Wonderfully Wicked by Kami Lavin is the kind of YA fantasy that grabs you by the collar from page one and refuses to let go. Lavin takes the familiar bones of the Cinderella tale and rebuilds them into something spellbinding, sinister, and deeply emotional—told from the point of view of a heroine who refuses to play the victim in her own story.
Sixteen-year-old Annalie is instantly relatable: smart, determined, and reeling from the heartbreak of watching her father fall under the spell of the dazzling—and dangerous—Elzbeth. But the moment Annalie’s magic awakens and reveals the truth beneath her stepmother’s perfect façade—green skin, eerie illusions, and a trail of dead wealthy husbands, her own father included—the story becomes an irresistible blend of mystery and magic.
Lavin’s pacing is perfection. Each chapter tightens the tension as Annalie ventures deeper into the web of lies surrounding Elzbeth. The worldbuilding is lush, the magic system intriguing, and the plot twists? Jaw-dropping. Just when you think you know who’s wicked and who’s good, Lavin flips the script in ways that feel both surprising and inevitable.
What truly elevates this retelling is its heart. Annalie’s journey isn’t just about unmasking a murderer—it’s about discovering her own strength, questioning the stories she’s been told, and learning that heroes and villains are rarely as clear-cut as fairy tales suggest.
This book is a brilliant reminder that while you may not be able to rewrite the stars, the narrative is yours for the taking.
If you’re looking for a YA fantasy packed with magic, deception, mystery, and a heroine worth rooting for, Wonderfully Wicked deserves a place at the very top of your TBR. I devoured it in one sitting—and I’d happily read it again.