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bzliz's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Oof. I like Ashley Poston and I was looking for something light to read but this was insubstantial in every way. The characters were flat and the plot was like a Disney Channel movie but even less intelligent. There was zero nuance about anything. It borrowed heavily from A Cinderella Story with the anonymous texting and the main character (Danielle aka Elle, in this case) being heavily invested in her dad’s passion (a nerdy sci-fi series and convention here instead of baseball and his diner) but the evil stepmother takes everything away. I half expected her to find a secret will that showed everything went to her instead of her stepmother.
The only positive I can point to is the love shown to fandom. It’s the only good thing in Elle’s life and was a way she connected to her dad and explored the world socially. If you ever had a tumblr phase, this aspect will resonate with you.
Unfortunately, everything else is jam packed with all the emotional abuse Elle endures, seriously oversimplified aspects of the entertainment industry (Darien’s big budget sci-fi action movie is filmed in 23 days and is completely edited and premiered within the year… there’s no universe where this could happen), and some minor drama about gatekeepy geek boys and bad dad manager behavior.
The only positive I can point to is the love shown to fandom. It’s the only good thing in Elle’s life and was a way she connected to her dad and explored the world socially. If you ever had a tumblr phase, this aspect will resonate with you.
Unfortunately, everything else is jam packed with all the emotional abuse Elle endures, seriously oversimplified aspects of the entertainment industry (Darien’s big budget sci-fi action movie is filmed in 23 days and is completely edited and premiered within the year… there’s no universe where this could happen), and some minor drama about gatekeepy geek boys and bad dad manager behavior.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexism, Toxic friendship, Animal cruelty, and Car accident
theonlybaillie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Physical abuse and Toxic friendship
lakinglaze's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I wanted to love this story so much more than I did. It made my geeky little heart sing with the references to some of my most favourite fandoms! However, the characters took far too long to stand up for themselves and I like my characters with a bit more candor and backbone than these. They just felt a little lacking for me, but the story was fun though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Classism, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Stalking, and Toxic friendship
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Death of parent, and Stalking
Moderate: Bullying
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, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Child abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Toxic friendship, and Stalking
Minor: Lesbophobia and Grief
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