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Striking Midnight: A Reimagining of Cinderella as an Assassin
What if Cinderella was sent to kill Prince Charming?
Dawn will break. And she will rise...
When the Noctisian King passed, the Daylight Accord crumbled. Now, the Kingdom of Noctis exists in darkness and unending night, while their neighbors slowly roast.
The sun never sets on Sol.
The former prince of Noctis refuses to honor the bargain his father made with the Solian rulers and both kingdoms suffer without the balance the other brings. But when the time comes for King Knox to choose a bride, Sol sends forth their best contender: Princess Cyndria.
Cyn is beautiful. Poised. Demure… and deadly. Trained by Solian assassins since she was old enough to grasp a knife, she knows exactly how she’ll enchant the King.
And, once she’s queen… How she’ll end him.
Dawn will break. And she will rise...
When the Noctisian King passed, the Daylight Accord crumbled. Now, the Kingdom of Noctis exists in darkness and unending night, while their neighbors slowly roast.
The sun never sets on Sol.
The former prince of Noctis refuses to honor the bargain his father made with the Solian rulers and both kingdoms suffer without the balance the other brings. But when the time comes for King Knox to choose a bride, Sol sends forth their best contender: Princess Cyndria.
Cyn is beautiful. Poised. Demure… and deadly. Trained by Solian assassins since she was old enough to grasp a knife, she knows exactly how she’ll enchant the King.
And, once she’s queen… How she’ll end him.
- GenresFairy TalesRetellings
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2019
24 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ellision
39 books377 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Ellision writes about daring young women in magical worlds. She survives on a steady diet of books, podcasts, and her favorite magical tropes. Jennifer frequently wakes up early to work before she has to "people" and can often be found squirreled away in her office, getting some writing done--or in her local library, agonizing over revisions.
If all else fails, look under the covers. She's probably hiding out with a good young adult fantasy series.
Leave our world and escape into one of hers. Get the free novelette that introduces Jennifer's first YA fantasy trilogy when you sign up for Jennifer's newsletter at: https://www.jenniferellision.com/get-...
If all else fails, look under the covers. She's probably hiding out with a good young adult fantasy series.
Leave our world and escape into one of hers. Get the free novelette that introduces Jennifer's first YA fantasy trilogy when you sign up for Jennifer's newsletter at: https://www.jenniferellision.com/get-...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 6, 2020
Just as it was getting so good, it ends! It's not a whole story without a sequel. Mea, I need book 2!! 😱
June 23, 2024
This got SO GOOD at the very end. Need to read the next book!
April 2, 2019
Jennifer Ellision has managed to turn a child's fairy tale into a tale full of darkness and light in all aspects of the tale. A tale full of suspense which just had to be read in one sitting as I could not put this captivating story down till it's end and as it stops at a most crucial part of the story it has me clamouring for book 2 asap. Sol and Noctis, two neighbouring kingdoms of darkness and light, dominated by the sun and the moon respectively. They needed a pact to share the daylight hours and the night if their people where to live well yet, once the King of Noctis died the daylight accords fell apart, and both countries where in trouble. Princess Cyndria is not some simpering Princess, but a young woman trained as an assassin, totally capable of looking after herself, however whilst her father had her trained in order to defend herself and her people, her evil stepmother was using her as a weapon for her own ulterior motives. She comes to Noctis to attend the ball competing with all the other women of the realm to gain the prince's hand in marriage, yet she was also ordered to kill him once she became queen of Noctis. However life never goes as planned and neither did this tale, which is brilliantly woven from start to finish with the two main characters being so charismatic, I found myself just has to be cheering them on and hoping against hope they both would survive to see their kingdoms and their people living safely!
April 30, 2026
Brilliant writing, wonderful twist on Cinderella! I’m very excited for Cyn and Knox’s story to continue later this year in ‘Slipping Glass.’ Author Jennifer Ellision has created a unique and magical tale of her own.
This is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-imagining that I highly recommend, especially for fans of Brigid Kemmerer’s ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely,’ A.G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series, and Marissa Meyer’s ‘The Lunar Chronicles.’
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
This is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-imagining that I highly recommend, especially for fans of Brigid Kemmerer’s ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely,’ A.G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series, and Marissa Meyer’s ‘The Lunar Chronicles.’
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
April 16, 2019
Striking Midnight is a Cinderella retelling that is done well with an engaging plot and vivid world building.
The story predominantly follows Cyndria, Princess of the Solian Kingdom, as she enters into the Kingdom of Noctis and becomes one of many eligible women vying for the chance to become the new King's bride and Queen.
Cyndria's kingdom of Sol has been blessed by the sun to forever be in daylight, even during the night hours. Without the reprieve from the sun that night can bring, her people have taken refuge in the tunnels below to escape the harsh heat their sun brings as they strive to work the fields as best they can as the warmth scorches the land.
Knox, new King of the kingdom of Noctis, is watching as his people try to stay warm in the forever dark that being blessed by the night and the moon has granted them. But with only the moon, the lands are cold, and little grows without both the warmth and light of the sun.
Both kingdoms are hurting, and both have a lot to lose if they can't get the other to sign the Daylight Accords, a magical treaty that shares daylight and night equally between the two kingdoms. A balance to cool Sol and warm Noctis.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The prose is well written and flows smoothly to keep the reader interested and not really wanting to put the story down. I loved the spin on Cinderella that this author has taken. While she's still poised and at the whim of her step-mother, she's also deadly having been trained by assassins from a very young age. The world feels alive as she travels both through her own kingdom and the kingdom of Noctis. I also really enjoyed the internal struggle as facts came to light and hearts started to become involved.
There are only two mild complaints I have when it comes to the book. While this predominantly follows Cyndria's point of view, it does occasionally shift to Knox's but it does this without telling you. While not a huge deal because the characters are distinct enough to recognize the change, it would almost be nice to have a little title at the top of the chapter to tell me which point of view I'm currently in. And the story does leave off on a cliff hanger with everything up in the air. While I understand why authors love to use this technique for books, it leaves me feeling like I'm almost not getting the full story. There are ways to wrap up some of the plot to let me feel like I've finished a book and am only waiting for the second, instead of making me feel more like this is part one of a book and I'm waiting for part two of that same book.
In the end, I am looking forward to book two to see how everything will unfold in the stories of Cyndria and Knox.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story predominantly follows Cyndria, Princess of the Solian Kingdom, as she enters into the Kingdom of Noctis and becomes one of many eligible women vying for the chance to become the new King's bride and Queen.
Cyndria's kingdom of Sol has been blessed by the sun to forever be in daylight, even during the night hours. Without the reprieve from the sun that night can bring, her people have taken refuge in the tunnels below to escape the harsh heat their sun brings as they strive to work the fields as best they can as the warmth scorches the land.
Knox, new King of the kingdom of Noctis, is watching as his people try to stay warm in the forever dark that being blessed by the night and the moon has granted them. But with only the moon, the lands are cold, and little grows without both the warmth and light of the sun.
Both kingdoms are hurting, and both have a lot to lose if they can't get the other to sign the Daylight Accords, a magical treaty that shares daylight and night equally between the two kingdoms. A balance to cool Sol and warm Noctis.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The prose is well written and flows smoothly to keep the reader interested and not really wanting to put the story down. I loved the spin on Cinderella that this author has taken. While she's still poised and at the whim of her step-mother, she's also deadly having been trained by assassins from a very young age. The world feels alive as she travels both through her own kingdom and the kingdom of Noctis. I also really enjoyed the internal struggle as facts came to light and hearts started to become involved.
There are only two mild complaints I have when it comes to the book. While this predominantly follows Cyndria's point of view, it does occasionally shift to Knox's but it does this without telling you. While not a huge deal because the characters are distinct enough to recognize the change, it would almost be nice to have a little title at the top of the chapter to tell me which point of view I'm currently in. And the story does leave off on a cliff hanger with everything up in the air. While I understand why authors love to use this technique for books, it leaves me feeling like I'm almost not getting the full story. There are ways to wrap up some of the plot to let me feel like I've finished a book and am only waiting for the second, instead of making me feel more like this is part one of a book and I'm waiting for part two of that same book.
In the end, I am looking forward to book two to see how everything will unfold in the stories of Cyndria and Knox.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2023
The reason this is not receiving a five-star review is because the story was cut short, and to date while I am writing this has never been finished. This was published in 2019 and in the back, it promised the sequel would be out in 2020. Well, it is 2023 now, and it still has not been written and released. I'm not sure why the story was ever split into two books in the first place, because it could have been completed in one book and not been too long. However, I will set that aside now and talk about what has been written. Cyn is my favorite version of Cinderella I have ever read or watched before. She is incredibly strong both physically and mentally, instead of being a puny damsel in destress. She is beautiful and uses it to her advantage but doesn't let men control her. Resilient is the word that comes to mind when thinking about Cyn. The story is incredibly unique and very well written. I greatly enjoyed reading about the battle to balance light and dark in the kingdoms, learning Cyn's backstory explaining how she became the person she is today, and the impressive kick-butt things she does throughout the book. She doesn't have everything figured out in life and is conflicted in a lot of ways, but there is great character development as the book progresses. She learns things, discovers what she really wants, and decides she is going to take back control of her life. I became very invested in this character by the end of the book and had trouble putting it down. Once I started reading, I wanted to devour it all and not stop. I will warn you that there are cuss words and some sexual allusions in the book, so bear that in mind if you were intending to gift it to a younger person. There is nothing really explicit in it, but it does say things about how he made her feel really tingly and excited, describes kissing, and says people explored each other's lips all night long. Like I said, nothing too bad, but I still wouldn't give this book to readers under a certain age. I dearly hope this story is completed one day and I get to enjoy the ending. I will happily change this rating to five-stars if that day comes. I honestly think the wonderful time I had reading this book outweighs the disappointment of never getting the closure of a finished story.
February 26, 2021
My bookstagram: emm_enchanted
Cinderella as an assassin! Omg! This is one of the best fairytale retellings I've read.
Cyndria, the heir to the Solian throne, has been trained by assassins and now used as a pawn to do her evil stepmother's dirty work. Her current target is the Noctis king, Knox whose death would mean the liberation of her people. When he issues an invite to all kingdoms to the Midnight Ball, where he would choose a bride, Cyn arrives as a contender in order to complete her mission.
The book had my complete attention right from the start. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a matter of hours.
The main characters are amazing! I love Cyn and Knox. They're both strong- physically and mentally and strived to do right by their people. The other characters are so well written, they bring out the exact response as intended by the author.
The plot was well thought out and executed perfectly. The pace of the story was great and it was full of action.
The world building was simple yet impressive, with a good amount of background stories.
The romance is enemies to lovers, slow burn, exactly the way I like it.
I loved the revelation at the end and the book ended with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I didn't realise that the next book hadn't come out when I picked this one and now I'm going crazy waiting for it.
This book is a must read for all the fantasy romance and fairytale lovers.
Cinderella as an assassin! Omg! This is one of the best fairytale retellings I've read.
Cyndria, the heir to the Solian throne, has been trained by assassins and now used as a pawn to do her evil stepmother's dirty work. Her current target is the Noctis king, Knox whose death would mean the liberation of her people. When he issues an invite to all kingdoms to the Midnight Ball, where he would choose a bride, Cyn arrives as a contender in order to complete her mission.
The book had my complete attention right from the start. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a matter of hours.
The main characters are amazing! I love Cyn and Knox. They're both strong- physically and mentally and strived to do right by their people. The other characters are so well written, they bring out the exact response as intended by the author.
The plot was well thought out and executed perfectly. The pace of the story was great and it was full of action.
The world building was simple yet impressive, with a good amount of background stories.
The romance is enemies to lovers, slow burn, exactly the way I like it.
I loved the revelation at the end and the book ended with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I didn't realise that the next book hadn't come out when I picked this one and now I'm going crazy waiting for it.
This book is a must read for all the fantasy romance and fairytale lovers.
April 23, 2019
Cinderella is an Assassin!
Super fast paced with lots of twists and turns. Not your typical Cinderella story. This is no quiet, kind maid... nope, she is a trained assassin, and deadly.
Cyn is sent to kill the prince, but will she do it? This book is not the end of the story and I can't wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Super fast paced with lots of twists and turns. Not your typical Cinderella story. This is no quiet, kind maid... nope, she is a trained assassin, and deadly.
Cyn is sent to kill the prince, but will she do it? This book is not the end of the story and I can't wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2019
This was a creative twist on Cinderella. She is no downtrodden maiden but a trained assassin who is tasked with killing the King. While vying to become the next queen she struggles with her assignment as information comes to her attention. I can’t wait for book two to see where this adventure goes with Knox and Cyndria.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2023
⭐️ 3.75/5
i really enjoyed this book!!! i feel that the concept is creative as i’ve never read a cinderella cycle book with the same sort of premise.
i do wish it was a bit longer in order for the characters and relationships to develop more; i found myself sometimes unable to believe the relationship developments as they are.
i really enjoyed this book!!! i feel that the concept is creative as i’ve never read a cinderella cycle book with the same sort of premise.
i do wish it was a bit longer in order for the characters and relationships to develop more; i found myself sometimes unable to believe the relationship developments as they are.
April 30, 2019
Cyn and Knox. Day is her kingdom and night is his. She goes to murder him but falls in love. What can happen now?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2020
Absolutely Amazing
There are very few who can remake Cinderella...and Jennifer Ellision made it fantastic!
This is the first book I've read by her and I am in awe...simply incredible!
There are very few who can remake Cinderella...and Jennifer Ellision made it fantastic!
This is the first book I've read by her and I am in awe...simply incredible!
May 8, 2019
An intriguing version of Cinderella. She’s out to kill the Prince instead. Loved it, a definite adult version to make you see a different side of the classic one
July 5, 2019
I don't like the ending... left me hanging.
December 11, 2020
Amazing! Book 2????
December 14, 2021
This is such an awesome spin on Cinderella! It was dark, gritty, thrilling, and fun! I loved the mythology and kingdoms that this Cinderella tale takes place in.
Two kingdoms that are night and day that need each other to survive. But leadership shifts with the death of Kings and it is unknown why these Kingdoms stopped sharing their resources. At least to Cyndria. She may be the princess of the daylight kingdom, but she is in the dark.
Cyn is trained to be able to fight, hunt, and take care of herself her whole life. With the death of her father, this training turns into her being an assassin for the evil Step Queen. Cyn manages to block out her emotions as much as she can while she’s doing these bloody deeds on orders, but you can tell that she doesn’t come away without major guilt. But she is told it’s for the good of her Kingdom.
When the prince turned king of the night kingdom needs to find a bride, Cyn is thrust into the competition for his heart also for the good of her Kingdom. She is ordered to marry and then kill the King.
For Cyn, seeing the night kingdom is a wake up call to her. They are suffering just as much as her people and she doesn’t get why King Knox won’t share resources.
King Knox is so sweet and kind to everyone. He’s worried about his people too and doesn’t know what to make of Cyn joining the ranks of potential brides for him. He’s definitely suspicious and intrigued.
I loved all the action in this story and the mysterious circumstances around both Cyn and Knox. Oh man! I especially love the violet eyed girl that butts into their business. She definitely seems like she’s knowingly pushing people in directions.
I can’t wait for book two! It makes me so sad it’s not out already! Ahhh!
Two kingdoms that are night and day that need each other to survive. But leadership shifts with the death of Kings and it is unknown why these Kingdoms stopped sharing their resources. At least to Cyndria. She may be the princess of the daylight kingdom, but she is in the dark.
Cyn is trained to be able to fight, hunt, and take care of herself her whole life. With the death of her father, this training turns into her being an assassin for the evil Step Queen. Cyn manages to block out her emotions as much as she can while she’s doing these bloody deeds on orders, but you can tell that she doesn’t come away without major guilt. But she is told it’s for the good of her Kingdom.
When the prince turned king of the night kingdom needs to find a bride, Cyn is thrust into the competition for his heart also for the good of her Kingdom. She is ordered to marry and then kill the King.
For Cyn, seeing the night kingdom is a wake up call to her. They are suffering just as much as her people and she doesn’t get why King Knox won’t share resources.
King Knox is so sweet and kind to everyone. He’s worried about his people too and doesn’t know what to make of Cyn joining the ranks of potential brides for him. He’s definitely suspicious and intrigued.
I loved all the action in this story and the mysterious circumstances around both Cyn and Knox. Oh man! I especially love the violet eyed girl that butts into their business. She definitely seems like she’s knowingly pushing people in directions.
I can’t wait for book two! It makes me so sad it’s not out already! Ahhh!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews