Cinderwitch

Olympus Ever After #1

by Eva Pohler

CINDERELLA meets Hecate . . .

They promised to protect her. Instead, they made her a slave.

For eighteen years, Hecate lived in peace, but now war shatters her world. Given to Zeus for safekeeping, she is betrayed, bound to servitude as his Cinderwitch. Even when the war ends, her freedom does not. Instead, she is sent to the Underworld, a silent shadow in Queen Persephone’s court.

Yet one light remains—Hermes, the quick-witted trickster who moves between realms, bringing laughter to the world of the dead. He has her heart, though no one has his.

When Zeus announces a grand ball where Hermes must choose a bride, Hecate is desperate to attend. Forbidden to leave, she defies Hades, cloaking herself in magic to dance in Hermes’s arms. But if her secret is revealed, she risks everything. Will she confess the truth—or remain forever a Cinderwitch?

The books in this collection can be read in any order.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

About the author

Eva Pohler is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.

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Reviews

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Stars
A nice cute novella. I might give the series a try as well

[Melissa Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book as a premium member of Eva Pohler.

Greek mythology meets fairytale in this enchanting retelling of Cinderella.
I loved the way Eva was able to fit the two in such a seamless entertaining way.
Possibly my favourite version of Cinderella with my favourite gods/goddesses (excluding Zeus because he is a dick!).

Thank you for another story that I was unable to put down!

[Michele Lisbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do I wish this had been a little longer? Yes. Did I absolutely love it? Of course! I am so obsessed with Greek mythology and fairy tale retellings, so to see them put together in a book just made my nerd heart happy! This was so well written in trying to keep true to mythology but adding the fairy tale twist to it too. I absolutely devoured this novella. I can't wait until I can read the rest of the books in this series! This was such a light and enjoyable read after some of the heavier, darker books I've read lately.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Give me Hecate in ashes and Hermes in denial any day.

Okay, hear me out. Cinderwitch by Eva Pohler is like someone stirred up Greek mythology, fairy tale drama, a feminist edge, and slow-burn yearning, then set it all on fire—and I loved every minute of it.

From the very first page, I felt this magnetic pull to Hecate. She’s not your dainty, glass-slipper kind of girl. No, she’s been burned (literally and figuratively), betrayed by the gods she trusted, and forced into servitude under Zeus—of all smug divine jerks. And yet? She endures. She adapts. She waits in the shadows of the Underworld, not as some damsel, but as a woman with power, pain, and purpose.

I have a soft spot for Hades and Persephone retellings, but this one is from the sidelines—in the best way. Watching Hecate navigate Persephone’s court, silenced but sharp, was like a dagger straight to my morally gray-loving heart.
And don’t even get me started on Hermes. That quick-witted trickster isn’t just comic relief here. He’s layered, loyal, and infuriatingly slow to realize what’s right in front of him—AKA the woman who’s been carrying an unspoken torch through death and duty. Every time he stepped on the page, I got a little flutter. That grand ball? My heart ached. It’s giving Cinderella with magic cloaks and fire instead of mice and pumpkins.

The tension. The stakes. The whispered magic. The stolen moments. All of it worked for me.

And look, I live for characters who are underestimated and rise anyway. Hecate’s quiet rage, her fierce heart, her defiance in choosing love even when the gods use her like a pawn—it’s my kind of heroine. I was rooting for her like light that fire, girl—make ‘em regret every second they tried to dim you!

So if you’re into:
• Greek mythology with a dark romantic twist
• Underrated goddesses finding their power
• Brooding men with fast mouths and slow hearts
• Forbidden love with magical stakes
• That classic “grand ball” moment with a fantasy punch

Then Cinderwitch will be your next favorite thing.

I started it for the premise. I finished it because Hecate demanded it. Can’t wait to see where Olympus Ever After takes me next!.

[Angela Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little love story featuring Hecate and Hermes from Greek mythology restyled through a Cinderella retelling. Hecate is a very delightful character who gets forced by Zeus into doing things she doesn't want. Torn from her home to live on Mt. Olympus and then in the underworld, she finds solace in the friendship of Hermes, another god. Hecate chafes at the restrictions placed on her by Zeus, since she is a goddess from a pantheon the Olympians just defeated and is not fully trusted. She finds herself falling for Hermes, but his father has decreed he must marry a goddess from his own pantheon.

The way to HEA for this couple is a wonderful little tale filled with magical animals, temperamental gods and goddesses, and an imaginative world pulled from mythology. I really enjoyed this novella, and heartily recommend it to anyone that loves romances, paranormal or otherwise. This is a clean read with no sex so is suitable for all ages. I will definitely be checking out the other books in the series!.

I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short read. I felt it was a little slow in getting into the story, but is different. This is Hecte’s story. What will she do when she finds out she has to go to Zeus for safekeeping. Then when they think the war is over she is sent to the underworld to be Persephone's servent. She is falling for Hermes, who has been transporting her back and forth. Does he return her love? What will happen when Zeus demands that he marry a goddess? Will they get their happy ever after? He has nicknamed her Cinderwitch, but can’t stay away from her? What will they do to be together?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC this is my honest review.
Eva Pohler’s writing is lyrical and evocative, skillfully bringing the magical world to life. Descriptive passages are rich with detail, painting vivid pictures of ancient ruins, and mystical creatures. Dialogue is natural and engaging, revealing character personalities and advancing the plot. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes. This rhythm keeps the reader invested in the broader narrative.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure how Pohler would manage to take Hecate and turn her story into a retelling of Cinderella, but I definitely shouldn't have doubted. She is definitely well-versed in adding twists to Greek mythology.

This was a nice little novella covering part of the Titan War and the aftermath and Hecate's blossoming relationship with Hermes.

I'm excited to see what other twists are introduced to the fairytale-myth pairings, and I liked that the story was straightforward enough to read in less than a day.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to pick up this book because of the idea of a fairy tale merging with mythology with some trepidation. Story of Cinderella and Hecate weren't exactly related. However, the author did a wonderful job weaving those two very different characters into one in Cinderwitch. The book is short and i was able to finish it in one sitting. I've read several retellings before, but this one is definitely unique within that genre. Definitely worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

At only 97 pages this book is the definition of a short read. But, fair warning a lot is packed into these mere 97 pages. Eva Pohler is the master of taking Greek Mythology and putting a spin on the retelling. This particular retelling takes the story of Hecate and spins it into a delightful retelling of Cinderella. Can we have any more fun? I do not think so!

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hecate & Hermes
I really enjoyed this amazing retelling of Cinderella, with an outstanding paranormal twist. This is just outstanding, every ting about this story drew me in and I could not put it down! It is a novella, that delivers a fantastic story! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!! I Highly Recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeus has taken Hecate from her parents supposedly for safe keeping during his war with the Titans. Instead Zeus uses her gifts to defeat the Titans. Then instead of sending her home he sends her to the underworld to be a servant to Hades. This short story is about when Mythology meets Cinderella. I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit I don't really know my Greek mythology, but I really enjoyed this Cinderella tale with a Greek twist. Hecate is a great character. I found her relatable and enjoyable overall. The setting and the side characters are well written even if not always likeable. And the love story was rewarding and fun to read.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea how Greek mythology and a Cinderella retelling would pan out. But I have to say this was absolutely clever. I enjoyed Hecate and Hermes as well as the familiars. I'll be the first to admit I don't know a lot about Greek mythology but with what I did know I was shocked at this work.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek mythology and fairytale retelling combines in Cinderwitch! Focusing on Hermes and Hecate's love story, we get to see this told with Cinderella elements that certainly drew me in as a reader that loves both mythology and fairytales. This is a quick read as a novella, but is still so full with great characters and humorous moments. I would love to check out more Olympus Ever After stories!

[Rose Argent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderwitch merges Greek mythology with the Cinderella tale in this charming story. Although it's simple to read, it captivates and keeps you engaged until the end where it leaves you with a smile. A delightful read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Emlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a retelling of Cinderella. It’s great and I would recommend the book to anyone who like fairy tales with a different twist.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful fusion
I loved the fusin of Greek mythology and fairy tale, it seems even the gods are only human - some long for love and laughter, some need to prove their status by bossing others around...

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of Olympus Ever After. It is a short novella of the Greek gods. It is a Greek god version of Cinderella with a twist.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderwitch Book 1 of Olympus Ever After by Eva Pohler does a really good job with this mashup between Cinderella and Greek Mythology and is a very interesting story. Recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good mix up of Cinderella and Hecate. Everything i love about both characters thrown into one amazing female lead. The story flowed so well and the mythology bits kept me coming back again and again. I really enjoyed this.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes some mythology mixes with a fairytale. You will get lost with story and the characters. It is a must read for anyone that loves retelling of fables.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ethereal Amorist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was such a unique and charming read—combining the feel of a fairy tale with elements of Greek mythology in a way I hadn’t come across before. The story was short, sweet, and magical, with just the right touch of whimsy.

I especially loved how Hecate and Hermes were portrayed—there was something so endearing and mystical about them. Despite the short length, the story managed to leave an impression. It felt like stepping into a little mythological dream.

If you enjoy quick reads that blend magic, mythology, and fairy-tale vibes, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was promised protection from what was coming. Instead she went from one servitude to another. Her only glimpse of happiness was Hermes. Now she has to find away to get to the ball where he will choose a wife.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella delivers a lively Cinderella-inspired retelling, bringing Hecate and Hermes together in a magical, mythology-rich romance. The world is vivid, the characters are compelling, and their path to love is both charming and unique. A refreshing take on Greek-myth retellings.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really beautifully written mix of fairytale with Greek Mythology.

I was uncertain how the stories of Hecate & Cinderella could be melded together, but Eva Pohler made it happen!!

I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and how Greek myth mixed with Cinderella gave a good story. It had some tension, emotion and characters to like and want to slap. Good read.

[Alba Dorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this read a lot: It has many charming elements, good pace, captivating characters, tension about the twist and I enjoy how Greek mythology mixes with Cinderella vibes.

[Carrie McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous novella that twists Greek mythology into a retelling. The worldbuilding adds some real history and mythology so well that you'd wonder if it all was real! The characters are snarky, sassy, and full of life. A great quick read. I listened to the audiobook and Eva brings more life to the story that way. Can't wait to read the next books!

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series beginning of Olympus Ever After … book 1 “Cinderwitch” by Eva Pohler was a terrific start and cannot wait for more