smartie_chan's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
megan_by_force's review against another edition
3.0
Closest to the fairytale it's based on and slightly more heat than the other two in the series. Not a bad read, just not fantastic. I'm interested in reading more Cara Malone in the hopes that maybe if I read something from her different series they might have a slightly more adult feel. Teen novels are fine, but reading about 18 year olds promising eternal love before a hookup makes me roll my eyes so hard on afraid they'll get stuck.
kimily's review against another edition
4.0
This is my favorite of Cara Malone's Sapphic Fairy Tales series thus far. Luma and Charlie are immediately likable characters. The love scenes are both sweet and steamy. The story itself is well-written and engrossing. I look forward to (hopefully) reading more in this series.
This book was provided to me at no charge. My review is voluntarily given.
This book was provided to me at no charge. My review is voluntarily given.
megglettep's review against another edition
3.0
I definitely preferred Cinders to Fairest. Here are a few reasons why this book just didn't hold me in quite the same way.
1. Structural/adaptational issues
For this particular entry, the Snow White theme/structure was really difficult to translate to the story's format. It's just a hard one to adapt. Trying to be too faithful did the story an injustice. The first half was a bit better than the second, although I will say that using a phone is a great idea, Luma. Just use the library phone to call your dad's cell? If anyone but him picks up, don't say anything! Sorted! Oh lord. But that's besides the point. The repeated murder attempts crossed credulity into just fully wild territory. Not a fan of that. What kind of poison? It doesn't matter—it's the poison necessary to do the story. That's fine with me. What about the paramedics who didn't spring into action before a teenager told them to? It would have been simple (in my opinion) to have thesecondthird murder attempt go a different way. If Luma was still breathing when they found her, or if Tabitha had been caught in the act, or if Luma had gone into a coma perhaps too obvious, but people do sometimes survive those as compared to surviving a 30 min anoxic brain injury.
2. Underage main characters
Ok, so not 'technically' underage, but 18 and 19 for main love interests. Maybe I'm just showing my age and grey hairs when I say I don't like reading romance between teenagers. I guess that's what happens when you hit a certain age. Just kinda squicked me out. However, they are very charming as a pair.
The ending is sweet and I was happy I read this book. As stated, the first half of the book was better than the second, but I powered through and who doesn't want the wish fulfillment of a lovely cabin in the woods for your pottery studio? Very charming and sweet (aside from the literally evil stepmother).
1. Structural/adaptational issues
For this particular entry, the Snow White theme/structure was really difficult to translate to the story's format. It's just a hard one to adapt. Trying to be too faithful did the story an injustice. The first half was a bit better than the second, although I will say that using a phone is a great idea, Luma. Just use the library phone to call your dad's cell? If anyone but him picks up, don't say anything! Sorted! Oh lord. But that's besides the point. The repeated murder attempts crossed credulity into just fully wild territory. Not a fan of that. What kind of poison? It doesn't matter—it's the poison necessary to do the story. That's fine with me. What about the paramedics who didn't spring into action before a teenager told them to? It would have been simple (in my opinion) to have the
2. Underage main characters
Ok, so not 'technically' underage, but 18 and 19 for main love interests. Maybe I'm just showing my age and grey hairs when I say I don't like reading romance between teenagers. I guess that's what happens when you hit a certain age. Just kinda squicked me out. However, they are very charming as a pair.
The ending is sweet and I was happy I read this book. As stated, the first half of the book was better than the second, but I powered through and who doesn't want the wish fulfillment of a lovely cabin in the woods for your pottery studio? Very charming and sweet (aside from the literally evil stepmother).
lsnack's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it
Another great retelling of a classic story. I hope there are more to read in the future. I’ll be reading them all. 👍🏼
Another great retelling of a classic story. I hope there are more to read in the future. I’ll be reading them all. 👍🏼
rjsreadingnook's review
5.0
I couldn’t stop reading. I love fairy tale retelling and thoroughly enjoyed this #lesfic spin. Luma and Charlie’s love story was the perfect blend of steamy and sweet. Such a fun read and now I can’t wait to read Cara Malone’s other fairy tale retellings.
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