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A review by scarlettlovesbooks
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson
5.0
This was such a fun and quick read. I wasn't expecting much as I got this ebook while it was free on Amazon. Boy am I glad my expectations were exceeded...and in a big way!
Although this is a retelling of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, it doesn't seem cliche and formulaic. This is more from the perspective of the ugly stepsister (Mattie), but with a twist.
I love the writing style as it has an effortless feel to it. What also stood out for me were the wittiness and the humor throughout the book.
The characters were extremely well written and they have so much depth in them. It was really interesting reading these characters' development throughout the course of the book. I really love Ella and Mattie. I think in a way they are both misunderstood and they put on these outward personas that don't really portray who they really are. In particular with Mattie, we get to feel her insecurities and you can't help but sympathize why she is that way. At the same time, her inner strength shines through and she always stands up for what she believes in.
As to the romance, I thought the author did an excellent job incorporating elements of "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sixteen Candles". I also thought the relationship progressed just right. There were certainly bumps on the road, but it wasn't typical YA where you just want to throw the book against the wall out of frustration. Mattie and Jake were both loveable and intelligent characters that you can't help but root for them.
This book earns a definite recommendation from me.
Although this is a retelling of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, it doesn't seem cliche and formulaic. This is more from the perspective of the ugly stepsister (Mattie), but with a twist.
I love the writing style as it has an effortless feel to it. What also stood out for me were the wittiness and the humor throughout the book.
The characters were extremely well written and they have so much depth in them. It was really interesting reading these characters' development throughout the course of the book. I really love Ella and Mattie. I think in a way they are both misunderstood and they put on these outward personas that don't really portray who they really are. In particular with Mattie, we get to feel her insecurities and you can't help but sympathize why she is that way. At the same time, her inner strength shines through and she always stands up for what she believes in.
As to the romance, I thought the author did an excellent job incorporating elements of "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sixteen Candles". I also thought the relationship progressed just right. There were certainly bumps on the road, but it wasn't typical YA where you just want to throw the book against the wall out of frustration. Mattie and Jake were both loveable and intelligent characters that you can't help but root for them.
This book earns a definite recommendation from me.