Ella's Rise

Fairy Tale Realm #1

by Leslie Crowne

A forgotten princess, bent on vengeance. A reluctant prince, thrust into a role he never wanted. When fate brings them together, there is more at stake than either of them could imagine.

Ella’s Vow…

I was raised by a family of blacksmiths since my parents, the King and Queen of Sartoon, were killed in a coup. No one else in the kingdom knows my true identity. I may be the forgotten Princess, but once I get my revenge on the current royal family, everyone will know my name.

What I didn’t count on when I snuck into the palace was meeting Thal—he’s not what I imagined, or expected in a Prince. To avoid being arrested, I agree to his demands. But can I trust him, or is he like his despicable father, the King?
And why does my heart beat out of my chest when he’s near?

Thal’s Dilemma…

I wasn’t supposed to be the heir to the throne—I’m the second son. Now I’m being pressured to find a bride and secure the kingdom. When I catch Ella Briggs sneaking into the palace, we strike a bargain. She’ll be my decoy, so I can avoid having to dance with so many hopeful women at the upcoming ball.

But soon I’m embroiled in her plans, and falling for her. When she’s in my arms, nothing else matters. As we grow closer, the stakes get higher, for Ella has secrets that could ruin us both.

And she is not who she pretends to be.

Ella’s Rise is an Adult Fairy Tale Retelling of the timeless tale, Cinderella, with an unexpected twist.

All stories in this series are set in the enchanting world of the Fairy Tale Realm, where each kingdom has its own type of magic, and the Fairy Tales you remember are retold in an unusual way. Oh, and the romances are epic!

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Fairy Tales, Enemies To Lovers, Cinderella

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and imaginative spin on Cinderella, with some new twists to the tale. Ella and Thal are endearing main characters and their relationship was a delight to follow throughout the novel. Most of the conflicts introduced in the book felt organic and their resolutions made sense without being too "trope-y", which I appreciated since romance novels are not my primary picks. Overall I enjoyed this and will definitely check out the rest of the series.

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella is the lost princess who was raised by the blacksmith. She was save by the cook while her parents was killed. Thal is prince who is now sole heir since his brother was killed. They meet under unusual places and feel a pulled through each other. When her secrets reveal he will become her hero and not only save her but together they will save the kingdom. They will have to over come twists and secrets. Can they find their HEA in the end? You will definitely want to read this Cinderella retake.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is pure GARBAGE!!!! Like hot, sweaty greasy garbage. Spoilers! Lol, dont even give this a chance. Pregnancy to a stranger will solve the dilemma of your parents murder, your stolen monarchy, and get back at the king who ordered your parents murder. Using her as a pawn( her handsome princes idea) didn't work so hey, you know him a total of like 3 hrs, it's true LOVE, GET PREGNANT, GIRL...This girls mother and father (king and queen) were ordered murdered in a military coup. The current reigning King ordered the family slaughtered and a village of mages. The magic people were able to escape(tho no one really knew of them, just rumors). Anyway, Ella's is taken out of the castle in a big soup pot, and given to a family as an orphan. Blah blah..they use her as a servant, don't love her. She happens to run into the prince, speaks a few sentences to him, then after finds out he's the prince.His older brother has died and now he's the sole heir. He likes his home country so barely ever visits the country his father took by force. At a memorial for the dead prince, Ella's sneaks in the castle cuz she wants to kill the king. Cuz that would be super easy. Guess who finds her? Yea, Thal, the new heir. She makes an excuse and he says if she dances with him at the ball, to avoid the other women he has no desire to marry, he will let her go. She agrees. He warns her...He WILL find out why she was sneaking around the castle. So they dance at the ball one time, share a moment alone to have a drink and talk and a kiss. She overhears her foster family sell her out, gets caught by the king in the antechamber she was in with the prince(she remembered being in room as a kid with her dad so went back to daydream), runs away from the King and the ball. The prince tracks her down and convinces her to come back and confront the king about who she is. Cuz that's a great idea. Who cares the king slaughtered her parents..she gets to be a pawn and be valuable to the royal family and help quell tensions among the country who hate the royal family for killing the original monarchy. 🙄. So she goes back and the sweet prince basically locks her in his dead bros room to get presentable for the king. The king throws her in dungeon, she escapes, prince follows her. Has fabulous idea..they will MARRY. Cuz they are IN LOVE. After spending a total of 1 hour in each other's presence, they think that's fantastic idea. Also, Ella decides to lose her virginity right then and there, and hopefully get pregnant. Cuz a baby fixes EVERYTHING!!! A girl who knows nothing about sex, has been sheltered her entire life, was sold out by foster family the 1 st chance they got, is definitely equipped to make a baby with A STRANGER whose father destroyed her family and took her home from her. What a disgrace. I'm not even done this book, but she's about to Make a baby, fingers crossed, with this random guy who kissed her like 3 times, maybe.. good takeaway for young girls and women. Get pregnant, the guys family will HAVE to accept you. Cuz you aren't worth anything unless you can push out a kid. Who cares you don't know him and have zero experience with relationships. You will get to be back in a palace. Revolting message. Try giving the young girl an actual personality. Maybe a spine and some confidence. Some bravery and brains. Maybe give her some vengeance. Have her stand up and fight. Take back her legacy her parents tried to give her. Don't let her lay on her back in the woods and spread her legs to solve her problems!!!

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella’s Rise is an epic fantasy full of deception, monarchies, magic, and deceitful romances. Ella is very driven to avenge her parent's murders, and she doesn’t let much get in the way of her goals. The prince in this story is a bit confusing at times, as he seems to both want to keep his father's reign, but then also is able to sympathize with the people of Ella’s kingdom. I think that Ella as a main character was great, and she was able to grow into her role and become a leader of sorts as is her birthright. I love all the references to Cinderella's story, I loved picking them out as I read. The fairy-godmother character was super cool, and I really appreciated how she helped Ella, even when it could get her in trouble, unlike some other people we know.

My few critics are that I didn’t really like the prince, and thought that his point of view switched around too much. I also thought that Ella should have taken a much longer time to forgive the king, as he had essentially no reason for doing what he did. IYKYK. Overall I thought it was a good book, and I did really like the main character, but some of the side characters took away from the story a bit. I rated it 3.5 stars and would recommend it to people who are looking for a deceptive magical cinderella-Esq story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella’s Rise by Leslie Crowne is book one is the Fairy Tale Realm. It’s also the first book I’ve read by this author. (Shocking, I know another new author but you need to check this book out!) Ok, if you’ve read my reviews before you know I love me a good fairy tale re-telling! This one is an amazing take on Cinderella. Love it!!

I love how strong Ella is, she has a core set of beliefs that she holds true. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone, not even the prince! I also was a fan of the growth that happened as the plot progressed; this was a page turner that’s for sure. It was a very interesting and intriguing read and the reasons behind the decisions. I honestly appreciated how well and amazing this book was written. I need another book in this series like now. Do yourself a favor, go read this book!!!

Final review
5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How much I liked Ella and Thal
5 out of 5 kisses 😘😘😘😘😘

[Little Blue Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this reimagined tale of Cinderella 🩵 Leslie Crowne did a fantastic job on this amazing story!! I love how strong Ella is 🩷 She is DEFINITELY a fighter. She knows what she has to do and tries to accomplish her goals. I love all of the Cinderella Easter eggs and the side characters were fantastic ♥️ Lookin at you Fairy Godmother 😉 I’m so glad Ella is a heroine who is determined to avenge her parents deaths. I can’t say enough great things about her!! Let’s not forget her handsome prince 🖤 He goes through so much during the story. He’s very torn between duty/family responsibilities and his love for Ella. I couldn’t put this book down. All of the surprises and twists and turns kept me so intrigued 🤩 I can’t wait to see what Leslie has in store for us next in her Fairy Tale Realm Series 🤗
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🩵🩷💙🌷🦋

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying Leslie is a phenomenal writer. This is my first novel by her but the writing is amazing.

This book was captivating. I was hooked from the start with wanting to learn more about Ella and who she was. She’s one of those quiet, yet deadly type of people in the beginning, waiting for the right moment to make her move.

Thal is the new Prince since his brother passed away. His character is very humble, and that’s so refreshing in a fantasy novel. I sometimes forgot he was a prince until someone addressed him as such lol

Also can we talk about Ceelie and the bird??? I love them.

Overall, I gave this book 4/5 stars. The only issue for me was the switching POVs in the same chapter. I absolutely love the fairytale retellings and this one is a top one on my list. I’m excited to read Leslie’s future books.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I thought this was a really interesting take on the classic fairytale Cinderella! There were two POV characters: Ella and Thal. Princess Ellamere has been all but forgotten, especially since she was forced into hiding after her parents were killed in a brutal coup. All she’s ever desired is revenge - at least, until she meets Prince Parthalan Tourequin. Thal was never supposed to be the heir, but after the tragic death of his older brother, he is thrown into the role. I thought this was a good book, and I enjoyed both Ella and Thal’s POVs. I thought Ella was a fantastic heroine because she was intelligent and tenacious, and I enjoyed Thal as a character because he was charismatic and kindhearted. I would definitely recommend if you like fairytale retellings!!!

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was such a fun read! If you enjoy fairy tale retellings and light hearted romance, then this is the book for you! I loved the changes that had been made from the original story and the way the author wove those changes throughout the book. The mages and the way their story unfolds was another high point for me!

I felt myself wanting to learn more about the magic side of the world and all that entails. There was a lot alluded to and mentioned, but now I want to know everything that is going on! The story felt wrapped up, but I would love to learn more of the king and queen's story and of what happens next for Ella!

[Crazy4bookscruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Leslie, I was thoroughly impressed.
It’s not my usual read now a days with it being a slow burn but it was done well that it kept me engaged in the story. It never fell flat for me and I loved this retelling of Cinderella. Has the same basics but all the flare of the author.
It was adorable, regal, elegant while also being strong, courageous and thrilling.
The MCs were something to behold so very dear to me.
The beautiful scenes set up of their copulation were a dream. It wasn’t overly done or out of place, they cared for each other so which in turn made it so special each time.
I recommend this book 100%

[Chelsea Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a fairy tale retelling and this did not disappoint. I loved how it kept some of the original pieces but was it’s own story as well. I also loved the that main character, Ella, the princess wasn’t like a typical princess but she was a strong fierce girl who didn’t take crap from anyone. That background and the incorporation of the mages and all the details sucked me into the story further. I can’t wait to see the rest of the books in this series if this one was as amazing as it was.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this so much!

I love fairytale retellings and this book was just as lovely. Ella who at such a young age suffered tragedy with her parents demise. She was whisked into hiding that she was a princess. The family she was with did treat her like a maid but and even in that taught her to be humble. I loved that there were mages in this story. The prince super sweet and it was almost instalove. The storyline was absolutely great the characters were lovely . I definitely recommend this book.

[Arriana Rangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sweet. Gave off major Cinderella vibes. I was very happy to see Ella coming into her own and standing up for herself and what was right. Also loved she didn't back down from Thal even from there first meeting! Thal had me swooning the who book. Even tho the king explained his reasons for doing what he did, I don't feel like he had redeemed himself enough. Just can't get over how cute Ella and Thal are together.

[Erika Breezy (Sustainably.Spooky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love fairy tales and suffer from anxiety? Then this retelling is for you!

This story was delivered in such a way that it didn't feel like a retelling. The only inklings were subtle and sprinkled throughout Ella's journey. Moreover, I didn't feel that usual sense of dread that comes with high angst books. Go into it knowing this is a cosy, low angst read that is akin to an adult fairy tale before bed and enjoy the bits of spice in between 🌶️

[Pam James · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Version, New twists.

Love this version of Cinderella. It's got all the elements of a great fairytale. Angst, protagonist, and a feisty heroine. Love the shoe twist. And the blacksmith twist. From a New Fan... Pam James.

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella retelling

Ella’s Rise was a cute, intense retelling of Cinderella! Author Leslie Crowne took an approach that I have not read before! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ella and Thal!

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern yet historical retelling of Cinderella. There was a touch of magic. It also had some mature scenes which I didn’t think it needed. I enjoyed the touches the author added as very obvious nods to the original fairy tale.

[Britt S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an entertaining enough read of Cinderella with a little bit of a more adult theme and twist.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. A unique spin on Cinderella.

[Leelo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-2.5 ⭐️’s. I enjoyed the first 40%. I feel like a lot of details and answers were glossed over/not fully developed.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sadly wasn’t as interesting for me as I hoped it would be.

[T.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

Ella is the long lost princess, orphaned after her kingdom was taken over by a neighboring monarchy.

Thal is a second born prince who was thrusted into the role he never wanted as next-in-line after the untimely demise of his brother.

When Thal meets Ella as she’s sneaking into the palace, the two of them form a plan. What happens next is something neither of them could have imagined.

I absolutely loved this book. If you know me and/or have read other reviews I’ve written about fairytale retellings, you know how much I love them. This was no different. Retellings of Cinderella are some of my favorite. I loved the fast paced adventure and the happily ever after. I think one of my favorite homages to the OG tale was the tidbit about the mice in the dungeon.

I thoroughly look forward to more works by this author!

Tropes include:
✨Hidden identity
✨Happily Ever After
✨Slow burn
✨He falls first
✨Enemies-to-lovers

[Donna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love a good fairy tale retelling I know I do. And if you do as well then this I highly recommend this book for you. This book literally had me hooked from the first page all the way till the very end I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book and n this series, I won’t give away any spoilers all I can say is give it a try you will love it too.