Book review of Foxfire in the Snow: A YA Sapphic Alchemical Adventure

In the queendom of Sorpsi, where guilds thrive and magic intertwines with alchemy, seventeen-year-old nonbinary Sorin grapples with their identity and future. When their mother vanishes alongside the Queen and countless guild masters, Sorin's carefully laid plans shatter. Forced into a woodcutting inheritance they never desired, Sorin embarks on a perilous quest with Princess Magda, a childhood friend, to find their missing mothers. This sapphic adventure thrusts Sorin into a world of political intrigue and burgeoning industrialization, where the line between magic and alchemy blurs, threatening to consume Sorpsi. To save their country and secure their own destiny, Sorin must confront not only a dark magic but also their own burgeoning feelings for Magda, in this thrilling YA fantasy from J.S. Fields.

Paperback 20.95 USD

4.4 / 25 ratings

Review Foxfire in the Snow

"Foxfire in the Snow" absolutely captivated me! It's a whirlwind of a story, blending a fascinating historical fantasy setting with a compelling coming-of-age narrative, all wrapped up in a truly delightful sapphic romance. I found myself immediately drawn into Sorin's world, a queendom steeped in guild traditions and the burgeoning anxieties of industrialization. The juxtaposition of old magic and emerging alchemy created a richly textured backdrop, one that felt both familiar and utterly unique.

Sorin, our nonbinary protagonist, is a character who resonated deeply. Their struggle to find their place, both within their family and the rigid structure of Sorpsi, felt incredibly relatable, even amidst the fantastical elements. Their internal conflict, their questioning of their identity and purpose, was handled with sensitivity and nuance. While at times their frustration might have felt a touch intense – a perfectly understandable aspect of teenage angst – it ultimately contributed to the authenticity of their character arc.

The relationship between Sorin and Magda, the royal daughter, added another layer of complexity. Their dynamic is far from straightforward; it's fraught with tension, misunderstandings, and yes, betrayal, but the underlying connection and evolving affection between them felt genuine and deeply satisfying. It’s a relationship that feels earned, messy, and ultimately hopeful. The exploration of their relationship within the context of Sorpsi's societal norms only added to its intrigue.

The author masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and political intrigue. The disappearance of Sorin’s mother, along with the Queen and other guild masters, sets the story in motion, propelling Sorin and Magda on a perilous journey fraught with danger and unexpected discoveries. The mystery surrounding the missing individuals kept me guessing until the very end, and the reveals were genuinely surprising. The world-building itself is superb; the author's detail regarding the guild system, the blending of alchemy and magic, and the societal impact of the industrial revolution all created a vivid and immersive experience. I particularly appreciated the author's exploration of how societal shifts can impact individual lives and established traditions.

While some might find Sorin's initial resistance to their destiny frustrating, I saw it as a crucial part of their character development. Their journey isn't just about finding their mother; it's about finding themselves, accepting their identity, and forging their own path in a rapidly changing world. This internal struggle is mirrored by the larger societal conflict between tradition and progress, making "Foxfire in the Snow" a story that resonates on multiple levels.

This book is more than just a fantasy adventure; it's a story about self-discovery, resilience, and the power of love and acceptance. The strong sapphic representation, the nuanced portrayal of a nonbinary character, and the exploration of complex relationships are all handled with care and authenticity. I eagerly await the sequel to see what adventures await Sorin and Magda!

Information

• Dimensions: 6 x 0.72 x 9 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 288
• Publication date: 2024

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