Reviews with content warning for Gore - Cinderella Is Dead

I was about 55% in when I quit. While it is fast paced, I just didn’t feel gripped enough to the characters or plot. The world building is immaculate though. I think the amount of abuse throughout it all wore me down as a survivor, even though I appreciate stories that talk on it (and especially are sapphic like myself). Honestly there’s only so many “we need to tear down the government and society” books I can do so I think I will return to this in a few months. It’s still 100% worth try.

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bookish_otaku's review against another edition

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dark inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

4.5/5 stars

Can I just say this retelling was chef kiss with 500 cherries on top. Bayron takes the classic Cinderella tale and makes it all her own in a way that’s still appealing to fans of the original classic. Compared to the G-rated Disney version though, this retelling has a notably darker theme and also promotes female protagonists of substance and diversity. If you’re looking for a light fluffy read, this is most definitely NOT it, but if you’re looking for a diverse cast, to see a fairy tale princess not white washed by imperialistic standards with a badass pension for toppling oppressive patriarchies, well then I guess you’ve found the book for you!

TW: domestic abuse, physical abuse, homophobia, rampant sexism, violence and gore

I think the biggest thing this book has going for it is the sheer originality of the story. Sophia exists in a world where the Cinderella story we all know (and maybe love) actually happened, but as with all history, there is usually an untold side to the story. Sophia’s journey to unraveling the mystery of Cinderella is tantalizingly dark and an absolute must read for anyone coming of age, girl, boy, or in non-conforming. The way that Bayron makes this into a Cinderella story within Cinderella’s world was a treat to read and had me constantly wondering “What twist is coming next?”

However, this was definitely more of a plot driven story. Sophia is out for a noble cause, but she is not super easy to relate to. Perhaps it’s just my character, but she’s so self-assured for most of the story that it’s hard to really feel myself in her shoes. There is no real internal conflict, it’s entirely external which takes some of the spotlight away from such a wonderful character. Unfortunately, this also means it detracts from her romantic relationship as there is a distance between the reader and Sophia. It read a little too instalove for my liking, but if that’s something you like that I think you’d like their relationship.

There are two main relationships in this story, both are sapphic (girl and girl). I think the way Bayron juxtaposes them is great as it sort of shows the difference between a healthy and toxic relationship, but I think she could have really delved deeper into it.

Erin is constantly condescending to Sophia and putting her down, holding her back from trying to hope for a better life. It’s understandable that she would turn out like this, living in such a shit society, but these dimensions are never really explored. I like the moment when Sophia realizes that Constance is a much more supportive partner and friend to her, much more than Erin ever was, but it was never truly stated that Erin was toxic towards her. I think the depth between their relationships needed more room to be explored, and also Erin’s own internalized homophobia.

Cinderella is Dead is a powerful read with vital messages that young people should internalize, such as belief in one’s own abilities, the inherent right for all people to be treated equally, and that everyone deserves to be happy (so long as it doesn’t impede on the rights of others). I cannot say how many quotable moments there were in this book, I’m sad I had to narrow it down to a single one. This was a strong debut that I encourage many people to read. :)

Content Warnings