Cross has presented fans with another fairytale retelling that is replete with wry humor, complex characters and dark, twisted plotlines. A companion to Kill Me Softly, Tear You Apart details the story of Vivian and Henley, who are under a Snow White curse. We first met them through Mira and Blue, the main characters from Cross's previous book.
Though it's hard to be sympathetic to either Vivian or Henley, their story is gripping. Determined to overcome their feelings for each other, they both do everything they can to cause the other to hate them. Despite all this, though, they can't seem to stay away from each other, even as they freely acknowledge that they will destroy each other in the end. Vivian is sarcastic, ungrateful, and demanding of Henley. He is alternately her doormat and just short of physically restraining himself from hurting her. None of their friends can fully understand, even if they are under curses themselves.
Cross's writing is sharp, delivering twists where they are least expected and expertly weaving together modern and antique. None of the curses follow their fairytale predecessors exactly, and there is an overlap of stories. The dual narration offers insight into both sides of this Snow White curse, giving readers an intimate view of what Viv and Henley are thinking and feeling. Cross successfully blends hope, fear, despair, love, and darkness in this story, proving that, much like the originals, fairytale retellings can provide as much horror as beauty.
Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross: 5 out of 5 stars.
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