Cinderella Is Evil

Fairy Tales Retold #1

by Jamie Campbell

History is told from one person’s perspective. Sometimes they don’t get it right.

Ugly Stepsister Anna has wrongly been accused of being mean and evil. Now it is time she got the opportunity to tell her side of the story.

With Cinderella so perfect and wonderful, it is no wonder Anna feels ugly in comparison. Dealing with bullies, a grumpy mother and the death of her step-father, Anna is at her wits end.

When the Prince’s ball approaches, Anna is told she must find a husband to save the family fortune. Attending with her sisters, the sulky Prince Charming only has eyes for Cinderella.

With the burden of being the only one to unite her step-sister with the Prince, will Anna act as cupid? Or will she protect Cinderella from the arrogant Charming?

A charming twist to the story of Cinderella, told completely from the point of view of the Ugly Step-Sister.

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Young Adult, Short Stories, Retellings, Cinderella, Fiction

30 pages, ebook

First published March 27, 2013

About the author

Jamie was born into a big, crazy family of 6 children. Being the youngest, she always got away with anything and would never shut up. Constantly letting her imagination run wild, her teachers were often frustrated when her ‘What I did on the weekend’ stories contained bunyips and princesses.

Growing up, Jamie did the sensible things and obtained a Bachelor of Business degree from Southern Cross University and worked hard to gain her membership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Yet nothing compared to writing. Quitting the rat race to spend quality time with her laptop named Lily, Jamie has written several novels and screenplays. Spanning a number of genres and mediums, Jamie writes whatever inspires her from ghost stories to teenage love stories to tantalising murder mysteries. Nothing is off limits.

A self-confessed television addict, dog lover, Taylor Swift fan, and ghost hunter, Jamie loves nothing more than the thrill of sharing her stories.

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice concept but not-so-great writing. I loved hearing from the point-of-view of Anna and seeing Cinderella through a different set of eyes (She really did seem like an annoying, whiny brat at times). I could see myself being friends with her.

Seeing Cinderella's step-mother through someone that wasn't Cinderella was refreshing as well.

The writing at times pulled me out of the story, it seemed clunky and rushed in some parts. There were a few quotes I did love though and had me high-fiving Anna.

Wish this had been longer so we could have gotten to know her better.

My rating: didn't hate it, but didn't love it either... in the middle the road for me.

[Ghost Helwig · Rating 1 out of 5]

An interesting premise and a pretty cover is all I can say this novella has to recommend it. The writing was okay, for the most part, but the characters were dull, the plot was unoriginal, and the idea of a fairy tale being twisted ended up totally wasted. I found myself not only uninterested in the main character, I was unmoved by the plight she found herself in. She was self-pitying to a degree I found frustrating instead of sympathetic.


When writing from the perspective of someone in a previously established story, believability can make or break your novel. In this story, it was important that Cinderella be at least recognizable as her fairy tale counterpart; I should have been able to see how this story could take place behind the scenes of the original fairy tale. Instead, it seemed more like Cinderella and Anna traded places - Cinderella becoming the evil but beautiful and spoiled child, and Anna becoming the put upon, abused girl who must work to get her happy ending.


This was less of a spin on the fairy tale, and more like a Mary Sue fan fiction version. I am not impressed.

[Rossy Montaño · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this short story from the point of view of Cinderella's stepsister Anastasia, and I immediately understood and empathized with her, it was interesting to have another perspective.

[Watermelon Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

***This is a Kindle Freebie! Snatch it up while you can!**

This is a fantastic short story told through the perspective of "ugly step-sister" Anastasia.

The most admirable trait, the ultimate factor which won me over, is how quickly my sympathy belonged to Anastasia. Cinderella, indeed, felt shallow and whiny through Ana's eyes, and the hardships the stepsisters and their stepmother went through was tormenting.

I love how there's an explanation for everything. All of Cinderella's accusations, her so-claimed hardships, felt flat when the other perspective was truly explored.

There are many humourous quotes. Especially Ana's disgust at the whiny Prince "Charming" who creepily staggered after his darling princess. And the voice of Ana herself was wonderful, refreshing and so utterly heartfelt that I loved her instantly.

And a last note to finish this review with:

Prince Charming isn't so charming. His flaws, you'll recognise, are quite numerous. I love how this goes against his name.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever heard the phrase, 'It's all in the perspective?'

This re-telling of Cinderella, is told from the point of view of one of the step-sisters. Anastasia, the younger, 'uglier' step-sister, gained my sympathy almost immediately. In her opinion of the way things happened, the tale of Cinderella takes on a whole new spin.

Cinderella is a self-centered martyr who uses every one of her sacrificial acts as a way to gain attention and sympathy. Prince Charming is an idiotic, egomaniacal jerk whom she feels, doesn't deserve the beautiful Cinderella. Anastasia, on the other hand, just wants someone to love her and think she's beautiful. Told that she needs to find a husband to save her family, Ana tries her best to appear beautiful and graceful. She tells how her mother was devastated by the loss of her husband, Cinderella's father, and how, no matter what she, her mom, and her sister, tried to do to make Cinderella feel like they were one big family, Cinderella would never accept them.

Interesting and fresh, this short story will have you wondering how you could've just blindly believed Cinderella all these years.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for free on Amazon and I really didn't expect a freebie to be that good!

The story is told not by Cinderella but by one of her stepsisters - Ana. And I loved her point of view!

It felt so realistic and cute :)

[ella ☆ any pronouns · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was obsessed with the writing in the last two works by Jamie Campbell I read, Star Struck and Suddenly Famous, but the writing in this one nonetheless sucked, for lack of a better word. It didn't stick out to me as amazing, in fact, it made me lose my focus towards the story at times.

I hate to say this, but the ugly cover is about equal to how ugly this book is on the inside. I know, I know, that's extrememly cliche, but what else am I supposed to say besides the truth?

I will say, however, it was interesting to see the story of Cinderella through Anna's perspective, so that's why I bumped my rating up from my original one-star to two-stars.

Disappointed is all I have to say. I was so excited to start another Jamie Campbell series, but its safe to say I will NOT be continuing this one.

[Alex Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

3.5 rating for this story!

There were certain elements I enjoyed about this book, but I really wish it was longer than 38 pages.

I enjoyed reading from one of the step sisters point of view instead of Cinderella. I appreciated being able to witness one of the step sister's perspective and what went on through her eyes.
I enjoyed learning more about Anna and what she endured in the story. I felt for her on being accepted for being different.

I wished the story was longer. I felt the story lacked in a beginning, middle and end, but it summed up what we already know about Cinderella. The characters were okay. I wished there was more description about the story and where it took place.

Overall, good story for a short quick read.

[Kendra Ardnek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, interesting twist, but not the best I've ever read of its sort. The title could have done better "Cinderella, Drama Queen" perhaps?

[Virginia Henderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 rating.

Cinderella? Evil? That's what ran through my mind when I ran across this Free ebook. I'm always intrigued with new takes on classic fairytales and this would be a challenge to pass off. The general plot of Cinderella has been redone so many times and in so many ways that it's practically been ingrained in us. Cinderella=good. Step mom & sisters=bad

In order for me see Cinderella, the model of compassion, kindness, and above all (in my opinion) patience, as the villain, this book would have to really dig down deep into the dark and foreboding. You can't just tell me that Cinderella is mean and expect me to accept it. I needed to be able to actually feel for the step-sisters and step-mother (that last one is a stretch by its self).

Unfortunately, this book didn't do this for me. Instead of pulling me into her side of the story and making me feel something, Anna was self-absorbed in her own flaws. It was one big pity-party. Cinderella would occasionally come off as nasty or over reacted too much, but even those instances weren't believable. Believe me, I WANTED to see this darker side of Cinderella but it just wasn't there.
The writing style itself could have been better. There were parts that didn't make sense.

I thought the cover was very pretty. I liked the short chapter lengths. The overall story idea was very good but it just didn't play out. As I said in the beginning, the story of Cinderella has been told over and over. I can think of at least 9 movies and countless books. Taking on the job of turning the timeless and sympathized heroine into the villain sounds nearly impossible. Now, the part with Anna's dilemma with the prince at the end... it showed real promise and could have really made for an exciting climax.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella is Evil is a great retelling from one of Cinderella's step-sister's point of view. It was interesting to see how she, Anna, perceives things, and how similar it is from Cinderella's POV (not very).

I instantly felt sympathy for Anna. The story starts off with her dislike for mirrors because they only show her flaws and not the person she is inside. She's the "uglier" daughter, "fat" and flawed. Not to mention, her family situation is different too. Her mother has a hard time dealing after her second husband's death, and tries her hardest to make her daughters beautiful and presentable so that they can marry off to wealthy men and live happily ever after.

The romance is lacking, but there's only so much you can fit in 30 pages. Though there should be some background on the romances. They sort of just bloom from nowhere. And just saying, Prince Charming isn't so charming.

The title is very misleading. Cinderella isn't evil, just kind of a snob. I'm not sure where that title comes from, to be honest.

Overall, a really great take on Cinderella.

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I agree with many of the other reviews on here. It could have been better. ~~
I am a bit biased. As a child I loved Cinderella, watched and read as many Cinderella-esque books I could get my hands on. In the second Cinderella film, we actually see Anastasia (one of the step-sisters) desiring to fall for the baker, but being told by her mother that it is wrong to marry someone who is of a lower status. She follows the suggestion of Cinderella, who noticed her desires, to follow her heart. This character growth is beautiful and important and made Anastasia one of my favorite characters in the series. ~~ So in comparison, reading this novel felt like a massive step back, although it followed in her desires to simply fall in love, she spent a lot of the novel expressing her hatred and utter dislike of Cinderella (which in the opening just makes it sound like a biased perspective of Cinderella through her eyes, which I am furthering to believe was the goal?). All this to say, it was a cute idea, but poor execution.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

A feeble attempt to retell a classic tale from the "villain's" point of view. The title of this book was, in fact misleading. In this retelling, I would view Cinderella as slightly disillusioned, rather than "evil". Perhaps if the author had spent more time developing the characters and their view points, I would have been more empathetic. I would have been far more entertained by the idea that Cinderella was in fact an antisocial child who killed her father and then later developed obsessive-compulsive behaviors of cleaning underlined by the wish to be saved by a so-called Prince Charming in an attempt to rid herself from an increased sense of guilt. Perhaps she could have even kept her "step"-family captive by her erratic behavior. Just a thought.

Much room for improvement needed. Editing is also required. Thank goodness the book was free on kindle!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the fairy tale retelling series by: Jamie Campbell. As of right now there are three books all together in the series. This definitely not my favorite. The second book Saving Rapunzel holds my heart out of the three. This book has a cool cover and an interesting narrator. That's about it. The rest of the characters for the most part are dull or not described well enough. 2.5 stars.

[C.P. Cabaniss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on the story of Cinderella. Parts of it reminded me of the movie Ever After. It was funny to see Cinderella as a drama queen rather than a sweet, abused girl. The prince was a major jerk.

The writing was actually quite well done and the story was enjoyable. Short, easy to read. A bit rushed at points, but then it is a story almost everyone knows.

[Thebiblioholic · Rating 2 out of 5]

sadly the title doesnt match the story at all. disappointed :(

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the concept, but the writing was not very good.

[Mary Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the height of the COVID crisis, Amazon was offering a bunch of free Kindle books. This was a freebie...and it was short; under forty pages. I rate this quickie at four stars not because it was extraordinary but because it served its purpose. It was highly amusing and got its message across. And, it took my antsy mind off of world crisis. I allowed Cinderella and her stepsisters to worry about life for a while.

The story is told from the POV of Cinderella's stepsister. I'm here to tell ya, this chick has a completely different take on the happenings at Lord Trevane's home. (In case you didn't know, Lord Trevane is Cinderella's father.) Anywho, Anna the ugly stepsister appears likable in Campbell's retelling. If we are to believe Anna's version, it is entirely possible that everyone was a little edgy and depressed since the untimely death of Lord Trevane. Anna claims that her mother was deeply in love with Cindy's dad; his death was a sad event for all involved. He was beloved by the ladies of his household, especially Anna. She accuses Cinderella of being a snob, and perhaps a little jealous of sharing her father with a new wife and her girls. Anna and her sister, Zelly, have tried time and again to befriend the lovely Cinderella. The stepsisters have extended the olive branch. Cinderella is stubborn and refuses their friendship. Anna admits that her mother can be harsh, but she blames the behavior on her mother's sadness. The stepsister's miss happier times - when Lord Trevane was alive and doted on them. Anna feels Cinderella has been spiteful from day one and has never warmed to her father's widow and daughters.

Like all family squabbles, there are two sides to the story. Is Anna an unreliable narrator? Hmmm. Whatever the truths, Anna wants to right the wrongs and sets out to deliver a happy ever after for everyone.

[Henriette Weidemann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I see some people who comment that they liked the concept- but this plot is literally copied off the Cinderella sequel from Disney but with much worse writing. If you are intrigued by this- reading the title tells you everything you need to know. There no more to the story.
The sloppiest work I have ever read, reads like it’s written by a bullied fifth grader begging for sympathy through a bad Disney fanfic. It’s so short it can’t even reach the kitchen sink, and it’s somehow still too long.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cinderella's tale told by one of the ugly sisters. It was interesting to read a well known story from someone else's point of view but the book was very short so didn't really have much detail to get into.

[Arisha (Free Palestine 🇵🇸) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting and had potential

I feel like the concept was interesting and the author could have done so much with it but tis was so underwhelming and lacking. The writing style was plain with and do not suit the dialogue. The romance was not built up at all. It could have been so much better

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty cover, interesting concept, not so great writing. I loved the concept of this short novella, but the writing was not great which made it hard for me to get through. I loved hearing the story from one of Cinderella’s not so evil stepsisters, I just wish it had been done better if that makes sense.

[Charlotte Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this take on the classic Cinderella story. It was one of the "Ugly Stepsisters" point of view. It was a cute, quick read. I would definitely recommend especially if you love fairytale retellings.

[Kelli Santistevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this retelling of Cinderella.

[Chelsea Carreer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

It wasn't bad, but I felt like it was...lacking, maybe? It was abrupt. Her one true love seemed like an afterthought, really, and I didn't like how it ended. Not impressed.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Cinderella, as told through the perspective of one of the 'evil' stepsisters. I wouldn't say Cinderella is evil in this story, but more a whiney and privileged girl who simultaneously likes playing the victim.

Anna, our stepsister, is ugly and knows it. She's also not interested in marrying for money (she thinks the prince is a jerk) but feels pressured because the money is running out. Her mother wants her to find love the way she did and live in comfort. Anna just wants someone who appreciates her and is fun.

This was a cute little twist on the fairy tale, but nothing I hadn't seen before. At least Anna didn't have to cut up her foot like in the original. The writing was just ok.

[Angela Choe · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, this book is free on the Google Play Store. Overall, the book was definitely an interesting read. The story is about the classic Disney Cinderella, but in the perceptive of the step-sister, Anna. While this story is about 30 pages, the emotions of the characters are displayed well-ish. For example, in the story, the reader learns about how the "evil" step-mother's actions are a response to her grieving the loss of her husband since the mannerisms of Cinderella and her father are the same. It is also refreshing, to see the side characters in Cinderella actually be three-dimensional, instead of being evil to the bone.

However, while the concept of the story is amazing, the writing aspect can be better done. Personally, I feel that the writing could go deeper and really showcase the emotions and the problems in the household. I also wish that the story was not as predictable and that there was a moment where Cinderella realized that her family was not evil, but struggling,

In the end, it is an okay book and I can see myself using it in a classroom setting to show my students how history, news, and everyday life can be perceived differently by everyone.

[Klara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It provided an easy and captivating reading experience. Growing up with classic fairy tales, I often appreciate retellings from different perspectives, and this one pleasantly surprised me. It goes beyond a simple retelling; there's a freshness to it. While it maintains a happy ending, it deviates from the classic villain trope, portraying characters more as misunderstood than outright evil. I highly recommend it for the time between other books when you want something engaging yet not too demanding.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

I loved the idea of this short story, but not the execution. It's the tale of Cinderella as told from the point of view of one of Anna, one of the 'ugly' stepsisters, who in this version turns out not to be the villain we always thought her to be.

I'm always interested in reading re-tellings of fairytales and seeing what fresh new spins authors can put on them. Unfortunately this turned out to be a rather heavy handed attempt to portray Cinderella as vapid, ungrateful, and annoying, and Anna as a misunderstood saint. This could work if it weren't for the fact that Anna is just that bit too sweet and Cinderella that bit too bitchy that it pushes it too far away from the established characters. In the end the stepsister basically gets the same happy ending as Cinderella, only with the coachman, which makes it ultimately seem like this is a rewrite of the original with Anna taking over the role of Cinderella rather than an attempt to tell her own unique story.

On the upside, it's a free and extremely quick read, so if you're in to fairytale re-tellings you might as well give it a go. Although be aware that the title is quite misleading.

[Alana · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise is interesting but the writing is amateurish at best. The story relies nearly entirely on exposition dumps, all the characters are static and none are sympathetic. With a title that so boldly refutes the classically accepted interpretation of the Cinderella story, I expected Cinderella to have flaws that previously weren’t explored in other versions. Instead the author relies on petty inter-character misunderstandings. The most interesting part of the book was Anna’s relationship with her mother. In the end, the book did not live up to its title and the poor writing makes it an unworthwhile choice to read.