My life isn’t a fairytale. No bibbidi-bobbidi-boo can trap this Cinderella inthe palace…
Dragonshifter Prince “Not-So-Charming” Drago needs to save his people, but that requires power and money he doesn’t have. To get them, he must drag home one missing piece.
Me.
When I’m warned my evil stepmother has sent the magical kingdom’s princes after me, I burrow deeper into the human world; but Drago finds me. He blames me for his people’s suffering and demands I end the bloody war I started when I abandoned my crown — and our betrothal.
He threatens me with his rage, threatens me with the dragon and berserker living inside him, burns through my resolve to hate him with every scorching touch. But I can never go back. I can never again risk my stepmother’s cruel abuse.
I won't let him use me, I won’t leave behind the life I’ve built, I don’t need to be saved, and I’ll damn sure never submit to this dangerous, deadly, delicious prince.
Ugh. Try telling that to my heart.
This spicy fractured fairytale weaves enemies to lovers, second chances, stone cold killer melts for you, and a bitter ex-fiancée into a romance spell filled with laughter, thigh-clenching, sweat-inducing scenes, and proof that you can create your own happily ever after.
Click ‘buy now’ to start the Fractured Crowns series today!
I don't know what to say about this book because I have sosososo much to say!!! This book surprised the hell out of me! Not only was it exceptionally well written - I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down - not only was it ridiculously sexy - the smexy parts were hothothot -and not only was the retold story of CInderalla a fabulous retelling, but the construction of the story and the way it sends you right into the next book was so expertly done, that I wish, as an author, I'd thought of it! Artemis Crow's CIN is an urban fantasy/romantasy/spiceyspiceyspicy/retelling of Cinderella that I just didn't see coming. From Dragons ( lovelovelove!) to Berserkers ( i didn't even know what that was until this book) to super bad ass friends, to magic galore, this book had everything - EVERYTHING - I wanted and didn't know I wanted. I can't wait for book 2! Brava. 5 stars ++++
Riddle me this..... why does the MMC have to be a complete nincompoop and a total ditzy pushover for the MFC to be "strong" and "independent"? Dray is just an airhead..... and don't get me started on the whole "Him" thing..... his hate for her and hers for him just didn't make sense and felt forced. But 2 days later he's in love?
There was so much promise for the story and the world that was built but it was just.... meh in its implementation. Like what the heck is "The Root" and who are the Princes and what was with the Hunt..... but I'm glad we got CHAPTERS about how she loved her dogs.... and where was the plot??
Also... why does Dray have to talk OUT LOUD to the dragon inside his head? Seems redundant.... and how can the dragon leashed inside his body talk into Cin's mind. Seems.... convenient. He's not an animal but the entity inside a human.... or are we saying Dray is not human and that shifters are classified as animal? Chicken or the egg people!
Don't even get me started on the weird tense shifts between the different POVs. Are we first or third person here?
Also.... what a waste of Belchinus and his death..... it did nothing and seemed to only be used to cause an emotional consequence from the "battle" (though it was barely a scuffle).
I really wanted to like this... i love the premise but it was quite disappointing - i ended up skipping through parts and the main character just did not quite click for me.
I enjoyed Cin, previously known as Cinderella, as she dealt with the life of a 30-year-old woman in the city. She a magical veterinarian by night and a struggling regular veterinarian by day. She isn’t one-dimensional, she has depths, and she has flaws.
Then we get our dragon boy Dray. He’s a lot, he has one goal: get Cin back to their magical world in exchange for salvation for his people. Understandable cause. He’s moody, he’s broody and sexy.
The plot is there, Cin is trying to avoid returning to her evil stepmother’s clutches, and her friends try to help her, but everyone else is after her.
The romance was surprisingly fast-paced. I expected more of a fight, a little slower. I enjoyed it, but at times, I felt as though the speed of the development of the feelings didn’t make sense.
There was spice, more so at the beginning, not much afterward. It isn’t the main part of the story, but the first part of the book kind of gives the impression that the spice would be quite present and most important to the relationship.
I saw coming the ending, but I did enjoy the introduction to the following books. I’m intrigued.
Leena - Leena.reader review - @leena.reader on tiktok and instagram
this book takes cinderella and throws it into a blender filled with dragons, magic, betrayal, and spicy romance, and honestly that sounds exactly like the chaos i signed up for. cin is a version of cinderella who absolutely does not want to go back to her magical kingdom where her evil stepmother still lurks, and when a broody dragon prince named drago shows up demanding she fix the war she started years ago, things get explosively heated and wildly entertaining.
the worldbuilding is a blast. there are magical creatures, berserkers, hilarious banter, and even baby dragons mentioned in the wild if you look for them, which made me grin way more than expected. cin is fierce, independent, and honestly fun to follow, and drago’s moody but melts-for-her energy is exactly the type of “why are you mad at your feelings” situation i enjoy.
yes, the romance moves fast and feels a little like someone flipped the “insta attraction” switch too soon, and the ending definitely sets up book two rather than wrapping everything up neatly. i found myself wanting a touch more depth or slower buildup in places. but the pacing, the sass, and the sheer fairytale-gone-wild vibes kept me invested.
overall original cin is fun, spicy, and surprisingly clever for a fractured cinderella retelling. it’s got heart, heat, and enough magical absurdity to keep the pages turning, and i’d happily give it four stars. if you like fairytale retellings with dragons, chaos, and a heroine who refuses to be saved politely, this one delivers.
Saw this on KU and thought it would be another fun addition to my reading this month in light of this month’s reading challenge prompt of Fairytale Retelling. Cinderella is my favorite girlhood fairytale, so I couldn’t resist.
I liked it, found the female characters interesting and Dray/Belch/Him was interesting too. Not a fan of referring to the dragon as Belch though. Oye. There wasn’t a lot of transition in feelings here. They hate and distrust each other for the majority of the story then like a switch was flipped, it’s love.
Both the love development and the plot felt rushed toward the end and the ending was pretty unsatisfying. The magic stuff wasn’t explored like I wanted, the love had that insta-love quality, the story evolved in a way I really disliked, and while I know it was supposed to have a plot cliffhanger for the next book, it was supposed to be a standalone romance and it just felt like Cin and Dray’s story was just truncated. So this was alright but I’m on the fence if I’ll read the next one or not.
This is not your sweet, sparkly Cinderella story—and I loved every fiery second of it.
A runaway princess hiding in the human world, a dragonshifter prince with a berserker edge, and a past soaked in betrayal, war, and a broken betrothal? Yes, please. Drago is the ultimate not-so-charming prince—dangerous, furious, and utterly undone by the woman who once wore his crown. Their chemistry is explosive, layered with enemies-to-lovers tension, second-chance angst, and a stone-cold killer who absolutely melts only for her.
What really sets this apart is the heroine. She refuses to be rescued, refuses to submit, and refuses to return to the abuse she escaped—even when desire and destiny pull hard. The banter is sharp, the humor lands, and the spice is chef’s kiss—thigh-clenching, sweat-inducing, and impossible to put down.
This fractured fairytale proves that happily ever after doesn’t mean going back—it means choosing yourself. Hands down, the best fairytale retelling I’ve ever read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Original Cin is book one in the Fractured Crowns series by author Artemis Crow and is an urban fantasy with all the spice.
What if Cinderella is hiding out in the human-world from her stepmother, but her ex-fiancé is trying to drag her back to her magical kingdom? Oh, and he’s a moody, broody dragonshifter.
The author did such an incredible job keeping the characters so relatable that you’ll be 100% emotionally invested! You can see how each one has dealt with their past traumas, from becoming extremely shy to an actual physical manifestation.
There are surprises around every corner that kept me guessing and wanting to find out what happens next! I also liked all of the pop culture references throughout.
If you enjoy having a hilariously good time with biting sarcasm and witty banter then this is the book for you!
My favorite part of this book had to be when Cin said “F*ck you and the glass slipper!” because same girl!! We all know all that glitter aint gold. This has probably been one of my favorite retellings so far. I absolutely love the fact that it’s a twist with a dragon shifter but it keeps true to the evil step mother vibe of the original story. The push and pull that Cin goes through between staying trust to what she believes and standing firm on the fact that will not succumb to the prince and his “evil” ways but she has to fight her heart because it so wants her to fall for him. The pacing is on point and the connection is delicious between these two MCs. Cin has a sense of humor and a strength about her that reminds me of myself. She’s stubborn for all the right reasons and it takes the RIGHT person to give her a run for her money and make her melt with his words. But she has the same affect on him. I will for sure continue this series.
You know when you love an author’s books? You have read the very best series by them. And it was perfect. Then they start writing a new series. Artemis Crow has not only written another fabulous book, she has given me another series to love! Original Cin is a fairytale retelling that you will not be able to put down once you start it! Fabulous characters, spice, and emotional roller coaster that will have your heart racing as you hope for the happily ever after! Oh! Did I mention the magic? And Dragons? Rush to get this book today and plan to be drawn in for the ride! (Now I just need to know when the next book is arriving!)
This retelling/fractured fairytale was absolutely fantastic! I loved every dark, emotional bit of it. I loved the dynamic between the characters. Especially the whole concept between Drago, Belchinus and Him. It was like split personalities but more fun! Belchinus….love him so much 😭 my poor Belch!! Can’t forget to mention BABY DRAGONS!!! So friggin cute and I want more with the babies!
The tension and spice between Cin and the ‘boys’ is so good. Each one is different with her and I love how they compliment and contrast one another. Super friggin hot!
Definitely interested to continue reading about the other girls stories! And I want more Cin and Drago!!!
When you think of Cinderella, you think of the classic tale we all know...
Well, get ready for a brand new look on this tale!
With dragons, shifters, and spice galore. This story turns Cinderella into an animal mage living life in the human world after fleeing the magical world.
Her 2 best friends have also come from the magical world, and life is about to change for all of them.
Cin still has an evil stepmother who wants her destroyed. As she sends others from the magical world to retrieve her, Cin must deal with all the obstacles, until enough is enough.
I’ve never been a fan of fairytale remakes, they’ve always been stupid reading as far as I’m concerned. This one for what ever reason caught my eye and I decided to read it, and it surprised me. I really enjoyed the characters, Cin is a very strong willed and independent woman and one I can really relate to. All the support characters are great, with very interesting attributes. I even cried along the way. I’m hoping the next book, yes I’m going to read it, will answer a few questions that I had, but didn’t adversely affect the book in any way. I would recommend it which surprises me.
“And don’t tell me you’re feeling modest. I’ve seen every inch of you already.” “In the dark of night and the heat of passion and insanity.” He leaned in and pressed his lips against my ear. “Then let’s fall into insanity again.”
An amazing read, this type of retelling is right up my alley. I am impressed and enthralled, it's so damn good. I loved Cin and Drago, and ohh boy his... 😂😜 dragon. The plot, flow and overall feel of this book is epic, the drama is on point and the spice is spicy! A masterpiece in its own right, i can't wait to read more from this author.
Oh good heavens I loved this book so much! The sass was delightful (those chapter titles though)! I cried so much on and off be it in joy or grief. I was giddy and laughed. I ohh-ed and awww-ed my way to the end. I didn't want the story to be over. I'm genuinely feeling a little lost now. The best retelling I've read this year. Once upon a time vibes are to die for. Cheers to the book hangover that will have me spiraling for lord knows how long. Can't wait for more.
There’s a general presumption of a Cinderella retelling where we go to the ball and then she runs away to be found by her true love not long after.
Artemis adds layers upon layers of complexity starting with what if Cinderella isn’t found and wanted to escape? Add in dragons sexy men and even a manticore and you have an awesome read. The universe Cin lives in offers so much for future books too.
The spice. Next level. Read part of it at work and was blushing. NSFW at all. That aside, the plot and story line are just okay. It could have been better or developed more. Maybe I just didn’t care for the writing style. I am bummed because while I figured it was intertwined with other books in this series, the ending made it seem like a cliffhanger. I didn’t like it well enough to continue at this time, but I might come back at a later date.
This book is what we want to see for our Princesses, are they flawed yes, are they way stronger than originally portrayed yes! Artemis gave a wonderful example of a strong woman who left her past and made her future. It was refreshing to have a mature FMC who was able to stand on her own two feet and not cave to her prince within the first 5 seconds of their meeting.
I decided not to finish this book. It was a little too chaotic for me. I didn't really like how it was written. The switching from first person to third person was really confusing. Took me 6 days to get 24% into it so I decided it wasn't for me.
It was ok. It's a shame because I was really look8ng forward to reading this, but there was a lot going on that wasn't really explained. There was a lot of potential here that wasn't realized.
I liked the twists in this retelling. The characters were interesting and had their own quirks. There were lots of pop culture references as well. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Amazing!, Great humor and I can not wait for the next one. I started reading it on KU, around 10 pages in, I had to own a physical copy and immediately ordered one!
I really enjoyed this fairytale retelling. It wasn't so stuck on the original that it felt boring or like there wouldn't be anything new. I can't wait to read more!
Loved this retelling! This one was creative, and really captivating! Definitely recommend this one if you like a bit of spice and enjoy a fairy tale retelling with a twist!
This was so good! I love artimis crow and her work!! I love this one! The chapter titles 😉 the way there was spice and all the goodness. Definitely a must read