The Evil Queen Book Review

The Evil Queen is the first book in the Forest of Good and Evil series by Gena Showalter. 

BLURB

Evil isn’t born, it’s made. One thought and action at a time. Take a good look at what you’ve made.

Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past-they are prophecies of the future. Though Princess Everly Morrow was raised in the mortal human realm, she knows she’s destined to rule a kingdom in Enchantia, thus fulfilling a beloved fairy tale. But which one?

At seventeen, when an ability to commune with mirrors manifests, she begins to suspect the truth, and it’s more sinister than anyone ever realized.

She is destined to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.

With powers beyond her imagination or control-and determined to prove herself good-Everly returns to the land of her birth, smack dab in the middle of the creepiest forest of all time. There, Everly meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed. 

As bits and pieces of the prophecy unfold, Everly faces one betrayal after the other, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Soon, she will have to choose. Be a hero and walk away, or become the queen-and villain-of her dreams.

The battle between good and evil is on.

REVIEW

The Evil Queen is the perfect new take on the Snow White fairytale. Showalter did an excellent job telling Everly’s story and highlights that no one is born evil, the situations and people who make their choice harder or easier. 

Showalter did an amazing job world building Enchantia and the range of characters that are very interesting. Everly’s relationship with her mum and sister is different and sets her up for her relationship with others in Enchantia.  

Everly had massive changes and growth throughout the book as well as a developing and changing relationship with Roth. Their relationship arc was very interesting and I would love to read more and find out more that happens with them. 

Showalter highlights important themes of family as well as good and evil. No one is born evil and they change depending on nurture and friends. 

I recommend The Evil Queen to readers who love retellings and the Lunar Chronicles. 

4.5/5 stars