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memorable's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I had really high expectations for this one and I’m currently thinking whether those were in the way of liking the story more than I did. Some parts just didn’t feel fully elaborated and I have some questions left to be answered. The ending was really, really fast, whereas it took some time to gain speed in the beginning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body shaming, Homophobia, Torture, and Murder
nerdybirdy101's review against another edition
mysterious
4.0
Absolutely loved this Cinderella retelling and thought it was spectacular. We have a world where women are second-class citizens and are expected to follow in Cinderella’s footsteps to find true love at the ball and make her future husband happy forever. The men have all the power. The girls have 3 chances to go to the ball and usually if they are not picked on the second chance, they were sent away to work. It was important to look your best for the ball and to attempt to get a good husband, but there are issues that the parents of the girl must agree to the exchange of their daughter and fees must be exchanged. We follow Sophia who is upset and enraged with how their kingdom is run, she wants to change. She thinks the ball is stupid and is frankly not interested in marrying a man, but instead a woman. Well, we join Sophia in her attempt to change the kingdom and dethrone the king.
I thought this was an amazing book and loved how the fairytale was mixed in with the misogynistic kingdom. I figured out pretty quickly what our villain was doing to extend their life, but I did not figure out how or why it was that way. I think this was a good solid 4 star read for me because I was able to find some of the plot patterns. I definitely think this would make a fabulous movie. Definitely recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
mazomazli's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Violence, and Murder