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The Midnight Prince
A bitter prince. A rejected servant. A revelation that could change everything.
When Prince Kirran of the autumn fey returns home from war, all he wants is food, drink, and sleep. But with his older brothers dead, he’s now the only heir — and he needs a wife. As soon as possible. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except that he’s not over the girl who shattered his heart seven years ago.
Half-human Alia avoids her noble stepfamily by living among the fey king’s servants. Her life of anonymity serves her well and helps her forget how Kirran betrayed her — that is, until they’re thrust back into each other’s lives.
Their hostile reunion leaves both reeling — until they realize their memories of their breakup don’t match, and neither is lying.
With mere days before Kirran has to choose a bride, they must put aside their hurts and fight to uncover the truth.
And in the process, maybe, just maybe, they’ll find a second chance to fight for each other.
The Midnight Prince, a retelling of Cinderella, is part of Once Upon A Prince, a multi-author series of clean fairy tale retellings. Each standalone story features a swoony prince fighting for his happily ever after.
When Prince Kirran of the autumn fey returns home from war, all he wants is food, drink, and sleep. But with his older brothers dead, he’s now the only heir — and he needs a wife. As soon as possible. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except that he’s not over the girl who shattered his heart seven years ago.
Half-human Alia avoids her noble stepfamily by living among the fey king’s servants. Her life of anonymity serves her well and helps her forget how Kirran betrayed her — that is, until they’re thrust back into each other’s lives.
Their hostile reunion leaves both reeling — until they realize their memories of their breakup don’t match, and neither is lying.
With mere days before Kirran has to choose a bride, they must put aside their hurts and fight to uncover the truth.
And in the process, maybe, just maybe, they’ll find a second chance to fight for each other.
The Midnight Prince, a retelling of Cinderella, is part of Once Upon A Prince, a multi-author series of clean fairy tale retellings. Each standalone story features a swoony prince fighting for his happily ever after.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2023
275 people are currently reading
1673 people want to read
About the author
Angie Grigaliunas
9 books130 followersIMPORTANT NOTE:
~On 7-24-24, I announced that I am splitting my branding between two names: Angie Grigaliunas (clean & closed-door NA) and A.D. Grigaliunas (gritty & intimate NA). Sowing and Quelling were unpublished/out of print as of August 31. Razing’s pre-order was cancelled.
~After necessary revisions, Sowing and Quelling will eventually be published under A.D. Grigaliunas (with gorgeous new covers and with Razing hot on their heels)!
~The Angie Grigaliunas name will now be dedicated to NA sweet/clean romances (like The Midnight Prince). I have fantastic plans there, so stay tuned for more!
~To stay up to date on all of this, follow on Instagram @ angiesquill.
ALSO IMPORTANT: If you already own a digital copy of TPE, you will not lose access to that copy as a result of this change.
______
Angie Grigaliunas (grig-ah-loo-nahs) is a part-time normal person and full-time author of PG-13 New Adult books full of grit, grace, and probably rebels. She loves Jesus, the woods, and the stars, and has always wanted to be a superhero with a secret identity.
She has completed seven novels: one about elves that needs a massive revision before it ever sees the light of day; one that is part of her current story but also needs a massive revision to fit a new storyline; the actual first, second, and third books (Sowing, Quelling, and Razing) in her dystopian/fantasy series (The Purification Era); the first in a companion trilogy set in the same world as The Purification Era; and a Cinderella retelling with fey. When she’s not writing, she’s usually Facebooking — ack! — or thinking about story stuff. Or exercising. Or eating ice cream, because life is short and ice cream is delicious.
Despite several of her writing friends once claiming she’s Canadian, she is not; a native to Ohio, she now lives in Tennessee with her dear husband, their goofy dog, and their small army of rescue cats.
~On 7-24-24, I announced that I am splitting my branding between two names: Angie Grigaliunas (clean & closed-door NA) and A.D. Grigaliunas (gritty & intimate NA). Sowing and Quelling were unpublished/out of print as of August 31. Razing’s pre-order was cancelled.
~After necessary revisions, Sowing and Quelling will eventually be published under A.D. Grigaliunas (with gorgeous new covers and with Razing hot on their heels)!
~The Angie Grigaliunas name will now be dedicated to NA sweet/clean romances (like The Midnight Prince). I have fantastic plans there, so stay tuned for more!
~To stay up to date on all of this, follow on Instagram @ angiesquill.
ALSO IMPORTANT: If you already own a digital copy of TPE, you will not lose access to that copy as a result of this change.
______
Angie Grigaliunas (grig-ah-loo-nahs) is a part-time normal person and full-time author of PG-13 New Adult books full of grit, grace, and probably rebels. She loves Jesus, the woods, and the stars, and has always wanted to be a superhero with a secret identity.
She has completed seven novels: one about elves that needs a massive revision before it ever sees the light of day; one that is part of her current story but also needs a massive revision to fit a new storyline; the actual first, second, and third books (Sowing, Quelling, and Razing) in her dystopian/fantasy series (The Purification Era); the first in a companion trilogy set in the same world as The Purification Era; and a Cinderella retelling with fey. When she’s not writing, she’s usually Facebooking — ack! — or thinking about story stuff. Or exercising. Or eating ice cream, because life is short and ice cream is delicious.
Despite several of her writing friends once claiming she’s Canadian, she is not; a native to Ohio, she now lives in Tennessee with her dear husband, their goofy dog, and their small army of rescue cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
December 25, 2025
3 ½ stars 🌟
November 28, 2024
3.5 stars ✨ (rounding up for Goodreads)
Wasn’t too sure about this one before I started it, but I decided to give it a try due to the shorter (200) page length. Even though I was hesitant because of the fae elements, I ended up getting really sucked into this setting and the world. It felt like it should have been the second or third book in a series featuring this world and setting, but I don’t see anywhere that it’s part of a connecting series, which is a bummer. The author explained the magic system well enough that I was able to follow along really well (a rarity for me most days for magic heavy books 😅) and it was intriguing. There’s also kind of a mystery in this book as the main not-couple try to figure out why their memories of an important night are really different. Childhood best friends to more to distraught heartbreak (not quite enemies) was very different for me, but I liked that element and shockingly didn’t find myself annoyed like I usually do with the second chance and the “it-was-all-a-big-misunderstanding” tropes. (Probably because the latter wasn’t really a misunderstanding and more was happening than these characters knew. Which in turn made them actually act like adults and figure things out (who knew fictional characters could do that and not just yell out “how could you?!” 🥴 yes, I’m throwing shade at the others books I’ve read that did not do with trope well with high school level pettiness. Alia and Kirran were great for this aspect alone!))
I did think a couple mentions of Alia starting her cycle as a young girl was strange? Maybe that’s just me, but I found it weird to read about. 😅 While I prefer no intimacy hints, I do appreciate that it was mentioned that Alia and Kirran weren’t intimate despite others thinking they were (because they were waiting for marriage.) I don’t really need to know that detail, thanks, but glad y’all are doing the right order of things. 😉
Like I said above, I do wish there was more books set in this world! Particularly because I really liked the ending reveals and what they meant for the main couple, but there needed to be at least a few more chapters with what would happen next for them, in my honest opinion, as it ended too soon before getting more answers to satisfy this reader.
Main Content-
Very much a magic heavy plot as it’s set in the fae world and all faes have different magical abilities; Kirran has the ability to suck life from people and things, which came in handy on the battlefield; Other faes have powers like a perfect memory, healing others, making things rot, create illusions, or manipulate memories; Part human faes do not have any magic; A scene of uncontrolled magic almost killing a child.
Being tied-up/kidnapped, Being hit, Being held at knife-point, Pain (up to a few sentences); Kirran also physically threatens villains/enemies with death by his powers and the people are nearly killed because of it (up to a few sentences).
Whenever a fae takes a life, their hands and arms take on a dark red color and it looks like a tree of sorts; Because Kirran has taken many lives in battles with his powers and blade, his arms are very dark with these elements and many people freak out over it; Kirran has a moment of PTSD from the battles he took part in; All three of Kirran’s older brothers died on battlefields and he misses them (also mentions of his parents’ grief); Alia’s stepfamily is mean to her despite her trying her best to get along with them.
No major language, but Kirran does curse (not written out); Phrases like “forest knows”, “forest bless you”, “thank the forest”, “by the forest”, “forest curse it”, and “forest keep her” are all said; Some eye rolling & sarcasm.
Mentions of deaths, murders/assassinations, causing deaths, wars, battles, & killing; Mentions of grief; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deceit; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of prejudice towards Alia for being part human; A few mentions of wine & drinking.
1 hand kiss,
2 cheek kisses,
1 hair kiss,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
1 kiss lasting 5 sentences,
1 kiss lasting a couple paragraphs (6+ sentences),
Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Nearness, Smelling, Noticing (up to a few sentences);
Wanting to touch, embrace, and kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Alia and Kirran were waiting for marriage and despite others thinking they were intimate (including his father), they were not; Kirran asks a young woman who is flirting with him if he’s really the kind of guy she would want to warm her bed; Alia overheard about being being a conquest to Kirran or used as a way to pass time until he gets married (untrue); Alia is concerned for a moment that KIrran called her to his room for something related to his bed (she avoids looking at his bed, but he doesn’t want her there for that though he does slightly think about it); Kirran’s father says he doesn’t care about his “illicit escapades” but expects him to respect his marriage by not having illegitimate children before he has an heir and a spare first; Kirran’s father believes he and Alia were intimate because of Kirran rebeling and choosing a servant, but Kirran didn’t rebel against his morals and upbringing; Kirran teases Alia about her taking off her dress; Kirran thinks that his future wife (that he is forced to pick) should be undesirable in nearly every way so he can ignore her (but then thinks that he’ll have to produce at least two heirs with her); Alia wonders for a second if she was susceptible to Kirran’s charms because of the absence of a male presence in her life, but disregards that as it was due to being best friends; Alia thinks negatively about her appearance due to being part human; Alia recalls the day she became a woman (which her stepmother didn’t prepare her for and she thought she was dying) and that was the day she first met Kirran (years latter confessing to him why she was crying that first day).
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of seducing & flirting; A few mentions of illegitimate children; A mention of a young woman’s dress that doesn’t cover enough.
Wasn’t too sure about this one before I started it, but I decided to give it a try due to the shorter (200) page length. Even though I was hesitant because of the fae elements, I ended up getting really sucked into this setting and the world. It felt like it should have been the second or third book in a series featuring this world and setting, but I don’t see anywhere that it’s part of a connecting series, which is a bummer. The author explained the magic system well enough that I was able to follow along really well (a rarity for me most days for magic heavy books 😅) and it was intriguing. There’s also kind of a mystery in this book as the main not-couple try to figure out why their memories of an important night are really different. Childhood best friends to more to distraught heartbreak (not quite enemies) was very different for me, but I liked that element and shockingly didn’t find myself annoyed like I usually do with the second chance and the “it-was-all-a-big-misunderstanding” tropes. (Probably because the latter wasn’t really a misunderstanding and more was happening than these characters knew. Which in turn made them actually act like adults and figure things out (who knew fictional characters could do that and not just yell out “how could you?!” 🥴 yes, I’m throwing shade at the others books I’ve read that did not do with trope well with high school level pettiness. Alia and Kirran were great for this aspect alone!))
I did think a couple mentions of Alia starting her cycle as a young girl was strange? Maybe that’s just me, but I found it weird to read about. 😅 While I prefer no intimacy hints, I do appreciate that it was mentioned that Alia and Kirran weren’t intimate despite others thinking they were (because they were waiting for marriage.) I don’t really need to know that detail, thanks, but glad y’all are doing the right order of things. 😉
Like I said above, I do wish there was more books set in this world! Particularly because I really liked the ending reveals and what they meant for the main couple, but there needed to be at least a few more chapters with what would happen next for them, in my honest opinion, as it ended too soon before getting more answers to satisfy this reader.
Main Content-
Very much a magic heavy plot as it’s set in the fae world and all faes have different magical abilities; Kirran has the ability to suck life from people and things, which came in handy on the battlefield; Other faes have powers like a perfect memory, healing others, making things rot, create illusions, or manipulate memories; Part human faes do not have any magic; A scene of uncontrolled magic almost killing a child.
Being tied-up/kidnapped, Being hit, Being held at knife-point, Pain (up to a few sentences); Kirran also physically threatens villains/enemies with death by his powers and the people are nearly killed because of it (up to a few sentences).
Whenever a fae takes a life, their hands and arms take on a dark red color and it looks like a tree of sorts; Because Kirran has taken many lives in battles with his powers and blade, his arms are very dark with these elements and many people freak out over it; Kirran has a moment of PTSD from the battles he took part in; All three of Kirran’s older brothers died on battlefields and he misses them (also mentions of his parents’ grief); Alia’s stepfamily is mean to her despite her trying her best to get along with them.
No major language, but Kirran does curse (not written out); Phrases like “forest knows”, “forest bless you”, “thank the forest”, “by the forest”, “forest curse it”, and “forest keep her” are all said; Some eye rolling & sarcasm.
Mentions of deaths, murders/assassinations, causing deaths, wars, battles, & killing; Mentions of grief; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deceit; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of prejudice towards Alia for being part human; A few mentions of wine & drinking.
1 hand kiss,
2 cheek kisses,
1 hair kiss,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
1 kiss lasting 5 sentences,
1 kiss lasting a couple paragraphs (6+ sentences),
Touches, Embraces, Warmth, Nearness, Smelling, Noticing (up to a few sentences);
Wanting to touch, embrace, and kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Alia and Kirran were waiting for marriage and despite others thinking they were intimate (including his father), they were not; Kirran asks a young woman who is flirting with him if he’s really the kind of guy she would want to warm her bed; Alia overheard about being being a conquest to Kirran or used as a way to pass time until he gets married (untrue); Alia is concerned for a moment that KIrran called her to his room for something related to his bed (she avoids looking at his bed, but he doesn’t want her there for that though he does slightly think about it); Kirran’s father says he doesn’t care about his “illicit escapades” but expects him to respect his marriage by not having illegitimate children before he has an heir and a spare first; Kirran’s father believes he and Alia were intimate because of Kirran rebeling and choosing a servant, but Kirran didn’t rebel against his morals and upbringing; Kirran teases Alia about her taking off her dress; Kirran thinks that his future wife (that he is forced to pick) should be undesirable in nearly every way so he can ignore her (but then thinks that he’ll have to produce at least two heirs with her); Alia wonders for a second if she was susceptible to Kirran’s charms because of the absence of a male presence in her life, but disregards that as it was due to being best friends; Alia thinks negatively about her appearance due to being part human; Alia recalls the day she became a woman (which her stepmother didn’t prepare her for and she thought she was dying) and that was the day she first met Kirran (years latter confessing to him why she was crying that first day).
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of seducing & flirting; A few mentions of illegitimate children; A mention of a young woman’s dress that doesn’t cover enough.
April 7, 2025
Oh my gosh I’m in love
With Kirran for starters 😍 then the book lol
From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book, especially since it made me cry immediately. I have NEVER cried in the first chapter of a book I knew nothing about. But this one did so…I’m impressed.
I highlighted so many things, and binged this book very unhealthily but it was worth it.
I also actually cried throughout the whole book, so…VERY impressed because I’ve never done that either.
Actually forgot to eat until someone forced me to stop reading and get food 🤣 and I love food so that’s a big deal!
I adored the characters, and loved their growth and journeys so much. The plot was fascinating and held my attention. I even was surprised by some of the plot twists, which Cinderella retellings do not do very often. I’ve only ever found one before this one that did that.
But all in all, I absolutely adored this book and am so grateful I gave it a chance and read it.
Content:
Some suggestive comments
Kissing
With Kirran for starters 😍 then the book lol
From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book, especially since it made me cry immediately. I have NEVER cried in the first chapter of a book I knew nothing about. But this one did so…I’m impressed.
I highlighted so many things, and binged this book very unhealthily but it was worth it.
I also actually cried throughout the whole book, so…VERY impressed because I’ve never done that either.
Actually forgot to eat until someone forced me to stop reading and get food 🤣 and I love food so that’s a big deal!
I adored the characters, and loved their growth and journeys so much. The plot was fascinating and held my attention. I even was surprised by some of the plot twists, which Cinderella retellings do not do very often. I’ve only ever found one before this one that did that.
But all in all, I absolutely adored this book and am so grateful I gave it a chance and read it.
Content:
Some suggestive comments
Kissing
November 17, 2023
Very good retelling mixed with Fae and magic. I enjoyed this story. Wish it had a little more back story. 4 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
September 11, 2024I'm back to my ONCE UPON A PRINCE retellings, and this loose retelling of Cinderella got my attention because it's a deliciously angsty, dark fae romance with season-inspired magic, which are all things I absolutely love! I prefer my spiciness to be in my food rather than my romantasy reads, yet I often find that sweet romance is just a bit too...well, sweet...for my tastes. As a result, I absolutely loved how this book was both sweet and dark.
I also loved the way that this book tackled the second-chance romance trope. I'll admit that I've always been a bit of a sucker for this trope. The trajectory from past hurt to future healing can be a dramatic one with lots of good potential for a redemption arc - IF it's done properly. I haven't seen a second-chance romance done in fantasy before, and it was super clever to see this one done with a magical explanation: our main characters didn't ACTUALLY horribly betray each other, but illusion magic has convinced each of them that the other person did. While our hero understandably has a lot of animosity about this perceived betrayal, I loved that it takes the characters a single mature conversation to figure out that someone has been tinkering with their memories, and I loved seeing them tentatively begin to work together to identify the culprits. And, I can't say how much I appreciated the fact that as the two of them begin to unravel the truth, including mistakes and hasty judgements made by both of them, the book allows both of them to mutually apologise and begin to rebuild. I feel like I've read too many books lately where the heroine gets blamed for not accepting her love interest's half-baked or flat-out nonexistent apologies, and I loved that that didn't happen here.
I will admit that while I did enjoy the darker elements to the story, I found the hero's point of view a bit difficult to inhabit while he was interacting with, specifically, female characters he viewed as hostile or deceptive. And some readers may want to know that the sexual tension is a little higher than normal for this series. Overall, however, there was so much to love about this novella and if I could order ten more like it I would!
I also loved the way that this book tackled the second-chance romance trope. I'll admit that I've always been a bit of a sucker for this trope. The trajectory from past hurt to future healing can be a dramatic one with lots of good potential for a redemption arc - IF it's done properly. I haven't seen a second-chance romance done in fantasy before, and it was super clever to see this one done with a magical explanation: our main characters didn't ACTUALLY horribly betray each other, but illusion magic has convinced each of them that the other person did. While our hero understandably has a lot of animosity about this perceived betrayal, I loved that it takes the characters a single mature conversation to figure out that someone has been tinkering with their memories, and I loved seeing them tentatively begin to work together to identify the culprits. And, I can't say how much I appreciated the fact that as the two of them begin to unravel the truth, including mistakes and hasty judgements made by both of them, the book allows both of them to mutually apologise and begin to rebuild. I feel like I've read too many books lately where the heroine gets blamed for not accepting her love interest's half-baked or flat-out nonexistent apologies, and I loved that that didn't happen here.
I will admit that while I did enjoy the darker elements to the story, I found the hero's point of view a bit difficult to inhabit while he was interacting with, specifically, female characters he viewed as hostile or deceptive. And some readers may want to know that the sexual tension is a little higher than normal for this series. Overall, however, there was so much to love about this novella and if I could order ten more like it I would!
Read
November 1, 2023Complex worldbuilding, the glamour, glitz, and trickery one expects from fey, a slowly unraveling and multilayered mystery, and nuanced, grounded leads with believe and tangled emotions and inner turmoil that they work through together. I was pleasantly surprised by how some of the Cinderella elements were incorporated.
April 8, 2025
My stars, this was darling! My only complaint? Could it please be longer because I need more Alia and Kirran cuteness!
A sweet Cinderella retelling with missing memories, second chance romance, and autumn court fae!
A sweet Cinderella retelling with missing memories, second chance romance, and autumn court fae!
February 12, 2024
I’ve read three Cinderella retellings in a row now—probably not the best idea in the world, but whatever. 😂 I went into this one with little to no expectations—in fact, I was going to originally skip this one because bitter breakups ain’t my thing until I found the Kindle on sale for free and decided, eh, why not?
I actually ended up being pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Both Kirran and Alia are broken and well rounded and definitely have their reasons for feeling betrayed yet were also mature enough to recognize when things don’t start adding up and work together to uncover the truth. Their heartbreak broke ME, and I felt so bad for them and was rooting for them to find the truth and get back together because they are a super cute couple. 🥰
My only hang up is not EVERYTHING is answered by the end—the relationship and truth of their memories are answered—which is the main plot of the story and is throughly satisfying—but the deeper layers behind the further possible whys are kind of left to the imagination which I was a bit like okay…that’s where we’re ending? It didn’t diminish my liking of the story (obviously, since I finished it in a day, lol) but it may put off others.
I’m really glad I tried this one and can’t wait to try others in the series!
‼️Content‼️
Language: wench
Violence: fighting with magic (not detailed); a character has life ending magic which “stains” them and almost uses their power to kill some people; talk of war but it’s never shown
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); characters are accused of being intimate before marriage (this is untrue); mild suggestive hints
Other: magic; fey (aka fae); death and grief; a character has mild PTSD; a character is tied up, gagged, and kidnapped
I actually ended up being pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Both Kirran and Alia are broken and well rounded and definitely have their reasons for feeling betrayed yet were also mature enough to recognize when things don’t start adding up and work together to uncover the truth. Their heartbreak broke ME, and I felt so bad for them and was rooting for them to find the truth and get back together because they are a super cute couple. 🥰
My only hang up is not EVERYTHING is answered by the end—the relationship and truth of their memories are answered—which is the main plot of the story and is throughly satisfying—but the deeper layers behind the further possible whys are kind of left to the imagination which I was a bit like okay…that’s where we’re ending? It didn’t diminish my liking of the story (obviously, since I finished it in a day, lol) but it may put off others.
I’m really glad I tried this one and can’t wait to try others in the series!
‼️Content‼️
Language: wench
Violence: fighting with magic (not detailed); a character has life ending magic which “stains” them and almost uses their power to kill some people; talk of war but it’s never shown
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); characters are accused of being intimate before marriage (this is untrue); mild suggestive hints
Other: magic; fey (aka fae); death and grief; a character has mild PTSD; a character is tied up, gagged, and kidnapped
June 23, 2024
The Midnight Prince by Angie Grigaliunas has been on my list of #fairytalesummer readings for a while. It is part of the Once Upon a Prince series, which is currently on sale for either $.99 or free, so I plan to read and review the rest of the books soon. I have now completed two-thirds of the series with only four books left. The Once Upon a Prince books are retellings of well-known fairy tales by different authors told from the perspective of the prince. Some of them are gender-bent retellings, but not all. The Midnight Prince is a retelling of "Cinderella" that takes place in a fae world and just might be one of my favorites from this series so far. It uses the Andrew Lloyd Webber technique of making the two lovers childhood friends who fell in love long before the ball. The book presents an intriguing mystery for readers to solve throughout the book. It's a real page-turner that leads up to a satisfying ending filled with magic and romance.
Kirran is a troubled fae prince with a lot on his plate. Not only did his brothers die in a war, making him the next heir to the throne, but he still hasn't gotten over the heartbreak of being abandoned by his childhood sweetheart, Alia. When his father pressures him into finding a bride to sire an heir, he is shocked to find Alia in disguise at the ball. After seven years, he decides to confront her only to learn that she has completely different memories of what happened the night that both their hearts were broken. Fueled by anger over the time that was lost to them, the two lovers go into full detective mode to determine who had the power to change their memories and which person's recollections were correct. They also take the opportunity to rekindle their old passion, despite the king's protests due to Alia being half-human and a servant.
This is such an easy book to dive into. The love story is presented with care and sincerity, and the magic system is easy to follow. Although it takes place in a fae world, the emotions in the book are very human, making the characters easy to relate to. As soon as I learned that Alia and Kirran's relationship was manipulated, I became just as determined as them to solve the mystery. The book moves at just the right pace for a detective story, patiently unveiling clues leading up to a thrilling climax. The magical manipulation of memories is a unique and original twist on the "Cinderella" trope that cleverly incorporates the theme of searching for a lost princess in a new and creative way. I like that the book focuses more on emotion than magic because it makes the story easy to relate to and doesn't require the reader to learn about a complex new world to understand what's going on.
Some "Cinderella" retellings lack a good conflict, but this is not one of them. Kirran and Alia have enemies hidden in plain sight who are determined to tear them apart, and they must find them before it's too late. The book's thrilling climax does not disappoint with a daring rescue and a race against time. The book doesn't swerve too far from the antagonists of the original fairy tale, but it incorporates them in a new way that I have never seen before in a "Cinderella" retelling. Alia's stepmother is surprisingly cooperative and doesn't come off as a heartless abuser, though is still far from perfect. I particularly enjoyed how Kirran was able to use his status as crown prince against his father by referring to anyone who wanted to harm Alia as treasonous due to her being his chosen bride.
The Midnight Prince by Angie Grigaliunas is an intriguing retelling of "Cinderella" that shines with its unique twist on memory manipulation, relatable characters, and a thrilling mystery to solve. Kirran and Alia's love story is expertly woven with fae magic, making this book a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings. With its perfect pace, lovable characters, and creative conflict, The Midnight Prince is a standout in the Once Upon a Prince series. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series and see what other enchanting retellings these authors have in store for us. If you'd like to join me, make sure to take advantage of the sale on this series before it's too late!
Kirran is a troubled fae prince with a lot on his plate. Not only did his brothers die in a war, making him the next heir to the throne, but he still hasn't gotten over the heartbreak of being abandoned by his childhood sweetheart, Alia. When his father pressures him into finding a bride to sire an heir, he is shocked to find Alia in disguise at the ball. After seven years, he decides to confront her only to learn that she has completely different memories of what happened the night that both their hearts were broken. Fueled by anger over the time that was lost to them, the two lovers go into full detective mode to determine who had the power to change their memories and which person's recollections were correct. They also take the opportunity to rekindle their old passion, despite the king's protests due to Alia being half-human and a servant.
This is such an easy book to dive into. The love story is presented with care and sincerity, and the magic system is easy to follow. Although it takes place in a fae world, the emotions in the book are very human, making the characters easy to relate to. As soon as I learned that Alia and Kirran's relationship was manipulated, I became just as determined as them to solve the mystery. The book moves at just the right pace for a detective story, patiently unveiling clues leading up to a thrilling climax. The magical manipulation of memories is a unique and original twist on the "Cinderella" trope that cleverly incorporates the theme of searching for a lost princess in a new and creative way. I like that the book focuses more on emotion than magic because it makes the story easy to relate to and doesn't require the reader to learn about a complex new world to understand what's going on.
Some "Cinderella" retellings lack a good conflict, but this is not one of them. Kirran and Alia have enemies hidden in plain sight who are determined to tear them apart, and they must find them before it's too late. The book's thrilling climax does not disappoint with a daring rescue and a race against time. The book doesn't swerve too far from the antagonists of the original fairy tale, but it incorporates them in a new way that I have never seen before in a "Cinderella" retelling. Alia's stepmother is surprisingly cooperative and doesn't come off as a heartless abuser, though is still far from perfect. I particularly enjoyed how Kirran was able to use his status as crown prince against his father by referring to anyone who wanted to harm Alia as treasonous due to her being his chosen bride.
The Midnight Prince by Angie Grigaliunas is an intriguing retelling of "Cinderella" that shines with its unique twist on memory manipulation, relatable characters, and a thrilling mystery to solve. Kirran and Alia's love story is expertly woven with fae magic, making this book a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings. With its perfect pace, lovable characters, and creative conflict, The Midnight Prince is a standout in the Once Upon a Prince series. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series and see what other enchanting retellings these authors have in store for us. If you'd like to join me, make sure to take advantage of the sale on this series before it's too late!
October 24, 2023
Such a creative and unique retelling! Cinderella is a story that had been done so many times that it’s hard to imagine how an author can make it different, but this one does not disappoint! All the traditional elements are there, along with a plot full of angst, mystery, a touch of political drama, and a second chance at love.
I intended to start this one and only read a few chapters, but I couldn’t put it down. This is a story worth losing sleep over!
I intended to start this one and only read a few chapters, but I couldn’t put it down. This is a story worth losing sleep over!
September 28, 2023
I rgot an ARC of this book.
This book is amazing! I wanted more even made a mini scream when I realized it was over. My two comments. For making it better. Would be, somehow, a bit more of the protagonist personalities Miss you a lot as they are now we don’t see a whole lot of them from the past. And have a couple chapters more at the end there are unresolved questions that really need answers. At least I think they do..
This book is amazing! I wanted more even made a mini scream when I realized it was over. My two comments. For making it better. Would be, somehow, a bit more of the protagonist personalities Miss you a lot as they are now we don’t see a whole lot of them from the past. And have a couple chapters more at the end there are unresolved questions that really need answers. At least I think they do..
October 14, 2023
Admittedly, I wasn't overly enthusiastic about this one before starting; the cover shows a typical indie, YA romantasy and I'm not usually drawn to these sorts of covers. In addition, this one is about fae, and I've not read a lot of fae stories I truly enjoyed....until this one, that is!
Though this is classed as YA, it reads more mature due to some of its themes, which I enjoyed (no actual 'adult' content though. See content warnings below)
This is truly a new favourite. I loved every second of it.
Both MC's are intelligent, kind, pro-active, likeable people. The intrigue worked for me and a few of the plot twists were absolute surprises to me. And, best of all, the romance is the best. Former friends to enemies to eventually, well...its a romance, so not really a spoiler: lovers. I was rooting from them, and biting my nails from the start about whether they were going to make it together.
This is a slow-burn, and so wonderful. I can highly recommend it.
Violence & Gore: no gore, mild violence (though some thoughts about the horrors of war are included)
Coarse language: none
Sexual content: includes a passionate kiss, though not described in a steamy/spicy way. PG 13 I'd say
* I received a free ARC from the author. My rating nor review were influenced by this
Though this is classed as YA, it reads more mature due to some of its themes, which I enjoyed (no actual 'adult' content though. See content warnings below)
This is truly a new favourite. I loved every second of it.
Both MC's are intelligent, kind, pro-active, likeable people. The intrigue worked for me and a few of the plot twists were absolute surprises to me. And, best of all, the romance is the best. Former friends to enemies to eventually, well...its a romance, so not really a spoiler: lovers. I was rooting from them, and biting my nails from the start about whether they were going to make it together.
This is a slow-burn, and so wonderful. I can highly recommend it.
Violence & Gore: no gore, mild violence (though some thoughts about the horrors of war are included)
Coarse language: none
Sexual content: includes a passionate kiss, though not described in a steamy/spicy way. PG 13 I'd say
* I received a free ARC from the author. My rating nor review were influenced by this
November 1, 2023
3 to 3.5 out of 5 stars
I’ll start off with a disclaimer: the only reason my rating isn’t higher is because of content.
This story was great. Honestly it gripped me from start to finish with the intrigue that I couldn’t guess at and the plight of our MCs. The elements of Cinderella were subtle but they were present.
I do regret that we weren’t given a longer explanation of the denouement, but overall it was well done.
However, what dampened my enthusiasm was the present tense narration (I just don’t like it much at all) and the content. There wasn’t anything explicit but tons of innuendo, and even a mention of menstruation which, in my opinion, feels too intimate to be discussed in a fiction book. All of it could have been brushed over or tactfully avoided to make the story perfectly appropriate, which is why my rating isn’t higher.
I’ll start off with a disclaimer: the only reason my rating isn’t higher is because of content.
This story was great. Honestly it gripped me from start to finish with the intrigue that I couldn’t guess at and the plight of our MCs. The elements of Cinderella were subtle but they were present.
I do regret that we weren’t given a longer explanation of the denouement, but overall it was well done.
However, what dampened my enthusiasm was the present tense narration (I just don’t like it much at all) and the content. There wasn’t anything explicit but tons of innuendo, and even a mention of menstruation which, in my opinion, feels too intimate to be discussed in a fiction book. All of it could have been brushed over or tactfully avoided to make the story perfectly appropriate, which is why my rating isn’t higher.
November 13, 2023
It just ends in a disappointing way
The story was good. It was a bit dark sometimes, especially when grief and survivors guilt were touched upon. I was enjoying the mystery of why Alia and Kirren's memories differed. The story was progressing nicely. The mystery was unraveled, but there was more that needed to be expounded upon concerning Alia and her past. Just when I thought there would be more of the story told that would explain/confirm certain background possibilities and close things out for a proper HEA, the story just ends at a climactic point.
I am disappointed with the ending. The story I'd good enough to enjoy, but don't expect any real closure at the end
The story was good. It was a bit dark sometimes, especially when grief and survivors guilt were touched upon. I was enjoying the mystery of why Alia and Kirren's memories differed. The story was progressing nicely. The mystery was unraveled, but there was more that needed to be expounded upon concerning Alia and her past. Just when I thought there would be more of the story told that would explain/confirm certain background possibilities and close things out for a proper HEA, the story just ends at a climactic point.
I am disappointed with the ending. The story I'd good enough to enjoy, but don't expect any real closure at the end
January 1, 2025
An interesting and dangerous take on Cinderella with fae!
April 21, 2025
Wow. Really loved this book! The details and plot twists were really great!! Would definitely love it to be longer.
Read
December 15, 2024DNF. More lust than love. Too many innuendos.
October 21, 2023
Absolutely wonderful! Loved it so much! Sweet, mysterious, and magical..
July 30, 2024
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: High mild. Most of the violence is threatened, magical violence. This takes place at the end of a 7 year war, so there is talk of killing on the battlefield, and losing friends/family to the war. The prince protagonist (mild spoiler it's on the cover)
Sexual: High mild to low moderate. While this is a clean romance (no bedroom scenes or even fade to black) it does talk about rumors of a character staying the night with multiple people, and one character says the person can have fun but not to do it after getting married. It also has multiple points where the prince talks about physically wanting the female protagonist. They both hold off, but there is some kissing and touching and such, though nothing besides hair, cheek, hands etc. But the author doesn't back away from them discussing being sexually intimate and that they're waiting until they're married.
Content warning: There is a little aside about the female protagonist 'becoming a woman' ie: her first menstrual cycle. She discusses it with the prince at one point as well. I know this is something a lot of people don't like to see in literature, so here's your warning!
Well....I struggled with this book.
First thing anyone reading this review should be aware of though, is my hang-ups are all my own opinion and what I prefer in my reading (and likely a heavy influence was the fact I was in a mood for lightness and got something much heavier than expected).
The angst/drama in this nearly made me drop it at 40% through the e-book. There's a prince with loads of wartime trauma with PTSD, a girl who gets dumped on and abused by her step family, and a huge conspiracy between the two of them that was just horrible and made me feel bitterly upset as I read. To be frank, the only reason I finished is because I had to know what the mystery was and what really happened between the two protagonists who have totally different recollections of the last time they saw each other. (Good job author on baiting that hook btw).
Drama is the antithesis of happy for me. I needed a happy romance. This was a bittersweet one that I'm glad ended the way it did, but it sure dragged me through the feeeeels before I got there. My emotional state was not braced and I have negative feelings toward the story as a whole because of it.
The writing and the story/plot/characters were well done. All my issues are purely my own and nothing to do with the author's tone or style. I just wasn't in the mood for broody gothic fae fantasy. Plus, I reallllly didn't like the sexual content, even if it was clean. I like my romance so I can read it to pre-teen or younger and not feel like I have to have a birds and the bees conversation when they ask "what does that mean?"
Language: None.
Violence: High mild. Most of the violence is threatened, magical violence. This takes place at the end of a 7 year war, so there is talk of killing on the battlefield, and losing friends/family to the war. The prince protagonist (mild spoiler it's on the cover)
Sexual: High mild to low moderate. While this is a clean romance (no bedroom scenes or even fade to black) it does talk about rumors of a character staying the night with multiple people, and one character says the person can have fun but not to do it after getting married. It also has multiple points where the prince talks about physically wanting the female protagonist. They both hold off, but there is some kissing and touching and such, though nothing besides hair, cheek, hands etc. But the author doesn't back away from them discussing being sexually intimate and that they're waiting until they're married.
Content warning: There is a little aside about the female protagonist 'becoming a woman' ie: her first menstrual cycle. She discusses it with the prince at one point as well. I know this is something a lot of people don't like to see in literature, so here's your warning!
Well....I struggled with this book.
First thing anyone reading this review should be aware of though, is my hang-ups are all my own opinion and what I prefer in my reading (and likely a heavy influence was the fact I was in a mood for lightness and got something much heavier than expected).
The angst/drama in this nearly made me drop it at 40% through the e-book. There's a prince with loads of wartime trauma with PTSD, a girl who gets dumped on and abused by her step family, and a huge conspiracy between the two of them that was just horrible and made me feel bitterly upset as I read. To be frank, the only reason I finished is because I had to know what the mystery was and what really happened between the two protagonists who have totally different recollections of the last time they saw each other. (Good job author on baiting that hook btw).
Drama is the antithesis of happy for me. I needed a happy romance. This was a bittersweet one that I'm glad ended the way it did, but it sure dragged me through the feeeeels before I got there. My emotional state was not braced and I have negative feelings toward the story as a whole because of it.
The writing and the story/plot/characters were well done. All my issues are purely my own and nothing to do with the author's tone or style. I just wasn't in the mood for broody gothic fae fantasy. Plus, I reallllly didn't like the sexual content, even if it was clean. I like my romance so I can read it to pre-teen or younger and not feel like I have to have a birds and the bees conversation when they ask "what does that mean?"
October 2, 2025
This was so freaking cute! It was also one of the most unique Cinderella retellings I’ve ever read. It still had the key aspects of the original story, but it presented them in a fresh way that I loved. Also the mystery plot was so engaging! This is romantasy done right in my opinion. Highly recommend.
Reread update: Yep, I still stand by what I said. This is a really fun book that packs a nice emotional punch.
Reread update: Yep, I still stand by what I said. This is a really fun book that packs a nice emotional punch.
July 26, 2023
Review to come!
January 28, 2024
༻❥☆👠☆❥༺
📖𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺•𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆📖
༻❥☆👠☆❥༺
📚🦋𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊•𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒🦋📚
✨𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙼𝙸𝙳𝙽𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃 𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝙱𝚈 𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙸𝙴 𝙶𝚁𝙸𝙶𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚄𝙽𝙰𝚂
✨𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟻 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙾𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝚄𝙿𝙾𝙽 𝙰 𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 (𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙽𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙰 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂)
✨𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: 𝙵𝙰𝙸𝚁𝚈𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶
✨𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝙾𝙲𝚃𝙾𝙱𝙴𝚁 𝟸𝟽𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹
╰┈❥𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄!✨
✨𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
✨𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋: 🚫 || 𝟻
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to @angiesquill for my gifted eARC of 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄!
I enjoyed this Cinderella retelling so much more than I thought I would! It contains elements from the original Cinderella story, but adds in twists and magic that make it a unique & original story all on its own. It’s a clean romance but it contains all the angst and drama that I’ve come to know & love in a good fantasy romance.
I absolutely loved Alia and Kirran. In the beginning, they both feel as though the other betrayed them from a relationship they were in together years ago. Now, seven years later, Kirran has returned home from the war as the only remaining heir to the throne, and he must find a bride. The one he truly wants is the one he cannot have, though. I couldn’t help but root for these two from the very start of the book! I loved the second chance romance between them. They were both well written characters, and I felt like they both had such complex and multi-faceted personalities that complimented each other very well.
I loved that this story had fantasy, fae, magic, and romance! I also loved that it had just a touch of mystery to it. It kept me super engaged while reading and made my reading experience really enjoyable and exciting. I was on my toes for the entirety of the book! I thought it was paced well, especially for being a novella, and I loved the world building and the magic system so much.
Overall, I definitely recommend this one! It’s quick, romantic, and magical and will leave you wanting more in the best way!
👠✨𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄...✨👠
🦋Cinderella Retelling
🦋Grumpy x Sunshine
🦋Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🦋Masquerade Ball
🦋Magical Powers
🦋Touch Her and Die
🦋Who Did This to You?
🦋Morally Grey MMC
🦋Second Chance Romance
🦋Royalty - Prince and Servant
༻❥☆👠☆❥༺
📖𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺•𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆📖
༻❥☆👠☆❥༺
📚🦋𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊•𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒🦋📚
✨𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙼𝙸𝙳𝙽𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃 𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝙱𝚈 𝙰𝙽𝙶𝙸𝙴 𝙶𝚁𝙸𝙶𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚄𝙽𝙰𝚂
✨𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟻 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙾𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝚄𝙿𝙾𝙽 𝙰 𝙿𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 (𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙰𝙻𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙽𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙰 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂)
✨𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: 𝙵𝙰𝙸𝚁𝚈𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶
✨𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝙾𝙲𝚃𝙾𝙱𝙴𝚁 𝟸𝟽𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹
╰┈❥𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄!✨
✨𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻
✨𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋: 🚫 || 𝟻
✨✨𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠✨✨
Thank you so much to @angiesquill for my gifted eARC of 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄!
I enjoyed this Cinderella retelling so much more than I thought I would! It contains elements from the original Cinderella story, but adds in twists and magic that make it a unique & original story all on its own. It’s a clean romance but it contains all the angst and drama that I’ve come to know & love in a good fantasy romance.
I absolutely loved Alia and Kirran. In the beginning, they both feel as though the other betrayed them from a relationship they were in together years ago. Now, seven years later, Kirran has returned home from the war as the only remaining heir to the throne, and he must find a bride. The one he truly wants is the one he cannot have, though. I couldn’t help but root for these two from the very start of the book! I loved the second chance romance between them. They were both well written characters, and I felt like they both had such complex and multi-faceted personalities that complimented each other very well.
I loved that this story had fantasy, fae, magic, and romance! I also loved that it had just a touch of mystery to it. It kept me super engaged while reading and made my reading experience really enjoyable and exciting. I was on my toes for the entirety of the book! I thought it was paced well, especially for being a novella, and I loved the world building and the magic system so much.
Overall, I definitely recommend this one! It’s quick, romantic, and magical and will leave you wanting more in the best way!
👠✨𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄...✨👠
🦋Cinderella Retelling
🦋Grumpy x Sunshine
🦋Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🦋Masquerade Ball
🦋Magical Powers
🦋Touch Her and Die
🦋Who Did This to You?
🦋Morally Grey MMC
🦋Second Chance Romance
🦋Royalty - Prince and Servant
༻❥☆👠☆❥༺
March 19, 2024
MIDNIGHT PRINCE is a romantic fantasy reimagining Cinderella, but set in a fae court and with a strong focus on the prince — and a charming preestablished relationship rather than love-at-first-sight, which was a fun twist.
I was drawn to this book because the premise was so interesting: Prince Kirran and the overlooked and half-human Alia have hated each other since a betrayal years ago. But when they meet again, they are as drawn to one another as ever, and soon discover that their memories may have betrayed them.
Kirran's conflict is interesting to me. He's a soldier returning after years of terrible war and having trouble adjusting to a new set of expectations as the heir apparent after losing his brothers. It's a great set-up for an interesting character.
But I also found myself liking Alia. She was an interesting, unexpectedly strong take on the Cinderella character, and had good chemistry with Kirran.
The characters all lived on beyond the story, and I thought of them outside of reading, which is a nice sign in a book.
The plot has a stronger mystery element than I expected, with twists to the very end, which definitely appealed to me as a mystery fan. The whodunit elements were fun and handled pretty well.
If anything, I would have liked to see the side characters developed better. The stakes of the mystery didn't feel as urgent nor the implications as dire as they should have. Stronger supporting characters with conflicting motivations would have helped flesh out the plot and made the story more satisfying.
The main focus, however, is on the romance, which was strong and enjoyable to read. As a fantasy romance, with mystery elements, this book works. It was a light, fun, exciting read that I will strongly recommend!
The content level is pretty clean with just a touch of warmth.
I received an advance reader copy of this book but all the views and opinions are purely my own.
I was drawn to this book because the premise was so interesting: Prince Kirran and the overlooked and half-human Alia have hated each other since a betrayal years ago. But when they meet again, they are as drawn to one another as ever, and soon discover that their memories may have betrayed them.
Kirran's conflict is interesting to me. He's a soldier returning after years of terrible war and having trouble adjusting to a new set of expectations as the heir apparent after losing his brothers. It's a great set-up for an interesting character.
But I also found myself liking Alia. She was an interesting, unexpectedly strong take on the Cinderella character, and had good chemistry with Kirran.
The characters all lived on beyond the story, and I thought of them outside of reading, which is a nice sign in a book.
The plot has a stronger mystery element than I expected, with twists to the very end, which definitely appealed to me as a mystery fan. The whodunit elements were fun and handled pretty well.
If anything, I would have liked to see the side characters developed better. The stakes of the mystery didn't feel as urgent nor the implications as dire as they should have. Stronger supporting characters with conflicting motivations would have helped flesh out the plot and made the story more satisfying.
The main focus, however, is on the romance, which was strong and enjoyable to read. As a fantasy romance, with mystery elements, this book works. It was a light, fun, exciting read that I will strongly recommend!
The content level is pretty clean with just a touch of warmth.
I received an advance reader copy of this book but all the views and opinions are purely my own.
June 6, 2024
This book has been on my TBR for a while, and I was not disappointed! I love retellings, but Cinderella has always been my favourite. Although, this one is pretty different from most, but it still keeps the servant and Prince trope. I love how unpredictable it was, because I went into it thinking I'd know what would happen, but I was wrong.
This one was perfect for me because it had fae in it, and I've been obsessed with fae lately. It's also character driven with great chemistry between Prince Kirren and Alia.
It also has the enemies to lovers bit I love. Although, in the case of this book, they were friends, then lovers, but then ended up as enemies. So it goes in full circle, which I felt worked well for this story, rather than them just meeting at the ball and it being love at first sight. I love slow burns.
My favourite part of this was all the magic in it. I went into it knowing there would be some, since it's a fae/Cinderella type story, but the way it was weaved into this was excellent for world building.
It was well written too, and I was disappointed when I got to the ending, just because it was over. I'll definitely be checking out other books by this author.
This one was perfect for me because it had fae in it, and I've been obsessed with fae lately. It's also character driven with great chemistry between Prince Kirren and Alia.
It also has the enemies to lovers bit I love. Although, in the case of this book, they were friends, then lovers, but then ended up as enemies. So it goes in full circle, which I felt worked well for this story, rather than them just meeting at the ball and it being love at first sight. I love slow burns.
My favourite part of this was all the magic in it. I went into it knowing there would be some, since it's a fae/Cinderella type story, but the way it was weaved into this was excellent for world building.
It was well written too, and I was disappointed when I got to the ending, just because it was over. I'll definitely be checking out other books by this author.
December 20, 2023
I just finished my second book in the Once Upon a Prince series and holy moly you guys, is this ever a good series. With recognizable Cinderella elements expertly woven into the narrative, The Midnight Prince stands on its own as a unique story. I really felt for both protagonists, having the love of their life ripped away from them, but not in death, in betrayal. Oof, what a knife to the chest. It was both heartwarming and painful to watch these two characters interact. You know it has to progress naturally, but you want to shout at them "just kiss already, you know you love each other!"
I was hard pressed to put the book down, and stayed up well past midnight two nights in a row so I could finish this story. Kirran's magic is especially interesting, particularly the way it physically marks him. His inner turmoil was incredibly relatable (though for reasons different from his own). The secret behind Alia's necklace was both poignant and a cute nod to the original tale.
There was real emotion behind this story, I could feel it jumping off the page and smacking me in the face (in a good way).
I was hard pressed to put the book down, and stayed up well past midnight two nights in a row so I could finish this story. Kirran's magic is especially interesting, particularly the way it physically marks him. His inner turmoil was incredibly relatable (though for reasons different from his own). The secret behind Alia's necklace was both poignant and a cute nod to the original tale.
There was real emotion behind this story, I could feel it jumping off the page and smacking me in the face (in a good way).
March 19, 2025
The Midnight Prince is a no-spice retelling of Cinderella with Fey/fae. It's a short book at 180 pages, and the premise is good - Alia and Prince Kirran were separated just before their engagement was to be announced, but they have different memories of how their relationship ended. 7 years later, when Prince Kirran returns to take over the throne, they realise that their memories differ and they investigate the magic that caused their separation and the conspiracy behind it. The problem is that by specifically saying on the front cover that it's a Cinderella retelling, you're also giving away up front who's responsible for the scheme, taking away all the tension and guessing from the central mystery. While there's other people involved in the plot, who and why both seem fairly obvious.
It's a quick, easy read but because it's a Cinderella retelling, it follows the story as you'd expect.
3.5
It's a quick, easy read but because it's a Cinderella retelling, it follows the story as you'd expect.
3.5
October 22, 2023
One of my favorite retellings so far, the combination of elements was just perfect. We have Cinderella but with a twist with Fae and Magic which makes it interesting all with the adult version of a fairy tale. We get to see a Cinderella and a Prince who share a past full of tradition that they both think is each other's fault because of this the prince goes off to war for about 7 years thinking they will never see each other again until they meet again at a masquerade. The king gives the prince 3 days to find a wife and he doesn't want any of them as his heart belongs to the one he can't have. Kirran sees himself as a monster because the war made him that way, he finds no peace in everything he does but Alia sees everything in a positive way that he still has a chance at happiness.
What I liked is that they both managed to solve and talk about things in a mature way, solving everything in an effective way and not reaching wrong conclusions, above all, they both got together to solve what caused that big problem 7 years ago. Both people find them nice from the beginning, the maturity of both of them and the love they have for each other is really beautiful.
The way the world of magic and the fae is implemented is excellently done, as every detail in the story is seamlessly woven together. The role that the Glass slipper plays in the book is crucial. It starts a little slow and at the end, it goes a little fast but even so, the writer manages to connect everything perfectly, giving us a world that we can enjoy. The chemistry between both characters was perfect, every moment they spent together was important in every way you felt like both in every touch the affection between them.
It is a story that you will enjoy from beginning to end the magic in everything Gricaliunas writes will make you see Cinderella in a different and magical way. I appreciate the opportunity for this ARC so my review is my honest opinion, I will be giving it 5 stars.
What I liked is that they both managed to solve and talk about things in a mature way, solving everything in an effective way and not reaching wrong conclusions, above all, they both got together to solve what caused that big problem 7 years ago. Both people find them nice from the beginning, the maturity of both of them and the love they have for each other is really beautiful.
The way the world of magic and the fae is implemented is excellently done, as every detail in the story is seamlessly woven together. The role that the Glass slipper plays in the book is crucial. It starts a little slow and at the end, it goes a little fast but even so, the writer manages to connect everything perfectly, giving us a world that we can enjoy. The chemistry between both characters was perfect, every moment they spent together was important in every way you felt like both in every touch the affection between them.
It is a story that you will enjoy from beginning to end the magic in everything Gricaliunas writes will make you see Cinderella in a different and magical way. I appreciate the opportunity for this ARC so my review is my honest opinion, I will be giving it 5 stars.
December 3, 2023
Enchanting Mystery Romance
Who wanted to separate them and why? Why are their memories of the same event different? Alia and Kirran's second chance at romance simmers with heartache and unanswered questions. The Midnight Prince is a creative new take on a familiar tale with dazzling magic and hidden motives. The prince deals not only with intrigue at court involving unknown enemies trying to separate him from his true love but also with the effects of a devastating war. Alia is his match in more ways than he knows, and everything is resolved with hope of healing for the future. Beautiful!
Who wanted to separate them and why? Why are their memories of the same event different? Alia and Kirran's second chance at romance simmers with heartache and unanswered questions. The Midnight Prince is a creative new take on a familiar tale with dazzling magic and hidden motives. The prince deals not only with intrigue at court involving unknown enemies trying to separate him from his true love but also with the effects of a devastating war. Alia is his match in more ways than he knows, and everything is resolved with hope of healing for the future. Beautiful!
February 29, 2024
A bit darker than most retellings of Cinderella. There's almost too many ideas, people, and story for what is written. Lovely characters, engaging storyline, but it should have been longer to flush out some of the storyline better. In places, it feels 2D vs. 3D.
I know some disagreed with the concept of menstruation, another place it could have been filled in better, but it's part of life. Really should have included a glimpse of them laughing about it.
The death of Kirran's brothers should have been given a little more detail to fully close it vs. leaving more questions.
His parents' reactions to all that sundered before them at the final ball should have been shown - it would have been a bit of redemption to Kirran's sore heart. Vs just the brief moments of them meeting Alia.
And ofc, I'm curious to know who her parents truly were...
I know some disagreed with the concept of menstruation, another place it could have been filled in better, but it's part of life. Really should have included a glimpse of them laughing about it.
The death of Kirran's brothers should have been given a little more detail to fully close it vs. leaving more questions.
His parents' reactions to all that sundered before them at the final ball should have been shown - it would have been a bit of redemption to Kirran's sore heart. Vs just the brief moments of them meeting Alia.
And ofc, I'm curious to know who her parents truly were...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
Needed to be about 100 pages longer
Or at least an epilogue! Please! The ending was a little too abrupt when the whole story was set up as a mystery. Mysteries need a little more resolution at the end. I wanted more details about who was involved in the conspiracy and to what extent and more of the Cinderella character's backstory. It felt like a cliffhanger even though it wasn't. That said this story still gets 4 stars because it was compelling and unique, even with the Cinderella elements.
Or at least an epilogue! Please! The ending was a little too abrupt when the whole story was set up as a mystery. Mysteries need a little more resolution at the end. I wanted more details about who was involved in the conspiracy and to what extent and more of the Cinderella character's backstory. It felt like a cliffhanger even though it wasn't. That said this story still gets 4 stars because it was compelling and unique, even with the Cinderella elements.
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