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writer6's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think that Stepsister is perfect, but I still loved this book quite a bit! :)
My Rating / Score: 4 out of 5 Stars on Goodreads' rating system. 8 out of 10 on my own scoring system.
My Rating / Score: 4 out of 5 Stars on Goodreads' rating system. 8 out of 10 on my own scoring system.
bugtickle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
If you enjoy fairy tales you will like this twist on the ugly stepsisters.
lavendermarch's review against another edition
5.0
This was, in a word, satisfying. It might be the best book I've read this year. I'm so glad that it's stayed on my want to read list throughout the years, and that I finally read it. Stepsister is a heady blend of fairy tale, historical fiction, and fantasy, with a powerful dose of feminism. It takes some of the best parts of fairy tales - telling things how they are, being brave enough to dream, and taking action to achieve the life you want - and delivers its story through vibrant, compelling writing that hits like a kick to the gut.
I adored Isabelle's story - it was a unique spin on the usual fairy tale retellings (and I don't want to boil this down to just being that, because it's so much more). I liked that not only did it take a side character and villain's POV, it focused on what happened after the end of the traditional tale. Of course, the addition of Fate and Chance also spiced things up a bit.
Overall, I'm very pleased with Jennifer Donnelly's Stepsister. The story, characters, character growth, fantasy elements, setting, and above all, the writing, delivered on every front. I called it satisfying at the beginning of my review because the entire time I was reading it, that's what I kept thinking to myself: This is an incredibly satisfying book. So, if you want a fantastic fairy tale that subverts expectations in the best ways possible, look no further. 5 stars.
I adored Isabelle's story - it was a unique spin on the usual fairy tale retellings (and I don't want to boil this down to just being that, because it's so much more). I liked that not only did it take a side character and villain's POV, it focused on what happened after the end of the traditional tale. Of course, the addition of Fate and Chance also spiced things up a bit.
Overall, I'm very pleased with Jennifer Donnelly's Stepsister. The story, characters, character growth, fantasy elements, setting, and above all, the writing, delivered on every front. I called it satisfying at the beginning of my review because the entire time I was reading it, that's what I kept thinking to myself: This is an incredibly satisfying book. So, if you want a fantastic fairy tale that subverts expectations in the best ways possible, look no further. 5 stars.
zahra83's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I enjoyed it sm. It's been long since i enjoyed a book like this. It's so worth reading.
nikki_reads07's review against another edition
4.0
She didn't need to be the chosen one to change her world...
An original and bold spin on cinderella focusing on her stepsisters; why were they horrible to Ella? What if it was born of self-hatred, feelings of inadequacy, and knowing they'd never fit into the box (or shoe) their society would force them into? It doesn't in any way justify their misbehaviour, but it definitely makes the characters more intriguing.
Ultimately, a story about a young woman having the opportunity to live up to her potential once she is no longer forced to perform for society. She finally has the space to recover pieces of herself that were slowly whittled away by those around her, and save her love, her stepsister, her country, and seize her freedom...with some magic and a little help from Chance.
Additionally, the writing style, pacing and overall story were well done.
An original and bold spin on cinderella focusing on her stepsisters; why were they horrible to Ella? What if it was born of self-hatred, feelings of inadequacy, and knowing they'd never fit into the box (or shoe) their society would force them into? It doesn't in any way justify their misbehaviour, but it definitely makes the characters more intriguing.
Ultimately, a story about a young woman having the opportunity to live up to her potential once she is no longer forced to perform for society. She finally has the space to recover pieces of herself that were slowly whittled away by those around her, and save her love, her stepsister, her country, and seize her freedom...with some magic and a little help from Chance.
Additionally, the writing style, pacing and overall story were well done.
mizzlroy's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book but it did take a while to hook me. I love the idea of the “ugly” stepsisters being described as flawed but not outright cruel. The addition of the fates and Chance were also fun, but I especially enjoyed the fairy Queen. Would recommend to students.
literaturefaerie's review against another edition
Had to DNF this one. I tried listening as an audiobook and I think that was my mistake. I probably would like it better physically so I might try it again at a later date but for now, no thank you.
skynet666's review against another edition
2.0
I haven't given up yet, but I'm just not caring about this story. I like Tavi, but I may end up ditching. I just didn't care enough to finish this book.