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rileyaurora83's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes I read a book the moment it arrives, sometimes it takes some time before I remember again that I already got a book and that I can read it whenever I want. The latter was the case with this book. I pre-ordered this book and really planned on reading this book soon and then it ended up on a pile out of sight and forgotten. Until I all of a sudden remembered yesterday that I had this book. Since I really love Cinderella I was curious to read De la Cruz's take on it.
What I really loved about this version of the tale was how historical it felt. Of course, I know that it is all fictional and that none of those things has ever happened, but in a way it felt like it COULD have happened. Although, maybe the ending was a little too happy and convenient for the time. However, even though we can debate whether or not there was magic in this book, the answer is never truly given, it stays a fairytale at its core.
The book was not very action-packed, but I personally never grew bored while reading it. I really enjoyed our heroine's journey, seeing her grow, seeing her struggle and seeing her fight. A few issues that always bugged me in the original tale, like why Cinder stays and endured all that, are tackled perfectly and without too much effort in this book. And yet, all the important elements of the fairytale, some more prominent than others, were there.
I also liked that the heroine in this tale is clearly not a princess, but does stay charming and easy to like and root for. Just like in a way it also feels like she's never a damsel in distress and more of a victim of the circumstances. She is trying, trying to fight her way out of this situation and the abuse, but she can only fight with what's available and at the time that wasn't too much. But I liked the combination of kindness and determination a lot!
What I really loved about this version of the tale was how historical it felt. Of course, I know that it is all fictional and that none of those things has ever happened, but in a way it felt like it COULD have happened. Although, maybe the ending was a little too happy and convenient for the time. However, even though we can debate whether or not there was magic in this book, the answer is never truly given, it stays a fairytale at its core.
The book was not very action-packed, but I personally never grew bored while reading it. I really enjoyed our heroine's journey, seeing her grow, seeing her struggle and seeing her fight. A few issues that always bugged me in the original tale, like why Cinder stays and endured all that, are tackled perfectly and without too much effort in this book. And yet, all the important elements of the fairytale, some more prominent than others, were there.
I also liked that the heroine in this tale is clearly not a princess, but does stay charming and easy to like and root for. Just like in a way it also feels like she's never a damsel in distress and more of a victim of the circumstances. She is trying, trying to fight her way out of this situation and the abuse, but she can only fight with what's available and at the time that wasn't too much. But I liked the combination of kindness and determination a lot!
miraclesapphire's review against another edition
4.0
It was a lovely romance. I did not forsee having 2 princes but it was a refreshing take. It was also very informative about historical France with a fantasy twist. Great book for lovers of the romance genre!
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
2.0
2.5/5
I usually enjoy Cruz's books but this was one was just a little off to me. I usually like retellings but I feel like there was some things added that I liked but in the end it was the same story i've read a hundred times with a little twist at the end
I usually enjoy Cruz's books but this was one was just a little off to me. I usually like retellings but I feel like there was some things added that I liked but in the end it was the same story i've read a hundred times with a little twist at the end
kimal2028's review against another edition
5.0
This book was great!
I think that this was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump. I love how Cinder didn't choose the dauphin (the heir to the kingdom) and actually chose Auguste (the one she actually loved). Sometimes the princesses have to choose between two people they love, but I love how it was a no-brainer between having power and having love.
I think that this was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump. I love how Cinder didn't choose the dauphin (the heir to the kingdom) and actually chose Auguste (the one she actually loved). Sometimes the princesses have to choose between two people they love, but I love how it was a no-brainer between having power and having love.
pinguin_helene's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
xosarahirene's review against another edition
4.0
This had every layer that you wish for in a retelling, and a lot of fun nods to readers who have some French language knowledge. I could see a lot of my students loving this book!
jazzy_readss's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
makthewyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5