A review by spinkysaurus
Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly

dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The beginning of the book was hard because the main character was so bitter. Donnelly did a good job of showing what Isabelle had become. As the plot progressed the story and the all of the characters became understandable and far more interesting and likable.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm, War, and Sexism

Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Self harm

This is a darker retelling and the beginning describes a lot of the more graphic portions of the original Grimm telling of Cinderella. In addition it has a lot of perceived gender roles being forced upon people who do not want them.