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A review by thesigilwitch
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I started reading this in February for Black History Month, this year one of my goals is to increase the diversity of my reads both in Authors and Characters, this book was a fun way to jump into that for the year. I overall enjoyed the story of Sophia and Constance. This was a three star read for me I enjoyed it but I probably won't re-read it unless i'm doing something Cinderella themed. Cinderella is Dead is a re-imagining of the Cinderella story taking place centuries after her death. Prince Charming did not behave as he was named (I mean who names their kid Charming?) and created the yearly tradition of a ball in her honor. Every girl of age must attend and wish to be chosen by a man. If a girl attends 3 balls, and a man hasn't chosen to take her as a bride she becomes Forfeit and no one really knows what happens to those sent away. Our MC Sophia has known for years that she does not want a Prince or a Husband, she loves Erin and wants to run away with her and find somewhere out from under the thumbs of men. When Sophia flees her first ball the King is furious and will go to any end to find her. Luckily Constance stumbles into her first as Sophia seeks temporary refuge in the tomb of Cinderella herself, the woman who started it all. With the help of a the woman who was once called the fairy godmother Sophia and Constance must find a truth buried 200 years ago but they come to learn quickly that they know less about death then they could've guessed.
I appreciated the tone and pacing of the story, I chose to read and annotate my hard copy while listening to the audiobook at 1.5-2 x speed. The character of Sophia was often frustrating, the kind of girl you may have gone to school with, the one that pines for a boy she shouldn't be with. I wanted to tell her over and over that she didn't love Erin, and that Erin didn't love her I was glad to see her come to terms with her own value and really grow by the end of the story. Constance is fierce and she brings strength to Sophia and they worked well together to unravel the mystery and survive the consequences. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys retellings/reimaginings, and proud feminism. I look forward to reading more from Kalynn Bayron.
I appreciated the tone and pacing of the story, I chose to read and annotate my hard copy while listening to the audiobook at 1.5-2 x speed. The character of Sophia was often frustrating, the kind of girl you may have gone to school with, the one that pines for a boy she shouldn't be with. I wanted to tell her over and over that she didn't love Erin, and that Erin didn't love her I was glad to see her come to terms with her own value and really grow by the end of the story. Constance is fierce and she brings strength to Sophia and they worked well together to unravel the mystery and survive the consequences. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys retellings/reimaginings, and proud feminism. I look forward to reading more from Kalynn Bayron.