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fairynanook's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Super cute YA Cinderella retelling. I enjoyed the geeky elements of this tale. Talk of cosplay, cons, etc. Has lots of the best elements of other Cinderella retellings and I thought it was really cute.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Lesbophobia, and Abandonment
emilywemily6's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
While this book started off slow, I really enjoyed this cheesy YA retelling of Cinderella! I loved the sci-fi fandom aspect and how thoroughly the author created the fandom. It felt new and fresh and I wish I could watch the TV show! The FMC’s relationships with her step sisters and step mother were abusive and honestly made me really uncomfortable, to the point that they took away some of my enjoyment of the book. The FMC made a lot of poor assumptions about other people that also weren’t very fitting for a Cinderella-type character. I love the shenanigans at the very end of this book too! I wish we got a more in-depth look at the epilogue for these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Lesbophobia
Minor: Sexual harassment
nat_alley's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Lesbophobia
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A truly delightful homage to DragonCon and geekdom everywhere. I listened to the audiobook and smiled the whole way through. Checks plenty of recognizable moments as a Cinderella retelling but also wholly its own. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Lesbophobia, and Classism
fatima_ff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
3.75
Okay color me impressed. I don’t like Cinderella or any fairy tale retellings but this one was great. I’ve so much to say. Firstly this book did a great job at characters. No one felt cartoonish or unrealistic. We got a Prince Charming perspective and his own unique story. There were decent supporting characters as well. And everyone was handled well.
Secondly the actual plot and the fairy tale connections. Naturally we need the step family but I hate every retelling making them seem like they’re just cardboard cut out evil creatures. Give them motive. This one did have somewhat a reasoning. Sometimes the reasoning was simply that they’re bullies. And bullies are bullies. Some people are born entitled and cruel and it’s true.
The way the plot and modern day life was cleverly twined together with the original Cinderella story was well done. I mean the little animals, fairy godmother, the pumpkin, the ball, the dress, the slippers, and the happily ever after resolution was very well crafted. And I’m glad the prince had a personality it’s VERY annoying to read these retellings when the male love interests exist to just be love interests. I’m also glad no love at first sight nonsense happened.
I’m pretty satisfied with the resolution as well. Sometimes you need more than just the ‘and the guy took her away’. Pls it’s the 21st century do more.
There were issues with this book like the writing really did just fall off in some places but the plot and pacing more than made up for it. If the writing was better it would’ve just been that extra oomph to the novel.
I’m so excited about the rest of the books!
Secondly the actual plot and the fairy tale connections. Naturally we need the step family but I hate every retelling making them seem like they’re just cardboard cut out evil creatures. Give them motive. This one did have somewhat a reasoning. Sometimes the reasoning was simply that they’re bullies. And bullies are bullies. Some people are born entitled and cruel and it’s true.
The way the plot and modern day life was cleverly twined together with the original Cinderella story was well done. I mean the little animals, fairy godmother, the pumpkin, the ball, the dress, the slippers, and the happily ever after resolution was very well crafted. And I’m glad the prince had a personality it’s VERY annoying to read these retellings when the male love interests exist to just be love interests. I’m also glad no love at first sight nonsense happened.
I’m pretty satisfied with the resolution as well. Sometimes you need more than just the ‘and the guy took her away’. Pls it’s the 21st century do more.
There were issues with this book like the writing really did just fall off in some places but the plot and pacing more than made up for it. If the writing was better it would’ve just been that extra oomph to the novel.
I’m so excited about the rest of the books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Stalking, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Grief and Lesbophobia