Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee
Published by Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins on October 15, 2024
ISBN: 0063327198
Genres: Fantasy, Folklore, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Prince Xian’s mother is near death.  The cause of her slow demise is that of a snake bite she received many years before.  After searching for the elusive white pearl cure, Prince Xian had it in the palm of his hand, until Zhen, a white snake, consumed the pearl becoming a spirit snake, able to transform into a man.   Seven years later, an oracle has foreseen the white snake drawn near the kingdom and Prince Xian sets off on a quest to find it and the cure.  

On his quest, Xian encounters a charming young man named Zhen.  They are drawn together until each other’s pasts become clear; both have to battle some inner turmoil to hopefully find their “happily ever after.” 

This novel is a modern take on the Chinese folktale of the same name.  There is a nice mix of fantasy and romance.  Lee expertly portrays Chinese culture and LGBTQ characters.  Like many fairy tales, the characters fall in love at first sight and in this novel they do have a sexual relationship (not overly detailed) which not all young readers may be ready for.  Overall, it fits well within the YA folktale retelling formula that finds success.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.