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traditionson's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this up as an avid reader of Demelza Carlton and was not disappointed in anyway. In contrary I made the mistake of starting it at 1 am just before going to bed. Next thing I knew it was 3am and I was halfway through the book.
Meet a strong independent girl in what looks like a Feudal period in China. Trying to support her father and keep him safe when the emperor calls for more soldiers. Her stepmother is more than willing to let her do it. A great growth of characters that also shows the benefit of working hard to keep skills strong.
A wonderful story that sucked me in and kept me hooked throughout. If you have read any of her other retolds there are a couple of fun little surprises that will make you smile.
Meet a strong independent girl in what looks like a Feudal period in China. Trying to support her father and keep him safe when the emperor calls for more soldiers. Her stepmother is more than willing to let her do it. A great growth of characters that also shows the benefit of working hard to keep skills strong.
A wonderful story that sucked me in and kept me hooked throughout. If you have read any of her other retolds there are a couple of fun little surprises that will make you smile.
emlickliter's review against another edition
5.0
Dance: Cinderella Retold by Demelza Carlton – Cinderella via Mulan was really cool! Demelza Carlton does some really neat world building! Happy Reading!
bethb3's review
3.0
3.5 stars. I liked the characterization and interactions between the characters better in this one than in Enchant. I hope each book gets better than the last.
friedatweehuysen's review
4.0
I enjoyed the Asian version of Cinderella. It was so different and yet perfect.
lakea's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: War and Sexual content
dionaea's review
2.0
Mulan and Cinderella mashup like everyone said. I was hoping that Carlton would include some Yeh-Shen elements or at least reference the original ballad of Mulan as well but it looks like Carlton just watched the Disney movies and threw in some foot-binding and called it good. I liked some plot points like what Carlton did with the shoes but I wasn't that interested in the characters. They felt a little flat to me.
amanda_lee's review
4.0
Very interesting take on Cinderella with a little Mulan. The story is very good and captures your attention right away. I loved how the story unfolded
kasfire's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 Stars
So her re-tellings are intriguing. Not always the best, but not horrible. This one is a mix of Cinderella and Mulan. Mai takes her fathers place in battle and her stepmother casts an illusion on her to make her seem like a man.
The characters are actually rather original even though it is a re-telling. I was pleasantly surprised that the stepmother isn't completely horrible. Plus, the love story isn't all "love at first sight". I like the slower love stories that allow the characters to get to know each other.
So her re-tellings are intriguing. Not always the best, but not horrible. This one is a mix of Cinderella and Mulan. Mai takes her fathers place in battle and her stepmother casts an illusion on her to make her seem like a man.
The characters are actually rather original even though it is a re-telling. I was pleasantly surprised that the stepmother isn't completely horrible. Plus, the love story isn't all "love at first sight". I like the slower love stories that allow the characters to get to know each other.
silver_star08's review against another edition
4.0
A very interesting take on the tale of Cinderella. Mai is the daughter of a general and a warrior woman. She grows up "dancing" the martial arts dance with her father.
When the emperor orders her father to war, her stepmother places an illusion spell on Mai so that she can pass as a man. What will happen?
When the emperor orders her father to war, her stepmother places an illusion spell on Mai so that she can pass as a man. What will happen?