What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Marry a Winged King
What if Cinderella’s step-family were fae?
As a lowly human, Cinders has never been good enough for her noble fae family–but she can’t escape them. Every dawn, the magic binding her to their manor calls her back.
When the fae king announces he’ll choose a bride at the Thrice-Held Ball, Cinders is of course forbidden to attend. Even if the dancing doesn’t go past dawn, her family would never allow her to be seen with them.
But after she receives a pair of enchanted shoes that alter her appearance, she can’t resist the chance to become someone else for a night. She’ll dance in disguise for the three nights of the ball and enjoy her small stolen freedom.
She never expected to catch the fae king’s eye, or for her act of rebellion to turn into something far more dangerous. Everyone wants to know who the mysterious masked lady is, and they won’t rest until they find out. King Tāwhiri sees her as no one ever has before, but how can she trust it’s more than just enchantment at work? Can she make it home by dawn? And does she even want to marry a winged king, anyway?
This is the expanded edition of this award-winning novella, roughly twice as long as the original anthology version.
As a lowly human, Cinders has never been good enough for her noble fae family–but she can’t escape them. Every dawn, the magic binding her to their manor calls her back.
When the fae king announces he’ll choose a bride at the Thrice-Held Ball, Cinders is of course forbidden to attend. Even if the dancing doesn’t go past dawn, her family would never allow her to be seen with them.
But after she receives a pair of enchanted shoes that alter her appearance, she can’t resist the chance to become someone else for a night. She’ll dance in disguise for the three nights of the ball and enjoy her small stolen freedom.
She never expected to catch the fae king’s eye, or for her act of rebellion to turn into something far more dangerous. Everyone wants to know who the mysterious masked lady is, and they won’t rest until they find out. King Tāwhiri sees her as no one ever has before, but how can she trust it’s more than just enchantment at work? Can she make it home by dawn? And does she even want to marry a winged king, anyway?
This is the expanded edition of this award-winning novella, roughly twice as long as the original anthology version.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2025
About the author
A.J. Lancaster
8 books696 followersAJ Lancaster lives in New Zealand and writes romantic, whimsical fantasy in a house containing two ridiculous cats and many plants.
https://www.instagram.com/a.j.lancaster/
https://www.facebook.com/lancasterwri...
https://twitter.com/lancasterwrites
https://www.instagram.com/a.j.lancaster/
https://www.facebook.com/lancasterwri...
https://twitter.com/lancasterwrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 24, 2025
Basic Plot: A retelling of Cinderella in Faerie.
I just wanted a quick, little read to put me to sleep. Now, it's nearly 3:30 AM and I'm practically in tears because this was one of the best Cinderella retellings ever. The notes of the story hit. The alterations worked. It was sweet and romantic, and absolutely perfect. I got this as a freebie at some point and it turned out to be one of the best surprises. I loved it.
I just wanted a quick, little read to put me to sleep. Now, it's nearly 3:30 AM and I'm practically in tears because this was one of the best Cinderella retellings ever. The notes of the story hit. The alterations worked. It was sweet and romantic, and absolutely perfect. I got this as a freebie at some point and it turned out to be one of the best surprises. I loved it.
December 22, 2024
I was intrigued by the title and cover and went in blindly, only to find out it's a Cinderella retelling, which is one of my favorite retellings!
I loved it! I read this book in one sitting and wished it was longer. It's one of those books where you get lost in the characters and the magic of a fairytale. The twists to the classic fairytale was fun and unexpected.
The ball, the talking bird, the romance - all of it was so perfect!
I loved it! I read this book in one sitting and wished it was longer. It's one of those books where you get lost in the characters and the magic of a fairytale. The twists to the classic fairytale was fun and unexpected.
The ball, the talking bird, the romance - all of it was so perfect!
January 7, 2026
3.5/5 rounding down because it was too short
Cute bite-sized Cinderella reimagining. It was sweet and there was so much potential. After reading How to Find a Nameless Fae, this definitely deserved to be a full length book! Unfortunately as with novellas this short, it did feel a tad summarized, but generally the pacing was decent (and the plot only spanned 2 days so that helped).
Cute bite-sized Cinderella reimagining. It was sweet and there was so much potential. After reading How to Find a Nameless Fae, this definitely deserved to be a full length book! Unfortunately as with novellas this short, it did feel a tad summarized, but generally the pacing was decent (and the plot only spanned 2 days so that helped).
Read
January 23, 2025I'm pretty sure I've read this before. Can't remember when but not feeling like re-reading
July 8, 2025
I looooved this!
I'm a huge fan of novellas and short stories, and this one is perfect. There is enough story and background, as well as interactions with all the characters, that quickly make you decide whether or not you like them.
This is a Cinderella retelling and I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in a little over an hour. I definitely recommend this one!
These characters are found in How to Find a Nameless Fae, which is a full length novel set in the same world, also a fantastic read!
I'm a huge fan of novellas and short stories, and this one is perfect. There is enough story and background, as well as interactions with all the characters, that quickly make you decide whether or not you like them.
This is a Cinderella retelling and I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in a little over an hour. I definitely recommend this one!
These characters are found in How to Find a Nameless Fae, which is a full length novel set in the same world, also a fantastic read!
December 12, 2024
A fun, sweet short story with a delightfully New Zealand feel. This was my favourite in the anthology it was originally published in, and I'm so glad AJ Lancaster decided to re-release (and that there's a connected novel to come!)
April 16, 2025
I read this story as part of the anthology Once Upon a Forbidden Desire: Fairy Tales and Other Stories. I actually bought this anthology for this one story. I like this author's other books and this short story was no exception. I enjoyed it. First, it was one of the few low-heat stories in the anthology otherwise full of smut. I was grateful for it: I don't like hot and steamy. Second, it was a wonderful story, a Cinder-Ella retelling, quiet, charming, and very well written.
January 4, 2025
*screaming while shaking the bars of my enclosure* “I need a full novel with Cinders and Tawhiri. Now. Please and thank you.
Despite it being a novella, the plot was well developed and there was enough backstory to make the plot make sense. I’m also a sucker for a Cinderella retelling but add in fae and I’m IN!
Despite it being a novella, the plot was well developed and there was enough backstory to make the plot make sense. I’m also a sucker for a Cinderella retelling but add in fae and I’m IN!
June 15, 2026
this Cinderella retelling follows Cinders, a human who has spent her life treated as little more than a lowly servant by her noble Fae step-family. When the Fae king announces a bride-choosing ball, she is naturally forbidden to attend. However, some unexpected magic grants her an enchanted disguise, allowing her to sneak into the Thrice-Held Ball for a taste of stolen freedom. What she doesn't expect is to catch the eye of the winged King Tāwhiri, sparking a dangerous and captivating romance.
Returning to this incredible Fae world was 100 pages of pure amazingness! It was the perfect, quick romantasy escape, and it had me completely hooked the whole way through. The unique magical elements added such a fun, fresh spin to the familiar fairytale. Honestly, its only flaw is that it is just way too short. I got so incredibly attached to these characters so quickly, and then the story was over in the blink of an eye!
Returning to this incredible Fae world was 100 pages of pure amazingness! It was the perfect, quick romantasy escape, and it had me completely hooked the whole way through. The unique magical elements added such a fun, fresh spin to the familiar fairytale. Honestly, its only flaw is that it is just way too short. I got so incredibly attached to these characters so quickly, and then the story was over in the blink of an eye!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A short and sweet retelling of Cinderella… fae style.
Cinders is a human changeling serving in the Bloodthorn family, even if she was adopted reluctantly by the Fae Lord.
King Tawhiri is hosting a three night ball in order to pick a bride. Naturally, Lord Bloodthorn refuses to let Cinders attend, but she has a little secret… Cinders rescued a tui bird from a thorn tree, and he has promised to try and free her from the curse that keeps her from running away.
Cinders is easily likable, which comes across even in this short format. The time spent between King Tawhiri and Cinders may be abbreviated, but it is obvious that there is something between the two that could spark into a blaze. The fact that Cinders’s stepmother and stepsisters aren’t intentionally cruel is a welcome change to the story.
It may be a quick read at only 93 pages, but the heart is clear. Definitely worth the read.
I received my copy in a giveaway by the author before the rights were sold to a traditional publisher, but I have a copy on preorder all the same as I believe in supporting good authors. The fact that I did not pay for the review copy, however, did not influence my review in any way.
Cinders is a human changeling serving in the Bloodthorn family, even if she was adopted reluctantly by the Fae Lord.
King Tawhiri is hosting a three night ball in order to pick a bride. Naturally, Lord Bloodthorn refuses to let Cinders attend, but she has a little secret… Cinders rescued a tui bird from a thorn tree, and he has promised to try and free her from the curse that keeps her from running away.
Cinders is easily likable, which comes across even in this short format. The time spent between King Tawhiri and Cinders may be abbreviated, but it is obvious that there is something between the two that could spark into a blaze. The fact that Cinders’s stepmother and stepsisters aren’t intentionally cruel is a welcome change to the story.
It may be a quick read at only 93 pages, but the heart is clear. Definitely worth the read.
I received my copy in a giveaway by the author before the rights were sold to a traditional publisher, but I have a copy on preorder all the same as I believe in supporting good authors. The fact that I did not pay for the review copy, however, did not influence my review in any way.
July 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this. I keep reading fairytale retellings despite having been moderately over reading fairytale retellings for a couple of years…it’s sort of hard to get away from some of them as they’re archetypal themes, and Cinderella is one of those. This isn’t subtle though. It’s a straight up Cinderella retelling that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. And yet it’s still original, it reflects more modern views on relationships, and since it’s a bit angsty in one place, for me it was nice that it’s a quick read and staying up to finish it was not a hardship. I loved Cinder’s first few interactions with the king. I mean, I enjoyed all of her interactions with the king, but the originality and modernness of this story all shine in the first ball and the day after that.
July 19, 2025
I originally read this as a part of the anthology and liked it, but I liked this expanded version even more. Naturally, more is better ;)
I just finished reading How to Find a Nameless Fae and it's a nice addition to that full length novel for these two cameo characters, who are great in their own right. If you like cozy fantasy or cozy romance, I think you will immensely enjoy this.
Reading time: 2h 15m
I just finished reading How to Find a Nameless Fae and it's a nice addition to that full length novel for these two cameo characters, who are great in their own right. If you like cozy fantasy or cozy romance, I think you will immensely enjoy this.
Reading time: 2h 15m
May 4, 2026
A human Cinderella in a world of fae? Yes, please.
Cinder has spent her life as little more than a servant in a noble fae household—until a bit of unexpected magic gives her the chance to attend the fae king’s bride-choosing ball in disguise. What follows is a charming, romantic, and quietly magical retelling of Cinderella.
Short, sweet, and surprisingly immersive, this novella manages to create just enough depth to make you care about the characters and root for their happy ending.
A delightful, feel-good read—perfect if you’re in the mood for something light, magical, and heartwarming.
Cinder has spent her life as little more than a servant in a noble fae household—until a bit of unexpected magic gives her the chance to attend the fae king’s bride-choosing ball in disguise. What follows is a charming, romantic, and quietly magical retelling of Cinderella.
Short, sweet, and surprisingly immersive, this novella manages to create just enough depth to make you care about the characters and root for their happy ending.
A delightful, feel-good read—perfect if you’re in the mood for something light, magical, and heartwarming.
December 29, 2024
A nice and quick story that 'remixes' a Cinderella story in the 'Stariel' world of novels.
It has a lovely blend of intrigue, romance, magic, and all things fae.
Though the story is a quick and easy read, with a New Zealand flavour to things, it does show the author's mastery in character development and world building.
I certainly believe if you like this story, then you should read the 'Stariel' novels, which can be read on their own, or as a set of intrigue.
It has a lovely blend of intrigue, romance, magic, and all things fae.
Though the story is a quick and easy read, with a New Zealand flavour to things, it does show the author's mastery in character development and world building.
I certainly believe if you like this story, then you should read the 'Stariel' novels, which can be read on their own, or as a set of intrigue.
May 4, 2025
[Long version of the story]
It's a retelling of Cinderella, set in the fae world. It's not the most exciting fairytale, but I enjoyed the changes the author made. They're especially good at writing their characters and, no surprise, they were once again likable. The relationships were pleasant and the romance was cute.
It's a retelling of Cinderella, set in the fae world. It's not the most exciting fairytale, but I enjoyed the changes the author made. They're especially good at writing their characters and, no surprise, they were once again likable. The relationships were pleasant and the romance was cute.
July 11, 2025
Lovely! It’s a shame that its big sister (How To Find A Nameless Fae) couldn’t have captured some of the same spark. My review of that book was chided by someone that said it was a cozy romance (and implied I shouldn’t expect anything more) However, Ms Lancaster is a much better writer than that!
With great ability comes great responsibility!
With great ability comes great responsibility!
June 24, 2026
If you want something short but that will still pull heartstrings, this is a good choice. The Tui and Kowhai tree imagery was beautiful. Adding that imagery with faerie and a Cinderella retelling? Absolutely stunning. I think I'll read this on rainy days where I just need to smile. Another beautiful book from A J Lancaster
December 29, 2024
Cute! The beginning was little hard to read but it became very interesting after that.
I wish it was a whole book by itself. Definitely the story had the potential and I already fell in love with the characters. <3
I wish it was a whole book by itself. Definitely the story had the potential and I already fell in love with the characters. <3
December 30, 2024
This was a very quick read. I loved the cover and went in blind. Finding out it was a Cinderella retelling was good, as there are many retelling of it.
It’s hard to fall in love with the characters and magic of it. I wish it was a bit longer but I enjoyed it regardless.
It’s hard to fall in love with the characters and magic of it. I wish it was a bit longer but I enjoyed it regardless.
June 14, 2025
I’m not sure how but A.J. Lancaster has managed to fit a fulfilling story full of whimsy and romance into just 79 pages.
What a great spin on Cinderella.
I am absolutely LOVING these fairytale retellings and honestly sign me up for all of them.
What a great spin on Cinderella.
I am absolutely LOVING these fairytale retellings and honestly sign me up for all of them.
June 23, 2025
*I got an arc of the extended version*
THIS WAS SO SASSY! I think Cinderella retellings can be so fun but sometimes I find it stressful when the prince learns who she is. This story had none of that stress and was just delightful
THIS WAS SO SASSY! I think Cinderella retellings can be so fun but sometimes I find it stressful when the prince learns who she is. This story had none of that stress and was just delightful
August 26, 2025
3 stars! I liked this!
A sweet, wholesome short story / Cinderella retelling featuring a fae king and a human girl. Very well written, cute, and quick read! You can easily read this in one sitting wirh a cozy cup of tea.
A sweet, wholesome short story / Cinderella retelling featuring a fae king and a human girl. Very well written, cute, and quick read! You can easily read this in one sitting wirh a cozy cup of tea.
May 8, 2026
I picked this up as I loved How to find a Nameless Fae and saw it’s going to be trad published. Sorry but I have no idea why. This was like a retelling of a classic fairytale but somehow suck the romance out and make it worse. The arranged marriage bit was not done well.
January 1, 2025
A fun fairy tell retelling.
January 16, 2025
My favorite story from the Once Upon A Forbidden Desire anthology featuring Cinderella x Stariel
April 25, 2025
It was ok, it made me cry at one point.
May 2, 2025
Perfection. I loved everything about it.
Edit: I can't help it. I'm rereading it again. I can't wait for her new release! If you read this story in the anthology, her newer version is twice as long.
Edit: I can't help it. I'm rereading it again. I can't wait for her new release! If you read this story in the anthology, her newer version is twice as long.
May 20, 2025
I’ve read the original, and I like this expanded version a lot — especially the king’s defiance of the whole “purebred” notion. The imagery was rich, and the story well-spun. As usual.
June 11, 2025
An interesting retelling of Cinderella, set among a fae realm.
June 12, 2025
charming, funny, delightful little escape down a familiar tale, but with some significant improvements. also good to be in the expansive universe of Faerie.
🌶
🌶
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews