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Veena’s review of Ice Red (Once Upon a Red World, Book 1) by Jael Wye
Futuristic Romance published by Carina Press 30 Sep 13

So now I’ve seen it all. From its origins as a fairy tale for children to its various adaptions for the small and large screen aimed at a variety of demographics comes a very adult version of Snow White on Mars. The author uses her imagination and clever imagery to include the mirror and apple that are such an integral part of the story. I enjoyed the character of Victoria Ross as I visualize Julia Roberts playing her character in the movie Mirror Mirror; however, this book overall just does not do it for me.

Bianca Ross is the princess, heir to the Mars elevator which controls space travel and trade. She’s grown up a poor little rich girl, somewhat neglected and left with the machines, so she’s an expert on computer programming and engineering bots.

Her stepmother Victoria holds all the power and keeps her out of the public eye and caught up with busy work that prevents her from taking her rightful place in the corporation. Not content with keeping Bianca suppressed, Victoria actually plots to have her killed. However, none of her attempts are successful until finally she’s able to use a shiny silver apple to introduce a virus that will take out Bianca’s life support.

Riding to the rescue – or should we say flying to the rescue – comes the handsome prince in the form of Cesare Chavez. He’s the owner of the mines that the Ross Corporation is determined to acquire, while Victoria also lusts after his youth and beauty, even more so when she finds him attracted to Bianca.

Well, then there are plots and subplots and a fight for world domination. Not sure where the time for loving comes in, but, trust me, that occurs too. While there are some things I enjoyed, this book is not a keeper for me, but I do think the author has a clever imagination and I am sure that she will develop a strong fan following.

Grade: C

Summary:

Mirror, mirror, full of stars,
Who will claim the throne of Mars?

The princess: Engineer Bianca Ross, heir to a megacorporation and the Mars elevator, needs to acquire a mine on the surface to secure her place in the company. All that stands in her way is the mine’s charming owner, Cesare Chan.

The evil stepmother: Victoria Ross is plotting to gain control of Mars. She plans to assassinate Bianca and seduce Cesare to further her goals, and Bianca’s trip is the perfect opportunity.

The charming prince: Cesare shouldn’t get involved. Bianca’s visit could reveal the escaped slaves he’s hiding at his mine, but he can’t ignore a damsel in distress—especially one as beautiful as Bianca.

Alone, neither would stand a chance against Victoria. But together, they could rewrite a tale that’s meant to end with Bianca’s blood.

No excerpt available.