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Star-Crossed Tales #4
Cinderstellar
When you wish upon the stars… you might get more than you ever dreamed of.
Clipped wings…
Stella wants nothing more than to be a pilot like her mother, who died on a mission years ago. However, she doesn’t want to be like the arrogant “Aces” at Starforge Academy, especially that show-off Dax.
But the Aces aren’t her biggest problem. Her father — the Commandant of Starforge Academy — and stepmother won’t even let her enroll. Stella has to sneak into the flight simulators late at night, when no one’s around, to get close to her dream.
Reluctant royalty…
Dax is like the prince of Starforge — not only the best pilot at the Academy, but the son of a famous general. No one knows his secret: Dax hates his superstar status, and he doesn’t want to go fight on the front lines when he graduates. The pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps has taken all the joy out of flying.
When he discovers that someone at the school is beating all his scores on the simulators — and then hiding the evidence — he’s determined to find out who it is. Though he’s unable to discover his mysterious competitor’s identity, he learns enough to suspect that she just might be the girl of his dreams.
Soaring ambitions...
Stella learns that the Academy is holding a school-wide exhibition of flying talent, with the winner allowed to fast-track their pilot’s license. She has to find a way to enter, and show her father what she's capable of. But that will mean outing herself to the school — and the ever-more-intriguing Dax. Will her stepmother ruin everything, or can Stella and Dax finally meet outside the simulators… and achieve their heart’s desires?
Cinderstellar is 50,000 words of sweet, clean romance, with NO swearing, graphic violence, or explicit sexual content, suitable for adult and YA audiences. For a limited time, it includes an extra book: Alien Frog Prince at no extra charge!
Clipped wings…
Stella wants nothing more than to be a pilot like her mother, who died on a mission years ago. However, she doesn’t want to be like the arrogant “Aces” at Starforge Academy, especially that show-off Dax.
But the Aces aren’t her biggest problem. Her father — the Commandant of Starforge Academy — and stepmother won’t even let her enroll. Stella has to sneak into the flight simulators late at night, when no one’s around, to get close to her dream.
Reluctant royalty…
Dax is like the prince of Starforge — not only the best pilot at the Academy, but the son of a famous general. No one knows his secret: Dax hates his superstar status, and he doesn’t want to go fight on the front lines when he graduates. The pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps has taken all the joy out of flying.
When he discovers that someone at the school is beating all his scores on the simulators — and then hiding the evidence — he’s determined to find out who it is. Though he’s unable to discover his mysterious competitor’s identity, he learns enough to suspect that she just might be the girl of his dreams.
Soaring ambitions...
Stella learns that the Academy is holding a school-wide exhibition of flying talent, with the winner allowed to fast-track their pilot’s license. She has to find a way to enter, and show her father what she's capable of. But that will mean outing herself to the school — and the ever-more-intriguing Dax. Will her stepmother ruin everything, or can Stella and Dax finally meet outside the simulators… and achieve their heart’s desires?
Cinderstellar is 50,000 words of sweet, clean romance, with NO swearing, graphic violence, or explicit sexual content, suitable for adult and YA audiences. For a limited time, it includes an extra book: Alien Frog Prince at no extra charge!
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2017
122 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Page
9 books47 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
J.M. Page writes timeless fairytales with a sci-fi twist. You can expect sweeping adventures in far-off galaxies, love in unexpected places, and of course a Happily Ever After every time!
J.M. Page writes timeless fairytales with a sci-fi twist. You can expect sweeping adventures in far-off galaxies, love in unexpected places, and of course a Happily Ever After every time!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 22, 2017
This is a Cinderella retelling in space. Lately, I've been on a fairy tale retelling binge. Don't know why?But I've been enjoying the light, fluffy reads.
Anywho, this wasn't a stellar (see what I did there???) retelling IMO. I was intrigued by the intergalactic retelling of it and it was somewhat enjoyable. However, it was more telling than showing. Stella, our MC, was nothing spectacular and honestly, I could care less about her. Dax, our "prince", was so-so. There wasn't much about the characters for me to actually feel about. It is a fast read and things just happen fast and lets just say, neatly placed. There isn't much back story either. I was annoyed by Stella's father. Sorry, this isn't much of a review but, there isn't much to tell.
There's a short story based on Frog prince at the end - Alienized! meh
Anywho, this wasn't a stellar (see what I did there???) retelling IMO. I was intrigued by the intergalactic retelling of it and it was somewhat enjoyable. However, it was more telling than showing. Stella, our MC, was nothing spectacular and honestly, I could care less about her. Dax, our "prince", was so-so. There wasn't much about the characters for me to actually feel about. It is a fast read and things just happen fast and lets just say, neatly placed. There isn't much back story either. I was annoyed by Stella's father. Sorry, this isn't much of a review but, there isn't much to tell.
There's a short story based on Frog prince at the end - Alienized! meh
January 30, 2017
I have to say, the blurb sounded intriguing on this one. I found the book to be "ok" but nothing overly impressive. I think the main reason being is that it was so short. Therefore, it felt as if it lacked any sense of depth (with the storyline and characters). I must admit, that this is the first I have read in this series, so perhaps that's why I wasn't a big fan? It was just an average read for me. Not a series I will continue.
April 15, 2017
Stella, janitor and want to be space pilot, beats all the flight students in the simulations and as a reward gets to go to the front lines of the war and almost certain death. The poor evil stepmother was only following Stella's father's orders and may or may not have been evil at all, she certainly wasn't nice. Father himself was too stupid to hold his high position and did not exhibit sufficient grovel when his actions came to light. Stella is better off on the front lines living her dream.
February 2, 2020
I quite enjoyed this story. It was a Cinderella retelling with a faint Ender's Game touch. My only real issues with the story were the unrealistic change of attitude from the dads (this could be partly do the the story being short so not fulling showing a change of attitude), and the time frame of the epilogue. I liked the epilogue, but it felt like it should have been much further into the further.
Overall an enjoyable light read for those who enjoy a Cinderella story.
Overall an enjoyable light read for those who enjoy a Cinderella story.
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January 14, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/14/2019)! 🎁
July 16, 2017
What an amazing read this was! And what an amazingly fresh and inventive approach to the traditional story of Cinderella.
The story is set off Earth, in the interstellar flight academy, where the Federation pilots are trained. The main female character Stella is the daughter of the Academy Commander and her mother was the legendary Federation pilot who was killed in battle a decade before the story starts. Her life is heard, she works as a janitor at the academy, as her father will not allow her to enroll and become a pilot. Stella is an amazingly strong character who overcomes all the obstacles and bravely moves on to follow in her mother's footsteps. She is strong, hardworking, and a very talented pilot. And although she is independent, she allows her friend to see her vulnerabilities and accepts help they offer.
Dax is the latest in the long line of brave Federation pilots and is expected to follow the family trade. On the surface he is arrogant, self-centered and shallow, but as we get to know him, he becomes something completely different. The character development in this story good is also amazing, as is the detailed description of the simulators and the battles. I almost felt like I was there. And villains... there are several, some of them meaner than others. Of course, there is a mention of all important persons, items and events, but the way the author transformed those is incredibly original.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it reads perfectly well as a standalone. The Star-Crossed Tales books were published in the following order: The Prince and the Cyborg (Star-Crossed Tales #1, later re-published as sixth book The Little Cyborg), Beauty and the Space Beast (Star-Crossed Tales #2), Alien Frog Prince (Star-Crossed Tales, #3), Cinderstellar (Star-Crossed Tales #4), Lady and the Space Tramp (Star-Crossed Tales #5), The Little Cyborg (Star-Crossed Tales #6, which is the first story The Prince and The Cyborg re-published), and Planet Neverland. I hope there will be more.
The story is set off Earth, in the interstellar flight academy, where the Federation pilots are trained. The main female character Stella is the daughter of the Academy Commander and her mother was the legendary Federation pilot who was killed in battle a decade before the story starts. Her life is heard, she works as a janitor at the academy, as her father will not allow her to enroll and become a pilot. Stella is an amazingly strong character who overcomes all the obstacles and bravely moves on to follow in her mother's footsteps. She is strong, hardworking, and a very talented pilot. And although she is independent, she allows her friend to see her vulnerabilities and accepts help they offer.
Dax is the latest in the long line of brave Federation pilots and is expected to follow the family trade. On the surface he is arrogant, self-centered and shallow, but as we get to know him, he becomes something completely different. The character development in this story good is also amazing, as is the detailed description of the simulators and the battles. I almost felt like I was there. And villains... there are several, some of them meaner than others. Of course, there is a mention of all important persons, items and events, but the way the author transformed those is incredibly original.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it reads perfectly well as a standalone. The Star-Crossed Tales books were published in the following order: The Prince and the Cyborg (Star-Crossed Tales #1, later re-published as sixth book The Little Cyborg), Beauty and the Space Beast (Star-Crossed Tales #2), Alien Frog Prince (Star-Crossed Tales, #3), Cinderstellar (Star-Crossed Tales #4), Lady and the Space Tramp (Star-Crossed Tales #5), The Little Cyborg (Star-Crossed Tales #6, which is the first story The Prince and The Cyborg re-published), and Planet Neverland. I hope there will be more.
May 19, 2020
The fact that it’s a story placed in the space world, far from Earth, makes it very interesting. You get to know a Cinderella, here she’s named Stella, that wants to be a pilot. The ones that get in her way are none other than her father, the Academy Commander, and her stepmother, that both don’t want to see her enroll in the flight academy.
But nothing can stop Stella from achieving her dream. Late at night, she sneaks in the flight simulators. All is good until Prince Charming – in this case Dax – appears in the scene. He has the title of the best pilot of the Starforge Academy. To tell you the truth, at first, he’s nothing like an ideal prince because he’s rather arrogant.
Nevertheless, Dax discovers the fact that someone is beating his scores on the simulators and that drives him insane, especially when the culprit hides the evidence so no one can find out the truth. For this reason, Dax is determined to discover the mysterious person who’s been messing with the simulators. So he takes on the path that eventually leads him to Stella.
When will they meet and in what circumstances? You’ll soon find out if you start to read this book right away. Also, it’s worth noting that, besides a catchy plot line, the characters are well-portrayed in this story so you will certainly love them.
I added this book to my select list of Cinderella-flavored books. See them all here: https://fantasybooksland.com/list-of-...
But nothing can stop Stella from achieving her dream. Late at night, she sneaks in the flight simulators. All is good until Prince Charming – in this case Dax – appears in the scene. He has the title of the best pilot of the Starforge Academy. To tell you the truth, at first, he’s nothing like an ideal prince because he’s rather arrogant.
Nevertheless, Dax discovers the fact that someone is beating his scores on the simulators and that drives him insane, especially when the culprit hides the evidence so no one can find out the truth. For this reason, Dax is determined to discover the mysterious person who’s been messing with the simulators. So he takes on the path that eventually leads him to Stella.
When will they meet and in what circumstances? You’ll soon find out if you start to read this book right away. Also, it’s worth noting that, besides a catchy plot line, the characters are well-portrayed in this story so you will certainly love them.
I added this book to my select list of Cinderella-flavored books. See them all here: https://fantasybooksland.com/list-of-...
January 21, 2025
This was a pretty good “Cinderella” retelling, definitely different with the Sci-fi Space Pilots!
This is YA, but the story was still decent! I do wish it was slightly longer so the ending could have played out a bit better and not seemed so rushed.
Stella, our FMC, was okay her lack of ability to commit to what she was wanting to do was annoying at times and found myself saying “just get on with it and quit over thinking it”
As for Dax he was pretty adorable, not much to say about him, he knew what he wanted and damn the consequences!
The ending was good but definitely felt rushed and wish I could have played out a bit differently but over all I enjoyed this book very much! Definitely recommend giving it a try, and I’ll be reading the next!
This is YA, but the story was still decent! I do wish it was slightly longer so the ending could have played out a bit better and not seemed so rushed.
Stella, our FMC, was okay her lack of ability to commit to what she was wanting to do was annoying at times and found myself saying “just get on with it and quit over thinking it”
As for Dax he was pretty adorable, not much to say about him, he knew what he wanted and damn the consequences!
The ending was good but definitely felt rushed and wish I could have played out a bit differently but over all I enjoyed this book very much! Definitely recommend giving it a try, and I’ll be reading the next!
September 22, 2020
This book was a short sci-fi cinderella story. It definitely captures the basics. An orphan, so abused you get angry reading about it, is actually one of the best fighter pilots (at least according to the simulators) the station has ever seen.
This book has a few humorous moments, and was a pretty good, plausible-sounding retelling. It definitely held my attention.
After having digested literally dozens of these fairy-tale retellings, the sci-fi ones at least have the virtue of sounding somewhat original, and tend to be less Disnified. Cinderella as a grimy engine mechanic was definitely different. And there's no arbitrary magic, either.
This book has a few humorous moments, and was a pretty good, plausible-sounding retelling. It definitely held my attention.
After having digested literally dozens of these fairy-tale retellings, the sci-fi ones at least have the virtue of sounding somewhat original, and tend to be less Disnified. Cinderella as a grimy engine mechanic was definitely different. And there's no arbitrary magic, either.
December 18, 2020
This is not the first science fiction retelling of Cinderella that I have found. Both this story and Ariele Sieling 's "Midnight Wings" feature a frustrated would-be pilot meeting the son of a fleet official, and both are faithful to the original story, with modifications suitable for the new environs. The differences though really mark the authors' work - in this story, the stepmother is not the cruel one and the cruel one is less cruel than overly-protective. The most heartwarming part of this retelling is how our 'prince' so staunchly supports his 'lady' and how. If only more men were so centred...
November 28, 2017
Good and enjoyable, but....
Enjoyable. Good. Nice writing and good interplay with the characters. There are some parts that aren't explained for why people do or do not like the main character like the way the stepmother or daughter treat her.
I enjoyed it being in space and the fun soon it took. I thought it was cute and funny how he figured out it was her. I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't super captivating.
Enjoyable. Good. Nice writing and good interplay with the characters. There are some parts that aren't explained for why people do or do not like the main character like the way the stepmother or daughter treat her.
I enjoyed it being in space and the fun soon it took. I thought it was cute and funny how he figured out it was her. I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't super captivating.
February 3, 2017
I've never read anything by this author and i have to say i loved this book. It was one of the best cinderella renditions i've ever read. I wont go into any details except to say you know the story of Cinderella and although its very different some elements remain. Like what the main character considers her evil stepmother and her evil step sister. This is a standalone and has a HEA
January 28, 2019
Excellent read
I can’t say why, but for some reason reading this book always puts me in a good mood. It’s just one of those books with a genuinely satisfying ending that one can’t help but smile about.
My only complaint is that it is too short: only about 70% of the book is part of the story, the last 30% is all author’s notes and previews of other books by the author.
I can’t say why, but for some reason reading this book always puts me in a good mood. It’s just one of those books with a genuinely satisfying ending that one can’t help but smile about.
My only complaint is that it is too short: only about 70% of the book is part of the story, the last 30% is all author’s notes and previews of other books by the author.
July 12, 2024
Stella in the roll of Cinderella in future space
Both Stella and her mystery guy dance in simulated flight trainers at the academy. This classic fairytale is translated beautifully into this futuristic tale. Highly recommended to those who would enjoy discovering connections to the original.
Both Stella and her mystery guy dance in simulated flight trainers at the academy. This classic fairytale is translated beautifully into this futuristic tale. Highly recommended to those who would enjoy discovering connections to the original.
January 30, 2017
Great Book
Wonderful fairy tale story with a different twist and the author knows how to keep you on your toes. The story has action, villain, fairy godmother, and romance with awesome characters. A must buy and keep them coming.
Wonderful fairy tale story with a different twist and the author knows how to keep you on your toes. The story has action, villain, fairy godmother, and romance with awesome characters. A must buy and keep them coming.
May 7, 2017
Cinderella is my favorite fairytale. I love seeing it done in different ways. This one was unique. I found the concept enjoyable and I loved the retelling. Only problem is I found the romance fast but still interesting definably going to read more from this author
April 23, 2019
Exhilarating
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved how all the characters were brought out and how they came together. This story had me so enticed that I kept wanting more. I loved the twist that it has on Cinderella. Stellar book!! Definitely a must read!
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved how all the characters were brought out and how they came together. This story had me so enticed that I kept wanting more. I loved the twist that it has on Cinderella. Stellar book!! Definitely a must read!
July 1, 2019
This was a quick read. The story was fun but not much for depth or character development. The writing was flat and uninspired. This book felt like it was an idea that was quickly jotted down and published.
December 24, 2019
Not bad
Easy quick read. It ended up being a decent space age Cinderella story. Dax was the Prince of the space academy and Stella was the janitor. Stella had a dream to fly in space and Dad didn't.
Easy quick read. It ended up being a decent space age Cinderella story. Dax was the Prince of the space academy and Stella was the janitor. Stella had a dream to fly in space and Dad didn't.
May 14, 2025
Dnf 30% possibly more a ‘me’ issue, but this was in third person and I struggled to connect to the characters. I waited until their first real interaction but it didn’t help (and was quite late through the book). Since I didn’t care about them, I figured I’d save my time and try something else.
February 9, 2019
A fun and well-written retelling.
March 31, 2020
I enjoy these stories, but... I didn't get quite the payout at the end that I wanted. I don't need everything tied up neat in a bow, but I did need more.
Okay for aayesha
Okay for aayesha
August 11, 2020
Cute, fun, quick read. I would love an Edith & Aster book!
February 15, 2021
Lovely YA fantasy/SF romance
October 15, 2022
a twist
The retelling of Cinderella in a space station environment was fun to read. Messes always seem unsolvable until you jump in a start to clean them up.
The retelling of Cinderella in a space station environment was fun to read. Messes always seem unsolvable until you jump in a start to clean them up.
September 25, 2024
This was a fun, quick read! Was cheesy at times and the romance moved too fast, but it was a nice break from the other stuff I’ve been reading.
March 9, 2025
Oh man this was cute! I loved the different take on Cinderella
March 15, 2017
A wonderful twist on the Cinderella story and this time it is in space. The story stays light and simple. Stella wants to be like her mom, a great space pilot. But after her mom's death and her father is remarried, she is forced to become a janitor and has to watch all the students learn to fly. There are no fairy godmothers but there are great friends and a stepbrother who is actually pretty cool, in a nerdy way. Her Prince Charming is actually the best pilot at the school, but her stepsister has her claws into that one. And the evil stepmother, may or may not have a thing out for her.
So for a light hearted happily ever after, read this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
So for a light hearted happily ever after, read this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
March 18, 2017
A plus on the cover design. The plot was interesting, but that was about it. The characters could have been better developed and not act like hormonal middle schoolers. What I really missed was the details. I had a vague idea of their surrounding, but other than everything was supposedly chrome, I wasn't sure what I was trying to picture. Also, the relationships between characters was flimsy, it just needed more depth. I felt like I was reading a first draft of something.
January 12, 2017
this is absolutely amazing! I love fairy tale retelling especially if the author can successfully capture the heart of the story but manage to add their own spin. it is very hard to do. I have read many good ones and many terrible ones. This was one of the best! It has aliens, and space battle academy and all the feelings you love about Cinderella. Its like mixing Ender's Game with Cinderella.
Stella is now one of my new favorite characters of all time. talented, hard working, and not at all uppity about it. also extremely clever and sweet. Dax is something special. at first i kind of wanted to shake him. i could tell he was better than the people he hung around even before we got to his point of view. so extremely honorable. I loved reading this story from their alternating points of view. It made it even more special.
The plot was of course the fairy tale dream. the prince was better than expected considering how boring i usually find those types of guys and the girl had way more fighting spirit than the average princess proving it can be a girls world too! A must read for all!
Stella is now one of my new favorite characters of all time. talented, hard working, and not at all uppity about it. also extremely clever and sweet. Dax is something special. at first i kind of wanted to shake him. i could tell he was better than the people he hung around even before we got to his point of view. so extremely honorable. I loved reading this story from their alternating points of view. It made it even more special.
The plot was of course the fairy tale dream. the prince was better than expected considering how boring i usually find those types of guys and the girl had way more fighting spirit than the average princess proving it can be a girls world too! A must read for all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews