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The Dark Prince's Choice (A Cinderella and Beauty and The Beast Retelling): Breakthrough Fairytales Book One

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What if Cinderella was a princess and Prince Charming invaded her kingdom?

Returning to her home-kingdom after ten long years of the dark prince and his father's invasion, the crownless princess Austrella is quite unrecognisable even to her family. She finds herself a job in her uncle—the duke's house, under a new identity, and begin a new life when she learns about the yearly ball hosted at the palace for the prince. Austrella grabs this opportunity and makes it to the ball—just to see her old home.

But what unfolds when the dark prince choses Austrella as his bride? How will Austrella escape the fate that bounds her to the one who is the source of all her problems? Can she tolerate being with someone who overthrew her family, killed her brother, and usurped her father's throne, without risking her true identity?

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2024

12 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

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Katelyn Daliath

8 books59 followers

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5 stars
25 (43%)
4 stars
18 (31%)
3 stars
10 (17%)
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3 (5%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,282 reviews732 followers
January 13, 2024
3 💘💘💘⭐️s

I enjoyed this historical fantasy clean romance read.
I liked the cast, the pace and flow were very well handled.
The revelations as well the twists and turns were pleasant and some of them unexpected.

There were some words that didn’t chime with the specific era and a few cheesy moments.
Profile Image for Laura and Literature.
401 reviews29 followers
December 19, 2023
I love fairy tell retellings and this one did not disappoint. Cinderella meets Beauty and the Beast with Austrella and the Dark Prince.

The writing is lovely and the story has a good flow to it. The characters are easy to follow along with and you know how everyone is connected.

This is one I’d recommend to take your time with. The world building is really fun to dive in to and following along with Austrellas adventures was enjoyable as well!
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 25 books180 followers
January 18, 2024
This was a beautiful Cinderella/Beauty and the Beast retelling that brought me to literal TEARS! The romance was tender and exquisitely written, with both characters being lovable and having flaws. I loved the twists and turns of the book; everything was so unexpected but the happy ending was satisfying. Liven was so patient and honest with Austrella, while she slowly realized her initial impression of him was wrong. Their love story was wonderful! Thank you to the author for my ARC; all opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Noah Lynch.
Author 4 books8 followers
Read
January 10, 2024
The Dark Prince’s Choice is a mashup retelling of both Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast that gives a unique spin on the story while also allowing themes of forgiveness and sacrifice.
Austrella is no normal girl, but a princess exiled from her own home. Coming to the ball with some help from her exiled parents, she unexpectedly gets chosen to be the bride of the same dark prince who’s responsible for her banishment. Much of the story focuses on this and her journey to forgive him as he shows kindness to her and attempts to be a good host. It reflects in many ways the original Beauty and the Beast written by Beaumont which counts in its favor.
It does well in building up the tension as well as show Austrella’s struggle to eventually trust and overcome her fears of the prince. Also, the progression of her forgiving him for his crimes is done well and realistically. There are many plot twists and turns as well as revelations to this story which keeps the plot proceeding.
A well done story! I would recommend to Christian clean fiction readers who shall get the most enjoyment out of it.
I was given an advance copy. All my opinions above are solely my own, not bought or bribed. It was an honor to read this story.
Profile Image for Destiny Imperati.
1,080 reviews39 followers
January 15, 2024
ARC Review ✨
Tropes✨
Clean romance❤️‍🔥
Fairytale retelling 🪄
Historical fantasy🖤
Suspense 👀

This was a fantastic story! I love that it’s two fairytale retellings combined into one epic book! I love all the older fairytales, so I made sure to grab this one and I’m so happy I did! The story unfolded very nicely, and the plot was easy to comprehend. The author did an amazing job at connecting all the characters so you could understand everyone’s role in the story. I highly suggest this book if you are a fan of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.
Profile Image for Praise Abraham.
Author 2 books9 followers
December 27, 2023
This was a lovely read, through and through. I enjoyed every bit of the story. The drama, the surprises, the twists were so good that I kept turning the pages.
I also loved how seamlessly the parallel between Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast fairytales were interwoven into this story. The emotions in the story were quite palpable.

All in all, I liked how the story was wrapped up with the theme that true love is the most powerful thing in the world, powerful enough to break spells and curses. I also liked the recurring emphasis on the elements of true love: forgiveness, overlooking flaws, sacrifice, redemption.
And I also commend the many references to The Creator. Gave the story a good spiritual foundation, a balance for good and bad.
36 reviews
January 18, 2024
Good choice for a read

I loved so many things about this book. The storyline is creative and captivating. A world of fantasy with characters that are believable, loveable and/or hateable. I personally agree with some of the characters thought processes on love or actions and others that I find twisted. Some of those thoughts I find twisted  are along the lines of Romeo and Juliet. But all of the characters and their choices are humanly realistic, even those I disagree with. I thought of giving 4 stars due to some grammatical errors (I'm kind of a grammar nerd so if other readers are just keep that in mind). I also dont know if some of the differences in grammar were just topographical differences in the way we communicate. The book has a little spice, desire and kisses but all clean. It's definitely worth a read :) If for a younger reader: I'd recommend for ones who are willing to talk with someone about healthy relationships in case they have questions. Also if a reader is sensitive or triggered by Romeo and Juliet mentality or scenarios, this might not be the book for you. For those who aren't bothered by that, this book is a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,293 reviews76 followers
January 7, 2024
This is a beautifully creative combination of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast retellings but with an original twist that keeps you guessing.
It has delightful nods to the key events in both these fairytales but seamlessly formulates into a new and gripping romantasy with secrets, hidden identities, magic and a sweet closed door but feisty romance.
The charming chemistry between Ella and the Dark Prince builds throughout the story in their enemy to lover romance, along with revelations, suspense and sarcastic banter.

This had me hooked with the worldbuilding, great characters, drama, twists and themes of forgiveness, patience and love.
Definitely one to read!

"You are the beat of my heart, the breath in my lungs, and the very essence of my existence"

Honest and Voluntary ARC review
Profile Image for niks bookshelf.
286 reviews16 followers
January 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 // 4.5 stars 🫶🏻

yall this was my first official fairytale retelling read and im obsessed 😍💜 its a cinderella/beauty and the beast retelling and its closed-door romance❤️‍🔥 which is what initially drew me in!

ella and liven are quite possibly the cutest couple to exist in my opinion, even though she tries to run away approximately 7.8 billion times (😂🙈) at first, even though she adores him?! *its complicated* 🤪 this books definitely got all the banter, which I love. i also loved the enemies/hate to love AND the hidden identity…ooh the ✨tension✨…🥹

i also really admired the supporting characters and their connections throughout as well 🫶🏻💜 overall, this book was fantastic! 12/10 would recommend

ive been dying to read some fairytale retellings, but my spice level preference is closed-door, which is really hard to come by when it comes to 💖fairytales💖. SO glad to have found this one!
Profile Image for Leslie Maria Gonzalez.
177 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

There was a lot that I liked about this book: I loved the retelling combination of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast and thought the author did a great job of combining the hallmarks of each of those fairytales to weave a new, unique, and enchanting fairytale. Adam’s character was my favorite and I hope he gets his own book.

The biggest issue I have with this story is the world building which I just found to be severely lacking sadly. It was so hard for me to become fully engrossed in the story from the beginning because I just had so many questions and found a lot of things and the main characters motivations to be implausible. The revelation later on in the book helped to answer some of those questions but it took too long to get there.

I also think the book could have been condensed a little bit and the character’s actions given more emphasis and meaning. I loved that Austrella fought against her feelings and did try to escape multiple times but I would have found it more compelling if she held stronger convictions and put a little more thought into her escape plans. I think it would have worked better if instead of three half-hearted attempts she only had one or two serious attempts.

Finally, I think this story would have worked better if it was a true enemies to lovers story where the dark Prince was in fact a dark Prince who purposely took over her kingdom and took responsibility for his actions.

Overall, I did enjoy this book a lot once things were better explained and the plot really got going and I loved all the action and twists at the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

*I received an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Magdalena.
5 reviews
January 9, 2024
From the first pages of the book I was hooked to the story. The two main characters were so cute in the beginning as the bickered and he gave her nicknames. Their love touched my heart as it was pure, forgiving and true. Even when they revealed their depeased secrets it didn't stop them from loving each other.

As a huge fan of fairytales I loved every little single connection that the author wrote inside. She managed to beautifuly put some of the main things that happen both in Cinderella and, Beauty and the Beast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ~ • { Elizabeth } • ~ .
33 reviews
July 19, 2025
🖤👑 Book Review: The Dark Prince’s Choice by Katelyn Daliath
⭐ 5/5 Stars for this darkly enchanting, clean romantic fantasy that blends the heart of Cinderella with the brooding soul of Beauty and the Beast and the whispers of Romeo and Juliet.
From the shadows of a stolen kingdom to the glittering deception of a royal ball, The Dark Prince’s Choice pulls you into a world where vengeance, longing, and loyalty collide. Katelyn Daliath crafts a tale of sharp contrasts—beauty and brutality, fate and free will, love and the legacy of war.
Austrella is no helpless damsel; she’s a displaced princess hiding in plain sight, burdened by grief, secrets, and a past stained in blood. When she dares to attend the palace ball, it’s not to find love—it’s to glimpse the life she lost. But everything shifts when Prince Liven—the very man responsible for her shattered world—chooses her as his bride.
What follows is a story of slow-burning reckoning and reluctant connection. As Austrella navigates the perilous halls of her old home, now ruled by her enemy, she faces impossible questions: Can the villain of her past become a man worthy of redemption? And can she open her heart without betraying all she once swore to protect?
If you love:
🖤 Clean enemies-to-lovers romance with gothic undertones
👑 Princesses/princes in disguise & political intrigue
🌹 Fairy-tale retellings with a darker edge
🕯️ Themes of grief, identity, and reluctant hope
⚔️ A slow unraveling of tension, secrets, and buried hearts
…then this story will haunt you in the best way.
🎭 Aesthetic Vibe:
Candlelight flickering in castle shadows,rnning through a maze, aching glances across marble halls, shattered crowns beneath blooming roses, and a love that blooms like light through cracked stone.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
* Past war & family loss (grief and betrayal explored thoughtfully)
* Mild peril, emotional trauma, and forced proximity
* Clean, closed-door romance — no spice
📖 Final Thoughts:
The Dark Prince’s Choice is a fairytale reimagined with grit, elegance, and emotion. It's for readers who crave stories where love rises slowly from the ashes, where villains may not be as they seem, and where a girl’s strength isn’t in her glass slipper, but in the fire she carries through the ruins.

- Elizabeth
Profile Image for Hilma.
612 reviews
December 20, 2023
As I really love reading retellings, I wanted to read The Dark Prince’s Choice by Katelyn Daliath very much. It’s a mash up retelling of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, two totally different fairytales, so I was wondering how things would go in this book.

From the first I was hooked, because you wonder who Austrella is, the girl who comes back to her home to be with her family, because no one must find out who she really is. As the story progresses you find out what happened, but as always things are not what they seem, so as a reader you are transfixed and you go on reading to find the answers.

Austrella (Ella) is a great character, you feel for her. Katelyn Daliath put real good work in mashing up two fairytales. You can see glimpes of both tales, but Ella’s story is very different than the original fairytales. The writing style is wonderful, easy going and fast paced. The banter between Ella and The evil (or maybe not so evil?) Dark Prince (who must find a bride and break a curse) is great, I smiled a lot while reading their interactions. He is amusing, very lively and enjoys his banter with Ella, because she dares to contradict him. During the story a lot of things happen, sometimes unexpected, and the storyline is great, as is the worldbuilding.

I found this book a lovely surprise and I enjoyed it a lot. I wonder what fairytales Katelyn Daliath chooses for her next book, because that is a book I will definitely read.
Profile Image for AyeLikeBooks.
33 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
If you love Beauty and The Beast and Cinderella then you'll love this retelling of them as much as I did!! ✨️💕👑
Okay, so first things first! Everything in this book was very well done! It made me want to know what happened next.
I loved the characters especially, Austrella, Liven and Adam!! I loved the banter between the main characters. Their sassy remarks had me dying of laughter. 😂
I'm not usually into romance novels, but this one I loved every minute of it! 😁💕 And another thing I enjoyed was it was a clean romance, but still very swoony which I absolutely loved!
There was a good amount of danger, suspense and mystery which made it more enjoyable.
This book had me going through lots of emotions. Sadness. Giggling. Smiling. Frustration. Shock. And screaming.
I loved how Katelyn Daliath added some faith aspects into the book as well!! 🤍
I will admit when I finished the book I didn't want it to end, I wanted more of Austrella and Liven. 😍
I felt like this book gave a great message that love is the most powerful thing and conquers all. 💞
I would absolutely give this book a ✨️10/10✨️
I loved everything in this book which made it hard to put down!
Marvelous book, Katelyn!!! 👏❤️
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of your books!!! 🤩
99 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026

4.25 Stars

The Dark Prince’s Choice by Katelyn Daliath completely took me by surprise—in the best possible way. From early on, the twists, turns, and shocking reveals had my stomach in knots. Just when I thought I understood where the story was heading, another layer unfolded. The tension was constant, and the emotional stakes felt very real.

What truly made this book shine for me was the Prince’s unconditional love. It wasn’t shallow or fleeting—it was steadfast, sacrificial, and deeply enchanting. His devotion added such depth and power to the story that it elevated every conflict and every choice he faced. There’s something incredibly compelling about love that refuses to waver, even in darkness.

I was so hooked that I finished this in just a couple of days because I simply couldn’t put it down. The pacing kept me turning pages, desperate to see how everything would resolve.

So good—and definitely a story that lingers after the final page.
Profile Image for Finger Pages.
198 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2025
I can't express how beautifully this book was written. To retell a fairytale, especially TWO and still have it feel new and original while still holding to the original tale is masterfully done. My heart CRIED for Princess Austrella at times.
If you love a morally gray MC, enemies to lovers, forced closeness, touch her and die genres then THIS book is for you. While it's 100% clean it does have some more passionate kissing and there is some Romeo and Juliet feels to it.
For anyone who loves slightly darker but still HEA retellings such as Heir and the Spare by Kate Stradling or A Dark Dark Wood by Cece Louise then you will LOVE this story. 5 stars go pick it up!
Profile Image for Evelyn Williams.
23 reviews
July 21, 2025
I would this book was pretty good, however there were numerous grammatical and spelling errors that I caught along the way that made it a little awkward. I also felt like the female main character seemed a little bit spoiled and self absorbed but I kept reading and was pleasantly surprised the end. It was a sweet romance and I love that Liven realized if he really loved her he wouldn’t force her to stay.
Profile Image for Jen.
188 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2024
What if Cinderella fell for the Beast?

Cinderella retellings are one of favorites to read. I have never seen an author combined Cinderella with Beauty and the Beast. It was an unique twist on both tales. The book had all the classic elements of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Furthermore, Daliath created a plot where both fairy tales melded together seamlessly. I loved this book and could not put it down! There were so many twist and turns. In addition, I loved Austrella’s character growth throughout the story. Liven is swoony and there is more to him than being the dark Prince. The romance is a clean closed door with kissing and star-crossed lovers elements. The romance is a clean closed door with kissing. If you love fairy tales and enemy to lovers trope, then give this book a read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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