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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My rating; ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a delightful and refreshing twist on the Cinderella story, where the supposed "villain," Theo, finally gets a chance to reclaim her narrative. Laura J. Mayo takes familiar fairytale tropes and spins them in fascinating ways, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking look at what it truly means to be good or evil.
Theo is a wonderfully complex protagonist. Though flawed and plagued by rumors of being wicked, she’s still a worthy heroine to root for. Mayo does an excellent job at making readers root for Theo as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, trying to break free from the labels others have imposed on her. Watching Theo navigate her tasks, alongside the mischievous and intriguing fairy Cecily, is both heartwarming and empowering.
The story’s charm lies in its clever reworking of fairytale clichés. While there is a major twist that may seem obvious from the clues, it’s fitting for the genre. Rather than focusing on shock value, the book centers on Theo’s emotional growth, her relationships with magical creatures, and her understanding of herself. Themes like family, loss, revenge, and forgiveness are woven beautifully throughout, making this more than just a fairytale—it’s a story about overcoming hardship and finding one’s place in the world.
The narration by Josie Charles is superb, perfectly capturing the characters and making the listening experience even more engaging. Her voice brings Theo’s story to life with clarity and charm, making it a joy from start to finish.
In the end, How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is what fairytales were always meant to be: a magical, heartfelt journey of growth and redemption with a moral takeaway at the end. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairytale retellings with a deeper, more thoughtful spin. Bravo!
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a delightful and refreshing twist on the Cinderella story, where the supposed "villain," Theo, finally gets a chance to reclaim her narrative. Laura J. Mayo takes familiar fairytale tropes and spins them in fascinating ways, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking look at what it truly means to be good or evil.
Theo is a wonderfully complex protagonist. Though flawed and plagued by rumors of being wicked, she’s still a worthy heroine to root for. Mayo does an excellent job at making readers root for Theo as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, trying to break free from the labels others have imposed on her. Watching Theo navigate her tasks, alongside the mischievous and intriguing fairy Cecily, is both heartwarming and empowering.
The story’s charm lies in its clever reworking of fairytale clichés. While there is a major twist that may seem obvious from the clues, it’s fitting for the genre. Rather than focusing on shock value, the book centers on Theo’s emotional growth, her relationships with magical creatures, and her understanding of herself. Themes like family, loss, revenge, and forgiveness are woven beautifully throughout, making this more than just a fairytale—it’s a story about overcoming hardship and finding one’s place in the world.
The narration by Josie Charles is superb, perfectly capturing the characters and making the listening experience even more engaging. Her voice brings Theo’s story to life with clarity and charm, making it a joy from start to finish.
In the end, How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is what fairytales were always meant to be: a magical, heartfelt journey of growth and redemption with a moral takeaway at the end. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fairytale retellings with a deeper, more thoughtful spin. Bravo!
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rated 4.5 Stars
I'm always a little nervous when reading an author for the first time be it a debut or new to me author, wondering whether I'll like it or not but from the get I was utterly charmed by this book. I loved the writing style and the narration was on point. Josie Charles killed it with her characterization, deliverance of the wit and sarcasm of Theo and the varied nuances and intonations of all the characters. The entire production team did a great job of bringing this book to vivid life.
I loved the main character, Theo I know some will find her unlikeable but to me she was loveable and awesome.
How To Summon a Fairy Godmother was funny it filled me with mirth except for those heartfelt and emotional moments. It made me laugh out loud and amused me to no end. I tried to savor it but was way too eager to see what happened next so I ended up devouring it in big gulps. I loved it and highly recommend it. I think it was superbly done and I most definitely can't wait to read more by this author.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
I'm always a little nervous when reading an author for the first time be it a debut or new to me author, wondering whether I'll like it or not but from the get I was utterly charmed by this book. I loved the writing style and the narration was on point. Josie Charles killed it with her characterization, deliverance of the wit and sarcasm of Theo and the varied nuances and intonations of all the characters. The entire production team did a great job of bringing this book to vivid life.
I loved the main character, Theo I know some will find her unlikeable but to me she was loveable and awesome.
How To Summon a Fairy Godmother was funny it filled me with mirth except for those heartfelt and emotional moments. It made me laugh out loud and amused me to no end. I tried to savor it but was way too eager to see what happened next so I ended up devouring it in big gulps. I loved it and highly recommend it. I think it was superbly done and I most definitely can't wait to read more by this author.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
I went into this book blind and chose to pick out purely based on the cover. I am so glad I decided to pick this one up. It’s such a unique take on the Cinderella/Stepsister/Fairy Godmother type story, and I loved every minute of it. I will say it’s a little slow to start and get the feel of the overall story but even during the slow start, it was an engaging read. Theo was such an interesting FMC. She starts out as someone that you don’t really want to root for but as you delve further into the story, you start to better understand her. Once you get a better understanding of her character, you can’t help but want Theo to succeed. How can you not end up rooting for a someone with such unparalleled insult skills. I also really enjoyed the world building that Mayo created as Theo worked to complete her bargain tasks. I also found the overarching plot interesting, and it kept my interest throughout. There are plenty of secrets and twists to be revealed as the story progresses. I combo read this with the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is a pure delight and encompasses the essence of the story. I can’t recommend it enough. Overall, this book has great vibes and all I can say is if you enjoy fairytale retellings with a twist, make sure to give this one a chance.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Netgalley and Orbit Books
ALC courtesy of Netgalley and Hachette Audio
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First off... thank you Netgalley and Orbits for letting me review the e-arc!! So grateful to have read this gem!
Oof! Where to begin?? I loved this book, once it's out, I'm definitely buying it and re-reading it! How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a first in a series and I'm on the edge of my seat to know when the next will be released because this was so much fun!
After Beatrice's - or Cinderella's - HEA, what happened to her step mother and sisters? Well, buckle up because Mayo has the perfect story for you! Theo is the younger of sisters, who happens to be the step-sister to Beatrice. She's vapid, she's prickly, she's mean. And she's not wrong about everything! But there's a crater sized chip on her shoulder about Bea, but also around how everyone has treated her. She lashes out in order to keep her walls up, but now that she wants HER HEA, the fairy isn't willing to just grant it without lessons along the way. Theo has to go through a series of trials in order for the Fairy to perform her half of the bargain to get Theo out of a horrendous marriage to an ancient duke.
Theo is a character you aren't supposed to like at the beginning, but the more you see the world through her eyes, the more you understand her, and the more she grows, the more you love her! I was rooting for her from the start, but that didn't mean I didn't want to slap her across the face a few times, especially when she meets her potential step-children.
The romance is very slow burn - but it was very sweet and enjoyable to read. Just don't expect spice! Or at least not yet!
Such a fun read. i will be buying all my friends and family copies for Christmas this year!
Oof! Where to begin?? I loved this book, once it's out, I'm definitely buying it and re-reading it! How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a first in a series and I'm on the edge of my seat to know when the next will be released because this was so much fun!
After Beatrice's - or Cinderella's - HEA, what happened to her step mother and sisters? Well, buckle up because Mayo has the perfect story for you! Theo is the younger of sisters, who happens to be the step-sister to Beatrice. She's vapid, she's prickly, she's mean. And she's not wrong about everything! But there's a crater sized chip on her shoulder about Bea, but also around how everyone has treated her. She lashes out in order to keep her walls up, but now that she wants HER HEA, the fairy isn't willing to just grant it without lessons along the way. Theo has to go through a series of trials in order for the Fairy to perform her half of the bargain to get Theo out of a horrendous marriage to an ancient duke.
Theo is a character you aren't supposed to like at the beginning, but the more you see the world through her eyes, the more you understand her, and the more she grows, the more you love her! I was rooting for her from the start, but that didn't mean I didn't want to slap her across the face a few times, especially when she meets her potential step-children.
The romance is very slow burn - but it was very sweet and enjoyable to read. Just don't expect spice! Or at least not yet!
Such a fun read. i will be buying all my friends and family copies for Christmas this year!
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J. Mayo is a third person-POV retelling of Cinderella from the step-sister’s POV. When Beatrice gets her happily ever after, her step-sister Theo is made a social pariah. In an effort to get back some social clout and to pay for their lifestyle, Theo’s mother arranges for Theo to marry a duke old enough to be her grandfather complete with two step-children Theo doesn’t want. Theo’s only option is to summon a fairy grandmother.
This was such a fun play on what happens after the happily ever after. Theo has a strong voice and there’s this underlying current of resentment that permeates a lot of how she talks about Bea, the Cinderella of the story. We learn later exactly why Theo doesn’t like Bea and I have to say that I do not blame her one little bit. I’d have resentment for my step-sister, too, if I was in her shoes.
There are hints of possibly romantic relationships between Theo and Lock and Theo and Kas that could be expanded upon in the next book but I would also be fine if they weren’t. Kas and Lock were fleshed out and their attraction to Theo was given depth, particularly Kas, but the real meat of the story was Theo learning to love herself and finally talking to someone about her feelings instead of bottling them up and lashing out at other people with her very witty barbs. I’d be curious to see how Kas and Theo would work out or how Lock and Theo could work past the revelation at the end, but I’m open to either one.
The other character I really liked was Cecily, the titular fairy godmother. She’s not on the page a ton, but when she is there, she steals the show. I love it when fairies are allowed to have blue-orange morality and Cecily was allowed to be exactly that. She makes deals, she doesn’t really care that much if someone is good or bad, she’s not above withholding information to get what she wants. I’d love a novella from her POV.
Content warning for mentions of child neglect
I would recommend this to fans of Cinderella adaptations focusing on the step-sister, readers of fantasy who want a love triangle where romance isn’t more than a subplot, and those looking for blue-orange morality fairies.
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had a really good time with this one! Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit for my copy! This releases October 8th! Mark those calendars.
Pros:
🧚The humor great and not childish in nature.
🧚The portrayal of how childhood neglect and emotional/verbal abuse can warp a person's self-image and esteem.
🧚Great characters. FMC is vibrant, witty, and a bit broken. The antagonist(s) have great motivations but are still so very hate-able.
🧚FMC made me feel so petty because I was 100% waiting for the revenge moment.
Cons:
🧚The ending. I really do think this would've been so so so satisfying and fill that spiritual moralizing cup if it had been a standalone.
🧚Awkward love triangle. I think it's hard to have an instalove relationship AND make a dramatic love hinge at the same time.
The humor here really did make me chuckle aloud quite a few times. Sure, there's a couple of lewd jokes thrown in there, but most of them are extremely witty and sarcastic. Theo is a fun, relatable, if a bit broken, FMC. I liked the twist of the Cinderella concept, too - they're all just caught in generational spirals of abuse and lashing out.
I think the fun sort've stopped around 90%.This is simply because I don't like love-hinges (or triangles, however you prefer to call them) too much and then the ending just . . . petered out with a bunch of moralizing that felt rushed (also tacking on at the end that she made the right choice because she spared -unknowingly- an unborn baby was left field). But, then literally the last thing to tie up after the main plot ended was just Theo deciding who to actually be with, which obviously doesn't happen because this is apparently a series so SOMETHING had to be drawn out. I don't know if the romance was the way to go with it though. There doesn't feel like there's a lot of leg to stand on for a second book, and while I didn't hate either of the MMCs or anything, I just don't feel like Theo has really explored the idea of any kind of long-term romance even semi-realistically.
4.25/5 stars but it was a good ride.
Pros:
🧚The humor great and not childish in nature.
🧚The portrayal of how childhood neglect and emotional/verbal abuse can warp a person's self-image and esteem.
🧚Great characters. FMC is vibrant, witty, and a bit broken. The antagonist(s) have great motivations but are still so very hate-able.
🧚FMC made me feel so petty because I was 100% waiting for the revenge moment.
Cons:
🧚The ending. I really do think this would've been so so so satisfying and fill that spiritual moralizing cup if it had been a standalone.
🧚Awkward love triangle. I think it's hard to have an instalove relationship AND make a dramatic love hinge at the same time.
The humor here really did make me chuckle aloud quite a few times. Sure, there's a couple of lewd jokes thrown in there, but most of them are extremely witty and sarcastic. Theo is a fun, relatable, if a bit broken, FMC. I liked the twist of the Cinderella concept, too - they're all just caught in generational spirals of abuse and lashing out.
I think the fun sort've stopped around 90%.
4.25/5 stars but it was a good ride.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you so much to Orbit who sent me a copy of this book.
This story came to me exactly when I needed it. I was fresh off a very emotionally compromising epic fantasy and needed this absolutely delightful cozy story. Theo is the youngest of the "evil stepsisters" from the story we have all heard and loved... but we've only ever heard one side of the tale. When Beatrice (Cinderella) marries the prince and Theo's mother and sister essentially become paupers and social pariahs, it leads Theo's mother to arranging a marriage between Theo and an elderly Duke. Wanting out, Theo finds Beatrice's notes on how to summon a Fairy Godmother and we learn that fairies never do anything without getting something for themselves...
I can't even tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this. Theo is a master of sarcasm and the situations she ends up in are hysterical. There are some deeper themes of acceptance and forgiveness, self worth and letting go, but the sheer ridiculousness was perfection. I don't think I ever questioned things about the story of Cinderella, but Theo does and it makes you realize just how absurd a lot of it is. The story does end with a good unresolved chunk, so I am definitely going to be picking up the sequel when it comes out!
This story came to me exactly when I needed it. I was fresh off a very emotionally compromising epic fantasy and needed this absolutely delightful cozy story. Theo is the youngest of the "evil stepsisters" from the story we have all heard and loved... but we've only ever heard one side of the tale. When Beatrice (Cinderella) marries the prince and Theo's mother and sister essentially become paupers and social pariahs, it leads Theo's mother to arranging a marriage between Theo and an elderly Duke. Wanting out, Theo finds Beatrice's notes on how to summon a Fairy Godmother and we learn that fairies never do anything without getting something for themselves...
I can't even tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this. Theo is a master of sarcasm and the situations she ends up in are hysterical. There are some deeper themes of acceptance and forgiveness, self worth and letting go, but the sheer ridiculousness was perfection. I don't think I ever questioned things about the story of Cinderella, but Theo does and it makes you realize just how absurd a lot of it is. The story does end with a good unresolved chunk, so I am definitely going to be picking up the sequel when it comes out!
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
A redemption arc for a wicked step-sister where nothing, especially the fairy godmother, is what it seems.
A fantasy with a mix of fae, magic, manipulation and redemption, How to Summon a Fairy Godmother was a fun read that follows Theo, one of the two evil stepsisters, through an adventure to find her way out of an absolutely miserable situation and to find out the truth behind her "perfect" sister's road to being a princess.
This story took lots of twists and turns and was not predictable to someone who feels like we could be done retelling cinderella forever. Feels very clever and modern without over-doing it. Would recommend as a great slump buster, and a good laugh and cry!
Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Books for an advanced reader copy.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC from NetGalley. How to summon a fairy godmother is a retelling of Cinderella but from the point of view of the wicked stepsister Theodosia. Theo is smart, humorous and has some wicked comebacks. Her and her story of how she became wicked is relatable and I found the whole story excellent. The novel doesn’t read as a debate novel and I cannot wait for the second book.
A bonus to the book are the 3 handsome and flirtatious magical creatures Phineas, Kasra and Locklin.
A bonus to the book are the 3 handsome and flirtatious magical creatures Phineas, Kasra and Locklin.