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Roses and Black Glass: a dark Cinderella tale
Cinderella - The story is always the same: a girl - hated and abused by her step-family - meets her prince at a ball. There is involvement with a glass shoe, a bit of magic, and in the end, they all live happily ever after. You've heard it before - but you've never heard it like this: In early America, at a time when dealings with dead bodies is considered taboo, Cindy's father is a mortician. She, for one, is fascinated by the controversial work, until her mother dies and her father marries Anna van Burren, who brings two new sisters into the family. Cindy's misery only grows from there. Following her father's untimely death, Cindy's life spirals into darkness as she is forced to become a servant in her own home, to wait on her hated siblings and stepmother. She has become so sequestered that she can't even let the one man she continues to think about know that she is alive. She met him once in the mortuary years ago - a handsome, curious boy who had been a surprise to her - until she'd discovered who he was. Now a man, Christian is a perfect specimen, and also the object of her step-sisters' affections. According to a stipulation of his inheritance, he must marry before age twenty-one. That day is fast approaching. Any hope Cindy had of seeing him again - or of salvaging anything that should have been left of her life - seems lost. Cindy's world is filled with misfortune. She believes she must be cursed. It takes the appearance of a strange woman who brings a wicked prophecy before Cindy can see how blessed she could become - and to see what sacrifices were made to give her hope once again.
220 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2013
2 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lenore
22 books142 followersLani Lenore is a writer of gothic horror and dark fantasy. In addition to rewriting well-known fairy tales with a twist, she also writes original stories in a style she calls ‘dark fairy tale’, which uses fantasy elements to build horror stories. Most of her tales, though horrific at times, have a subplot of romance. She loves to keep readers on the edge of their seat and immerse them in worlds of beauty and terror.
Lani currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, two dogs, and four cats.
Lani currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, two dogs, and four cats.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 31, 2014
What a nice surprise (if one can use such a bland word for such a text)! This was quite good in a very dark and twisted kind of way (yes, i know it says so the cover...but covers can be misleading!)...
First of all, I should probably mention that I'm a huge fairy tale retelling's fan...
But, after a while, it does seem that I'm always reading the same old stuff. Well, with some exceptions, of course.
I admit, I wasn't expecting to read this book anytime soon, but I'm a sucker for pretty covers and, for no reason why, this one called my attention...
Expectations: Probably around a three star rating, with the heroes being the only likeable characters in the plot, and the supporting ones just there to fill the scenery... you know, the basics.
Let me tell you something about expectations... most of the time, they end up biting you... in the nose!
This was so the case! :)
The beginning should have given me some sort of "warning". Because not only was it interesting. It was different in a kind of dark, morbid, in the best tradition of the original fairy tales way!!(not so the original, but more in the Grimm's tradition..)
You see, our main character Cindy lives and apprentices with her father, who is the town mortician...
What is wrong with that, you may ask??? (resorting to a large number of exclamation points to indicate your outrage!)
Nothing!
But apparently in the time period in which the story takes place, _this activity was still very much in the beginning _ there was still a lot of... strange ideas.
We are introduced to the Charming line: Mr and Mrs Charming (not really in the pure sense of the word) had five boys, and it turned out to be a tradition, or a curse of sorts, for the boys to be married up until their twenty first anniversary.
Whether they wanted it, or not... (Mama being a tyrant and all that.)
Now, Christian is the last of the Charming's boys left unmarried. The younger of them all.
This is the part, where one could say: OH, Prince Charming! He's just like them all!!
Hum, (cough) not quite:
"He’d been anxious to have a look inside the Madison house for quite a while, but he hadn’t been fortunate enough to have anyone close to him die."
Christian couldn’t help but wonder what they’d do to her corpse. What would they stuff her body full of for preservation? What would they do with all the fluids they drained?
Would they gouge out the woman’s eyes or leave them within to settle as pools of mush?
As you can read, Christian couldn't be less interested in marrying. But give him a corpse to study and the guy would be more than happy! That's why, when he meets Cindy, he can't help falling in love. Even though he doesn't know it yet:
“Looks like one of the corpses is walking again,” she said flatly to herself.
A warm, admiring smile formed slowly on his lips, but she stood firm, unfazed by his actions of fondness.
“Who are you?” she asked. “You’re trespassing.”
“I’m just a curious fellow,” he informed her, taking a few steps closer.
“Well, Mr. Curious, I think you’ve wandered off in the wrong direction. Unless of course you have an appointment with the scalpel,” she said, holding up the shiny metal instrument that had been in her hand.
See?
How could he resist falling in love?
He's so bored, he doesn't even care if the girl vaguely resembles a Reaper...
Now, all of this occurs in the very first pages.
But then one has the evil step sisters, who seemed a little too contemporary for me. Some introductions were done on a first names basis which sounded a little strange, and for a moment, i felt my expectations for this book going up in smoke.
But no! Although the action does take a little to pick up again _ but that's something that ends up happening in almost every story! _ when it does, you get whiplash!
It becomes really dark and twisted.
Christian starts sounding like an idiot, but that only makes him more real, and less of a static figure.
In fact, this is one of the author's greatest accomplishments. No character was written in the old "one dimension" tradition. In fact, there's a lot of grey in their making.
So, even when I was sure the introduction of some whimsical figure would make this story tumble like a house of cards, in the end, the author managed to make this all work out.
Another very positive point:
I had absolutely no idea where this was going! None!
Because when I though I could see where the author was going she would drop some kind of "plot bomb" and everything would go kaboom once again!!
IT WAS GREAT!!
So, the only reason I'm not giving this a five, is because I would have liked if the writing tone had been a little more consistent, you know?
I can't help feeling that this story, with it's Gothic environment, would have shone with a more formal language than the one it got.
But even so, it was pretty good, and the second part of it, I practically inhaled it...
In fact, I would very much like to see this title available in printed format, because this is one of those books that i really like (the favorite type!) to have in paper!
So, go and read this book!!
Author's Oficial Site
Buy "Roses and Black Glass"
@amazon.co.uk
First of all, I should probably mention that I'm a huge fairy tale retelling's fan...
But, after a while, it does seem that I'm always reading the same old stuff. Well, with some exceptions, of course.
I admit, I wasn't expecting to read this book anytime soon, but I'm a sucker for pretty covers and, for no reason why, this one called my attention...
Expectations: Probably around a three star rating, with the heroes being the only likeable characters in the plot, and the supporting ones just there to fill the scenery... you know, the basics.
Let me tell you something about expectations... most of the time, they end up biting you... in the nose!
This was so the case! :)
The beginning should have given me some sort of "warning". Because not only was it interesting. It was different in a kind of dark, morbid, in the best tradition of the original fairy tales way!!(not so the original, but more in the Grimm's tradition..)
You see, our main character Cindy lives and apprentices with her father, who is the town mortician...
What is wrong with that, you may ask??? (resorting to a large number of exclamation points to indicate your outrage!)
Nothing!
But apparently in the time period in which the story takes place, _this activity was still very much in the beginning _ there was still a lot of... strange ideas.
We are introduced to the Charming line: Mr and Mrs Charming (not really in the pure sense of the word) had five boys, and it turned out to be a tradition, or a curse of sorts, for the boys to be married up until their twenty first anniversary.
Whether they wanted it, or not... (Mama being a tyrant and all that.)
Now, Christian is the last of the Charming's boys left unmarried. The younger of them all.
This is the part, where one could say: OH, Prince Charming! He's just like them all!!
Hum, (cough) not quite:
"He’d been anxious to have a look inside the Madison house for quite a while, but he hadn’t been fortunate enough to have anyone close to him die."
Christian couldn’t help but wonder what they’d do to her corpse. What would they stuff her body full of for preservation? What would they do with all the fluids they drained?
Would they gouge out the woman’s eyes or leave them within to settle as pools of mush?
As you can read, Christian couldn't be less interested in marrying. But give him a corpse to study and the guy would be more than happy! That's why, when he meets Cindy, he can't help falling in love. Even though he doesn't know it yet:
“Looks like one of the corpses is walking again,” she said flatly to herself.
A warm, admiring smile formed slowly on his lips, but she stood firm, unfazed by his actions of fondness.
“Who are you?” she asked. “You’re trespassing.”
“I’m just a curious fellow,” he informed her, taking a few steps closer.
“Well, Mr. Curious, I think you’ve wandered off in the wrong direction. Unless of course you have an appointment with the scalpel,” she said, holding up the shiny metal instrument that had been in her hand.
See?
How could he resist falling in love?
He's so bored, he doesn't even care if the girl vaguely resembles a Reaper...
Now, all of this occurs in the very first pages.
But then one has the evil step sisters, who seemed a little too contemporary for me. Some introductions were done on a first names basis which sounded a little strange, and for a moment, i felt my expectations for this book going up in smoke.
But no! Although the action does take a little to pick up again _ but that's something that ends up happening in almost every story! _ when it does, you get whiplash!
It becomes really dark and twisted.
Christian starts sounding like an idiot, but that only makes him more real, and less of a static figure.
In fact, this is one of the author's greatest accomplishments. No character was written in the old "one dimension" tradition. In fact, there's a lot of grey in their making.
So, even when I was sure the introduction of some whimsical figure would make this story tumble like a house of cards, in the end, the author managed to make this all work out.
Another very positive point:
I had absolutely no idea where this was going! None!
Because when I though I could see where the author was going she would drop some kind of "plot bomb" and everything would go kaboom once again!!
IT WAS GREAT!!
So, the only reason I'm not giving this a five, is because I would have liked if the writing tone had been a little more consistent, you know?
I can't help feeling that this story, with it's Gothic environment, would have shone with a more formal language than the one it got.
But even so, it was pretty good, and the second part of it, I practically inhaled it...
In fact, I would very much like to see this title available in printed format, because this is one of those books that i really like (the favorite type!) to have in paper!
So, go and read this book!!
Author's Oficial Site
Buy "Roses and Black Glass"
@amazon.co.uk
August 25, 2015
Book name: Roses and Black Glass: A dark Cinderella tale.
Written by: Lani Lenore
Publish date: May 15th 2013
Genre: Gothic fairy tale/ adult/Romance.
Reviewed by: Mohammad Taiseer (aka Dark0lover on Wattpad)
-Before I start speaking about how wonderful and amazing this book is, first I have to express my sadness about its popularity. You may or may not know this about "Publishing world" so I am going to tell you: "it's hard, not fair, and is the embodiment of all evil." All this sums it up; we see now-days the dirty, with lousy covers, and poorly written books are now taking the headlines all over the world, sold millions of copies, and turned into movies, while the true art pieces are kept in the shadows, afraid to show themselves to the world. And this is why I am reviewing this book; this book is a true master piece that combined the originality, and the flawless style in it.
When I first came across it, I read it for free on some site, thinking it would be just like any cheerful version of Cinderella tale and would probably bore me in the middle, though the title did mention it was Gothic –like always I didn't believe it for most titles don't relate to their books- in this case I was wrong, the title suited the book perfectly, preparing you to live in its pages, in the Gothic world it talks about.
The plot though based on the original Cinderella, weirdly it doesn't match to it at all, only taking the main elements and using them differently. This book has surpassed the original story, crushing it with all might –which proves how good the author is. I will not be talking about what happens in the plot for fear of spoilers, but all I can say is that it's a hole-less plot (If that expression even exists XD ) The plot is so strong, captivating, and beautifully written –I tell you, not in all my life have I seen such beautiful symmetry between the words and sentences; giving the book life for itself- that it would force you to finish it in a day or less then re-read it to discover all the hints leading to the end.
Now since we talked about the plot, let's move to the characters structures, the main characters, (Cindy, Christian, the two step sisters.) Are 3D characters, which mean they act as if they had their own mind –which is rarely to see in stories- they act, speak, and interact with other characters passed on their feelings, their environment, their past and present, and their desires. While as for the secondary cast, including the Godmother, they play a fatal role in the story, which is actually pretty cool; that almost each character in the book has a turn in shaping the story.
To sum it up, this book needs to be bought, calls for you to buy it, it's amazing, and astonishing; will leave you on your edge most the time. If you liked it don't forget to recommend it for others. :D
Written by: Lani Lenore
Publish date: May 15th 2013
Genre: Gothic fairy tale/ adult/Romance.
Reviewed by: Mohammad Taiseer (aka Dark0lover on Wattpad)
-Before I start speaking about how wonderful and amazing this book is, first I have to express my sadness about its popularity. You may or may not know this about "Publishing world" so I am going to tell you: "it's hard, not fair, and is the embodiment of all evil." All this sums it up; we see now-days the dirty, with lousy covers, and poorly written books are now taking the headlines all over the world, sold millions of copies, and turned into movies, while the true art pieces are kept in the shadows, afraid to show themselves to the world. And this is why I am reviewing this book; this book is a true master piece that combined the originality, and the flawless style in it.
When I first came across it, I read it for free on some site, thinking it would be just like any cheerful version of Cinderella tale and would probably bore me in the middle, though the title did mention it was Gothic –like always I didn't believe it for most titles don't relate to their books- in this case I was wrong, the title suited the book perfectly, preparing you to live in its pages, in the Gothic world it talks about.
The plot though based on the original Cinderella, weirdly it doesn't match to it at all, only taking the main elements and using them differently. This book has surpassed the original story, crushing it with all might –which proves how good the author is. I will not be talking about what happens in the plot for fear of spoilers, but all I can say is that it's a hole-less plot (If that expression even exists XD ) The plot is so strong, captivating, and beautifully written –I tell you, not in all my life have I seen such beautiful symmetry between the words and sentences; giving the book life for itself- that it would force you to finish it in a day or less then re-read it to discover all the hints leading to the end.
Now since we talked about the plot, let's move to the characters structures, the main characters, (Cindy, Christian, the two step sisters.) Are 3D characters, which mean they act as if they had their own mind –which is rarely to see in stories- they act, speak, and interact with other characters passed on their feelings, their environment, their past and present, and their desires. While as for the secondary cast, including the Godmother, they play a fatal role in the story, which is actually pretty cool; that almost each character in the book has a turn in shaping the story.
To sum it up, this book needs to be bought, calls for you to buy it, it's amazing, and astonishing; will leave you on your edge most the time. If you liked it don't forget to recommend it for others. :D
August 21, 2013
This was a very different and dark version of Cinderella with a lot of pain and suffering.
October 18, 2017
Eine dunkle Cinderella-Story, das klingt doch verlockend, oder?
Ich hatte eine bestimmte Vorstellung wie das Buch sein wird. Natürlich, dachte ich an die Disneyvariante mit der guten Fee, die der armen kleinen Cinderella hilft, aus den Fängen der bösen Stiefschwestern und der noch böseren Stiefmutter zu entfliehen. Ich wurde eines besseren belehrt. Das Buch ist viel mehr als ein schauriger Abklatsch des Märchens. Das Setting ist schon eine super Sache. Alle Charaktere haben eine gewisse Tiefe, die sie authentisch erscheinen lässt. Man fiebert mit Cindy mit und hofft, dass alles sich zum Guten wendet und sie Christian doch noch für sich gewinnen kann.
Die Geschichte verläuft keineswegs eins zu eins mit der traditionellen. Das macht sie wirklich besonders in meinen Augen. Dazu kommt, die wunderschöne Sprache. Obwohl Englisch für mich nie das selbe Erlebnis sein wird, wie in meiner Muttersprache Deutsch oder Polnisch zu lesen, ist die Schönheit dennoch klar zu erkennen. Das allein macht mich bereits neugierig auf die anderen Werke von Lani Lenore.
Aber eine Sache hat mich wirklich aufgeregt
Ich hatte eine bestimmte Vorstellung wie das Buch sein wird. Natürlich, dachte ich an die Disneyvariante mit der guten Fee, die der armen kleinen Cinderella hilft, aus den Fängen der bösen Stiefschwestern und der noch böseren Stiefmutter zu entfliehen. Ich wurde eines besseren belehrt. Das Buch ist viel mehr als ein schauriger Abklatsch des Märchens. Das Setting ist schon eine super Sache. Alle Charaktere haben eine gewisse Tiefe, die sie authentisch erscheinen lässt. Man fiebert mit Cindy mit und hofft, dass alles sich zum Guten wendet und sie Christian doch noch für sich gewinnen kann.
Die Geschichte verläuft keineswegs eins zu eins mit der traditionellen. Das macht sie wirklich besonders in meinen Augen. Dazu kommt, die wunderschöne Sprache. Obwohl Englisch für mich nie das selbe Erlebnis sein wird, wie in meiner Muttersprache Deutsch oder Polnisch zu lesen, ist die Schönheit dennoch klar zu erkennen. Das allein macht mich bereits neugierig auf die anderen Werke von Lani Lenore.
Aber eine Sache hat mich wirklich aufgeregt
July 22, 2017
It was so good till he slept with Isabelle what the actual fuck but overall it really impressed me!! I'm definitely going to read more books by this author
February 14, 2017
Well...my least favorite of Lani's book for the moment.
I love her writing, god, but some things bothered me throughout the story.
Christian isn't a great person. He is cold, mean and arrogant, and I don't even know what Cindy liked about him.
I can accept instalove but please, they haven't seen each other for three years after A ONE-TIME TALK but they are so much in love?
"I slept with her (Isabella)" say Christian at the end. Like. Really. You just raped her for your information but go on.
Yep. I am disappointed with this book but that doesn't mean that I won't read anymore of Lani's work. I want to read everything, I really love her!!!
I love her writing, god, but some things bothered me throughout the story.
Christian isn't a great person. He is cold, mean and arrogant, and I don't even know what Cindy liked about him.
I can accept instalove but please, they haven't seen each other for three years after A ONE-TIME TALK but they are so much in love?
"I slept with her (Isabella)" say Christian at the end. Like. Really. You just raped her for your information but go on.
Yep. I am disappointed with this book but that doesn't mean that I won't read anymore of Lani's work. I want to read everything, I really love her!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2013
This was really interesting as a version of Cinderella. It's extremely dark like Grimm fairy tales. I love that her father had a morgue that added more to it I think. Also the godmother/witch. It was fun to see the story unfold.
June 23, 2013
Not like Snow White but worht the effort to read it..I liked better the second half of the book of course when action starts.
April 13, 2015
I thought this book was fantastic and dark retelling catching the main elements of a fairy tale we all love and adding in some from the original tale that not many do.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews