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readingwithkirstyn's review against another edition
3.0
I love Fairytale retellings and I really enjoy Disney as well, so these villain stories always intrigue me. I haven't read them all, but I have read quite a few.
That being said, I saw real potential in the addition of Lady Tremaine because she is not otherwordly or magical, thus making her the villain we all fear - one that could actually exist in real life. Cold Hearted provides a fresh twist to the Cinderella story by giving us the origin story for Lady Tremaine. Having not always been the evil stepmother we know her as now, it's nice to see the parts of her life that shaped that perspective. Isn't it funny how someone can have their heart in the right place and mean well, yet still come off as evil?
Perfect for any fans of villain stories, fairytale retellings, or in general Disney fans. Writing is age appropriate so younger children would also be able to enjoy the story.
That being said, I saw real potential in the addition of Lady Tremaine because she is not otherwordly or magical, thus making her the villain we all fear - one that could actually exist in real life. Cold Hearted provides a fresh twist to the Cinderella story by giving us the origin story for Lady Tremaine. Having not always been the evil stepmother we know her as now, it's nice to see the parts of her life that shaped that perspective. Isn't it funny how someone can have their heart in the right place and mean well, yet still come off as evil?
Perfect for any fans of villain stories, fairytale retellings, or in general Disney fans. Writing is age appropriate so younger children would also be able to enjoy the story.
beerd1's review against another edition
5.0
I really do love these interpretations and extensions of the villains tales, but goodness this one was so sad.
the_wistful_word_witch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well, I never anticipated feeling sad for Lady Tremaine, aka Cinderella's evil stepmother, or Anastasia and Drizella, aka the evil stepsisters, but here we are...
Based on this villain origin story, she DEFINITELY got shafted and HARD. It was difficult to finish the book because I knew kind of how it would end, but the getting there was really rough. Lady T was an abused wife trapped in her own personal hell who was just trying to save herself and her daughters. It's enough to drive anyone mad, and she didn't deserve it. I wonder what would have happened if the Odd Sisters had been able to 'help' her......
Based on this villain origin story, she DEFINITELY got shafted and HARD. It was difficult to finish the book because I knew kind of how it would end, but the getting there was really rough. Lady T was an abused wife trapped in her own personal hell who was just trying to save herself and her daughters. It's enough to drive anyone mad, and she didn't deserve it. I wonder what would have happened if the Odd Sisters had been able to 'help' her......
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Dementia, and Gaslighting
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Death of parent, and Murder
adellel's review against another edition
3.0
A Cinderella retelling where I truly felt for Lady Tremaine.
It’s the same fairy tale but with more background. We see how Lady Tremaine and her daughters end up with Cinderella and her father. We get to know why Lady Tremaine and all of the others turned into the people they were in the actual fairy tale
I ended up liking Lady Tremaine and her daughters. I rooted for the Lady. At the same time, I rooted for Cinderella and her happy ending.
I just wish that this book captured my attention a bit more. Maybe it’s because I have read so many Cinderella retelling before this? Maybe I wanted even more of a twist? Even so, it was well written and fun for a Cinderella retelling.
It’s the same fairy tale but with more background. We see how Lady Tremaine and her daughters end up with Cinderella and her father. We get to know why Lady Tremaine and all of the others turned into the people they were in the actual fairy tale
I ended up liking Lady Tremaine and her daughters. I rooted for the Lady. At the same time, I rooted for Cinderella and her happy ending.
I just wish that this book captured my attention a bit more. Maybe it’s because I have read so many Cinderella retelling before this? Maybe I wanted even more of a twist? Even so, it was well written and fun for a Cinderella retelling.
retrogirl20's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Dang that was really sad, this was an excellent retelling
meadowlullaby's review against another edition
2.5
This was just okay. I’m going to try another from this series before I decide if I want to continue or not.
akshade's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
dan_dan1991's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nick_stanfield's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
van_worldexplorer's review against another edition
4.5
The best one in the series so far. This one truly made me feel like the villain was wronged in a way I felt deeply to my soul. The feminine RAGE here is strong. Honestly I’m on the stepmother’s side here. I love the tie ins to the main plot of the series and how it grew over time, dropping Easter eggs to fully bringing it in. A backstory that’s truly original for this character and I love it.