[Editor’s Note: Instead of our usual reviewer, the editors decided to have Snow White review A Darkness Found, a Snow White / Evil Queen retelling novella. Since there are a lot of Snow Whites around, this Snow White is she of the Grimm Fairy Tale. She read it at the end of her own fairytale while living her happily-ever-after.] 

I always wondered why my evil stepmother hated me with such venom so I was excited to read “A Darkness Found” by TK White. The cover of a clearly poisoned apple brought back many unhappy memories and so I plunged directly into the story. I found the main character, Grishelda, to be a sympathetic character, one I could root for right from page one. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was she who turned into my evil stepmother!

The poor dear is treated severely by her mother which in turn sets off the sequence of events leading to the introduction of the familiar story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Be aware very little of my story is contained here. I believe what Ms. TK White has constructed is known as a prequel which overlaps a bit with my own tale. A Darkness Found tells how Grishelda gained her magic and the conditions under which she learned how to cast spells. I found this part of the story exciting! One of my favorite scenes is when Greshelda must break into a vault to retrieve an item. The objects in the vault are…oh, I better not continue. I think that’s what’s called a spoiler and I wouldn’t want to reveal it to you.

Full of imagination, rich characters, and interesting twists and turns, “A Darkness Found,” is a pleasurable read. When it comes to my depiction—yes, I am in it—I’ve read other stories which have treated me far worse. I guess in this modern age, it’s hard to believe in someone completely innocent, and I get my “just desserts” in the end.

I hope everyone who reads this review will consider reading the book, however the ending surprised me quite a bit. The acknowledgements explain this story is a prequel to another novel but standing on its own, it’s a fascinating conclusion, one the reader likely won’t see coming. I sincerely hope the author writes a follow-up.

Oh, do pick up “A Darkness Found” if you like twisty, fairytale adventures. I think you’ll like it. 

[Full disclosure: Snow White received a copy of the A Darkness Within (paid for by the editors, not the author) in exchange for this review.]