Scan barcode
poisoned_icecream's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a sweet retelling of Cinderella, with a black trans girl named Ella as the protagonist. She lives with an abusive family who misgenders and deadnames her, but then she goes to a ball and after one dance with the princess Lizabetta, the two girls fall in love. I'm really not into instalove romances but this is an instance in which I thought it was cute. I am definitely going to read the rest of these fairytale retellings by S.T. Lynn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Death of parent
cactusjuicer's review
5.0
trigger warnings: transphobia, dead-naming, fat shaming
rep: black sapphic main character (who is plus sized), sapphic love interest
rep: black sapphic main character (who is plus sized), sapphic love interest
myblackbookish_life's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Even though I enjoy Cinderella retellings, and I did enjoyed this short read, I won't be rating this book. For once, I forget how dark the source material is and the mental, emotional, and physical abuse Cinderella suffers. So to see that story featuring a Black trans woman (even though I'm stoked for the happy ending Ella has in this book with a new town, new friends, and the Princess) it took until the 70% mark for us to get to the more 'joyous' part of the story and THEN it was over.
....we could have at least got an epilogue or sum.
That being said, I do plan to read the other books in this series!
....we could have at least got an epilogue or sum.
That being said, I do plan to read the other books in this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Fatphobia, Emotional abuse, and Deadnaming
Minor: Death of parent
jennysfavoritebooks's review
4.0
This was a short, fun read! I absolutely loathe Ella’s family, but she is such a little gem of a woman. You’ll never find me lacking love for BIPOC LGBTQ+ stories.
afternoon_sunshowers's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
A quick and sweet fairy tale twist with a Black trans Cinder Ella. The world is casually queer, as there’s no question the princess would be with Ella.
No comeuppance for Ella’s family but her new home in the small town and the princess seeking her out were lovely.
No comeuppance for Ella’s family but her new home in the small town and the princess seeking her out were lovely.
wandering_through_time's review
3.0
Short and sweet!
This retelling is all about the representation and features a trans, woc cinderella and a f/f relationship. As I’m neither trans/woc I can’t comment on how those communities feel about the accuracy of the portrayal and the issues touched upon (tw: deadnaming). However as an everyday reader I did enjoy this story and was more than pleased to have a mc that was more representative than the usual “super thin, super pretty (but doesn’t know it) white girl”.
I did feel like the end came a little abruptly but all the main points were covered with little extras thrown in. This is not your average Cinderella but it’s definitely worth a read!! Overall it’s a fluffy little story that leaves you feeling pleased, most people will finish it in one sitting - I read it in 2, on the bus to and from work.
This retelling is all about the representation and features a trans, woc cinderella and a f/f relationship. As I’m neither trans/woc I can’t comment on how those communities feel about the accuracy of the portrayal and the issues touched upon (tw: deadnaming). However as an everyday reader I did enjoy this story and was more than pleased to have a mc that was more representative than the usual “super thin, super pretty (but doesn’t know it) white girl”.
I did feel like the end came a little abruptly but all the main points were covered with little extras thrown in. This is not your average Cinderella but it’s definitely worth a read!! Overall it’s a fluffy little story that leaves you feeling pleased, most people will finish it in one sitting - I read it in 2, on the bus to and from work.
linniescorner's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A sweet trope-y fantasy retelling. The writing is pretty okay - in the beginning a bit slow and repetitive for my taste - but towards the end picks up. I do wish it was maybe 20-30 pages longer as it felt a bit rushed.
Overall sweet, wholesome, and affirming!
Overall sweet, wholesome, and affirming!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia