(I received an ARC of this book via Goodreads giveaway.)

Blanca & Roja is a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red. It's the third book I've read by Anna-Marie McLemore, and it's another instant favorite: atmospheric and full of understated magic. As always, the prose is lyrical and descriptive without seeming overwrought; the characters experience deep emotion without verging into melodrama.

McLemore perfectly captured the combination of love and rivalry that comes with having a sibling—although in this case, the stakes were higher than I remember from childhood. (Side note: I was happy to have my belief that swans are horrid and scary vindicated.) This story had a lot going on between its four alternating points of view, but at its heart, it's about the bond between sisters.

The classic tale gets a uniquely personal twist from McLemore's recollections of growing up as a white-passing Latina. Like When the Moon Was Ours, it also draws on her husband's experiences as a nonbinary trans person. My personal favorite, both representation-wise and personality-wise, was Page, one of the best nonbinary characters I've ever read.

Blanca & Roja is romantic and devastating, the best kind of emotional roller coaster. It's a wonderful addition to a year of outstanding YA releases.