Nameless: A Tale of Beauty and Madness

Gr 8 Up—Nameless is a twist on the Snow White story, but in an alternate world that is vaguely steampunk mixed with a bit of paranormalcy (vampires, fey, and other creatures) brought out by the incredible amount of blood spilled in World War I. A child is found at age six when she falls into the street in front of a car. She remembers nothing of where she was before that. Her rescuer is Family (vampiric mob), and Papa adopts her and names her Camille. She grows up wishing she knew her true heritage but feeling loved by the Vultusinos. She is scarred and still has nightmares, but never remembers the details. Her stutter encourages her silence. Nico, the son of the man who found her, has become her champion and best friend over the years. Her friends and her own strength will be needed as she turns 16 and begins to be hunted as well as haunted by those who tortured her as a child. St. Crow delivers a beautifully romantic yet creepy tale. The bits of the "Snow White" legend along with hints of other familiar tales are here, but only in their vaguest forms, allowing the author to paint an entirely new picture. The world-building is amazingly detailed, and she has built layers in both her characters and in the society they occupy. This story defies type as it's not merely a twisted fairy tale, nor is it simply another vampire love story… it is purely "other" and new.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ