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Good Tales for Bad Dreams #1
Cinders
Welcome to Good Tales For Bad Dreams, a short-fiction series of re-imagined fairy tales. Each story is set in a different time and place. Some will be familiar, others will not. So, strip bare your assumptions, open your mind and see these tales told like never before.
As a slave in the bawdy Black House, Rella longs to escape the whips and chains of her existence. She is chosen for a dangerous mission and offered a chance at freedom. There is only one condition: first she must assassinate the Prince.
Quote: "Death by god or death by man... but never as a sister of the Black House!"
Please note that this is a short-fiction piece (approx. 28 pages or 10k words) and only a taste of things to come...
(Suggested for Mature Readers)
"Cinders" has a follow-up story called "Anastasia" which adds a little more background to the Sisters of The Black House.
As a slave in the bawdy Black House, Rella longs to escape the whips and chains of her existence. She is chosen for a dangerous mission and offered a chance at freedom. There is only one condition: first she must assassinate the Prince.
Quote: "Death by god or death by man... but never as a sister of the Black House!"
Please note that this is a short-fiction piece (approx. 28 pages or 10k words) and only a taste of things to come...
(Suggested for Mature Readers)
"Cinders" has a follow-up story called "Anastasia" which adds a little more background to the Sisters of The Black House.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2013
2 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Sawh
7 books131 followersIt all began with Alan Moore’s “The Anatomy Lesson”.
When I was far too young to be reading such things, I picked up a small, dirty, plastic-wrapped comic digest from my local library. The first and featured story was a piece by Alan Moore which started with the line: “It’s raining in Washington tonight.”
It tells the story of a mad doctor who is awaiting the resurrection of a character whose name I won’t reveal here.
Suffice it to say, I was both horrified and intrigued. My young mind had never encountered such a dark and twisted tale, whose ending at the time shocked me. I remember being transfixed by the power of Alan Moore’s imagery and the depth of his narrative. That story still haunts me to this day.
I first picked up the pencil at age 6 to start creating a few stories of my own. Haven’t stopped since. My first trilogy was completed by age 16. Despite the urging of my Writer’s Craft professor, I never published it. At that time, I found the entire publication industry far more frightening than anything I had ever read.
The Good Tales For Bad Dreams series have all hit #1 in their respective categories.
Connect with me on Instagram: @v.m.sawh
When I was far too young to be reading such things, I picked up a small, dirty, plastic-wrapped comic digest from my local library. The first and featured story was a piece by Alan Moore which started with the line: “It’s raining in Washington tonight.”
It tells the story of a mad doctor who is awaiting the resurrection of a character whose name I won’t reveal here.
Suffice it to say, I was both horrified and intrigued. My young mind had never encountered such a dark and twisted tale, whose ending at the time shocked me. I remember being transfixed by the power of Alan Moore’s imagery and the depth of his narrative. That story still haunts me to this day.
I first picked up the pencil at age 6 to start creating a few stories of my own. Haven’t stopped since. My first trilogy was completed by age 16. Despite the urging of my Writer’s Craft professor, I never published it. At that time, I found the entire publication industry far more frightening than anything I had ever read.
The Good Tales For Bad Dreams series have all hit #1 in their respective categories.
Connect with me on Instagram: @v.m.sawh
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 6, 2018
I loved this dark and twisted retelling of Cinderella. This short story is definitely one for adult eyes only, as the evil stepmother runs a brothel (ha ha, love it). Add to that a murder plot and a glass slipper covered in blood, and you have a deliciously dark fairytale indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I borrowed Cinders through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed Cinders through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
June 9, 2015
Among short works, “Cinders” is a jewel. I use that term advisedly. The use of language is masterful: lucid, evocative, and revealing. But what V.M. Sawh has done with this well-known story is every bit as interesting as the language he’s uses to describe it. The prose maintains the feel of a fairytale, conveying the setting and personalities in a way that seems at once familiar and very much not.
The description says this is a “re-imagined” fairytale, but I would personally call it refracted: the change in setting (to a brothel) fits the personalities of the stepmother and stepsisters as well as -- or better than -- the conventional telling; the central conflicts echo those of the original (not the Disney version), although presented in a much different light. The appetites submerged in other versions are made flesh and stripped bare in this one; those themes crystallized in a beautifully -- and perhaps deviously -- constructed unreality. (And it might just be me, but I feel a little touch of Shakespeare snuck in there, too.)
Which brings me back to my jewel metaphor: what captivates us about jewels is the alluring interplay of light and shadow we see in their hearts, neither dominating. If you dare to read “Cinders,” and you will see much the same thing.
The description says this is a “re-imagined” fairytale, but I would personally call it refracted: the change in setting (to a brothel) fits the personalities of the stepmother and stepsisters as well as -- or better than -- the conventional telling; the central conflicts echo those of the original (not the Disney version), although presented in a much different light. The appetites submerged in other versions are made flesh and stripped bare in this one; those themes crystallized in a beautifully -- and perhaps deviously -- constructed unreality. (And it might just be me, but I feel a little touch of Shakespeare snuck in there, too.)
Which brings me back to my jewel metaphor: what captivates us about jewels is the alluring interplay of light and shadow we see in their hearts, neither dominating. If you dare to read “Cinders,” and you will see much the same thing.
October 29, 2016
"Cinders" is a fresh reselling of the classic Cinderella tale.
In this version, however, Rella is a resident of Black House and her "sisters" are all doxies in the employ of Stepmother. How Rella ends up at the ball and all the other events in the tale have a dark quality that harkens back to the Grimm version.
A wonderful read!
In this version, however, Rella is a resident of Black House and her "sisters" are all doxies in the employ of Stepmother. How Rella ends up at the ball and all the other events in the tale have a dark quality that harkens back to the Grimm version.
A wonderful read!
May 28, 2015
Typically, I'm not a fan of the 'gritty' reboot of a classic tale, but Cinders proved to be one heck of an exception. This twist on the Cinderella story is dark, yes, but vivid and written with an almost poetic beauty. Perhaps that is what makes this different. This is not a 'gritty' reboot as much as it is a beautifully constructed story that borrows very sparingly from the source material.
I will admit, it took a little time for me to warm up to Rella, but by about one third of the way in, I was invested in the character. I would recommend this to fans of dark fantasy and gothic romance. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
I will admit, it took a little time for me to warm up to Rella, but by about one third of the way in, I was invested in the character. I would recommend this to fans of dark fantasy and gothic romance. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
November 14, 2017
This short story is a well-done retelling of the Cinderella tale. I love retellings because, as a reader, I start with a familiar, timeless tale. The story is known. What is not known, and what is always a pleasure to me, is to step into the imagination of a story-teller to discover a new way to conceive of an old and (in the case of Cinderella and fairy tales in general) beloved story.
I’ll be up front… the subject matter was disturbing to me. (Yeah, yeah, I have one friend who would tell me I was being a wuss – while I prefer to think of myself as sensitive and somehow still holding on to innocence and optimism despite also being an old cynic.) This version of Cinderella takes you to a whore house, through torture, murder and a desperate attempt to hold on to virtue, and exudes both hope and utter hopelessness. And it does it well. Very well. I was impressed with the writing, with the characterization possible in so short a story, and, of course, by giving me exactly what I was hoping for when I picked this story up – an old and favorite story told in a completely new way.
Telling a short story well is an art – the storyteller has no time or space for superfluous words, interesting sidekicks, or wealth of description, background history and world building. I can easily say that V.M. Sawh is an artist. This story packs a punch. Well done.
I’ll be up front… the subject matter was disturbing to me. (Yeah, yeah, I have one friend who would tell me I was being a wuss – while I prefer to think of myself as sensitive and somehow still holding on to innocence and optimism despite also being an old cynic.) This version of Cinderella takes you to a whore house, through torture, murder and a desperate attempt to hold on to virtue, and exudes both hope and utter hopelessness. And it does it well. Very well. I was impressed with the writing, with the characterization possible in so short a story, and, of course, by giving me exactly what I was hoping for when I picked this story up – an old and favorite story told in a completely new way.
Telling a short story well is an art – the storyteller has no time or space for superfluous words, interesting sidekicks, or wealth of description, background history and world building. I can easily say that V.M. Sawh is an artist. This story packs a punch. Well done.
May 27, 2015
Remember the tale of the beautiful, yet mysterious young lady with the glass slippers? She stole the prince’s heart, and they lived happily ever after, right? V.M. Sawh’s Cinders is a dark and disturbing version of this same tale, and well, he definitely knows how to twist a tale like a pretzel. Rella wasn’t just an abused stepdaughter and her stepmother wasn’t just a nasty old biddy, she ran a brothel for men with unique appetites and was no stranger to shady deals. This deal involved Rella, a glass stiletto and of course, the handsome prince. Like the femme fatale she wasn’t Rella had a job to do, but will she finish what has been set in motion?
Torture, prostitution and an innocent girl in a beautiful gown all make up a dark and frightening tale far less happy and fluffy then your old bedtime fairytale! V.M. Sawh packs some soul-sucking darkness into his tale with a mastery of words that will give you chills. Vivid and often gruesome details come to life with a clarity that had me cringing, mentally and physically. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like your tales, dark, short and lingering in your mind afterward, thanks to the talent of an author comfortable with his craft, go ahead, take a short stroll on the dark side of make believe.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Good Tales for Bad Dreams - Book 1
Publication Date: November 21, 2013
Publisher: V.M. Sawh
Genre: Dark Adult Fairytale
Print Length: 28 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Torture, prostitution and an innocent girl in a beautiful gown all make up a dark and frightening tale far less happy and fluffy then your old bedtime fairytale! V.M. Sawh packs some soul-sucking darkness into his tale with a mastery of words that will give you chills. Vivid and often gruesome details come to life with a clarity that had me cringing, mentally and physically. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like your tales, dark, short and lingering in your mind afterward, thanks to the talent of an author comfortable with his craft, go ahead, take a short stroll on the dark side of make believe.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Good Tales for Bad Dreams - Book 1
Publication Date: November 21, 2013
Publisher: V.M. Sawh
Genre: Dark Adult Fairytale
Print Length: 28 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 9, 2016
I was completely blown away by this author's re-write of the Cinderella story. The cartoon version is too sticky sweet for me. Even as a child, I would get upset over the abuse and cruelty she suffered from her step-mother and step-sisters. I know it works out well in the end, but the majority of the story is sad. This version of Cinderella is a character I can admire for having the strength to try to fight her way out of her miserable situation, rather than simply endure it without complaint. I also saw morality and a sense of justice in her. When faced with the option of doing the wrong thing to help herself (as she was told), or doing the right thing and risking great consequence, she chooses to do what is right. Unfortunately, morality sometimes comes at a great cost. This story is well-crafted and interesting. It was a surprising and enjoyable read. The author has a wonderful imagination.
October 6, 2016
There’s a wicked sense of humour in this dark re-telling which takes us a million miles from the original ‘Cinderella’, to a place of violence (and sex), where choices have to be made for your own survival. V.M keeps the style and tone of a fairy tale whilst at the same time conveying a story which is something utterly different.
What I liked most, was the way the author kept it dark and yet, the reader knows the hidden heart to the story, and understands Cinders as a young woman with only a slim chance. There’s a battle of values here, of who we are or what we want to be. There’s also great writing with rich descriptions.
Very enjoyable.
What I liked most, was the way the author kept it dark and yet, the reader knows the hidden heart to the story, and understands Cinders as a young woman with only a slim chance. There’s a battle of values here, of who we are or what we want to be. There’s also great writing with rich descriptions.
Very enjoyable.
December 29, 2015
While the concept of fairy tales for adults is certainly not new, V.M. Sawh makes it seem like a new idea. There's just enough of the old "Cinderella" story for us to feel like a kid again, listening to the story being read to us. But, just enough twists and just enough adult content to remind us we're not really on Grandma's lap.
November 28, 2022
This book is a unique re-write of Cindrella. Although it was a short book, I liked it as much as I like Cindrella. I read it in one sitting.
The main character of this book Rella lives in brothel with her cruel greedy madam called stepmother and her two stepsisters Drucilda and Anastasia. Both the stepsisters always felt pleasure to annoy and torture her physically as well as mentally. In order to escape from the black House, she agrees to involve in the assassination of the would be king. The story ends up with the ball dance and a perfect romance in the kingdom. Alike of the other fairy tales it was not a happy ending.
I like the creative writing skills of author V.M.Sawh that made this book beautiful. The cover was also the perfect that attracted me towards the book.
Overall a perfect short read.
Happy Reading!
The main character of this book Rella lives in brothel with her cruel greedy madam called stepmother and her two stepsisters Drucilda and Anastasia. Both the stepsisters always felt pleasure to annoy and torture her physically as well as mentally. In order to escape from the black House, she agrees to involve in the assassination of the would be king. The story ends up with the ball dance and a perfect romance in the kingdom. Alike of the other fairy tales it was not a happy ending.
I like the creative writing skills of author V.M.Sawh that made this book beautiful. The cover was also the perfect that attracted me towards the book.
Overall a perfect short read.
Happy Reading!
May 11, 2015
This review is also posted on my blog: http://theshortreviewer.blogspot.com/...
Dark and disturbing. Torture, prostitution, murder, and romance. This is one twisted fairy tale! I loved it.
If you thought Cinderella's stepmother was cruel in the original fairy tale, her cruelty is taken to a whole other level in this story. She runs a brothel, and Rella's stepsisters are prostitutes.
I could feel Rella's desperation to escape, and when she is given a way out, she's not sure if she can do what is asked of her.
I recently saw the new, live action Cinderella movie for my mother in-law's birthday. It was cute but too family friendly for me. I kept hoping that Cinderella would stab her stepmother in the eye with the glass slipper. I can't say that that is what happens in this version, but the glass slipper does have a more nefarious purpose. Cinders is far less predictable than the movie was!
With captivating writing and an intriguing take on the beloved tale, this story is not one you'll want to put down. I am looking forward to reading the other stories in this series!
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dark and disturbing. Torture, prostitution, murder, and romance. This is one twisted fairy tale! I loved it.
If you thought Cinderella's stepmother was cruel in the original fairy tale, her cruelty is taken to a whole other level in this story. She runs a brothel, and Rella's stepsisters are prostitutes.
I could feel Rella's desperation to escape, and when she is given a way out, she's not sure if she can do what is asked of her.
I recently saw the new, live action Cinderella movie for my mother in-law's birthday. It was cute but too family friendly for me. I kept hoping that Cinderella would stab her stepmother in the eye with the glass slipper. I can't say that that is what happens in this version, but the glass slipper does have a more nefarious purpose. Cinders is far less predictable than the movie was!
With captivating writing and an intriguing take on the beloved tale, this story is not one you'll want to put down. I am looking forward to reading the other stories in this series!
*Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2023
Cinders was gifted to me by the author, V.M. Sawh, but this review is my honest truth.
And that truth? Absolutely loved it!
I quite literally opened this book on my kindle, to gear it up to read after completing another (rather disappointing) read, and then could not put it down. I hadn't intended on starting it until I woke up, but here I am 5am in the morning writing a review after reading it in one sitting. It's only 34 pages, but still.
The gritty, dark, gothic-like retelling really captured me from the first paragraph. The writing has a poetic cadence to it that sucked me in all the way to the very end. Flowery, but not over the top.
I will be eagerly after the other retold fairytales in this series he wrote, because I need more of his writing and more of these retellings.
And that truth? Absolutely loved it!
I quite literally opened this book on my kindle, to gear it up to read after completing another (rather disappointing) read, and then could not put it down. I hadn't intended on starting it until I woke up, but here I am 5am in the morning writing a review after reading it in one sitting. It's only 34 pages, but still.
The gritty, dark, gothic-like retelling really captured me from the first paragraph. The writing has a poetic cadence to it that sucked me in all the way to the very end. Flowery, but not over the top.
I will be eagerly after the other retold fairytales in this series he wrote, because I need more of his writing and more of these retellings.
December 26, 2015
Disclaimer: I'm not a fan of fairytale.
In fact, I'm not a fan of fairytale retelling either so for me to like this story came as a huge surprise. Sure, the story uses the roots of Cinderella and her stepsisters, but this is so much more. It's a dark tale, a tale of choices while we realize there might not be any in the end.
For fans of fairytale retelling as well as someone like me who'd go into this reluctantly. It's entertaining and as far from the original as can be.
In fact, I'm not a fan of fairytale retelling either so for me to like this story came as a huge surprise. Sure, the story uses the roots of Cinderella and her stepsisters, but this is so much more. It's a dark tale, a tale of choices while we realize there might not be any in the end.
For fans of fairytale retelling as well as someone like me who'd go into this reluctantly. It's entertaining and as far from the original as can be.
June 6, 2015
Evocative, eloquent prose that reads like poetry. Dark, mature themes with a glistening sheen of grit and grime.
This is the way fairy tales are supposed to read.
This is the way fairy tales are supposed to read.
January 21, 2023
I am very grateful for the opportunity of reading this captivating short (less than 30 pages) story, and accordingly proceed now to review it.
I liked it very much: another twisted but interesting and up to a point logical retelling of the fairy tale of Cinderella, a lot closer to the original Grimm's (and grim) story. It has received awards, and no wonder Guillermo del Toro is interested in this author's writings.
Expect cruelty, a bit of gore, and a quite different version of the "stepmother" and "stepsisters", but as in "hunted rose", the other "good tales for bad dreams" story I have read, it all fits differently but beautifully and rests faithful to the original spirit.
Also, I very much like the fact that 'Rella never stops seeking and fighting for her freedom.
Again, I find the cover gorgeous and revealing, without spoiling too much.
Warnings: there is no fairy godmoter "per se", and if there is it's not in a good way.
Also, the glass slippers are here more important than ever but not in the way you would expect.
I think there is mention of another part of the story, "Anastasia", wich would be so interesting. It should be completely different for example from Megan Van Dyke's "The Ugly Stepsister", same character but a quite diffent aproach, and so to say, "aftertaste".
Sawh has a handful of other tales but his version of Snow White, "Satsuko and the seven samurais" is the next one i would go for.
I liked it very much: another twisted but interesting and up to a point logical retelling of the fairy tale of Cinderella, a lot closer to the original Grimm's (and grim) story. It has received awards, and no wonder Guillermo del Toro is interested in this author's writings.
Expect cruelty, a bit of gore, and a quite different version of the "stepmother" and "stepsisters", but as in "hunted rose", the other "good tales for bad dreams" story I have read, it all fits differently but beautifully and rests faithful to the original spirit.
Also, I very much like the fact that 'Rella never stops seeking and fighting for her freedom.
Again, I find the cover gorgeous and revealing, without spoiling too much.
Warnings: there is no fairy godmoter "per se", and if there is it's not in a good way.
Also, the glass slippers are here more important than ever but not in the way you would expect.
I think there is mention of another part of the story, "Anastasia", wich would be so interesting. It should be completely different for example from Megan Van Dyke's "The Ugly Stepsister", same character but a quite diffent aproach, and so to say, "aftertaste".
Sawh has a handful of other tales but his version of Snow White, "Satsuko and the seven samurais" is the next one i would go for.
July 5, 2016
A Red Raven Reads Review of “Good Tales for Bad Dreams 1-4” by V.M. Sawh
www.redravenreads.wordpress.com // www.booksarefood.wordpress.com
Recently I’ve had the pleasure to read a series of four novellas written by Mr. V.M. Sawh for in exchange for an honest review.
THE STORY:
We begin with “Cinders,” a retelling of Cinderella where our protagonist, Rella, must kill the prince to appease her brothel-running caretaker when her feet fit into glass slippers designed for murder. The next tale, “Anastasia,” regards one of Rella’s “stepsisters” from her life on the seas in transition to her life as a prostitute of the Black House. Thirdly, “Hontas” describes a Western-based retelling of Pocahontas, horses and pistols and bounty hunters and all—even romance. Ugh, my heart. Finally, “GR3T3L-1” is a futuristic retelling of Hansel and Gretel with robots fighting to survive and find purpose in a countdown to their imminent demises.
THE GOOD:
I say this wholly and without falter: Sawh’s writing is nothing short of masterful. It’s brilliant, truly; emotionally impactful and compellingly real. I’ve never read anything like it. To be honest, I was upset when I finished all four novellas… I wanted more. I already can’t wait to read the tales again and to recommend them to everyone I know. The characters are incredible. Even Anastasia, an undeniably cruel character as apparent in “Cinders,” makes her plight realistic and capable of sympathy in her own tale. How do you do that?! The author even makes robot characters complex and dynamic in “GR3T3L-1.” The deftness with which these novellas were executed matches the magic of the original stories (and, of course, the magic of the stories retold).
THE BAD:
The only complaint I can muster is that, at times, I felt like there was “too much” of something. Too much sadism, unnecessary grotesqueness, and, while only in the case of the fourth novella, “GR3T3L-1,” too much exposition. None of these would bother me if I found them to be realistic or necessary, but in a few rare cases, I was put off by it. There were a few typographical errors as well but I didn’t care one bit; I was too engulfed by the stories.
THE CONSENSUS:
These. Stories. Are. So. Damn. Good. I adored every moment and can’t wait for the free time to read them over again. They’re brutal, cutting, graceful, and haunting, but most importantly, they are stunning. They shimmer with mastery and reflect reality. THIS is how to write novellas. Take notes, people. These stories demand to be read and recognized. While “Hontas” was easily my favorite, all four were so incredible. I am thrilled to have these novellas in my kindle library and will forever treasure them.
THE RATING:
I am elated to give this series five out of five stars, and it deserves every single one of them.
www.redravenreads.wordpress.com // www.booksarefood.wordpress.com
Recently I’ve had the pleasure to read a series of four novellas written by Mr. V.M. Sawh for in exchange for an honest review.
THE STORY:
We begin with “Cinders,” a retelling of Cinderella where our protagonist, Rella, must kill the prince to appease her brothel-running caretaker when her feet fit into glass slippers designed for murder. The next tale, “Anastasia,” regards one of Rella’s “stepsisters” from her life on the seas in transition to her life as a prostitute of the Black House. Thirdly, “Hontas” describes a Western-based retelling of Pocahontas, horses and pistols and bounty hunters and all—even romance. Ugh, my heart. Finally, “GR3T3L-1” is a futuristic retelling of Hansel and Gretel with robots fighting to survive and find purpose in a countdown to their imminent demises.
THE GOOD:
I say this wholly and without falter: Sawh’s writing is nothing short of masterful. It’s brilliant, truly; emotionally impactful and compellingly real. I’ve never read anything like it. To be honest, I was upset when I finished all four novellas… I wanted more. I already can’t wait to read the tales again and to recommend them to everyone I know. The characters are incredible. Even Anastasia, an undeniably cruel character as apparent in “Cinders,” makes her plight realistic and capable of sympathy in her own tale. How do you do that?! The author even makes robot characters complex and dynamic in “GR3T3L-1.” The deftness with which these novellas were executed matches the magic of the original stories (and, of course, the magic of the stories retold).
THE BAD:
The only complaint I can muster is that, at times, I felt like there was “too much” of something. Too much sadism, unnecessary grotesqueness, and, while only in the case of the fourth novella, “GR3T3L-1,” too much exposition. None of these would bother me if I found them to be realistic or necessary, but in a few rare cases, I was put off by it. There were a few typographical errors as well but I didn’t care one bit; I was too engulfed by the stories.
THE CONSENSUS:
These. Stories. Are. So. Damn. Good. I adored every moment and can’t wait for the free time to read them over again. They’re brutal, cutting, graceful, and haunting, but most importantly, they are stunning. They shimmer with mastery and reflect reality. THIS is how to write novellas. Take notes, people. These stories demand to be read and recognized. While “Hontas” was easily my favorite, all four were so incredible. I am thrilled to have these novellas in my kindle library and will forever treasure them.
THE RATING:
I am elated to give this series five out of five stars, and it deserves every single one of them.
March 4, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
Cinders by V.M. Sawh is a short story included in the series Good Tales for Bad Dreams. Rella works in a house of ill-repute for the villainous “Stepmother.” All of the girls there were rescued off the street and are held in the house, subjected to cruel perversions of the men of the kingdom. When a friendly stranger, Godfrey, arrives and offers the Stepmother a proposition, Rella finds herself swept up in something beyond her wildest nightmares. She is whisked away to the palace for a deadly mission with an unlikely weapon. Can she free herself in time or will she fall victim to tragedy like so many before her?
Mr. Sawh has creatively re-imagined the tale of Cinderella in this short story. I liked the premise, but I felt the story was underdeveloped. I could see there being more build up to the deed Rella must complete to earn her freedom. I wanted more description and character development to really draw me into the life at the Black House. That being said, the story itself was well-written and edited, I just felt the potential for something greater was lingering in the distance. I hope the author goes back and adds some more description and plot details. I did like the ending though. I found it very macabre. However though, for a quick read, it was definitely not your normal Cinderella fairy tale. I did enjoy the way the author made it different. Cinders by V.M. Sawh is short, dark, and interesting.
Cinders by V.M. Sawh is a short story included in the series Good Tales for Bad Dreams. Rella works in a house of ill-repute for the villainous “Stepmother.” All of the girls there were rescued off the street and are held in the house, subjected to cruel perversions of the men of the kingdom. When a friendly stranger, Godfrey, arrives and offers the Stepmother a proposition, Rella finds herself swept up in something beyond her wildest nightmares. She is whisked away to the palace for a deadly mission with an unlikely weapon. Can she free herself in time or will she fall victim to tragedy like so many before her?
Mr. Sawh has creatively re-imagined the tale of Cinderella in this short story. I liked the premise, but I felt the story was underdeveloped. I could see there being more build up to the deed Rella must complete to earn her freedom. I wanted more description and character development to really draw me into the life at the Black House. That being said, the story itself was well-written and edited, I just felt the potential for something greater was lingering in the distance. I hope the author goes back and adds some more description and plot details. I did like the ending though. I found it very macabre. However though, for a quick read, it was definitely not your normal Cinderella fairy tale. I did enjoy the way the author made it different. Cinders by V.M. Sawh is short, dark, and interesting.
February 14, 2015
NOT YOUR MOTHER'S FAIRY TALES!
I was furnished with a free copy for an honest review. Read the full review here: https://rileyamoswestbrook.wordpress....
Cinders is Twisted, without too much of a dark turn to them, and were very enjoyable to read.
I love the imagery he uses. It’s very vivid and you can clearly see what he was trying to portray. I’m very much so a visual thinker, and I kept picturing Picasso like scenes as I read it. A bit from each of his periods.
Now for the knocks, though there’s only two. 1. I don’t like sex scenes in books. I think they detract a bit from the work. 2 Because of that I can’t share these modified children’s tales with my mother, mostly because I know the look she’d give me.
But I did enjoy the stories.
I was furnished with a free copy for an honest review. Read the full review here: https://rileyamoswestbrook.wordpress....
Cinders is Twisted, without too much of a dark turn to them, and were very enjoyable to read.
I love the imagery he uses. It’s very vivid and you can clearly see what he was trying to portray. I’m very much so a visual thinker, and I kept picturing Picasso like scenes as I read it. A bit from each of his periods.
Now for the knocks, though there’s only two. 1. I don’t like sex scenes in books. I think they detract a bit from the work. 2 Because of that I can’t share these modified children’s tales with my mother, mostly because I know the look she’d give me.
But I did enjoy the stories.
November 9, 2014
A unique and compelling twist on the tale of Cinderella! I was completely hooked from page one with the vivid and detailed descriptions, the vibrant characters, and the dismal plot. I loved every moment of it!
The length is perfect. I was able to read it in one sitting -- which is good because with Sawh's skill level of writing and the fascinating plot, I would have read it all in one sitting even if it had been 400 pages long (which would have greatly upset my toddler son).
It's a brilliant retelling of the fairy tale -- taking it back to the morbidity of its origin. I loved this short story and highly recommend it!
The length is perfect. I was able to read it in one sitting -- which is good because with Sawh's skill level of writing and the fascinating plot, I would have read it all in one sitting even if it had been 400 pages long (which would have greatly upset my toddler son).
It's a brilliant retelling of the fairy tale -- taking it back to the morbidity of its origin. I loved this short story and highly recommend it!
July 20, 2016
interesting twist on a traditional fairy tale, and by traditional I mean dark rather than ‘disney’.
For me the story is a heavily compacted version of a book I’d really like to read. We need to know more about Rella’s life in the evil ‘bordello’ run by her ‘Stepmother’ and more about the Prince. This story has all the right elements, nasty ‘sisters,’ horrid ‘stepmother’, glass stilettoes, a handsome Prince, borrowed coaches and palace balls. Oh and torture, death and sexual exploitation. Yeah, I’m odd but more details please!
For me the story is a heavily compacted version of a book I’d really like to read. We need to know more about Rella’s life in the evil ‘bordello’ run by her ‘Stepmother’ and more about the Prince. This story has all the right elements, nasty ‘sisters,’ horrid ‘stepmother’, glass stilettoes, a handsome Prince, borrowed coaches and palace balls. Oh and torture, death and sexual exploitation. Yeah, I’m odd but more details please!
December 24, 2016
Extremely dark, Cinders by VM Sawh takes the Cinderella story and stands it on its head. Rella lives in a brothel with a greedy madam called Stepmother. She shares the house with many stepsisters, two of them, Drusilla and Anastasia take pleasure in torturing her, both mentally and physically. In order to escape, she agrees to a murderous plot to kill the future king. Sawh leaves nothing sacred, even turning the glass slipper into a deadly weapon. There is no happily ever after in this fairy tale. It's dark and grim, sure to leave nightmares rather than sweet dreams.
May 14, 2022
What an amazing story I love the way it’s told differently Rella being part of a stable of prostitutes refusing to sell herself and her innocence and only wanting to escape the life set out for her, she is tasked with killing the prince so that his uncle can take power.
Rella just wants to be free but doesn’t realise what she has to do until it’s time.
Read this you won’t be disappointed it’s great very dark but that’s what fairytales are for
Rella just wants to be free but doesn’t realise what she has to do until it’s time.
Read this you won’t be disappointed it’s great very dark but that’s what fairytales are for
May 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. I read it very quickly and was intrigued to find out how V was going to put his twist on an old tale. It didn't disappoint. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes their fairy stories on the dark side.
March 5, 2017
Loved this brief total skewering of the Cinderella fairytale. I won't say anything else about the content so as to avoid spoiling it; the best thing I can say is, although it wasn't funny, I was extremely amused, and in the end I think that's what the author was aiming for. Bullseye! Well done!
May 31, 2015
I must say, if you're looking for a nice quick read to speed up your pulse and twist what you thought you knew, this novella will do the trick! Sexy - unexpected - beautifully written.
August 26, 2024
I recently read Cinders by V.M. Sawh, and it was a captivating retelling of the Cinderella story. The dark, atmospheric tone of the book immediately drew me in, though I found the Renaissance, Old English style of writing a bit challenging at first. However, once I got used to the language, the narrative flowed smoothly, and I could fully appreciate the story’s depth.
The retelling was both unique and gripping, offering a mature and gritty twist on the classic tale. I particularly enjoyed how the author seamlessly integrated themes of love, freedom, and sacrifice, creating a story that was both haunting and poignant. My only wish was that it could have been longer, as I found myself wanting to dive deeper into Rella’s world and her backstory.
Overall, Cinders is a beautifully told story that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys dark, mature fairy tale retellings.
The retelling was both unique and gripping, offering a mature and gritty twist on the classic tale. I particularly enjoyed how the author seamlessly integrated themes of love, freedom, and sacrifice, creating a story that was both haunting and poignant. My only wish was that it could have been longer, as I found myself wanting to dive deeper into Rella’s world and her backstory.
Overall, Cinders is a beautifully told story that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys dark, mature fairy tale retellings.
May 16, 2023
"Cinders" is penned by V.M. Sawh. It is the first book of the Good Tales For Bad Dreams series. Based on Cinderella, the short novella follows Rella as she is given the order to murder Prince Charlemagne with her glass slippers. In return, she is assured that she will be able to save her virtue and gain her freedom from Black House, a brothel run by her stepmother. Cinders is a captivating retelling of Cinderella that keeps your attention to the very end. This novella is recommended to readers who love reading adult fairy tales.
November 19, 2014
After reading Hontas, I had to backtrack and read this one. I'm so glad that I did.
I'm a huge fan of these reimagining tales and this is one of the best I have come across.
It takes a lot of imagination to shake up a beloved fairy tale. Most of the time, just some characters are shifted around of a few twists are added.
Cinders does more than shake things up, it rewrites the whole story. This harkens back to what a fable used to be, before they were sanitized. This is a hard life, with hard characters and it is amazing.
You have never imagined a Cinderella anything like this.
This shortened format lends itself so well to this story. This is a tale that needs to be in your face and shocking, and to be a novel length would draw out the punch too far.
This is like Bruce Lee's one inch punch straight to your fairy tale soul.
I'm a huge fan of these reimagining tales and this is one of the best I have come across.
It takes a lot of imagination to shake up a beloved fairy tale. Most of the time, just some characters are shifted around of a few twists are added.
Cinders does more than shake things up, it rewrites the whole story. This harkens back to what a fable used to be, before they were sanitized. This is a hard life, with hard characters and it is amazing.
You have never imagined a Cinderella anything like this.
This shortened format lends itself so well to this story. This is a tale that needs to be in your face and shocking, and to be a novel length would draw out the punch too far.
This is like Bruce Lee's one inch punch straight to your fairy tale soul.
August 10, 2016
Cinders (Good Tales for Bad Dreams) is a lovely short story that reworks the classic tale of Cinderella and twists it around.
I enjoyed the book, the twist at the end was a really nice touch, although I did wish it had been longer, to go into the complexities of the characters like Anastasia for example.
However I did love the change in direction the author gave to the tale, making it something a bit darker than what it originally was, yet still keeping certain aspects of the Grimms tale within the story.
I enjoyed the book, the twist at the end was a really nice touch, although I did wish it had been longer, to go into the complexities of the characters like Anastasia for example.
However I did love the change in direction the author gave to the tale, making it something a bit darker than what it originally was, yet still keeping certain aspects of the Grimms tale within the story.
July 8, 2015
Every fairytale ending you ever heard, washed away in one foul swoop! Cinders re-writes any previous fairytale ending you ever had with such a deadly beauty that has you turning pages at an almost breakneck pace! V.M SAWH has such a vivid imagination, and yet he manages to give you his vision in as short a story as possible! This man needs to keep writing!
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