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The GriMM Tales
Cinder: An MM Romance Fairytale Retelling
Cinder-Szule Reinholz has no intention of marrying his kingdom’s rake of a prince.
His place in the world is to keep his incompetent, destitute household afloat. It’s the only respectable thing he’s managed since his mother wasted her dying breath tasking him to do good, and the sins he’s stacked against that duty grow by the day—along with the bastards he’s stabbed and left for dead.
But while slinking through the royal matchmaker ball, Cin stumbles onto the prince mid-conquest. He’s whisked into a thrilling affair, as secretive as the magic that conceals his status and the feathers he leaves in his victim’s wounds. As Cin learns more of the prince’s familial burdens and perceived failures, his yearning delves beyond the prince's striking physique to his tender and attentive heart.
Cin’s nightly escapades are not going unnoticed by his family, though—not his time with the prince, nor his vigilante missions. Just as the King and Queen are presenting their own son’s hand in marriage like a trophy for the taking, they’ve offered a prize for whoever identifies the killer roaming their streets.
Caught between duty, desire, and something far darker, Cin fights for a future that doesn’t leave him trapped in someone else’s world—or their dungeons.
CINDER is a mid/high-heat M/M retelling with a transmasc, vigilante Cinderella. This novel is part of a series of interconnected Grimm fairy tales that can be read as standalones, each with its own Happy Ever After! Content includes familial emotional abuse, references to physical abuse suffered by side characters, one scene with story-relevant gore and mutilation, magical top surgery, and multiple spice scenes.
His place in the world is to keep his incompetent, destitute household afloat. It’s the only respectable thing he’s managed since his mother wasted her dying breath tasking him to do good, and the sins he’s stacked against that duty grow by the day—along with the bastards he’s stabbed and left for dead.
But while slinking through the royal matchmaker ball, Cin stumbles onto the prince mid-conquest. He’s whisked into a thrilling affair, as secretive as the magic that conceals his status and the feathers he leaves in his victim’s wounds. As Cin learns more of the prince’s familial burdens and perceived failures, his yearning delves beyond the prince's striking physique to his tender and attentive heart.
Cin’s nightly escapades are not going unnoticed by his family, though—not his time with the prince, nor his vigilante missions. Just as the King and Queen are presenting their own son’s hand in marriage like a trophy for the taking, they’ve offered a prize for whoever identifies the killer roaming their streets.
Caught between duty, desire, and something far darker, Cin fights for a future that doesn’t leave him trapped in someone else’s world—or their dungeons.
CINDER is a mid/high-heat M/M retelling with a transmasc, vigilante Cinderella. This novel is part of a series of interconnected Grimm fairy tales that can be read as standalones, each with its own Happy Ever After! Content includes familial emotional abuse, references to physical abuse suffered by side characters, one scene with story-relevant gore and mutilation, magical top surgery, and multiple spice scenes.
390 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2025
About the author
D.N. Bryn
17 books820 followersD.N. Bryn is a queer, disabled author of speculative fiction and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
March 29, 2026
4**** stars
Wow. I was really invested reading this Cinderella retelling.
First of all I loved that this world and its characters were not at all concerned with gender. So the Prince was open choosing literally anyone. I loved that there was no conflict stemming on that front. Especially with Cinder being a trans man (without transitioning obv). Even one of his step-siblings went by they/them pronouns which was simply excepted by everyone.
I loved how Cinder and Prince Lorentz met, how they kept meeting over the course of the six balls the palace was hosting to find a suitable partner for the heir to the throne. It was interesting how Cinder galavanted around these balls not only hiding from his family but also basically from the palace guards who was on the hunt of the Plumed Manace—a vigilante assassin who was no other than our Cinder here.
Really entertaining. What bugged me while reading was that Prince Lorentz refused to enter a serious romantic relationship for no apparent reason. BUT GIRL, the plot twist! Hahaha, didn’t see coming when he revealed the reason to Cinder.
But, I also have to say, while appreciating all rep in general I struggle with aromantic characters in a romance. But that’s a me-thing obviously. Anyways. As I said I was still really into it.
The reason I’m not rating this any higher (and even considered going lower) was the ending. The showdown was for what the story has been up to this point unnecessary brutal. And I don’t mean the mandatory shoe fitting scene which was as gory as the original tale. *lmaooo No, I mean what came after. It didn’t quite fit.
Pity. I’ve been ready to make this my series favorite.
**************
The GriMM Tales multi-author series
Book 1 - Little Red Riding Hood - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - Zel - 4.25 stars ♡
Book 3 - Hansel and Gerhardt
Book 4 - The Elves and the Shoemaker
Book 5 - Cinder - 4.0 stars
Book 6 - The Frog Prince - 3.25 stars
Book 7 - Rumpelstilzchen - 3.0 stars
Book 8 - Snow White and the Seven Little Miners
It felt as though by setting foot into that castle, he could somehow stop being the Plumed Menace the crown was searching for. Be his mother’s child instead: good, if only for a night.
Wow. I was really invested reading this Cinderella retelling.
First of all I loved that this world and its characters were not at all concerned with gender. So the Prince was open choosing literally anyone. I loved that there was no conflict stemming on that front. Especially with Cinder being a trans man (without transitioning obv). Even one of his step-siblings went by they/them pronouns which was simply excepted by everyone.
I loved how Cinder and Prince Lorentz met, how they kept meeting over the course of the six balls the palace was hosting to find a suitable partner for the heir to the throne. It was interesting how Cinder galavanted around these balls not only hiding from his family but also basically from the palace guards who was on the hunt of the Plumed Manace—a vigilante assassin who was no other than our Cinder here.
Really entertaining. What bugged me while reading was that Prince Lorentz refused to enter a serious romantic relationship for no apparent reason. BUT GIRL, the plot twist! Hahaha, didn’t see coming when he revealed the reason to Cinder.
But, I also have to say, while appreciating all rep in general I struggle with aromantic characters in a romance. But that’s a me-thing obviously. Anyways. As I said I was still really into it.
The reason I’m not rating this any higher (and even considered going lower) was the ending. The showdown was for what the story has been up to this point unnecessary brutal. And I don’t mean the mandatory shoe fitting scene which was as gory as the original tale. *lmaooo No, I mean what came after. It didn’t quite fit.
Pity. I’ve been ready to make this my series favorite.
**************
The GriMM Tales multi-author series
Book 1 - Little Red Riding Hood - 3.75 stars
Book 2 - Zel - 4.25 stars ♡
Book 3 - Hansel and Gerhardt
Book 4 - The Elves and the Shoemaker
Book 5 - Cinder - 4.0 stars
Book 6 - The Frog Prince - 3.25 stars
Book 7 - Rumpelstilzchen - 3.0 stars
Book 8 - Snow White and the Seven Little Miners
March 31, 2026
A Cinderella retelling with a magical transmasc vigilante killer and an aromantic, man-whore prince. This sticks to the original Cinderella story but with some twists. Cinder is a magical pigeon whisperer and serial killer, stabbing anyone he sees doing wrong in the city and sticking his feathers in their wounds as his calling card, becoming feared as the Plumed Menace. Prince Lorenzo needs to get married to take over his courtly duties but he would much rather keep sleeping around, until he meets our delightful Cinder in his magical feathery outfit.
Cinder has been mistreated by his family and initially rejects the Prince’s overtures due to his obligations to his family. Our first meeting of Lorenzo, the Prince, is interrupting him fucking a woman on a balcony and inviting Cinder to a threesome with them. I appreciate the aromantic representation of Lorenzo but found their relationship to be a little lacking because of it as I never really felt their deeper connection.
The world is nice in that gender doesn’t appear to be an issue. There are other characters with they/them pronouns and no one seems to blink about Cinder being born in a female body and now presenting as male. There is magical top surgery and a magical cock device for Cinder to take on the penetrating role between him and Lorenzo. Everything is magical…until the ending.
It flips to a pretty brutal and gory scene in the final 93% that I felt didn’t match the tone of the rest of the book. It just didn’t work for me and dragged my opinion of the book down overall, as well as some plot points that didn’t feel very fleshed out so I’m not sure they made sense. What even happened with Lorenzo there??
Not my favourite Cinderella re-telling. Good to discuss at book club.
Cinder has been mistreated by his family and initially rejects the Prince’s overtures due to his obligations to his family. Our first meeting of Lorenzo, the Prince, is interrupting him fucking a woman on a balcony and inviting Cinder to a threesome with them. I appreciate the aromantic representation of Lorenzo but found their relationship to be a little lacking because of it as I never really felt their deeper connection.
The world is nice in that gender doesn’t appear to be an issue. There are other characters with they/them pronouns and no one seems to blink about Cinder being born in a female body and now presenting as male. There is magical top surgery and a magical cock device for Cinder to take on the penetrating role between him and Lorenzo. Everything is magical…until the ending.
It flips to a pretty brutal and gory scene in the final 93% that I felt didn’t match the tone of the rest of the book. It just didn’t work for me and dragged my opinion of the book down overall, as well as some plot points that didn’t feel very fleshed out so I’m not sure they made sense. What even happened with Lorenzo there??
Not my favourite Cinderella re-telling. Good to discuss at book club.
March 29, 2026
WERE FLESH EATING PIGEONS ON MY CINDER READING EXPERIENCE BINGO CARD?
ABSOLUTELY TF NOT?
Tbh, Prince Lorenz was kinda a fuck???
I felt nothing for him because Cin and his first interaction was super fucking weird, and had me feeling really off about this man.
Old fuck boi prince Mgee was pulling his dick out of a woman, and went straight to "Wanna have a threesome?" and like 3 mins later being like... "Oh but you're unfuckable and won't let me fuck you"
What in the fuck was going on here???
I really did enjoy Cin's character, I like DN Bryn's flow of writing, and I did enjoy when they started hanging out alone, and the prince was blowing off his responsibilities to be with Cin, but as soon as Cin was out of sight... he was forgotten? And that wasn't even explained until like 90% in...... and my brain can't help but think the prince was just out here smashing everyone in between Cin visits.
They have so many discussions too about other partners, and the fact prince has to get married, Cin pretty much agree's to be a side hoe when Lorenz finds a partner... Nothing felt overly... lovely between our MC's?
And then they were inlove. Something happened to the prince that I still don't understand, and now he's... more capable of love? I guess?
And then killer pigeons murder a family, peck out their eyes and eat them down to the bones and no one questions it or does any concerns..... okay.
goodnight, that's enough thinking for one day.
ABSOLUTELY TF NOT?
Tbh, Prince Lorenz was kinda a fuck???
I felt nothing for him because Cin and his first interaction was super fucking weird, and had me feeling really off about this man.
Old fuck boi prince Mgee was pulling his dick out of a woman, and went straight to "Wanna have a threesome?" and like 3 mins later being like... "Oh but you're unfuckable and won't let me fuck you"
What in the fuck was going on here???
I really did enjoy Cin's character, I like DN Bryn's flow of writing, and I did enjoy when they started hanging out alone, and the prince was blowing off his responsibilities to be with Cin, but as soon as Cin was out of sight... he was forgotten? And that wasn't even explained until like 90% in...... and my brain can't help but think the prince was just out here smashing everyone in between Cin visits.
They have so many discussions too about other partners, and the fact prince has to get married, Cin pretty much agree's to be a side hoe when Lorenz finds a partner... Nothing felt overly... lovely between our MC's?
And then they were inlove. Something happened to the prince that I still don't understand, and now he's... more capable of love? I guess?
And then killer pigeons murder a family, peck out their eyes and eat them down to the bones and no one questions it or does any concerns..... okay.
goodnight, that's enough thinking for one day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
Arc Review: Cinder The GriMM Tales by D.N. Bryn
MC Cin & Lorenz 4⭐
Tropes & tags
🕊️Trans Cinderella
🗡️Aro Playboy Prince
🕊️Pigeon Magic
🗡️Vigilante Killer
🕊️Friends with Benefits-to-Marriage
🗡️Complex Family Dynamics
Loved the pigeons—what a wonderful flock 🪽🪽🪽.
This retelling was incredibly well done, with the way the original Cinderella story folds so naturally into D.N. Bryn’s darker, queerer, more twisted approach. Cin’s family is just as disgusting and irritating as in the classic tale, a bunch of bullying abusers (JFC), and seeing them here made me want to scream all over again, especially that horrible father.
The writing was engaging and twisty; I almost feel bad I read this during a slump because I couldn’t appreciate it as much as I wanted to. There’s definitely a heavy dose of insta-lust, but honestly, if we think about the original fairy tales—aren’t they all like this? What I loved most is how Bryn kept the bones of the original (we even get the fitting of the shoe, with a gory side god…🤐) while still twisting it into something fresh, surprising, and completely new. 👏👏👏👏
Cin himself is such an incredible character. He’s a total badass, but also strong and fragile at the same time. I loved that instead of just being the patient, pious victim, he becomes a vigilante—fighting back against cruelty, saving the helpless, and stepping into the role of protector. His family is horrible in this retelling, as expected, but the fact that he breaks free and finds happiness was so satisfying. I haven’t read many books with trans representation, but this one is written from a place of knowledge and heart—you can feel the author’s own pain and happiness flowing through the pages, and that just add to the story.
Lorenz, on the other hand, is full of life and such a delight to read. His conversations with Cin were some of my favorite moments. I’ll admit, there were points where I was ready to give up on him—I found him a bit frustrating and wasn’t sure I even liked him—but then the twist in his story came, and suddenly everything about him made sense. His aromantic identity and the way it was woven into the narrative completely shifted my perspective, and by the end I truly appreciated his journey. I’ll be honest, I still struggle a little when reading about aromantic characters—it leaves me with a sense of emptiness, like something is missing—but that’s more about my own perspective as a reader than the story itself.
And unlike the original fairytale, it isn’t the prince who does the saving here—it’s Cinder, over and over again, rescuing Lorenz and others, like the badass plumed menace he is 🪽. That inversion of the classic trope was honestly one of my favorite parts.
I’ll be honest: I did feel the story dragged a little in the middle, and for a while I thought the book might be too long for the plot it was telling. But in the end the twists, the character growth, and the way everything tied together more than paid off.
On top of that, the cameos were delightful—Elias, Henrik, and Johan from The Elves and the Shoemaker reappearing, plus an appearance from the Frog Prince (and I definitely have suspicions who he is💚). These little crossovers make the world feel alive, like every tale is connected.
This series keeps surprising me, and Cinder might be my favorite retelling yet. It’s raw, emotional, and unapologetically queer—a fairytale reimagined with teeth, wings, and heart, and the most beautiful cover hands down!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⚠️Author TWs
Familial gaslighting and emotional manipulation
Off-screen physical abuse of side characters
Death of an animal companion
One scene of minor body mutilation
Three major sexual scenes
Chronic pain and dysphoria healed through magical surgery (author’s own voice representation)
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: no
OM/OW Drama: no, but when they first met the prince was having sex on a balcony with a woman.
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes, mutual agreement
Role Dynamics:The dynamic between them isn’t about strict sexual roles or versatility, but about what feels affirming for Cinder and safe for Lorenz. Cinder takes the active/penetrative role, but it’s written with a lot of sensitivity toward gender, body, and identity
POV: 3th person (single)
Format: Series of interconnected Grimm fairy tales that can be read as standalones
Ending: HFN
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Medium
MC Cin & Lorenz 4⭐
”I wish for my body to feel like a home, instead of a house.”
Tropes & tags
🕊️Trans Cinderella
🗡️Aro Playboy Prince
🕊️Pigeon Magic
🗡️Vigilante Killer
🕊️Friends with Benefits-to-Marriage
🗡️Complex Family Dynamics
Loved the pigeons—what a wonderful flock 🪽🪽🪽.
This retelling was incredibly well done, with the way the original Cinderella story folds so naturally into D.N. Bryn’s darker, queerer, more twisted approach. Cin’s family is just as disgusting and irritating as in the classic tale, a bunch of bullying abusers (JFC), and seeing them here made me want to scream all over again, especially that horrible father.
The writing was engaging and twisty; I almost feel bad I read this during a slump because I couldn’t appreciate it as much as I wanted to. There’s definitely a heavy dose of insta-lust, but honestly, if we think about the original fairy tales—aren’t they all like this? What I loved most is how Bryn kept the bones of the original (we even get the fitting of the shoe, with a gory side god…🤐) while still twisting it into something fresh, surprising, and completely new. 👏👏👏👏
Cin himself is such an incredible character. He’s a total badass, but also strong and fragile at the same time. I loved that instead of just being the patient, pious victim, he becomes a vigilante—fighting back against cruelty, saving the helpless, and stepping into the role of protector. His family is horrible in this retelling, as expected, but the fact that he breaks free and finds happiness was so satisfying. I haven’t read many books with trans representation, but this one is written from a place of knowledge and heart—you can feel the author’s own pain and happiness flowing through the pages, and that just add to the story.
Lorenz, on the other hand, is full of life and such a delight to read. His conversations with Cin were some of my favorite moments. I’ll admit, there were points where I was ready to give up on him—I found him a bit frustrating and wasn’t sure I even liked him—but then the twist in his story came, and suddenly everything about him made sense. His aromantic identity and the way it was woven into the narrative completely shifted my perspective, and by the end I truly appreciated his journey. I’ll be honest, I still struggle a little when reading about aromantic characters—it leaves me with a sense of emptiness, like something is missing—but that’s more about my own perspective as a reader than the story itself.
And unlike the original fairytale, it isn’t the prince who does the saving here—it’s Cinder, over and over again, rescuing Lorenz and others, like the badass plumed menace he is 🪽. That inversion of the classic trope was honestly one of my favorite parts.
I’ll be honest: I did feel the story dragged a little in the middle, and for a while I thought the book might be too long for the plot it was telling. But in the end the twists, the character growth, and the way everything tied together more than paid off.
On top of that, the cameos were delightful—Elias, Henrik, and Johan from The Elves and the Shoemaker reappearing, plus an appearance from the Frog Prince (and I definitely have suspicions who he is💚). These little crossovers make the world feel alive, like every tale is connected.
This series keeps surprising me, and Cinder might be my favorite retelling yet. It’s raw, emotional, and unapologetically queer—a fairytale reimagined with teeth, wings, and heart, and the most beautiful cover hands down!
You will not touch the man I l-l—”
The word cut off in a cry. Between the strands of his ripped shirt, the serrated bonds that locked his heart pulsed with darkness as they writhed deeper into him. He grabbed for them, blood welling between his fingers, and Cin grabbed with him. Lorenz’s eyes met Cin’s, endless and open, no longer a pool but the completeness of the night sky, brimming with something so precious Cin did not have to guess at it.
“I love—” Lorenz managed, crying out in pain at the final word.
And Cin whispered back, “I love you, too.”
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⚠️Author TWs
Familial gaslighting and emotional manipulation
Off-screen physical abuse of side characters
Death of an animal companion
One scene of minor body mutilation
Three major sexual scenes
Chronic pain and dysphoria healed through magical surgery (author’s own voice representation)
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: no
OM/OW Drama: no, but when they first met the prince was having sex on a balcony with a woman.
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes, mutual agreement
Role Dynamics:The dynamic between them isn’t about strict sexual roles or versatility, but about what feels affirming for Cinder and safe for Lorenz. Cinder takes the active/penetrative role, but it’s written with a lot of sensitivity toward gender, body, and identity
POV: 3th person (single)
Format: Series of interconnected Grimm fairy tales that can be read as standalones
Ending: HFN
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Medium
September 26, 2025
Wow - where to start?
Cinder by D.N. Bryn is a phenomenal dark mm Cinderella retelling. Cin is a trans man wishing for a better life, a family that appreciates and helps him as they should, and a society that cares for it's members instead of hurts them. Ren is a reluctant cis Prince still greiving the recent loss of his brother, the natural choice as heir to the throne, and fighting a greivous internal battle of love and fear. The romance between Ren and Cin is
I love how these characters are written; the feelings are palpable, the experiences feel so accurate and real, and I found myself growing to cherish Ren and Cin as the story progressed. The general queer acceptance, how naturally Ren and Cin interacted, and the beautiful representation of trans experience is unmatched. I cannot express this enough; Cinder is a beautiful story of two beautiful people, and how cruel the world can be. Masterfully written; there's a perfect balance between the darkness of the external forces on Cin and Ren with their tender love and care, which raises Cinder to such a high level for me.
While I enjoy the GriMM world ad I've had a good time with all the books so far, Cinder is my favorite in the series at this point. I'm so excited to see where the series goes in the remaining three books. I can tell Cinder will stick with me for a long, long time. I highly recommend everyone give this story a read!
Don't mind me checking out D.N. Bryn's backlist in the coming months. I may have found a new favorite, auro-read author!
Cinder by D.N. Bryn is a phenomenal dark mm Cinderella retelling. Cin is a trans man wishing for a better life, a family that appreciates and helps him as they should, and a society that cares for it's members instead of hurts them. Ren is a reluctant cis Prince still greiving the recent loss of his brother, the natural choice as heir to the throne, and fighting a greivous internal battle of love and fear. The romance between Ren and Cin is
I love how these characters are written; the feelings are palpable, the experiences feel so accurate and real, and I found myself growing to cherish Ren and Cin as the story progressed. The general queer acceptance, how naturally Ren and Cin interacted, and the beautiful representation of trans experience is unmatched. I cannot express this enough; Cinder is a beautiful story of two beautiful people, and how cruel the world can be. Masterfully written; there's a perfect balance between the darkness of the external forces on Cin and Ren with their tender love and care, which raises Cinder to such a high level for me.
While I enjoy the GriMM world ad I've had a good time with all the books so far, Cinder is my favorite in the series at this point. I'm so excited to see where the series goes in the remaining three books. I can tell Cinder will stick with me for a long, long time. I highly recommend everyone give this story a read!
Don't mind me checking out D.N. Bryn's backlist in the coming months. I may have found a new favorite, auro-read author!
October 2, 2025
4,5 ⭐️
This series let me tell you, is so good! I totally get suck in into the worldbuilding with every book 🥰 And I was so excited for the retelling of Cinderella cause let's be honest, it's a big one ✨️
Cinder has a very unthankful and cruesome family. Well, except for one member, and thank god for that 🙈 Lorenz is a prince and his parents have one wish for him: to get married as soon as possible.
The writing, the story, the backgrounds of the characters? Fantastic.
The fact that Cinder is trans was very well written and when he got the opportunity to embrace that for real, I got a little emotional, not gonna lie 🤧
I'm so hyped now for The Frog Prince 😌
This series let me tell you, is so good! I totally get suck in into the worldbuilding with every book 🥰 And I was so excited for the retelling of Cinderella cause let's be honest, it's a big one ✨️
Cinder has a very unthankful and cruesome family. Well, except for one member, and thank god for that 🙈 Lorenz is a prince and his parents have one wish for him: to get married as soon as possible.
The writing, the story, the backgrounds of the characters? Fantastic.
The fact that Cinder is trans was very well written and when he got the opportunity to embrace that for real, I got a little emotional, not gonna lie 🤧
I'm so hyped now for The Frog Prince 😌
May 5, 2026
[3.5🌟]. Estuvo bien, la verdad me gustó, pero no me mató.
Había momentos en donde me costaba un poco entender los sentimientos de Ren. Bueno, no es spoiler, pero él estaba en el espectro arromántico, pero eso lo entendí recién al final (porque yo soy cabeza dura).
Por otro lado, nunca había leído un protagonista transmasc, pero tampoco fue el cambio de mi vida. Cinder era Cinder y ya, ni recordaba que era trans. La trama es interesante, de a ratitos un poquito lenta.
Me gustaba mucho ver a las palomitas junto a Cin, era muy cute.
¿Me gustó? Sí. No ha sido mi fav dentro de la saga. Ahora tengo curiosidad por El príncipe Sapo.
El spicy estuvo bien. La escena del palomar fue muy sensual y oh, de repente había p*gg*ng. Eso no lo ví venir. Educativo.
Había momentos en donde me costaba un poco entender los sentimientos de Ren. Bueno, no es spoiler, pero él estaba en el espectro arromántico, pero eso lo entendí recién al final (porque yo soy cabeza dura).
Por otro lado, nunca había leído un protagonista transmasc, pero tampoco fue el cambio de mi vida. Cinder era Cinder y ya, ni recordaba que era trans. La trama es interesante, de a ratitos un poquito lenta.
Me gustaba mucho ver a las palomitas junto a Cin, era muy cute.
¿Me gustó? Sí. No ha sido mi fav dentro de la saga. Ahora tengo curiosidad por El príncipe Sapo.
El spicy estuvo bien. La escena del palomar fue muy sensual y oh, de repente había p*gg*ng. Eso no lo ví venir. Educativo.
September 26, 2025
D.N. Bryn brings us the next GriMM Tale retelling with Cinder. I have loved everything I've read from the author and this story was no exception. Cinder (Cin) is a trans man navigating a hard life while trying to find balance in himself: both his body and soul. D.N. writes amazing trans representation and Cin is another perfect example. Enter Prince Lorenz who has an abundance of his own struggles, but sees something in Cin that no one else has. This is a beautiful love story grounded in not only what is, but what could be if we allow ourselves to look past the obvious. I will reread this tale again and again!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
May 7, 2026
This was such an interesting take on Cinderella, I really enjoyed reading it.
September 28, 2025
This is my favorite of the GriMM series so far!
I went into this book knowing that a transmasc retelling of Cinderella could be a challenging read for me personally. I was also really curious what direction DN Bryn was going to take it (which is why I *really* wanted to read it). And I love what they did with this story.
Cin lives in an abusive family environment. He is also a vigilante assassin, who channels all his pent-up rage into ridding the world of dangerous people (mostly serial perpetrators of DV). It was exactly this duality that hooked me from the start. No matter how much gaslighting he internalizes in the moment, Cin never stays powerless for long, and that empowerment (even if 🗡️💀 is wrong) makes all the difference.
I found one thing strangely decent about Cin's horrible family, though. They never misgender him. I liked that a lot.
I could write paragraphs about how good the romance part of this book is (very!). Cin & Lorenz riff off of each other every chance they get but they also have heartbreakingly gentle and swoony moments. I felt for them so much!
Really, this book absolutely stands on its own, and I'd recommend it even if you don't read the rest of the series.
Thank you to DN Bryn and the rest of the GriMM authors for trusting me with an ARC!
I went into this book knowing that a transmasc retelling of Cinderella could be a challenging read for me personally. I was also really curious what direction DN Bryn was going to take it (which is why I *really* wanted to read it). And I love what they did with this story.
Cin lives in an abusive family environment. He is also a vigilante assassin, who channels all his pent-up rage into ridding the world of dangerous people (mostly serial perpetrators of DV). It was exactly this duality that hooked me from the start. No matter how much gaslighting he internalizes in the moment, Cin never stays powerless for long, and that empowerment (even if 🗡️💀 is wrong) makes all the difference.
I found one thing strangely decent about Cin's horrible family, though. They never misgender him. I liked that a lot.
I could write paragraphs about how good the romance part of this book is (very!). Cin & Lorenz riff off of each other every chance they get but they also have heartbreakingly gentle and swoony moments. I felt for them so much!
Really, this book absolutely stands on its own, and I'd recommend it even if you don't read the rest of the series.
Thank you to DN Bryn and the rest of the GriMM authors for trusting me with an ARC!
Want to Read
March 25, 2026🖤🔥Cinder🔥🖤
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Full ARC Review to come.
🪶What to Expect
• MM fantasy
• Cinderella retelling
• Assassin vigilante
• Secret identity
• Matchmaking ball
• Morally gray
• Forbidden attraction
_ _ _ _
🎧 Narration Style: Solo (Simon Dornet)
📅 Pub Date: March 31, 2026
📝 Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Full ARC Review to come.
🪶What to Expect
• MM fantasy
• Cinderella retelling
• Assassin vigilante
• Secret identity
• Matchmaking ball
• Morally gray
• Forbidden attraction
_ _ _ _
🎧 Narration Style: Solo (Simon Dornet)
📅 Pub Date: March 31, 2026
📝 Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
dnf-2026
April 17, 2026DNF around 30% in
This is not working for me. There's a lot going on in the story and characters. Cin follows the Cinderella plot line with the evil family and a ball, but also has his other thing of vigilante work and pigeon wrangling happening.
First, the evil family elements felt very sanitized. Instead of truly heinous and evil things it's minor emotional manipulation and "can you pretty please stay and make us food? you're so much better at cooking than any of us!" kind of weaponized incompetence. Which sucks! But isn't a huge conflict or big evil occurrence.
The vigilante evil murdering and birds plot line. Doesn't make sense, is clunky and not really cohesive. Didn't add to Cin's character or the plot besides there being murder happening.
The first time meeting the prince and he's boinking someone else was also not the most fun to read, and didn't really put the love interest in an interesting light.
Too many clunky and meh things happening to start off the book that I paused it weeks ago and don't want to continue reading on to see the romance and plot develop.
ARC provided by Netgalley
This is not working for me. There's a lot going on in the story and characters. Cin follows the Cinderella plot line with the evil family and a ball, but also has his other thing of vigilante work and pigeon wrangling happening.
First, the evil family elements felt very sanitized. Instead of truly heinous and evil things it's minor emotional manipulation and "can you pretty please stay and make us food? you're so much better at cooking than any of us!" kind of weaponized incompetence. Which sucks! But isn't a huge conflict or big evil occurrence.
The vigilante evil murdering and birds plot line. Doesn't make sense, is clunky and not really cohesive. Didn't add to Cin's character or the plot besides there being murder happening.
The first time meeting the prince and he's boinking someone else was also not the most fun to read, and didn't really put the love interest in an interesting light.
Too many clunky and meh things happening to start off the book that I paused it weeks ago and don't want to continue reading on to see the romance and plot develop.
ARC provided by Netgalley
October 2, 2025
A BANGER!!!!! I LOVE PIGEONS!!!!!
this book had a big meaty plot I could really dig my teeth into, and I also really like the Prince. Like where can I get my own Prince?????
also the GORE i looooooved it. such a good read. you should read it.
this book had a big meaty plot I could really dig my teeth into, and I also really like the Prince. Like where can I get my own Prince?????
also the GORE i looooooved it. such a good read. you should read it.
September 26, 2025
Cinder is part of the multi author The GriMM Tales series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the MM retelling of Cinderella. This the story of Cinder(Cin) and prince Lorenz(Ren). This story is one of my favorites in the series. It was so well done and different from the original fable and not just because it's MM. Cin is a trans man who becomes a vigilante, he definitely isn't a victim. The romance between Cin and Ren was done so well. I loved watching these two figure things out. I loved the twist at the end of the book. I will definitely be reading this book again. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
October 1, 2025
4⭐
I loved the pigeons, just a fantastic utilisation that's very on point with the original tale. I really liked the beginning too: (spoiler for something that happens in the very first paragraph)
This book also truly nails the indignation and the macabre of the original. Cin's emotions are vivid and I definitely wanted to strangle half the characters. It's also very believable how Cin isn't able to push back to his family, family ties are complicated and he's been so gaslit into feeling guilt of everything in the world. It's painful. I've read D.N. Bryn before but one can tell there's some writing chops here. But still I wasn't consumed. I had some niggles.
Apparently I am a prude but I still can't get over the fact that these two meet while the prince is and Cin is so taken that he needs to masturbate that night. Look, I definitely warmed up to Lorenz, but ew.
The romance in general didn't quite go as I'd hoped. These two meet more than a couple of nights, and create a connection but I didn't really get all the confusion and reasoning of what could be and couldn't be. They lay out some rules but immediately break those, and it's all very clouded. And the amount of heartache Cin endures, I feel the prince's revelation is a bit of letdown. It's another quest for Cin, the poor boy can't get a minute of rest from fixing everyone else's problems. I wanted the prince to fix it and then some groveling. (He does accept Cin fully which is wonderful though, but you still can't deprive me of groveling porn.)
The trans rep (and everything rep) is great as expected from the author. As and avid hater of the word 'folds', I need to tell you it was encountered here, but luckily only in one paragraph!
But yeah, it's a wild pigeon-ride and a great retelling, even if it didn't quite hit the jackpot with my personal tastes of romance.
I loved the pigeons, just a fantastic utilisation that's very on point with the original tale. I really liked the beginning too: (spoiler for something that happens in the very first paragraph)
This book also truly nails the indignation and the macabre of the original. Cin's emotions are vivid and I definitely wanted to strangle half the characters. It's also very believable how Cin isn't able to push back to his family, family ties are complicated and he's been so gaslit into feeling guilt of everything in the world. It's painful. I've read D.N. Bryn before but one can tell there's some writing chops here. But still I wasn't consumed. I had some niggles.
Apparently I am a prude but I still can't get over the fact that these two meet while the prince is and Cin is so taken that he needs to masturbate that night. Look, I definitely warmed up to Lorenz, but ew.
The romance in general didn't quite go as I'd hoped. These two meet more than a couple of nights, and create a connection but I didn't really get all the confusion and reasoning of what could be and couldn't be. They lay out some rules but immediately break those, and it's all very clouded. And the amount of heartache Cin endures, I feel the prince's revelation is a bit of letdown. It's another quest for Cin, the poor boy can't get a minute of rest from fixing everyone else's problems. I wanted the prince to fix it and then some groveling. (He does accept Cin fully which is wonderful though, but you still can't deprive me of groveling porn.)
The trans rep (and everything rep) is great as expected from the author. As and avid hater of the word 'folds', I need to tell you it was encountered here, but luckily only in one paragraph!
But yeah, it's a wild pigeon-ride and a great retelling, even if it didn't quite hit the jackpot with my personal tastes of romance.
October 5, 2025
This book was everything. The series just keeps getting better and better with every installment, and Cinder absolutely stole my heart. Cin and Lorenz’s story was so beautifully written—gentle, loving, and quietly powerful in the way it unfolded. And the Trans representation was written with such pain and care…
I adored how they were instantly obsessed with each other, no matter how much they tried to resist it. Their chemistry leapt off the page, filled with tenderness and an ache that made every glance, every touch, feel meaningful.
Watching Cin slowly step into himself—accepting who he truly is, piece by piece—was breathtaking. His journey toward finding a body and life that finally felt like his own was written with such grace and care, and the pure joy and relief he felt made me tear up more than once. It was such a stunning portrayal of self-acceptance, wrapped in magic, danger, and love.
Seeing Cin finally get justice for the wrongs his family inflicted was deeply satisfying and well-earned. After carrying the weight of their failures and cruelty for so long, watching him reclaim his power and confront the legacy that tried to define him felt cathartic.
And the spice? Oh, the spice was spicy—but still so gentle and intimate.
(HELLO MAGICAL STRAP ON?😉😉)
Every scene felt passionate and deeply emotional, never gratuitous, just two people connecting completely.
Thank you so much to the author for the advanced reader copy and for trusting me with writing this review. This story was a gift, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it early.
I adored how they were instantly obsessed with each other, no matter how much they tried to resist it. Their chemistry leapt off the page, filled with tenderness and an ache that made every glance, every touch, feel meaningful.
Watching Cin slowly step into himself—accepting who he truly is, piece by piece—was breathtaking. His journey toward finding a body and life that finally felt like his own was written with such grace and care, and the pure joy and relief he felt made me tear up more than once. It was such a stunning portrayal of self-acceptance, wrapped in magic, danger, and love.
Seeing Cin finally get justice for the wrongs his family inflicted was deeply satisfying and well-earned. After carrying the weight of their failures and cruelty for so long, watching him reclaim his power and confront the legacy that tried to define him felt cathartic.
And the spice? Oh, the spice was spicy—but still so gentle and intimate.
(HELLO MAGICAL STRAP ON?😉😉)
Every scene felt passionate and deeply emotional, never gratuitous, just two people connecting completely.
Thank you so much to the author for the advanced reader copy and for trusting me with writing this review. This story was a gift, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it early.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2026
I wasn't sure what to expect with a trans vigilante Cinderella retelling but I had faith because I've really enjoyed all of DN Bryn's books.
This is a bit of a whirlwind read in that there seems to be a lot going on all at one time. you get thrown into the story and it takes a second to put all the bits together. this is a part of a series but you're supposed to be able to read them as standalones, I am curious if any of Cin's details would have been included in the previous books but I digress. it is something that you catch on fairly quickly.
this is very different from your classic Disney Cinderella story. Cin lives with his father and stepmother and three siblings and is in charge of all of the homemaking duties. he cooks and cleans and also kills people on the side. Cin has dedicated himself to finding the justice that the royal family and guard will not dole out. he acts as a vigilante for those who are abused in his community and lives that part of his life in secret obviously.
the whole country in a state of starvation, when the palace announces that it will be holding a royal ball full of food and dancing in order to find a suitor for the prince, Cin has to find a way to get there. his siblings and stepmother are going but he's not allowed to go. his magical pigeons come to the rescue and make him a horse in an outfit and he goes to the ball.
I think the more you experience it the better it is so I'm just going to stop there in terms of summary but overall I did like this one. I like the unique aspects of the Cinderella retelling because sometimes retellings can be kind of boring but this was anything but. it also did a really great job at introducing some of the other characters in the series and making me want to read their stories immediately
I love that the prince is on the aromantic spectrum and at first I was worried that it was going to be something to be fixed but everyone can rest assured that it is just who he is and I appreciated that as representation.
as a whole I really liked this one and look forward to reading the rest in the series.
trans queer man MC with chronic pain, cis aromantic spectrum queer MC.
This is a bit of a whirlwind read in that there seems to be a lot going on all at one time. you get thrown into the story and it takes a second to put all the bits together. this is a part of a series but you're supposed to be able to read them as standalones, I am curious if any of Cin's details would have been included in the previous books but I digress. it is something that you catch on fairly quickly.
this is very different from your classic Disney Cinderella story. Cin lives with his father and stepmother and three siblings and is in charge of all of the homemaking duties. he cooks and cleans and also kills people on the side. Cin has dedicated himself to finding the justice that the royal family and guard will not dole out. he acts as a vigilante for those who are abused in his community and lives that part of his life in secret obviously.
the whole country in a state of starvation, when the palace announces that it will be holding a royal ball full of food and dancing in order to find a suitor for the prince, Cin has to find a way to get there. his siblings and stepmother are going but he's not allowed to go. his magical pigeons come to the rescue and make him a horse in an outfit and he goes to the ball.
I think the more you experience it the better it is so I'm just going to stop there in terms of summary but overall I did like this one. I like the unique aspects of the Cinderella retelling because sometimes retellings can be kind of boring but this was anything but. it also did a really great job at introducing some of the other characters in the series and making me want to read their stories immediately
I love that the prince is on the aromantic spectrum and at first I was worried that it was going to be something to be fixed but everyone can rest assured that it is just who he is and I appreciated that as representation.
as a whole I really liked this one and look forward to reading the rest in the series.
trans queer man MC with chronic pain, cis aromantic spectrum queer MC.
October 2, 2025
Ok, so here comes the truth… I had a hard time trying to connect to the authors writing style/understanding their voice. Not every reader is gonna click with every writing style… BUT by the time I made it 1/3 of the way in, that didn’t matter anymore, because the story being told was so very compelling. I was hooked!
It just took me a moment to get into the groove.
This retelling is different from the rest before, but it fits into the overall narrative of this created “GriMM Universe”.
I think this was a creative and unique take on the original Cinderella. It changed just enough of the story to make it interesting, but also provided some of the original story/lore.
I did miss the fairy godmother, and the evil step mother bing truly vile and evil (she eventually is very villainous but it doesn’t happen until the climax of the book), but the fairy godmother wasn’t needed for the story the author was trying to tell. We all are capable of magic. We all are capable of change. We all have what we need inside of us to succeed. I think the authors message was very clear and their version of Cinder is a hero for the ages we can all root for. Cinder in this version is essentially the Pigeon Lady from Home Alone 2 and Dexter Morgan. It’s very dark, very gory and honestly I was so here for that.
I will be reading this one again!
Thank you to D.N. Bryn and their team for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
It just took me a moment to get into the groove.
This retelling is different from the rest before, but it fits into the overall narrative of this created “GriMM Universe”.
I think this was a creative and unique take on the original Cinderella. It changed just enough of the story to make it interesting, but also provided some of the original story/lore.
I did miss the fairy godmother, and the evil step mother bing truly vile and evil (she eventually is very villainous but it doesn’t happen until the climax of the book), but the fairy godmother wasn’t needed for the story the author was trying to tell. We all are capable of magic. We all are capable of change. We all have what we need inside of us to succeed. I think the authors message was very clear and their version of Cinder is a hero for the ages we can all root for. Cinder in this version is essentially the Pigeon Lady from Home Alone 2 and Dexter Morgan. It’s very dark, very gory and honestly I was so here for that.
I will be reading this one again!
Thank you to D.N. Bryn and their team for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
October 19, 2025
Wowww this book is dark, but I honestly loved it. I love how queerness is so casually normal in this universe. Cin’s unsafe binding practices made me want to punch a bitch. Cin’s family also made me want to punch a bitch. I was howwwling when Cin told Floy that he fucked Lorenz in the dovecote. I still don’t even know what a dovecote is. Did they deserve their deliciously gory end? Probably not, but oh well. Anyway.
First I thought Prince Lorenz was aromantic and/or demisexual, and the reveal that he had bound his heart was unexpected and weird. I did relate to his devastating reaction to losing his brother, but why can’t he love anyone as a result of that? That wasn’t really explained well. And then in the end it turns out he *is* aromantic? Not sure if I was a fan of his representation.
But I love a character like Cin, who has a heart of gold, even with all of his fucked up history. His relationship with his family is described as “terrible, excruciating love,” and I think I’ll be using that term for a few toxic relationships in my life from now on.
In conclusion… “The thorns in your side should be from the roses that sweeten your life. If they are not, pull them out.” What a great quote, and if only it were that simple.
First I thought Prince Lorenz was aromantic and/or demisexual, and the reveal that he had bound his heart was unexpected and weird. I did relate to his devastating reaction to losing his brother, but why can’t he love anyone as a result of that? That wasn’t really explained well. And then in the end it turns out he *is* aromantic? Not sure if I was a fan of his representation.
But I love a character like Cin, who has a heart of gold, even with all of his fucked up history. His relationship with his family is described as “terrible, excruciating love,” and I think I’ll be using that term for a few toxic relationships in my life from now on.
In conclusion… “The thorns in your side should be from the roses that sweeten your life. If they are not, pull them out.” What a great quote, and if only it were that simple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
Prepare to be swept away by a Cinderella story that defies conventions and is an absolute delight. As the fifth installment in the enchanting Grimm fairytales series, this book beautifully recounts the tale of Cin and Prince Lorenz. By incorporating familiar elements of the classic Cinderella narrative - such as an evil stepmother, heartless stepsiblings, and a captivating prince - and adding a fresh twist, this retelling is a true masterpiece. Cin's story is one of resilience, as he seeks to overcome the constraints of his ordinary life and unlock his true potential. Prince Lorenz, on the other hand, is facing a daunting challenge: finding a suitable marriage partner within an incredibly short six-week timeframe, but he's about to discover that love can surprise him in the most unexpected way.
It's challenging to elaborate on this review without giving away too much, as I genuinely want to preserve the surprise for everyone, but trust me when I say this Cinderella retelling is a game-changer we all need.
It's challenging to elaborate on this review without giving away too much, as I genuinely want to preserve the surprise for everyone, but trust me when I say this Cinderella retelling is a game-changer we all need.
October 2, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. I continue to enjoy the world of the GriMM tales. The overlap and interconnected nature of these stories adds another layer to these reimagined fairy tales. I thought that the love story of Cin and Lorenz was well crafted and I found myself drawn to the seemingly unconditional love of the two characters despite the challenges they are both bringing to the relationship.
The side characters were interesting and well crafted but I wanted more of them and from them. I think that Cin’s family are great characters but I felt their development was limited.
The magic system was very interesting and I felt that the way that Cin’s character grew and developed throughout the story was really great to watch. The pacing of the actual story was a bit slow with the repeated ball scenes which caused my interest to flag in the middle of the book but once we got toward the end I found the conclusion to be very satisfying.
I’m looking forward to getting into the next installment of the series and to see where the story goes. These two books seem to be (perhaps) more closely related than some others in the series.
The side characters were interesting and well crafted but I wanted more of them and from them. I think that Cin’s family are great characters but I felt their development was limited.
The magic system was very interesting and I felt that the way that Cin’s character grew and developed throughout the story was really great to watch. The pacing of the actual story was a bit slow with the repeated ball scenes which caused my interest to flag in the middle of the book but once we got toward the end I found the conclusion to be very satisfying.
I’m looking forward to getting into the next installment of the series and to see where the story goes. These two books seem to be (perhaps) more closely related than some others in the series.
April 26, 2026
Such a suspenseful and spicy retelling.
Cin and his army of magical pigeons?
Goals.
I loved that he wasn’t forced to do the bidding of his family, but he did it out of love for his Mother. And ‘cause let’s be real, they’re all useless lmfao.
He really tried to see the good in them.
And the twist of having a present (useless) dad?
I feel like it’s such a nod to the queer aspect of it ‘cause we’re soooo often told we’re the way we are due to a lack of a father figure or present male presence…
As if our identity revolves around a man!!!!
- A Trans Woman whose father is very present 💅🏽
(Both parents at that lol)
I really liked Ren too!!
He was caged, but very open, and himself.
Even after discovering certain things, Ren was really 10 toes down for Cin still. And I love that 😭🤍
Simon Dornet did a good job narrating!!
Cin and his army of magical pigeons?
Goals.
I loved that he wasn’t forced to do the bidding of his family, but he did it out of love for his Mother. And ‘cause let’s be real, they’re all useless lmfao.
He really tried to see the good in them.
And the twist of having a present (useless) dad?
I feel like it’s such a nod to the queer aspect of it ‘cause we’re soooo often told we’re the way we are due to a lack of a father figure or present male presence…
As if our identity revolves around a man!!!!
- A Trans Woman whose father is very present 💅🏽
(Both parents at that lol)
I really liked Ren too!!
He was caged, but very open, and himself.
Even after discovering certain things, Ren was really 10 toes down for Cin still. And I love that 😭🤍
Simon Dornet did a good job narrating!!
October 11, 2025
4.25 stars
I love D.N. Bryn. They are an amazing author and an amazing human being, and all of that shows in Cinder. I have never really been a big fan of the Cinderella fairy tale, especially not the Disney-fied version, but make it trans and queer? I was sold. I loved how D.N. Bryn definitely used mostly the original Grimm's fairy tale version of Cinderella, which is actually way more grim (not pun intended, but kinda) and bloody (see the step sisters hacking off toes and such to fit into the glass slipper). Cinder is such an intriguing character. He has so much strength and depth. There are so many layers to him. He's a son, a brother, a slave, a caregiver, a trans man, queer, and a vigilante assassin. He on his own could carry this story by himself, but the Prince adds so much as well. The Prince is shrouded in this emotional mystery for a good portion of the book. Him and Cin get undeniably close, but there is something that seems to be in the middle of everything. When the source of the Prince's aromantic attraction was revealed as a "curse," I was so worried that a "journey to heal him" subplot would ensue, but I held out hope with my faith in D.N. Bryn and, thankfully, that's not how it played out. By the end, Cin and the Prince's communication was very well done and made me believe that their HEA would be a lasting one. I have had so much fun in this universe and this was no exception to that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love D.N. Bryn. They are an amazing author and an amazing human being, and all of that shows in Cinder. I have never really been a big fan of the Cinderella fairy tale, especially not the Disney-fied version, but make it trans and queer? I was sold. I loved how D.N. Bryn definitely used mostly the original Grimm's fairy tale version of Cinderella, which is actually way more grim (not pun intended, but kinda) and bloody (see the step sisters hacking off toes and such to fit into the glass slipper). Cinder is such an intriguing character. He has so much strength and depth. There are so many layers to him. He's a son, a brother, a slave, a caregiver, a trans man, queer, and a vigilante assassin. He on his own could carry this story by himself, but the Prince adds so much as well. The Prince is shrouded in this emotional mystery for a good portion of the book. Him and Cin get undeniably close, but there is something that seems to be in the middle of everything. When the source of the Prince's aromantic attraction was revealed as a "curse," I was so worried that a "journey to heal him" subplot would ensue, but I held out hope with my faith in D.N. Bryn and, thankfully, that's not how it played out. By the end, Cin and the Prince's communication was very well done and made me believe that their HEA would be a lasting one. I have had so much fun in this universe and this was no exception to that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2025
Two young people who have been pressured into a certain role most of their lives. Magic, dark and light. Friendship and....love.
This is a fantastic take on the original fairy tale. I really love how many aspects made it into this very unique retelling full of action and heart. Filled with despair for things that can't be and hope, that there might be a chance for a better future after all. Neither Cinder nor Lorenz start with the intention of their unlikely friendship ever going beyond anything but that. But feelings start to bloom and not even the most dire of circumstances will be able to pull them again the end.
This is a fantastic take on the original fairy tale. I really love how many aspects made it into this very unique retelling full of action and heart. Filled with despair for things that can't be and hope, that there might be a chance for a better future after all. Neither Cinder nor Lorenz start with the intention of their unlikely friendship ever going beyond anything but that. But feelings start to bloom and not even the most dire of circumstances will be able to pull them again the end.
October 1, 2025
3.5 stars
Cin can’t get out from under his family ties and the guilt that weighs him down.
No matter how many times he tried to tell himself he wasn’t good. He was the best out of all of them.
And he and his magical flock will prove it. And they do.
It was nice to see Cin’s transformation and how happy he was. Not entirely sure why we didn’t go all the way. But still happy for him.
It felt like a lot happened in a short time so it kind of felt rushed to be honest. But an HEA never the less
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to arc read this novel.
Cin can’t get out from under his family ties and the guilt that weighs him down.
No matter how many times he tried to tell himself he wasn’t good. He was the best out of all of them.
And he and his magical flock will prove it. And they do.
It was nice to see Cin’s transformation and how happy he was. Not entirely sure why we didn’t go all the way. But still happy for him.
It felt like a lot happened in a short time so it kind of felt rushed to be honest. But an HEA never the less
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to arc read this novel.
March 24, 2026
Cinder is part of the GriMM Tales series, a multi author collaboration. Although it’s part of a series, can be read as a standalone.
This retelling of Cinder is so well done, it gives an urban fantasy feel. I went in blind and upon realizing it was a MM romance I was invested to see how they’d figure their relationship out. Appreciated the disability representation too!
Thank you RB Media and NetGalley for the early read- audiobook.
This retelling of Cinder is so well done, it gives an urban fantasy feel. I went in blind and upon realizing it was a MM romance I was invested to see how they’d figure their relationship out. Appreciated the disability representation too!
Thank you RB Media and NetGalley for the early read- audiobook.
September 20, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
4,5⭐️
2,5🌶
A new GriMM book is here, and this one had me hyped from the start—mainly because I’m trans myself. The representation in this story is outstanding. The way gender dysphoria is written, that feeling of being trapped in your own body, and the details about binding… it all felt so authentic and raw. Honestly, it hit so close to reality for a trans FTM.
Trans Cinder? I didn’t know I needed it, but now I can’t get enough. SIGN ME IN! I love it. But at some times it felt kinda long, but its probably only a me problem.
4,5⭐️
2,5🌶
A new GriMM book is here, and this one had me hyped from the start—mainly because I’m trans myself. The representation in this story is outstanding. The way gender dysphoria is written, that feeling of being trapped in your own body, and the details about binding… it all felt so authentic and raw. Honestly, it hit so close to reality for a trans FTM.
Trans Cinder? I didn’t know I needed it, but now I can’t get enough. SIGN ME IN! I love it. But at some times it felt kinda long, but its probably only a me problem.
October 9, 2025
Yays:
- PIGEONS
- Pigeon magic WE LOVE
- Really well done aro and trans rep!!
- Cin as a character was just a really cool baddass w lots of character growth
- Lorenz was a great opposite to Cin and a great character in his own right
- Their chemistry was fantastic
- I think this was a very good twist on the original Cinderella
- Great foreshadowing for the next book in the series
Nays:
- Pacing was a bit of an issue. During the middle of the book I felt like the pace slowed down a bit
Overall, really well done retelling!
- PIGEONS
- Pigeon magic WE LOVE
- Really well done aro and trans rep!!
- Cin as a character was just a really cool baddass w lots of character growth
- Lorenz was a great opposite to Cin and a great character in his own right
- Their chemistry was fantastic
- I think this was a very good twist on the original Cinderella
- Great foreshadowing for the next book in the series
Nays:
- Pacing was a bit of an issue. During the middle of the book I felt like the pace slowed down a bit
Overall, really well done retelling!
April 8, 2026
Thanks to Tantor Audio for the ALC.
This was a fun, unique and original retelling of Cinderella as a gay trans man who kills abusers and other assholes. Can he give that up to be with the prince? Does he have to?
There's a love story, but this is also about standing up for yourself. Bonus points for the queeenormative world.
This was a fun, unique and original retelling of Cinderella as a gay trans man who kills abusers and other assholes. Can he give that up to be with the prince? Does he have to?
There's a love story, but this is also about standing up for yourself. Bonus points for the queeenormative world.
May 1, 2026
{3.0 Stars}
LOVED that Cinder is trans!! I think we do deserve more representation in romance! Loved that they got that beautiful flat chest and I liked the romance now. Well, it’s Cinderella. Unless something very cool is done, I am usually not impressed, so no fault to the book, I am just not a sucker for the formula.
LOVED that Cinder is trans!! I think we do deserve more representation in romance! Loved that they got that beautiful flat chest and I liked the romance now. Well, it’s Cinderella. Unless something very cool is done, I am usually not impressed, so no fault to the book, I am just not a sucker for the formula.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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