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Perrault Chronicles #1
Cendrilla: A Fairy Tale
Rilla Perrault is not elegant or charming like her step-sisters. She cannot dance, is incapable of serving an elegant tea, and, according to Mother, curtseys like a constipated boar. When Rilla is betrothed, by force to Lord Bluebeard, a man suspected of murdering his previous wives, she escapes to the capital with Bluebeard's slave, Jack.
Having paid a hefty bride-price, Lord Bluebeard sets his mercenaries on the chase for the runaway pair. Now, Rilla must reach the capital, a place where ogres like Bluebeard are forbidden to enter, before her murderous betrothed and his blood-thirsty servants exact their vengeance.
Having paid a hefty bride-price, Lord Bluebeard sets his mercenaries on the chase for the runaway pair. Now, Rilla must reach the capital, a place where ogres like Bluebeard are forbidden to enter, before her murderous betrothed and his blood-thirsty servants exact their vengeance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 21, 2017
This unexpected Retelling of Cinderella had me hooked from start to finish all in one go!
As soon as I read the first few chapter, I knew I had to finish it quickly. And yes the stepmother and stepsisters are cruel and call her names but to be engaged so quickly? I needed answers!
So, it begins with an orphan girl, Cendrilla. Rilla has seen and heard all the nicknames and emotional abuse that her mother and sisters hit her with daily. And overtime, she's learnt to ignore their torment, but when they begin to tell their guests how rude and disorganise she is, and tell them the nicknames they give her, which he actually calls her too, Rilla can't take it anymore.
Rilla decides to escape, she may be only 16 but she knows she can find employment elsewhere. However, Cook tells her some things that changes how she sees the abuse and torment. There is a reason why they want her to leave, but Rilla isn't going to give in to their plan.
But what follows after is only the start of her torment. She becomes engaged to Lord Bluebeard, a man who looks and acts like a beast, rumoured to have murdered 6 of his wives, and Rilla is afraid she may be next.
But it is at his mansion that she meets a fellow slave, Jack. Who has been abused and mistreated for 6 years by his master because of a great deed he did to the Lord years ago.
Together, they escape the cruelty of the Lord but it's only the start. In order to get to the capital, where only humans reign, no magic or magical creatures are allowed, so they think it's their only safe option, they must face the dangers of being killed by trolls, orgres and orgre hybrids.
It seems the more she travels with Jack, the more in danger she puts him in, but with their growing feelings for one another, it seems Rilla has to leave the one and only person who has ever cared for her.
This was a wonderful tale. It's not the typical story, Rilla is defenceless at first but she grows as a character, confidently and becomes fiesty by the end of the story.
I liked how there were many fairytales added into one, it gives more action and drama into the story. I really enjoy it, very different but written exceptionally well.
Can't wait to see what follows after that ending, because as I said, it's not the typical Cinderella story
As soon as I read the first few chapter, I knew I had to finish it quickly. And yes the stepmother and stepsisters are cruel and call her names but to be engaged so quickly? I needed answers!
So, it begins with an orphan girl, Cendrilla. Rilla has seen and heard all the nicknames and emotional abuse that her mother and sisters hit her with daily. And overtime, she's learnt to ignore their torment, but when they begin to tell their guests how rude and disorganise she is, and tell them the nicknames they give her, which he actually calls her too, Rilla can't take it anymore.
Rilla decides to escape, she may be only 16 but she knows she can find employment elsewhere. However, Cook tells her some things that changes how she sees the abuse and torment. There is a reason why they want her to leave, but Rilla isn't going to give in to their plan.
But what follows after is only the start of her torment. She becomes engaged to Lord Bluebeard, a man who looks and acts like a beast, rumoured to have murdered 6 of his wives, and Rilla is afraid she may be next.
But it is at his mansion that she meets a fellow slave, Jack. Who has been abused and mistreated for 6 years by his master because of a great deed he did to the Lord years ago.
Together, they escape the cruelty of the Lord but it's only the start. In order to get to the capital, where only humans reign, no magic or magical creatures are allowed, so they think it's their only safe option, they must face the dangers of being killed by trolls, orgres and orgre hybrids.
It seems the more she travels with Jack, the more in danger she puts him in, but with their growing feelings for one another, it seems Rilla has to leave the one and only person who has ever cared for her.
This was a wonderful tale. It's not the typical story, Rilla is defenceless at first but she grows as a character, confidently and becomes fiesty by the end of the story.
I liked how there were many fairytales added into one, it gives more action and drama into the story. I really enjoy it, very different but written exceptionally well.
Can't wait to see what follows after that ending, because as I said, it's not the typical Cinderella story
December 8, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from bookfunnel and boy am I ever glad I did! What a fun read. I read this book in one sitting and simply could not put it down.
This book is everything you could ever want from a fairy tale retelling (re-imagining). This isn't just a retelling of Cinderella, it's a complete re-imagining of multiple fairy tales. This story takes place in a fairy tale world where all the storybook characters we're familiar with, hero and villain, are present.
The story is told in third-person from the point-of-view of Cendrilla, Rilla to her friends. Rilla is an incarnation of Cinderella you've never seen before. Instead of a meek girl in need of rescue by a prince, she's the one doing the rescuing! At the beginning of the story, Rilla is biding her time under the tyranny of her step-family, biting her tongue and baring their abuse with the knowledge in a few years she will inherit her family fortune, but the presence of an unwanted groom starts her on an adventure she never envisioned herself undertaking.
This book is the first part in a series and does end on a cliffhanger. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am eagerly awaiting the next part!
Recommended to fans of fairy tales, young adult fantasy, and strong female characters. And if you liked The 10th Kingdom mini-series from back in 2000, you will LOVE this story!
This book is everything you could ever want from a fairy tale retelling (re-imagining). This isn't just a retelling of Cinderella, it's a complete re-imagining of multiple fairy tales. This story takes place in a fairy tale world where all the storybook characters we're familiar with, hero and villain, are present.
The story is told in third-person from the point-of-view of Cendrilla, Rilla to her friends. Rilla is an incarnation of Cinderella you've never seen before. Instead of a meek girl in need of rescue by a prince, she's the one doing the rescuing! At the beginning of the story, Rilla is biding her time under the tyranny of her step-family, biting her tongue and baring their abuse with the knowledge in a few years she will inherit her family fortune, but the presence of an unwanted groom starts her on an adventure she never envisioned herself undertaking.
This book is the first part in a series and does end on a cliffhanger. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am eagerly awaiting the next part!
Recommended to fans of fairy tales, young adult fantasy, and strong female characters. And if you liked The 10th Kingdom mini-series from back in 2000, you will LOVE this story!
February 2, 2018
A fast-moving mashup of fairy-tale characters and plot lines, with a heroine who starts out timid and browbeaten but--with the help of a magic staff--grows to be truly intimidating in her own right!
Rilla's stepmother has sold her for her weight in gold to an evil half-ogre who has murdered his last six wives and wants Rilla--who is tall and strong--to bear him a small army of strong sons. Can't say that I blame her for running away! She takes up with Jack, of beanstalk fame, and spends the rest of the story running, learning to fight, and rescuing sundry people from trolls, ogres, and highwaymen.
This story is packed with action and sets up for the rest of the serial series of eight books. Mind you, it ends in a cliff-hanger, which isn't my favorite.
But it is a quick, fun read. Enjoy!
Rilla's stepmother has sold her for her weight in gold to an evil half-ogre who has murdered his last six wives and wants Rilla--who is tall and strong--to bear him a small army of strong sons. Can't say that I blame her for running away! She takes up with Jack, of beanstalk fame, and spends the rest of the story running, learning to fight, and rescuing sundry people from trolls, ogres, and highwaymen.
This story is packed with action and sets up for the rest of the serial series of eight books. Mind you, it ends in a cliff-hanger, which isn't my favorite.
But it is a quick, fun read. Enjoy!
September 28, 2017
Review of the preview of Cendrilla (Perrault Chronicles, book 1) by Cordelia Castel.
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I can't give a fair rating because this was a two-chapters preview, BUT guys. This is such a cool beginning. Cinderella changes her name and meets a whole new magical world, and has a whole new story ahead of her. I'm not really sure if this could be called a retelling, because... Well, the story itself is different, while the background story is the same.
But still: SO COOL (I already said that, didn't I?)
Here is the synopsis:
·
·
Rilla Perrault is not elegant or charming like her step-sisters. She cannot dance, is incapable of serving an elegant tea, and, according to Mother, curtseys like a constipated boar. When Rilla is betrothed, by force to Lord Bluebeard, a man suspected of murdering his previous wives, she escapes to the capital with Bluebeard's slave, Jack.
Having paid a hefty bride-price, Lord Bluebeard sets his mercenaries on the chase for the runaway pair. Now, Rilla must reach the capital, a place where ogres like Bluebeard are forbidden to enter, before her murderous betrothed and his blood-thirsty servants exact their vengeance.
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·
Doesn't this sound incredibly good? It does to me!
·
·
I can't give a fair rating because this was a two-chapters preview, BUT guys. This is such a cool beginning. Cinderella changes her name and meets a whole new magical world, and has a whole new story ahead of her. I'm not really sure if this could be called a retelling, because... Well, the story itself is different, while the background story is the same.
But still: SO COOL (I already said that, didn't I?)
Here is the synopsis:
·
·
Rilla Perrault is not elegant or charming like her step-sisters. She cannot dance, is incapable of serving an elegant tea, and, according to Mother, curtseys like a constipated boar. When Rilla is betrothed, by force to Lord Bluebeard, a man suspected of murdering his previous wives, she escapes to the capital with Bluebeard's slave, Jack.
Having paid a hefty bride-price, Lord Bluebeard sets his mercenaries on the chase for the runaway pair. Now, Rilla must reach the capital, a place where ogres like Bluebeard are forbidden to enter, before her murderous betrothed and his blood-thirsty servants exact their vengeance.
·
·
Doesn't this sound incredibly good? It does to me!
June 17, 2018
If I didn’t know any better I’d think this were an easy reader, and a poorly written one at that, for how it all read. There’s no depth to the story, to the characters, the world, nothing. It just skims the surface, moving the protagonist from one situation to the next and providing her with contrived outs and help along the way.
I wonder if this was written in a manner mimicking old style fairy tales. If so it doesn’t quite work. The situations that Cendrilla ends up in ends up with people who are either overly nasty or overly nice to her, for no apparent reason on the nasty side other than to have nasty characters in the story to provide conflict. And on the nice side she basically does something for them and they fall over themselves to thank her. There is no in between.
The world itself is bare. It’s a kingdom that hates magic for some reason and it’s populated with a number of plucked fairy tale-like characters. Not sure why. Cute? Quirky? To me it felt overloaded and erratic. And considering Bluebeard was an actual person, it muddied things even more because Castel’s character had some qualities of the actual Bluebeard but wasn’t actually Bluebeard so I’m supposed to think independently of this character and not attribute him to another.
There’s no real motivation behind any of the conflict in the story. Her stepmom and stepsisters are mean for the sake of being mean. Except the estate would fall to Cendrilla once she’s comes of age so why she didn’t hold that over their heads I have no idea. Bluebeard is nasty for the sake of being nasty and is the sole antagonist in this story that drives Cendrilla forward. There’s literally nothing else other than “this character is mean, hate him.”
And then along Cendrilla’s escape she’s just dropped into impossible situations that she magically gets out of each and every time, to such a predictable extent that it removes all tension from the story. There wasn’t much there to begin with, but it’s gone entirely.
I’m just. I don’t know what the intent was with this story. It told a very thin, cobbled together story with contrived conflict and cookie cutter characters that just aren’t compelling. And the author’s done nothing with the Cinderella story other than take the basest concept of it for hers. At least it was free through Instafreebie. Needless to say I won’t be reading on in the series.
1
I wonder if this was written in a manner mimicking old style fairy tales. If so it doesn’t quite work. The situations that Cendrilla ends up in ends up with people who are either overly nasty or overly nice to her, for no apparent reason on the nasty side other than to have nasty characters in the story to provide conflict. And on the nice side she basically does something for them and they fall over themselves to thank her. There is no in between.
The world itself is bare. It’s a kingdom that hates magic for some reason and it’s populated with a number of plucked fairy tale-like characters. Not sure why. Cute? Quirky? To me it felt overloaded and erratic. And considering Bluebeard was an actual person, it muddied things even more because Castel’s character had some qualities of the actual Bluebeard but wasn’t actually Bluebeard so I’m supposed to think independently of this character and not attribute him to another.
There’s no real motivation behind any of the conflict in the story. Her stepmom and stepsisters are mean for the sake of being mean. Except the estate would fall to Cendrilla once she’s comes of age so why she didn’t hold that over their heads I have no idea. Bluebeard is nasty for the sake of being nasty and is the sole antagonist in this story that drives Cendrilla forward. There’s literally nothing else other than “this character is mean, hate him.”
And then along Cendrilla’s escape she’s just dropped into impossible situations that she magically gets out of each and every time, to such a predictable extent that it removes all tension from the story. There wasn’t much there to begin with, but it’s gone entirely.
I’m just. I don’t know what the intent was with this story. It told a very thin, cobbled together story with contrived conflict and cookie cutter characters that just aren’t compelling. And the author’s done nothing with the Cinderella story other than take the basest concept of it for hers. At least it was free through Instafreebie. Needless to say I won’t be reading on in the series.
1
May 29, 2017
Cinderella is my all time favourite fairy-tale so I'm always so excited to find new versions. I'm not really sure this is a Cinderella re-telling though, it had some aspects - the name, family situation and a 'ball' - but there were a whole host of others stories shoved in. I'm not really sure how I feel about that, it was quite confusing to be honest and I wish there was a better explanation of the world the story was set in.
I'm really torn with this review because there's nothing wrong with the book, it's quite an interesting concept but I was just so bored while reading this. So many things were happening that could have been really exciting scenes making the book into this wonderful adventure and it didn't happen. There would be a problem and almost immediately it would be solved, so instead of being hooked into the story I plodded through it instead, by the end I was a bit like 'really that's it?'.
I think if the book was longer it would've been so much better because there could have been real scene and character development to make it more exciting. As it is now maybe primary school children would enjoy it as its simple enough for them to read and they may actually enjoy it.
I'm really torn with this review because there's nothing wrong with the book, it's quite an interesting concept but I was just so bored while reading this. So many things were happening that could have been really exciting scenes making the book into this wonderful adventure and it didn't happen. There would be a problem and almost immediately it would be solved, so instead of being hooked into the story I plodded through it instead, by the end I was a bit like 'really that's it?'.
I think if the book was longer it would've been so much better because there could have been real scene and character development to make it more exciting. As it is now maybe primary school children would enjoy it as its simple enough for them to read and they may actually enjoy it.
July 1, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review.
Cordelia Castel is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her novel "Cendrilla: A Fairy Tale". This book excelled in both characters and plot, and I found Cordelia's writing creative, imaginative and captivating. It is not often that I would read a fairy tale, sick of the many re-writes of Cinderella, however, "Cendrilla" is a novel that stands outside just about being about Cinderella (here called Rilla) and includes many other famous fairy tale characters, including a new favorite, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Rilla, starts her journey alike Cinderella, with a wicked stepmother and two equally horrible stepsisters, but that's about where the similarities of plot end. Rilla is sold to a horrible org, Lord Bluebeard, making her step-family rich, and sets Rilla up to be the bride of a horrible man with an evil murderous past. The journey now begins for Rilla, and we are taken through magical lands, where we meet many other fairy tale folk. The "Cendrilla" story line remains fun and full of imagination, magic and suspense, while Rilla takes on the many evil elements in her world, all in the hope to be free of Bluebeard, her step-family, and perhaps enjoy a moment of happily ever after. However, with Bluebeard on her trail, will Rilla be safe or free?
I can't wait to read the sequel as "Cendrilla" by Cordelia Castel captured some of my favorite childhood fairy tales and captivated me into the exciting into the magical world created in this novel.
Cordelia Castel is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her novel "Cendrilla: A Fairy Tale". This book excelled in both characters and plot, and I found Cordelia's writing creative, imaginative and captivating. It is not often that I would read a fairy tale, sick of the many re-writes of Cinderella, however, "Cendrilla" is a novel that stands outside just about being about Cinderella (here called Rilla) and includes many other famous fairy tale characters, including a new favorite, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Rilla, starts her journey alike Cinderella, with a wicked stepmother and two equally horrible stepsisters, but that's about where the similarities of plot end. Rilla is sold to a horrible org, Lord Bluebeard, making her step-family rich, and sets Rilla up to be the bride of a horrible man with an evil murderous past. The journey now begins for Rilla, and we are taken through magical lands, where we meet many other fairy tale folk. The "Cendrilla" story line remains fun and full of imagination, magic and suspense, while Rilla takes on the many evil elements in her world, all in the hope to be free of Bluebeard, her step-family, and perhaps enjoy a moment of happily ever after. However, with Bluebeard on her trail, will Rilla be safe or free?
I can't wait to read the sequel as "Cendrilla" by Cordelia Castel captured some of my favorite childhood fairy tales and captivated me into the exciting into the magical world created in this novel.
July 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this read.
August 26, 2017
Cendrilla has spent most of her life being teased about her appearance by both her family and their guests. But once an unexpected lord comes seeking her hand in marriage, Cendrilla’s life starts in a new direction, one gaining her more attention than she could possibly ever want.
I really enjoyed the way that Cordelia Castel retold the story of Cinderella in Cendrilla, not only because she doesn’t strictly adhere to traditional versions of the tale, but also because she incorporates other fairy tale and folkloric elements. Castel weaves these stories together to both tell the coming-of-age of a badass heroine and depict a unique fairy tale world where, in some places, magic and magical creatures are forbidden.
I did feel, however, that the narrative pace was a bit quick and the story a tad short. For example, I would have loved more description about Cendrilla’s time spent both with Mother and the twins and with Bluebeard and more development of her friendship with Jack. Also, since the geography and history of her world plays such a key role in the action of the narrative, a map would have been useful.
Nevertheless, I loved Cendrilla, couldn’t put it down in a 24-hour period, and immediately found myself delving into her Perrault Chronicles novelette Mother’s Misfortune. I look forward to the rest of the series and so will those who love fairy tale re-mixes like the Once Upon a Time, Alethea Kontis’s Woodcutter Sisters series, and Jim C. Hines’s Princess novels.
I really enjoyed the way that Cordelia Castel retold the story of Cinderella in Cendrilla, not only because she doesn’t strictly adhere to traditional versions of the tale, but also because she incorporates other fairy tale and folkloric elements. Castel weaves these stories together to both tell the coming-of-age of a badass heroine and depict a unique fairy tale world where, in some places, magic and magical creatures are forbidden.
I did feel, however, that the narrative pace was a bit quick and the story a tad short. For example, I would have loved more description about Cendrilla’s time spent both with Mother and the twins and with Bluebeard and more development of her friendship with Jack. Also, since the geography and history of her world plays such a key role in the action of the narrative, a map would have been useful.
Nevertheless, I loved Cendrilla, couldn’t put it down in a 24-hour period, and immediately found myself delving into her Perrault Chronicles novelette Mother’s Misfortune. I look forward to the rest of the series and so will those who love fairy tale re-mixes like the Once Upon a Time, Alethea Kontis’s Woodcutter Sisters series, and Jim C. Hines’s Princess novels.
September 24, 2018
To clear up any confusion, Cendrilla has be re-titled as The Magestaff. These are the same book, but I purchased it when it was still titled Cendrilla, so that's what I'll refer to it as.
I absolutely adored this book! It was a truly fabulous one-night read and was just so fun. There are a lot of references to different fairy tales, rather than just being a retelling of a single tale. I found that to be really enjoyable.
It is very clear from the beginning that there is something unique and special about Cendrilla. There is, of course, the fact that she is the title character of the book, but there's more than that. She looks different, she feels different, she is just...different. At a mere 16 years old, she finds out that a major "fact" of her life is not true at all. She begins finding a new level of strength within herself and - what I found so important to the story - she chooses to pursue and nurture that strength actively, deliberately. What a bold choice!
Given that the book is so short and it is a Cinderella retelling, I had vague illusions that Bluebeard had swept in to rescue Rilla and transport her to a much better life than any she'd known. That, perhaps, along the way she would teach him to be gentle, and he would help her build her strength. And...I was wholly wrong, it would seem. Bluebeard is a despicable creature, even if his anger stems from a somewhat understandable place.
At this point, we know that this is merely the first chapter in a fairly lengthy series of books. As such, I expected to essentially be introduced to a few key characters and get a baseline of the story. That is precisely what happened. We meet Cendrilla, Jack, and Bluebeard. We find that Cendrilla's story will span at least five years - until she reaches her majority and can claim her life in every sense. We begin to see Cendrilla's character take shape. She is young, perhaps a bit naive, but determined and intelligent. She is compassionate, brave, and very, very fierce. She is, 100%, a Warrior Woman. I adore her and can't wait to read more!
Read this and more of my reviews at:
www.memoirsofabookwyrm.com
I absolutely adored this book! It was a truly fabulous one-night read and was just so fun. There are a lot of references to different fairy tales, rather than just being a retelling of a single tale. I found that to be really enjoyable.
It is very clear from the beginning that there is something unique and special about Cendrilla. There is, of course, the fact that she is the title character of the book, but there's more than that. She looks different, she feels different, she is just...different. At a mere 16 years old, she finds out that a major "fact" of her life is not true at all. She begins finding a new level of strength within herself and - what I found so important to the story - she chooses to pursue and nurture that strength actively, deliberately. What a bold choice!
Given that the book is so short and it is a Cinderella retelling, I had vague illusions that Bluebeard had swept in to rescue Rilla and transport her to a much better life than any she'd known. That, perhaps, along the way she would teach him to be gentle, and he would help her build her strength. And...I was wholly wrong, it would seem. Bluebeard is a despicable creature, even if his anger stems from a somewhat understandable place.
At this point, we know that this is merely the first chapter in a fairly lengthy series of books. As such, I expected to essentially be introduced to a few key characters and get a baseline of the story. That is precisely what happened. We meet Cendrilla, Jack, and Bluebeard. We find that Cendrilla's story will span at least five years - until she reaches her majority and can claim her life in every sense. We begin to see Cendrilla's character take shape. She is young, perhaps a bit naive, but determined and intelligent. She is compassionate, brave, and very, very fierce. She is, 100%, a Warrior Woman. I adore her and can't wait to read more!
Read this and more of my reviews at:
www.memoirsofabookwyrm.com
September 9, 2017
Rilla is a 16 year old girl who lives with her awful stepmother and two stepsisters. She is considered to not be pretty because she is 6 feet tall, and her stepmother uses her as an extra servant. When Lord Bluebeard comes for tea one day, her stepmother sells her to him in order to receive her weight in gold. She knows the rumours about Bluebeard killing his previous wives, and so she decides to escape with his servant Jack. They start on an adventure to go to the city for protection. However, their journey makes a few more stops first and leads them to more people.
I really enjoyed this character Rilla, because as a girl who is 5"9' I know how it feels to be taller than everyone else and feel ugly because of it. The story moved smoothly, and I could follow every character and see how they grew throughout the story. I often find problems with retold fairytales, but this one stuck to a few of my favorites, such as the story of Bluebeard and the story of Cinderella, albeit with some edits.
This story was rather short, and it didn't have an ending. In order for me to find out what happens next, I would have to buy the next book, which came as a disappointment to me. I prefer for my books, albeit in a series, to feel finished before I move onto the next part of the story. But overall, I did enjoy this half of the story, and I hope to eventually be able to read the next half.
I really enjoyed this character Rilla, because as a girl who is 5"9' I know how it feels to be taller than everyone else and feel ugly because of it. The story moved smoothly, and I could follow every character and see how they grew throughout the story. I often find problems with retold fairytales, but this one stuck to a few of my favorites, such as the story of Bluebeard and the story of Cinderella, albeit with some edits.
This story was rather short, and it didn't have an ending. In order for me to find out what happens next, I would have to buy the next book, which came as a disappointment to me. I prefer for my books, albeit in a series, to feel finished before I move onto the next part of the story. But overall, I did enjoy this half of the story, and I hope to eventually be able to read the next half.
December 6, 2017
This series, which has its roots in fairytales, revolves around the character of Cendrilla (based on Cinderella), the title character of this book. While Cendrilla starts in similar circumstances to Cinderella - basically a servant to a wicked "mother" and two "sisters" who aren't even related to her - in this story Cendrilla has never known her true family, she learns she is actually a rich heiress to all that her wicked "family" are flaunting when she gets to the age of 21, and then her "mother" sells her to an ogre called Lord Bluebeard for her weight in gold before she reaches that age - an ogre who is reported to have killed his previous wives. I won't tell you any more of the story than that as I don't like spoilers (other than to say Cendrilla doesn't accept her fate without a fight!), and you can find out more in the book description above.
I've really enjoyed reading this book as it's well-written, full of action, adventure, and great characters that really drive the pace and keep you hooked from beginning to end. And once you reach the end, you definitely want to continue reading the rest of the series! So, if you like reading fairy tale retellings, fantasy books, or just want something a bit different, I'd definitely recommend this book!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
I've really enjoyed reading this book as it's well-written, full of action, adventure, and great characters that really drive the pace and keep you hooked from beginning to end. And once you reach the end, you definitely want to continue reading the rest of the series! So, if you like reading fairy tale retellings, fantasy books, or just want something a bit different, I'd definitely recommend this book!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
September 16, 2017
This is a hard review to write because in many ways I enjoyed Cendrilla's story and want to continue to find out what happens to her. However I do not like "horror" stories and that is what the Bluebeard fairytale feels like to me so I did not enjoy that part of the story in "Cendrilla". I had not read the Bluebeard fairytale before and had to go read it after I started reading "Cendrilla" to understand the references being made in the story. I fear that the dark tones will continue in future stories in this series so I will not continue with the series but I am sure that many readers will enjoy the Perrault Chronicles series as it is well written and has interesting characters as least based on the Cendrilla story.
Sex: None
Language: None
Violence: There are several plans to mistreat/abuse women throughout the story (they are unwilling brides). The plans are foiled in all cases before the acts of violence begin so only the fear the women feel in anticipation of violence is described not the actual violence. People are beaten in punishment and hacked/killed in fights although details are not graphic.
Sex: None
Language: None
Violence: There are several plans to mistreat/abuse women throughout the story (they are unwilling brides). The plans are foiled in all cases before the acts of violence begin so only the fear the women feel in anticipation of violence is described not the actual violence. People are beaten in punishment and hacked/killed in fights although details are not graphic.
August 26, 2017
Actual review: 2.5
I got this book as an ARC from the author and my review on it is waaaay overdue. Apologies, Ms. Castel. And now, onto te review.
Cendrilla was a cute book and the beginning was crazy! The author keeps you wanting to know what happens next to the characters and I liked that. The adventure ended quickly(it isn't a long book) but while it was still happening I enjoyed the combinations of other fairy tales.
What I didn't like was how bland this book was. If a book is good, I feel happy and warm like I just had a mug of hot chocolate. But with bland books, I feel tired and sometimes have to reread sentences multiple times to understand what it's saying. That's how it was with Cendrilla.
That said, I'm still willing to give the next book(I also owe a review for that one) a chance. I want to know what happens to Rilla and Jack and Bluebeard!
I got this book as an ARC from the author and my review on it is waaaay overdue. Apologies, Ms. Castel. And now, onto te review.
Cendrilla was a cute book and the beginning was crazy! The author keeps you wanting to know what happens next to the characters and I liked that. The adventure ended quickly(it isn't a long book) but while it was still happening I enjoyed the combinations of other fairy tales.
What I didn't like was how bland this book was. If a book is good, I feel happy and warm like I just had a mug of hot chocolate. But with bland books, I feel tired and sometimes have to reread sentences multiple times to understand what it's saying. That's how it was with Cendrilla.
That said, I'm still willing to give the next book(I also owe a review for that one) a chance. I want to know what happens to Rilla and Jack and Bluebeard!
March 5, 2018
[I have had this Advanced copy for a while and since I am doing read/reviews for the author, I wanted to read it and voluntarily choose to review it]
This rendition of Cinderella is darker than the one “we” all know.Castel’s Rilla is a cross between Wonder Woman and the wimpy servant that makes us cringe. However, in this version, Rilla has the power: she has the money (in trust), and she has the smarts when she is “riled up”.
She runs away from an ogre with Jack and takes out other fairy tale inhabitants along the way. And, part one- the part I have- ends with a realization of her magic within....
This first foundation of The Perrault Chronicles runs so fast you have to read it twice to find all the twists. I love Castel’s style, but wonder how she can top it. 4/5
This rendition of Cinderella is darker than the one “we” all know.Castel’s Rilla is a cross between Wonder Woman and the wimpy servant that makes us cringe. However, in this version, Rilla has the power: she has the money (in trust), and she has the smarts when she is “riled up”.
She runs away from an ogre with Jack and takes out other fairy tale inhabitants along the way. And, part one- the part I have- ends with a realization of her magic within....
This first foundation of The Perrault Chronicles runs so fast you have to read it twice to find all the twists. I love Castel’s style, but wonder how she can top it. 4/5
July 4, 2017
I love this book. I read that it is a book containing different fairy tales and it is. I made a game out of identifying which fairy tale it was. I listened to the book in one setting and I was disappointed it ended so soon. I cannot wait till book two comes out.
The main character is Cendrilla, duh, but everyone calls her Rilla. Rilla is sold by her wicked stepmother, for her weight in gold, to Lord Bluebeard, who is half ogre. The rest of the book consist of Rilla trying to escape from Lord Bluebeard.
It is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I received a free ebook of this book for an honest review, which this is. I love fairy tales and this is a great one. Now, bring on book two.
The main character is Cendrilla, duh, but everyone calls her Rilla. Rilla is sold by her wicked stepmother, for her weight in gold, to Lord Bluebeard, who is half ogre. The rest of the book consist of Rilla trying to escape from Lord Bluebeard.
It is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I received a free ebook of this book for an honest review, which this is. I love fairy tales and this is a great one. Now, bring on book two.
December 9, 2017
Despite what you might think at the name, this isn't necessarily a Cinderella retelling. That threw me off a bit at first. Rather this is like a fairytale story that takes elements of many tales and combines them to make something all new.
It was kind of fun to sit there and pick out all the fairytales that had their moment. It was almost like finding Waldo.
This first book is showing Rilla's departure from her stepmother's home, her rather creepy stay with her betrothed, followed by an epic escape across the country. It kept me on my toes and the ending had me going, "NO!!! AFTER ALL THAT! IT'S NOT FAIR!"
I'm definitely reading book 2!
It was kind of fun to sit there and pick out all the fairytales that had their moment. It was almost like finding Waldo.
This first book is showing Rilla's departure from her stepmother's home, her rather creepy stay with her betrothed, followed by an epic escape across the country. It kept me on my toes and the ending had me going, "NO!!! AFTER ALL THAT! IT'S NOT FAIR!"
I'm definitely reading book 2!
August 24, 2017
Not a long book compared to reading things like Outlander. IT was generous in storytelling and left me happy that I finished it, and looking forward to the next one. It stood alone as a story which was nice also that I am not forced to read the next one as life often interferes. If you have ever heard of Cinderella (come on who hasn't), you will know the framework of the story, however the addition of other fairy tales that you may not be as familiar with was nice. I liked that Rilla was a stronger female character than your traditional Cinderella.
September 5, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from bookfunnel.....
So more like 3.75.... It’s not that I didn’t like the book... it’s just that I was bored... this book had a lot of potential... but because it was sooooo short there was zero world building or character building....It kept jumping from here to there and from one thing to another and I didn’t like that. I want to be able to connect to the characters and be able to picture the people and the places they are in and I wasn’t able to that with this book. I will give the second book a try so we will see how that goes.
So more like 3.75.... It’s not that I didn’t like the book... it’s just that I was bored... this book had a lot of potential... but because it was sooooo short there was zero world building or character building....It kept jumping from here to there and from one thing to another and I didn’t like that. I want to be able to connect to the characters and be able to picture the people and the places they are in and I wasn’t able to that with this book. I will give the second book a try so we will see how that goes.
November 3, 2017
Pretty Good
While this was kind of like a Cinderella story, it really wasn’t like one at all. End it first, I thought I should probably just put it down, because it really wasn’t holding my attention. It got better. And it got a lot better.
It’s definitely a type of fairytale. And it’s definitely got the cliffhanger that makes you want to pick up the second book. I will, sometime in the future.
While this was kind of like a Cinderella story, it really wasn’t like one at all. End it first, I thought I should probably just put it down, because it really wasn’t holding my attention. It got better. And it got a lot better.
It’s definitely a type of fairytale. And it’s definitely got the cliffhanger that makes you want to pick up the second book. I will, sometime in the future.
July 21, 2017
Really dislike being given a book for free and it is not the full book and be expected to pay for the whole book to finish the story. Well it's not going to happen.
This is my first and last time reading this author. Yes, I am being some what rigded but give me the option before hand if I want to read a partial book.
This is my first and last time reading this author. Yes, I am being some what rigded but give me the option before hand if I want to read a partial book.
July 22, 2017
Jag fick ett smak prov på denna bok gratis genom något mail och tyckte den lät intressant. Den fångade mig vid första kapittlet med hur den band ihop Askungen sagan med några andra sagor. Den gick snabbt att läaa nästan lite för snabbt, ville inte att den skulle ta slut. Den har ett bra tempo och jag köpte hela när den slutade mitt i. Jag kommer definitivt att köpa nästa bok när den kommer ut.
December 18, 2017
Cendrilla is so wonderful. I went in knowing that it was some kind of Cinderella retelling. I had no idea how amazing this story would be. There is as always a wicked stepmother, buy Rilla is no petite Barbie doll. She is 6 feet tall, and brave. There is a ball but nothing like in the original story.
The characters altho based on old fairy tales are fresh, and nothing like their counterparts, in most cases.
I think although the stepsisters were beautiful, their ugliness seeped through. They however had very little to do with this cute but sometimes violently graphic tale.
I feel in love with this story very early on, probably 15 pages or less. I loved the character the stepmother intended as her husband.
Cenderilla is called names, and demeaned, treated as a servant, but this girl decides somewhere along the way, it fight or die, and she wants to live. , .
I was simply taken by storm when I saw the intricate ways this fairy tale was woven. I am a huge lover of dark fairy tales, and this qualifies, sometimes references to other things made me laugh, the humor is there in small spurts.I was sad to finish this story and want to read on. It made me feel like a teenager again.I had a real good time listening to it. Altho I could have read it if I wanted to. Sometimes I get more involved listening. I feel happy fter reading a good story, and this was a great story.
The characters altho based on old fairy tales are fresh, and nothing like their counterparts, in most cases.
I think although the stepsisters were beautiful, their ugliness seeped through. They however had very little to do with this cute but sometimes violently graphic tale.
I feel in love with this story very early on, probably 15 pages or less. I loved the character the stepmother intended as her husband.
Cenderilla is called names, and demeaned, treated as a servant, but this girl decides somewhere along the way, it fight or die, and she wants to live. , .
I was simply taken by storm when I saw the intricate ways this fairy tale was woven. I am a huge lover of dark fairy tales, and this qualifies, sometimes references to other things made me laugh, the humor is there in small spurts.I was sad to finish this story and want to read on. It made me feel like a teenager again.I had a real good time listening to it. Altho I could have read it if I wanted to. Sometimes I get more involved listening. I feel happy fter reading a good story, and this was a great story.
January 1, 2018
This was an interesting turn of the tales we all know. Cendrilla is a Cinderella less delicate than the one we are used too and the characters she encounters are not charming princes by the book.
Despite a great potential I found the pace of the story too swift and the descriptions uneven. It was lacking information between the different passages.
Despite a great potential I found the pace of the story too swift and the descriptions uneven. It was lacking information between the different passages.
June 23, 2017
I really should make a fairy tale shelf :)
This was a cute, quick, original fairy tale. It mixes several tales together in a completely unique world. The ending is not what you'd expect and leaves you awaiting the next book with anticipation.
This was a cute, quick, original fairy tale. It mixes several tales together in a completely unique world. The ending is not what you'd expect and leaves you awaiting the next book with anticipation.
July 7, 2017
I enjoyed the tale very much. It was refreshing to read a story that the damsel was saving men instead of the other way around. I am looking forward to reading the second installment of this tale. I was given a copy of this book voluntarily reviewed it.
July 25, 2017
A totally different version of Cinderella and more. Rilla doesn't have the skills her sisters have, but yet, she's delightful. Received an ARC and am reviewing because of the enjoyment this book gave me. Don't miss out.
September 1, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this series....it's a new twist on an old tale...The poor young woman who's father supposedly dies is left to live with a nasty stepmother and two nasty step-sisters...it's a very good storyline..
December 13, 2017
I can’t finish this book. There is very little background explanations, less character development and the author jumps from event to event like they’re bullet points on a list. Interesting idea with poor execution.
April 9, 2018
Stopped reading at 69%. It was just too much, and too little. It was like the author was making soup and threw in every ingredient in the cupboards, but only a pinch of each. An "Into the Woods" wannabe.
Disappointing as I love fairytale re-tellings.
Disappointing as I love fairytale re-tellings.
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