Legend of the White Snake

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Author(s)
Age Range
13+
Release Date
November 11, 2024
ISBN
978-0063327191
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A snake spirit transforms into a boy and must hide his true identity after falling for a headstrong prince in this lush, romantic retelling of the traditional Chinese folktale.
When Prince Xian was a boy, a white snake bit his mother and condemned her to a slow, painful death. The only known cure is an elusive spirit pearl—or an antidote created from the rare white snake itself. Desperate and determined, Xian travels to the city of Changle, where an oracle predicted he would find and capture a white snake.

Seven years ago, Zhen, a white snake in the West Lake, consumed a coveted spirit pearl, which gave him special powers—including the ability to change into human form.

In Changle, Xian encounters an enigmatic but beautiful stable boy named Zhen. The two are immediately drawn to each other, but Zhen soon realizes that he is the white snake Xian is hunting. As their feelings grow deeper, will the truth about Zhen’s identity tear them apart? 

Editor review

1 review
Came for the Snake Spirits, Stayed for the Fluff
Overall rating
 
3.7
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Cute retelling of a traditional Chinese folktale. Prince Xian travels to find a cure for his mother’s ailment, and crosses paths with Zhen, a snake spirit in disguise. The two share an instant connection, and thanks to Xian’s meddling, Zhen is assigned as his personal servant. However, secrets soon come between them, as Zhen realizes he is the snake who took the pearl that would’ve cured Xian’s mother, and Xian won’t rest until he’s found.

This is my first time reading this particular folktale, and I enjoyed getting to know the story as well as the pseudo-historical setting and cultural details. There’s super clear visuals of the clothing, hairstyles, and customs in the royal entourage. Xian’s characterization is also interesting - he’s a little mischievous, and unafraid to use his position as prince to get what he wants, without being malevolent. Zhen, on the other hand, is a soft child, and it hurts me whenever he gets tossed around by the plot (protect at all costs). I was charmed by the straightforward way their feelings developed, but a little confused later on when they seemed to change their minds without a clear reason.

Overall, it’s very character and romance driven. Aside from a spurt of action in the second half, most of the events revolve around Xian and Zhen’s casual interactions or court intrigue dynamics. I think the story could have benefited from some additional conflict to build up the plot, but I’m more drawn to action-adventure than romantic drama genres.
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