Lynet and her stepmother Mina, with Mina's being split between the past and the present. Her two POVS worked so well and slowly knot themselves together into the main narrative. And I love that we got both Mina's and Lynet's POV because the story is really all about them and their relationship, the parallels and the differences, the genuine love and jealousy and growth, the communication. Mina is not your typical wicked stepmother, which thrilled me. Lynet is not a breakable bird no matter what her father believes. Each woman has agency and conflicting feelings and character growth and her own romance, and I just adored the complexity and sincerity of their mother-daughter relationship. Lynet has a budding romance with Nadia, the castle surgeon, and while it didn't make me swoon, it wasn't supposed to. It was the slowest burn possible but it is a very real friendship that blossoms into a real and sweet romance. Such a joy. I also really loved the fairy tale twists with the Mirror, the traditional Snow White ending, and many other little nods to the original. Girls Made of Snow and Glass is dark but full of hope and magic and I can't recommend it highly enough if you love retellings, dark fantasy, complicated relationships, and complex women.
    22 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017
    Girls Made of Snow and Glass is an enchanting and unique take on the tale of Snow White. This character driven story mainly focuses on two young women. The first is Mina, who thanks to her magician father has a heart made of glass. Because of this, Mina is unable to love or feel for others, causing her to focus instead on obtaining power. Eventually she finally succeeds in her quest by marrying a widowed King, who has a young daughter named Lynet. Little does Mina know at the time, that her own father takes part in Lynet’s creation by making her out of snow upon the request of the king in the exact image of his dead wife. At first this is not a problem, but as Lynet grows up Mina starts to feel she could lose her power and position in court to Lynet.

    Melissa Bashardoust does a brilliant job when it comes to creating and developing her characters. Mina believes that the ability to love will forever elude her. She pushes everyone away, but is desperately lonely and wanting of love. As the reader, you can’t help but feel a bit of compassion towards her, and even understanding. Though you still have concerns about her obsession with power and how calculating her mind can be.

    Lynet has been living under the constant shadow of her dead mother. Even her own father is creepily obsessed with how much she looks like his departed wife. Lynet struggles to find her own identity, and takes dangerous risks to prove she isn’t a fragile delicate thing. Even so, Lynet is left wondering if she’ll ever be free of her mother’s ghost. As well as how she can be her own person without betraying Mina – the only mother she has ever known.

    What I love the most about Girls Made of Snow and Glass is that the author does not follow all the core concepts of the original Snow White. This tale isn’t about an aging, bitter queen hating on the beautiful young princess. Their relationship is complex, like most mother/daughter relationships are. In the end they do work together to help one another, which isn’t what I was expecting. However, I'm happy that the author pushed away from the usual path most retellings take, and created something completely her own.

    Aside from the wonderful character development, there are also some deeper and difficult themes that this novel addresses. From perceived gender roles, the relationship of Lynet and her father, and the complex relationship of a mother and daughter. All of which I am sure will make fantastic topics for discussion at any book club, or reading group.

    While the world building needed more development and various plot points were not fully explained (i.e. Why/how Mina controls the Southern territories? ), I am still very much in love with what Melissa Bashardoust created within these pages (I want more!!!). It was refreshing to read a story that had such two very different, yet strong female points of view. Though the first half is on the “slower” side, it is necessary in order to give the reader the background needed for both characters, and to further their development.

    Girls Made of Snow and Glass is a beautifully delicate and inventive snow-covered retelling that perfectly merges together the traditional Snow White with something delightfully new and unexpected. I would highly recommend it to all lovers of fairy tales, magic and femine empowerment.

    Thank you to the Flatiron Books for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
    I am impressed. This take on Snow White is beautifully done, a contemplation of love, identity, and family that is utterly refreshing. I was particularly moved by the stepparent relationship’s portrayal. As a stepmother, I felt seen in a way I wasn’t expecting.

    I read this book immediately after finishing the other by the same author. I believe it’s fair to say that Ms Bashardousht has a new fan in me.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2020
    This book was such a lovely surprise! If you love fairytale reimaginings (and even if you just love a good fantasy), you will love this novel. It is well plotted, well told, has unique and arresting characters, exciting adventures, heart-wrenching moments, and is a completely unique reimagination of a beloved tale. I immediately purchased this author's second book and loved it just as much. I read "Girls of Snow and Glass" in two sittings (and only because I couldn't stay awake any longer for the first one!). One of the reading highlights of the year for me so far.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2020
    Maybe because I started my writing career as a playwright, I found the endless explanations of the character's feelings boring. But I liked the story a lot.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2021
    Melissa Bashardoust (also the author of GIRL, SERPENT, THORN) is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the Retelling genre. GIRLS MADE OF SNOW AND GLASS is actually her debut and is a Snow White retelling. I absolutely love her feminist angle to her work, as she reclaims these stories on behalf of the women at their centers. Bashardoust bravely embraces complex nuances and gray areas that left me feeling like this is a book that would be worthy of dissection in a women's studies course. This story is one about female identity in the face of male or societal expectations—of claiming our own narratives. It is a story that looks at the complexity of female relationships and the push and pull of competition and advancement versus care and support. And it is a story about our worthiness to give and receive love.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Elin Gemhed
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magical!
    Reviewed in Sweden on March 26, 2024
    This was a gentle, yet impactful fantasy book. The setting was wonderful, the magic interesting, but the best part was the absolutely beautifully written characters and their relationships. Absolutely loved it
  • Lauren Flanagan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Wintry Fairytale
    Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2021
    A beautifully crafted fairytale for grownups! There are elements of Snow White in it, but also so much more.
    Customer image
    Lauren Flanagan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Wintry Fairytale
    Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2021
    A beautifully crafted fairytale for grownups! There are elements of Snow White in it, but also so much more.
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    Customer image
  • Kimberley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mein Herz war immer wieder neu verwirrt
    Reviewed in Germany on September 14, 2022
    Also vorweg: Aus irgendeinem Grund habe ich beim Titel an etwas vollkommen anderes gedacht und der Klappentext hat das nicht unbedingt verhindet. Dies hat dazu geführt, dass ich fast bis zum Ende sehr verwirrt war und die Lovestorys nicht ganz kapiert habe. Mein Fehler, hat nichts mit dem Buch selber zu tun. Ich möchte aber andere mit demselben Gedanken davor bewahren. Nein es gibt hier kein Evil Stepmother/Snow White ship.

    SPOILER
    Wie auch in "Girl, Serpent, Thorn" war das Ende alles andere als das was ich erwartet hatte. Die Geschichte von unserem Schneewittchen und unserer "bösen" Stiefmutter hat mich diesmal auf eine neue, ganz andere Art bewegt. Ich bin ein Fan davon, beide Seiten einer Geschichte zu sehen und genau das passiert hier. Die Stiefmutter tut alles um geliebt zu werden, obwohl sie fest davon überzeugt ist, dass sie nicht geliebt werden oder selber lieben kann. Erst ihre Stieftochter kann ihr dies letztendlich vor Augen führen. Ein schöneres und sehr viel realistisches Ende als im originalen Märchen. Auf ihrer Reise zur Liebe und zur Selbstfindung erhält man tiefe Einblicke in beide Seelen, aber auch Einblicke in die Welt selber. Schlimme Dinge werden nicht auf einmal ignoriert sondern belasten die Charaktere auf längere Zeit. Die beiden Love interests unserer Hauptfiguren sind mehr oder weniger unrelevante Nebendarstaller die unseren Ladys hin und wieder kleine Denkanstöße geben, aber nicht aufdringlich im Vordergrund stehen.

    Für die Queers da draußen: Ja es ist sapphic aber nur etwas und wir werden leider nur mit einem She-Ra ähnlichen Kuss belohnt. Trotzdem sind die beiden sehr niedlich.

    Ich bin von beiden Büchern der Autorin sehr begeistert und hoffe wirklich, dass es in Zukunft noch mehr von ihr gibt.
  • Galilea Alvarez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book if you can. It's amazing
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 10, 2018
    I highly recommend this book. I love it! Fast shipping and great service!
  • Beatrice in Bookland
    3.0 out of 5 stars meh
    Reviewed in Italy on December 22, 2017
    Meh.
    Questo libro è stato una continua serie di alti e bassi.
    Ma il vero problema (almeno per quanto mi riguarda) è che ho amato Mina, la matrigna, e odiato profondamente Lynet, "Biancaneve".
    Se il libro fosse stato interamente su Mina sarebbe stato magnifico.

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