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Amendyr #1
The Second Sister
ELEANOR OF SANDLEFORD'S entire world is shaken when her father marries the mysterious, reclusive Lady Kingsclere to gain her noble title. Ripped away from the only home she has ever known, Ellie is forced to live at Baxstresse Manor with her two new stepsisters, Luciana and Belladonna. Luciana is sadistic, but Belladonna is the woman who truly haunts her. When her father dies and her new stepmother goes suddenly mad, Ellie is cheated out of her inheritance and forced to become a servant. With the help of a shy maid, a friendly cook, a talking cat, and her mysterious second stepsister, Ellie must stop Luciana from using an ancient sorcerer’s chain to bewitch the handsome Prince Brendan and take over the entire kingdom of Seria.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2014
350 people are currently reading
1314 people want to read
About the author
Rae D. Magdon
28 books281 followersRae D. Magdon is an author of queer lesbian fiction. Her stories celebrate lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans women falling in love, and she cares deeply about including characters of color in her work. In addition to publishing novels about all kinds of women and their adventures, she has an extensive fanfiction collection available for free online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 30, 2016
This book is all kinds of wrong.
I didn't want to review it but I finally decided it is way too unhealthy to not be pointed out for what it is. If it had merely been badly written, with enormous plot holes, an unbelievable romance and awful smut, I wouldn't have. But the romance is very unhealthy. And seeing as it is a fairytale retelling that might be compelling to young women questioning themselves, I believe they should be aware of the overall wrongness of it.
Other than the fact that they're in lust rather than in love, the romance reads very much like a deflowering and possessiveness/dominance fetish on the Not Evil Stepsister part.
Case in point:
She also:
As well as calls her "pet" and growls "mine" during sex.
Which, of course, is perfectly normal for the main character who, remember, has no idea what a healthy relationship is supposed to be like and couldn't even fathom being in one (even with a man) before suddenly finding out that women can be in love and that, furthermore, her stepsister is in love with her.
Her reaction is:
NO. No, that's not true, that's not healthy, that's not how consent works. Even less so, love.
Not to mention the repeated rape of one of the maids by the Evil Stepsister for most of the story. Supposedly to contrast with Not Evil Stepsister sleeping with the staff too, but it's not rape because she's gentler and the power imbalance in no way means they're afraid to say no to her (contrary to Evil Stepsister who could kill them in all impunity...).
I could go on much longer on how plain wrong and awfully written this book is, but I promised myself I'd write a brief review focusing on the unhealthiness.
I didn't want to review it but I finally decided it is way too unhealthy to not be pointed out for what it is. If it had merely been badly written, with enormous plot holes, an unbelievable romance and awful smut, I wouldn't have. But the romance is very unhealthy. And seeing as it is a fairytale retelling that might be compelling to young women questioning themselves, I believe they should be aware of the overall wrongness of it.
Other than the fact that they're in lust rather than in love, the romance reads very much like a deflowering and possessiveness/dominance fetish on the Not Evil Stepsister part.
Case in point:
“Knowing I'm the first to touch you is making my heart burst.”
She also:
"run[s] her hands over my belly, back, breasts, and even cupping gently between my legs, to reaffirm ownership."
As well as calls her "pet" and growls "mine" during sex.
Which, of course, is perfectly normal for the main character who, remember, has no idea what a healthy relationship is supposed to be like and couldn't even fathom being in one (even with a man) before suddenly finding out that women can be in love and that, furthermore, her stepsister is in love with her.
Her reaction is:
"My body is yours. You never have to ask to touch me. I belong to you."
NO. No, that's not true, that's not healthy, that's not how consent works. Even less so, love.
Not to mention the repeated rape of one of the maids by the Evil Stepsister for most of the story. Supposedly to contrast with Not Evil Stepsister sleeping with the staff too, but it's not rape because she's gentler and the power imbalance in no way means they're afraid to say no to her (contrary to Evil Stepsister who could kill them in all impunity...).
I could go on much longer on how plain wrong and awfully written this book is, but I promised myself I'd write a brief review focusing on the unhealthiness.
February 24, 2018
I really don't know what to say other than, it took me 6 days to finish reading a 219 page book. That for me, is atrocious. I'm almost disappointed in myself. But it was that bad. A lesfic Cinderella adaptation, that just felt off from the very beginning. Setting the awkwardness of , there is no chemistry between the MC and secondary lead, and the "powerful" magical villain is easily subdued in the end making me wonder what all the fuss was about. The many sex scenes thrown in throughout felt like a tool to convince the reader of their deep love, but they all fell flat. Read at your peril.
June 25, 2021
2.5 stars. This had a great, really promising start, and for that reason I'm especially disappointed with how it turned out? I don't think this is all bad, and I adore the concept, but the execution was less than I'd have hoped for. A sexy f/f Cinderella retelling where one of the evil stepsisters isn't actually evil sounds like the story of my dreams, but this was just very awkward. The background and setup was all great, and I loved the beginning chapters and all the interactions. But we really did not get enough character interaction with Ellie and Belladonna, and I was 0% convinced of their romance. There were so many opportunities for it, for them to get to know each other, and they didn't. It felt like one second they didn't know each other, and the other second they were madly in love. I REALLY disliked the diary as a plot device, and there were so many holes in the reasoning and plot later on in the story, and so many things that didn't make sense. The villain suddenly became blind as a bat and super dense. It was frustrating, and again, all the more so because the beginning set me up for something a lot better than what I got.
It was really sexy (I did like the power play a lot), and I started off really liking Ellie and Belle as characters, but they had no chemistry/build-up and the story they were in often didn't make sense. I cannot let go of the fact that they both knew what the villain was doing to Cate, and just thought "oh well, she's too powerful for us to do anything meaningful about that, we'll continue to bang like rabbits while atrocities happen pretty much under our noses." They just let it continue, and I lost respect for them both.
I'm sad I didn't like this more.
Content warnings: .
It was really sexy (I did like the power play a lot), and I started off really liking Ellie and Belle as characters, but they had no chemistry/build-up and the story they were in often didn't make sense. I cannot let go of the fact that they both knew what the villain was doing to Cate, and just thought "oh well, she's too powerful for us to do anything meaningful about that, we'll continue to bang like rabbits while atrocities happen pretty much under our noses." They just let it continue, and I lost respect for them both.
I'm sad I didn't like this more.
Content warnings: .
July 2, 2015
3.75 stars.
I picked this book completely at random based upon the blurb. I thought it sounded similar to Cinderella and then realized it *was* Cinderella retold. That's fine. I enjoy old fairy tales and stories that are given a sapphic twist.
The writing flows and characters big and small are well drawn. The author did a good job of setting up Ellie's (aka Cinderella's) turn from a lady of the house to a servant, not skimping on the details there. I appreciated that. Cate's character, another servant girl, is particularly strong and interesting. The animals, who Ellie can talk to, are quite entertaining, as well.
**** spoiler alert ****
The second sister, Belladonna, is sultry and her physical presence sings with power so it's easy to see why Ellie falls for her. I'd say this retelling of the Cinderella story leaned more towards erotica than romance for me. A romance is there but, except for a few flirtations from Belladonna in the beginning of the book and anticipation in Ellie when she realizes Belladonna favors her, there's not really a courting. They are obviously in love but I think not seeing a mutual romantic love grow towards each other when they are in one another's presence detracts from the romance factor. The sex scenes are really explicit and steamy and, for those who like power dynamics, that is present.
While the first 60% of the book felt fleshed out (like a saturated feeling), something about the last 1/3rd of it felt more glossed over and rushed. The villain, for being connivingly torturous towards Ellie and others in the household, ends up not being too bright for the last portion of the book. And, I kind of wish the demise of the villain was brought about by an idea from Ellie herself, rather than something that was done by other characters.
**** end spoiler ****
Overall, this is a decent read. It can definitely be appreciated as a new version of an old fairy-tale. If you're up for that, I recommend it.
A note, there are rape triggers in this book. "Luciana is sadistic" is an accurate description of the villain in this story.
I picked this book completely at random based upon the blurb. I thought it sounded similar to Cinderella and then realized it *was* Cinderella retold. That's fine. I enjoy old fairy tales and stories that are given a sapphic twist.
The writing flows and characters big and small are well drawn. The author did a good job of setting up Ellie's (aka Cinderella's) turn from a lady of the house to a servant, not skimping on the details there. I appreciated that. Cate's character, another servant girl, is particularly strong and interesting. The animals, who Ellie can talk to, are quite entertaining, as well.
**** spoiler alert ****
The second sister, Belladonna, is sultry and her physical presence sings with power so it's easy to see why Ellie falls for her. I'd say this retelling of the Cinderella story leaned more towards erotica than romance for me. A romance is there but, except for a few flirtations from Belladonna in the beginning of the book and anticipation in Ellie when she realizes Belladonna favors her, there's not really a courting. They are obviously in love but I think not seeing a mutual romantic love grow towards each other when they are in one another's presence detracts from the romance factor. The sex scenes are really explicit and steamy and, for those who like power dynamics, that is present.
While the first 60% of the book felt fleshed out (like a saturated feeling), something about the last 1/3rd of it felt more glossed over and rushed. The villain, for being connivingly torturous towards Ellie and others in the household, ends up not being too bright for the last portion of the book. And, I kind of wish the demise of the villain was brought about by an idea from Ellie herself, rather than something that was done by other characters.
**** end spoiler ****
Overall, this is a decent read. It can definitely be appreciated as a new version of an old fairy-tale. If you're up for that, I recommend it.
A note, there are rape triggers in this book. "Luciana is sadistic" is an accurate description of the villain in this story.
June 25, 2019
TW: abuse and mentions of rape
The Second Sister is a gay retelling of Cinderella where Ellie (Cinderella) falls in love with her stepsister, Belladonna. Luciana who is the other stepsister, wants to inherit all the family money comes up with a plan to make that happen.
“There isn't enough paper in the world to write all the poems you inspire in me.”
Warning there is a lot of sex in this book.
Most of the characters are lovable and fully developed. Cate who began the novel as a shy servant and barely talked eventually stood up for herself and became independent. Ellie has the ability speak to animals with leads to quite a few amusing moments.
“They say that love is blind, but I know better. Lovers see, but choose to look away.”
The Second Sister is a gay retelling of Cinderella where Ellie (Cinderella) falls in love with her stepsister, Belladonna. Luciana who is the other stepsister, wants to inherit all the family money comes up with a plan to make that happen.
“There isn't enough paper in the world to write all the poems you inspire in me.”
Warning there is a lot of sex in this book.
Most of the characters are lovable and fully developed. Cate who began the novel as a shy servant and barely talked eventually stood up for herself and became independent. Ellie has the ability speak to animals with leads to quite a few amusing moments.
“They say that love is blind, but I know better. Lovers see, but choose to look away.”
December 2, 2015
REVIEWED ON BOOKLIKES
I guess I can sum this up as a disappointing read.
I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings, the romance being about two girls helps the book sell quicker. So I actually read most of the book, just was dissatisfied by the plot and didn't really care how the story ended.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS! (Also, I'm not the nicest when I review books I didn't like. So beware dramatic criticism.)
I guess I can sum this up as a disappointing read.
I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings, the romance being about two girls helps the book sell quicker. So I actually read most of the book, just was dissatisfied by the plot and didn't really care how the story ended.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS! (Also, I'm not the nicest when I review books I didn't like. So beware dramatic criticism.)
November 15, 2024
4 stars. Like, I get the low ratings that this has but also I'm garbage so of COURSE I liked this. LOL. I'm annoying, sorry. I thought this was really good and holy hell was it sexy. I liked Ellie a lot and her relationship with Belladonna. The power imbalance between them was delicious and I liked their chemistry a lot. The plot outside of the romance was also interesting and I found myself really into the villain, Luciana. Like, really, really into her. Ugh. Again, I'm annoying garbage, sorry. Luciana is a terrible person but she was fascinating. The world building was intriguing and I'm so glad that there are more books in this series because this was super entertaining.
November 26, 2021
4.5 *
I really enjoyed this. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I want to know why it took me so long to get here.
I have a couple of niggles, most of them I can’t recall now I’m thinking about it. None of them important then. One thing that struck me, was about the animal speech. I may have missed something, like how can she hide her skill whilst talking to animals with people around? A kind of telepathy?
I do like the Cinderella tale, and more in the way I want to hear it told. And this is my first, Cinderella retold too. So I like it. I want to read more.
I really enjoyed this. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I want to know why it took me so long to get here.
I have a couple of niggles, most of them I can’t recall now I’m thinking about it. None of them important then. One thing that struck me, was about the animal speech. I may have missed something, like how can she hide her skill whilst talking to animals with people around? A kind of telepathy?
I do like the Cinderella tale, and more in the way I want to hear it told. And this is my first, Cinderella retold too. So I like it. I want to read more.
April 2, 2023
I believe this book is getting the brunt of my frustration. The last book i read before this was disappointing and this just took my disappointment to another level.
A cinderella kind of story, wherein the bad sisters threaten her and force her into servitude. So it was surprising to learn a Stockholm syndrome kind of love emerged. No interlude of courtship or convincing just abracadabra...the victim is in love with her abuser.
The story was just too annoying. So many red flags on their supposed relationship. It is borderline bdsm of sort.
A cinderella kind of story, wherein the bad sisters threaten her and force her into servitude. So it was surprising to learn a Stockholm syndrome kind of love emerged. No interlude of courtship or convincing just abracadabra...the victim is in love with her abuser.
The story was just too annoying. So many red flags on their supposed relationship. It is borderline bdsm of sort.
February 12, 2022
“Give me one reason to keep something that could ruin me.”
“Because the thoughts in it are too beautiful to destroy.”
Not at all what I expected. What starts out as a pretty by-the-books Cinderella retelling takes a turn for the creepy once the “evil” stepmother falls ill and the house—and our protagonist Eleanor—are controlled by the sadistic and perverse sister Luciana.
Cue a sudden romance between Eleanor and her stepsister Belladonna. And that romance wasn’t what I expected either… aaaand everything about that is technically a spoiler (or just one of my rambles), so here we go:
In other news. I liked the writing style a lot—it was pretty cozy and peaceful, like a fairy-tale writing style expanded to fit in more minute details. Eleanor speaking to the animals was a great interpretation of the tale as we recognize it that felt very sweet and right at home. I liked the little references to magical lands and witch-type people; I have a fondness for stories that are centred on one little, intimate-feeling location and yet hint at huge, complex systems outside of them.
That romance though man. I feel like I’m gonna be puzzled about it until I write an essay.
December 30, 2021
The other day, I was reading Jaina Proudmoore and Sylvanas Windrunner's (from World of Warcraft) fanfic by Rae D. Magdon. Mostly they are smut...and I'm impressed by her storytelling, the chemistry building, and how she handled the power imbalance.
So despite many 1-2 stars in this book, I am still willing to give it a shot to read it, and oh boy, the whole book is bizarre in a way I want to laugh out loud. Like most people, my main issue is the romance between two MCs, which is problematic. I feel like their love interest is out of the blue. It's abusive and manipulates than "love." It's unhealthy, and I do not recommend it.
So despite many 1-2 stars in this book, I am still willing to give it a shot to read it, and oh boy, the whole book is bizarre in a way I want to laugh out loud. Like most people, my main issue is the romance between two MCs, which is problematic. I feel like their love interest is out of the blue. It's abusive and manipulates than "love." It's unhealthy, and I do not recommend it.
March 13, 2018
This is a loose retelling of Cinderella. In fact, it was so loose, that I almost began to wonder why the author did some things just to make the story a Cinderella story. The protagonist, Eleanor, is head-over-heels in love with the younger step-sister in this rendition. She doesn't really need to deal with dances and shoes and all that crap to get what she wants. But older step-sister is ultra-evil so Eleanor has to save the the kingdom from the possibility of an evil queen by distracting the Prince of the story.
I actually quite liked the power dynamic between Eleanor and the younger step-sister, Belle. There was a mild DS thing going on which made the romance interesting. Eleanor also has the ability to talk to animals, which added a bit of amusement to the story. Unfortunately, the actual plot was a little weak, I feel.
I read this one since it was free. I don't think that I'll move on to the next in the series unless it too is free. (Or at least freer than 4.99 USD.)
I actually quite liked the power dynamic between Eleanor and the younger step-sister, Belle. There was a mild DS thing going on which made the romance interesting. Eleanor also has the ability to talk to animals, which added a bit of amusement to the story. Unfortunately, the actual plot was a little weak, I feel.
I read this one since it was free. I don't think that I'll move on to the next in the series unless it too is free. (Or at least freer than 4.99 USD.)
October 24, 2022
I originally started this book when it was first released. I got about 1/2 way through before stopping. I don’t remember why I stopped reading it. Anyway decided to start this one over and I enjoyed it quite a bit more the second time around. This book won’t be for everyone, but I am glad I finally picked it up again.
November 25, 2018
I take no pleasure in being overly critical when it comes to the books I read, and so this is proving a difficult review to write. I started out with such high hopes, intrigued by the concept of a lesbian retelling of the classic fairytale of Cinderella. I’m also drawn to romances that err on the side of the forbidden, and the idea of stepsisters falling in love peaked my interest. Yet, despite its promise, I found The Second Sister a hard novel to get through, and my overwhelming feeling upon reaching the end was one of disappointment.
Read my full review here.
Read my full review here.
February 22, 2018
This book requires a trigger warning for rape and incest.
"Queer Cinderella," I thought. "That'll be awesome." Unfortunately, this isn't the case. The Second Sister is compelling in a number of ways. Well, mainly I'm in favor of the talking animals. Jessith the cat is an A+ character. However, this book is also poorly edited, confusing, and filled with abuse. The antagonist is a sadistic rapist and the love interest, while theoretically an okay person, stands by and does nothing while the main character--and others--are subjected to horrific abuse. Does no one have any wherewithal?
There is no reason for the love shared between the main character, Ellie, and the love interest. Ellie finds a diary detailing how much love interest is infatuated with her and decides she is in love. Ellie is being abused and the love interest does nothing. Well, she does something (does not allow Ellie to be murdered, which seems rather bare minimum for a decent human), but the right thing to do would be to run in any direction which would take them far away. I will say that the sex is pretty steamy. That's honestly why I kept reading. It is difficult, in my experience, to find good queer romance. Even so, the relationship is unbalanced and, frankly, creeps me out a little. A paragraph or two--hell, even a few sentences?--about consent would have gone a long way.
This is supposed to be a fantasy. I want to know something about the world. Instead I am left to guess what the hell an Ariada is (magical, I guess??), or why they're hated. What is the kingdom like? I couldn't tell you. "Magic" is the vague answer I'm left with. The place is magic, the magic works in favor of the antagonist, and I'm just supposed to go with it. I'm confused and exhausted by this mess. Don't make me guess the entirety of this setting and culture based on vague references to something make-believe. The characters have little depth, and I don't understand their motivations. The writing leaves so much to be desired; I feel inadequate just trying to puzzle it out, and I'm frankly angry that a book with queer characters could so devastatingly disappoint me.
If you're looking for a good queer version of Cinderella which does not include bafflingly powerful sadistic rapists and poor writing, I recommend Ash by Malinda Lo.
"Queer Cinderella," I thought. "That'll be awesome." Unfortunately, this isn't the case. The Second Sister is compelling in a number of ways. Well, mainly I'm in favor of the talking animals. Jessith the cat is an A+ character. However, this book is also poorly edited, confusing, and filled with abuse. The antagonist is a sadistic rapist and the love interest, while theoretically an okay person, stands by and does nothing while the main character--and others--are subjected to horrific abuse. Does no one have any wherewithal?
There is no reason for the love shared between the main character, Ellie, and the love interest. Ellie finds a diary detailing how much love interest is infatuated with her and decides she is in love. Ellie is being abused and the love interest does nothing. Well, she does something (does not allow Ellie to be murdered, which seems rather bare minimum for a decent human), but the right thing to do would be to run in any direction which would take them far away. I will say that the sex is pretty steamy. That's honestly why I kept reading. It is difficult, in my experience, to find good queer romance. Even so, the relationship is unbalanced and, frankly, creeps me out a little. A paragraph or two--hell, even a few sentences?--about consent would have gone a long way.
This is supposed to be a fantasy. I want to know something about the world. Instead I am left to guess what the hell an Ariada is (magical, I guess??), or why they're hated. What is the kingdom like? I couldn't tell you. "Magic" is the vague answer I'm left with. The place is magic, the magic works in favor of the antagonist, and I'm just supposed to go with it. I'm confused and exhausted by this mess. Don't make me guess the entirety of this setting and culture based on vague references to something make-believe. The characters have little depth, and I don't understand their motivations. The writing leaves so much to be desired; I feel inadequate just trying to puzzle it out, and I'm frankly angry that a book with queer characters could so devastatingly disappoint me.
If you're looking for a good queer version of Cinderella which does not include bafflingly powerful sadistic rapists and poor writing, I recommend Ash by Malinda Lo.
February 18, 2018
I'm 6% in. The book isn't worth reading. The writer struggles writing what she's writing, the characters are weird and not well described. Not an interesting incipit and not an interesting fantasy world. In the beginning of the book the writer says "I would like to thank all the amazing people who helped me through the thrilling but EXHAUSTING process of writing this novel". Hey! I'm feeling her exhaustion and it's even not a good result!
February 25, 2019
So many things l didn't like about this book, the heroine was so not powerful, the rape scene.. just no. These things don't fly with me when I am choosing fantasy. I never understand authors who write about rape. Just no.
October 23, 2023
Enchanting…
Just finished book 1 and I can’t wait to read book2! Beautiful world building and wonderful writing. Told in Ellie’s (Eleanor) pov. We see her world change in so many ways, some good some not so good. TW for SA. There’s magic. Finding love in unexpected places. True friendship. Overcoming evil. And a step mom that’s nice! Oh and lovely talking animals!
Just finished book 1 and I can’t wait to read book2! Beautiful world building and wonderful writing. Told in Ellie’s (Eleanor) pov. We see her world change in so many ways, some good some not so good. TW for SA. There’s magic. Finding love in unexpected places. True friendship. Overcoming evil. And a step mom that’s nice! Oh and lovely talking animals!
Want to read
April 3, 2019Free on Amazon 3rd April 2019
June 20, 2019
Definitely smutty, easy quick read. Includes fantasy, sex, magic and is a kind of retelling of Cinderella. Lgbt book. 3.5 stars.
May 14, 2024
A complete fail. The idea was such a good one : a queer version of Cinderella! I loved the idea so much that I forgot to check out the negative reviews, and I really regret it.
This book has nothing to say, no imagination, no romance. It's empty from beginning to the end, and the more the plot advances the more stupid it gets. I hated it and it was a pain to finish. I stupidly thought that perhaps it would get better so I held on, but it never did.
SALTY SPOILERS AHEAD
For a fairy tale retelling, it sure had all the magical feels sucked out. Because of the Luciana plot, the three nights at the ball turned out to be boring. Despite the prince not being the love interest, I am sure it was possible to keep the three nights at the ball as they were supposed to be: nights of enchantment. Nothing is enchanting in this story. Not the setting, not the romance, and certainly not the Cinderella wannabe.
This book has nothing to say, no imagination, no romance. It's empty from beginning to the end, and the more the plot advances the more stupid it gets. I hated it and it was a pain to finish. I stupidly thought that perhaps it would get better so I held on, but it never did.
SALTY SPOILERS AHEAD
For a fairy tale retelling, it sure had all the magical feels sucked out. Because of the Luciana plot, the three nights at the ball turned out to be boring. Despite the prince not being the love interest, I am sure it was possible to keep the three nights at the ball as they were supposed to be: nights of enchantment. Nothing is enchanting in this story. Not the setting, not the romance, and certainly not the Cinderella wannabe.
March 15, 2022
Despite the review ratings, I was excited to read this since I was just coming off reading another book by the same author that was so good and I was eager to move on to another story. Sometimes things click for me even if it doesn't with the overwhelming majority so I was hoping that'd be the case because, a lesbian Cinderella story? Yes please. Unfortunately this one just didn't do it for me.
Let me start off by saying that the story and concept were good, just the way it was laid out didn't work. The only character that seemed to make sense to me, the only one I connected with was Cate. I couldn't get a feel for anyone else's personality or motives. Everyone but Cate just seemed surface level to me. The love story seemed rushed and out of no where. I could tell that their connection was starting to form through little interactions but nothing solid yet. Then, all of a sudden, they were in love with each other? We were told it happened but we didn't get to see it blossom or even get to see any hints that were left like bread crumbs. You know when something is revealed and you can go back and see that the signs were there? None of that which is why it was jarring and I just didn't feel it or see it between them. I thought maybe as the story went on, it'd grow and I'd finally be able to connect with it but that never happened.
That happened a lot though. We were told about certain things but didn't get to experience them. We were told so much that they loved each other but I couldn't see it. The relationship just seemed a little abusive. The possessiveness was uncomfortable and odd to me. Like, Belle "cupping" Ellie "gently between the legs to reaffirm her ownership" right after Luciana physically assaulted her. That's not the kind of possession I think is hot.
And as far as the the rape scene, I didn't care for it but not just because it invoked unpleasant emotions. I might not be ok with reading something like that but if a story is going to have it, there should be a good reason and not just for the sake of traumatizing a character. I don't get what the point of that was. It didn't correlate to any of Luciana's other behavior and then it stopped and she wasn't assaulting anymore but without an explanation. She even left Belle and Ellie alone to have their relationship even though she implied she wanted to be "friendly" with them. I think she was implying something sexual but it doesn't matter, that never came back up either. She basically stopped tormenting Ellie after catching them together but for no reason.
If she was meant to be evil, it seemed like she was only being evil during the moments that it was time to remind us she was the bad guy. That's why Luciana didn't make sense to me because during the times when you'd expect her to be doing awful things, she disappeared and there was never an explanation of what she was doing. Not like she had a job or was traveling or busy with anything else. She just came back around when it was conflict time.
And who is Nancy?! I went back to look in the book but she was never mentioned until the very moment a servant was needed to be serving Lady Kingsclere. I hope she was ok after being drugged, haha. I just don't understand some of the suddenness inserted into this story without explanation or reason. It jumbled my thoughts a little.
I really wanted to like this because the other book I read was amazing. So I finished to give it a fair chance but it left me confused and a little bummed. Hoping that the next ones in the series are better. I bought the bundle so I really need a better story and I'm pretty excited to read about Cate. Hopefully she gets to start on her healing process.
Let me start off by saying that the story and concept were good, just the way it was laid out didn't work. The only character that seemed to make sense to me, the only one I connected with was Cate. I couldn't get a feel for anyone else's personality or motives. Everyone but Cate just seemed surface level to me. The love story seemed rushed and out of no where. I could tell that their connection was starting to form through little interactions but nothing solid yet. Then, all of a sudden, they were in love with each other? We were told it happened but we didn't get to see it blossom or even get to see any hints that were left like bread crumbs. You know when something is revealed and you can go back and see that the signs were there? None of that which is why it was jarring and I just didn't feel it or see it between them. I thought maybe as the story went on, it'd grow and I'd finally be able to connect with it but that never happened.
That happened a lot though. We were told about certain things but didn't get to experience them. We were told so much that they loved each other but I couldn't see it. The relationship just seemed a little abusive. The possessiveness was uncomfortable and odd to me. Like, Belle "cupping" Ellie "gently between the legs to reaffirm her ownership" right after Luciana physically assaulted her. That's not the kind of possession I think is hot.
And as far as the the rape scene, I didn't care for it but not just because it invoked unpleasant emotions. I might not be ok with reading something like that but if a story is going to have it, there should be a good reason and not just for the sake of traumatizing a character. I don't get what the point of that was. It didn't correlate to any of Luciana's other behavior and then it stopped and she wasn't assaulting anymore but without an explanation. She even left Belle and Ellie alone to have their relationship even though she implied she wanted to be "friendly" with them. I think she was implying something sexual but it doesn't matter, that never came back up either. She basically stopped tormenting Ellie after catching them together but for no reason.
If she was meant to be evil, it seemed like she was only being evil during the moments that it was time to remind us she was the bad guy. That's why Luciana didn't make sense to me because during the times when you'd expect her to be doing awful things, she disappeared and there was never an explanation of what she was doing. Not like she had a job or was traveling or busy with anything else. She just came back around when it was conflict time.
And who is Nancy?! I went back to look in the book but she was never mentioned until the very moment a servant was needed to be serving Lady Kingsclere. I hope she was ok after being drugged, haha. I just don't understand some of the suddenness inserted into this story without explanation or reason. It jumbled my thoughts a little.
I really wanted to like this because the other book I read was amazing. So I finished to give it a fair chance but it left me confused and a little bummed. Hoping that the next ones in the series are better. I bought the bundle so I really need a better story and I'm pretty excited to read about Cate. Hopefully she gets to start on her healing process.
May 3, 2021
Le premier roman f/f que j’ai lu de toute ma vie, yeah ! Et il a mis en valeur un gros privilège hétéro : il suffit de prendre un roman au hasard pour avoir une bonne représentation hétéro. The Second Sister, je l’ai récupéré sur une offre promotionnelle d’ebook. J’étais trop heureuse : ça ne m’était rarement arrivé de tomber par hasard sur un roman LGBTQI+, il faut toujours chercher d’habitude.
C’est une réécriture de Cendrillon – j’adore les réécritures de contes – dans un monde médiéval où la magie est stigmatisée. Cendrillon a le pouvoir de parler aux animaux.
Je crois que l’autrice est lesbienne, et ça me dérange d’autant plus d’avoir trouvé la représentation très, très malsaine. La première lesbienne présentée est la méchante sœur qui viole les servantes. Je ne m’en souviens plus précisément mais je suis quasiment sûre que ces scènes de viol étaient érotisées.
Ensuite, on a Cendrillon et l’autre sœur, Belle. On est dans une situation de domination directe, Cendrillon étant l’esclave des deux sœurs. Et ce n’est jamais souligné. En plus, il y a ce rapport très hétéro à la virginité : Cendrillon est vierge, donc innocente, donc infantilisée, tandis que Belle qui ne l’est pas est dans une position de domination, de « tu m’appartiens » - depuis quand cette phrase est considérée comme romantique, sérieusement ? Belle veut protéger Cendrillon, surtout en l’étouffant plutôt qu’en lui apprenant à se battre ou je ne sais quoi.
Et puis… je ne comprenais vraiment pas pourquoi elles avaient besoin de se voir tout le temps alors qu’elles savaient que si elles étaient découvertes, Cendrillon se ferait peut-être tuer par la méchante sœur. Mais non, elles ne pouvaient pas attendre d’avoir mis à exécution leur stratégie, leur désir – surtout sexuel – était insatiable. Encore une fois, ça me braquait contre Belle qui, elle n’avait aucune conséquence à prendre en compte si elles étaient attrapées, mais ne calmait pas le jeu.
C’est une réécriture de Cendrillon – j’adore les réécritures de contes – dans un monde médiéval où la magie est stigmatisée. Cendrillon a le pouvoir de parler aux animaux.
Je crois que l’autrice est lesbienne, et ça me dérange d’autant plus d’avoir trouvé la représentation très, très malsaine. La première lesbienne présentée est la méchante sœur qui viole les servantes. Je ne m’en souviens plus précisément mais je suis quasiment sûre que ces scènes de viol étaient érotisées.
Ensuite, on a Cendrillon et l’autre sœur, Belle. On est dans une situation de domination directe, Cendrillon étant l’esclave des deux sœurs. Et ce n’est jamais souligné. En plus, il y a ce rapport très hétéro à la virginité : Cendrillon est vierge, donc innocente, donc infantilisée, tandis que Belle qui ne l’est pas est dans une position de domination, de « tu m’appartiens » - depuis quand cette phrase est considérée comme romantique, sérieusement ? Belle veut protéger Cendrillon, surtout en l’étouffant plutôt qu’en lui apprenant à se battre ou je ne sais quoi.
Et puis… je ne comprenais vraiment pas pourquoi elles avaient besoin de se voir tout le temps alors qu’elles savaient que si elles étaient découvertes, Cendrillon se ferait peut-être tuer par la méchante sœur. Mais non, elles ne pouvaient pas attendre d’avoir mis à exécution leur stratégie, leur désir – surtout sexuel – était insatiable. Encore une fois, ça me braquait contre Belle qui, elle n’avait aucune conséquence à prendre en compte si elles étaient attrapées, mais ne calmait pas le jeu.
October 18, 2018
Sigh....struggled my way to 53%. Let me tell you, the struggle was real.
This book is more bizarre that D.T's orange face.
1. The language/dialogue was unrealistic, it left me confused about what world they lived in. Things just didn't add up, they felt set up to tell a story. This felt like a first draft that needed a good few more drafts before being put out to the public.
The relationship between the Ellie and Belle sprung out of nowhere, it was unbelievable and flat. It would have made more sense for The Protagonist to have a relationship with Cate, not the sister she only met a couple of times and suddenly fell involve with after finding a creep diary. The sex between them was weird and creepy, the sister sounded like a creepy guy.
The rape scenes were just added for the sake of shock value but had no place in the story, for example, it would have worked if Ellie would have been the one to teach Cate about tenderness and love after her ordeal since they spent so much time together and had a tenderness to their friendship.
I liked the element of the talking animals and the cat because she reminds me of my cat but apart from that, a big fat boo. I hope the author takes notes and comes back with a stronger story.
This book is more bizarre that D.T's orange face.
1. The language/dialogue was unrealistic, it left me confused about what world they lived in. Things just didn't add up, they felt set up to tell a story. This felt like a first draft that needed a good few more drafts before being put out to the public.
The relationship between the Ellie and Belle sprung out of nowhere, it was unbelievable and flat. It would have made more sense for The Protagonist to have a relationship with Cate, not the sister she only met a couple of times and suddenly fell involve with after finding a creep diary. The sex between them was weird and creepy, the sister sounded like a creepy guy.
The rape scenes were just added for the sake of shock value but had no place in the story, for example, it would have worked if Ellie would have been the one to teach Cate about tenderness and love after her ordeal since they spent so much time together and had a tenderness to their friendship.
I liked the element of the talking animals and the cat because she reminds me of my cat but apart from that, a big fat boo. I hope the author takes notes and comes back with a stronger story.
April 4, 2018
This book is really just terrible. As a general rule I don’t like to give bad reviews, and I try to give positive with negatives, but there is really nothing good I can say about this book. The storyline is boring and childish, and characters are two dimensional, the dialogue is laughable and the writing is just bad. I was skimming through the end because it was just too hard to get through. Also, themes of rape and abuse are not handled well at all. At all.
I was hoping for a fun lesbian themed story and that is NOT this book. This book made me sad.
I was hoping for a fun lesbian themed story and that is NOT this book. This book made me sad.
January 2, 2020
This book is, plainly put, a mess. The characters are two-dimensional and uninspiring. The central romance is unbelievable, except in those moments where it feels manipulative and abusive (not, presumably, the author's intent). The plot had a glimmer of promise... but instead was wildly inconsistent, full of plot holes and driven by convenient character motivations. As a bonus the manuscript is riddled with typos.
The silver lining is that this novel proves how much an author is capable of improvement. Skip this and go read (or re-read) Magdon's Lucky 7 instead.
The silver lining is that this novel proves how much an author is capable of improvement. Skip this and go read (or re-read) Magdon's Lucky 7 instead.
February 22, 2018
DNF at 50%
Premise was interesting. Execution was all sorts of wrong. Not for me I'm afraid, although props were due the love scene was hot.
Edit: removed my read dates as I don't want a DNF counting towards my challenge.
Premise was interesting. Execution was all sorts of wrong. Not for me I'm afraid, although props were due the love scene was hot.
Edit: removed my read dates as I don't want a DNF counting towards my challenge.
March 1, 2018
While I enjoyed that the story was a retelling of Cinderella but with an LGBT twist, I don't think it was really all that well done and if you're going to write all those supposedly raunchy scenes you should probably know what you're talking about.
August 31, 2021
This book is BDSM version of Cinderella. There should be an info in the description, this kind of writing is for a certain circle of people, not for everyone. I was very disappointed to discover that at the middle of the book. The waste of time, barely had the strength to finish it.
August 24, 2019
I'm all for queer fairytale retellings, but too much of this one simply made no sense, and heavy subjects like abuse and rape are not handled well.
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