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City of Wishes #1
The Memory Thief
Every wish has a price …
In a world of fae, vampires and shifters, where wishes can be bought and bargained for, Elle is human, bound to her stepmother by a slave charm. Her only hope at freedom is to wish for it. But the Godmother rules the illegal wish trade, and the price she demands is steep. Is Elle willing to pay it?
~ ~ ~
It’s just another night of breaking her stepmother’s rules and sneaking out. Another night of drawing as little attention to herself as possible.
Get the job done. Earn a little more Essence. Move one step closer to legitimately purchasing a wish.
But when Elle runs face-first into a charming and handsome faerie—and then ends up in the clutches of a vampire—her usual fly-under-the-radar plans are knocked off course.
~ ~ ~
CITY OF WISHES is an urban fantasy serialized retelling of Cinderella.
In a world of fae, vampires and shifters, where wishes can be bought and bargained for, Elle is human, bound to her stepmother by a slave charm. Her only hope at freedom is to wish for it. But the Godmother rules the illegal wish trade, and the price she demands is steep. Is Elle willing to pay it?
~ ~ ~
It’s just another night of breaking her stepmother’s rules and sneaking out. Another night of drawing as little attention to herself as possible.
Get the job done. Earn a little more Essence. Move one step closer to legitimately purchasing a wish.
But when Elle runs face-first into a charming and handsome faerie—and then ends up in the clutches of a vampire—her usual fly-under-the-radar plans are knocked off course.
~ ~ ~
CITY OF WISHES is an urban fantasy serialized retelling of Cinderella.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2019
372 people are currently reading
1733 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Morgan
51 books1,856 followersOnce upon a time, in a land not so far away, a young science graduate named Rachel found that the real world wasn't a place she wanted to inhabit all the time. So she decided to escape into the magical realms that had occupied her mind since childhood.
Armed with a vivid imagination, Rachel spends her days conjuring up fantastical worlds filled with adventure, romance, and plot twists, where readers can escape the real world along with her.
Rachel lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her husband, two little wildlings, and three fur-babies.
Receive bookish updates directly from Rachel:
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Armed with a vivid imagination, Rachel spends her days conjuring up fantastical worlds filled with adventure, romance, and plot twists, where readers can escape the real world along with her.
Rachel lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her husband, two little wildlings, and three fur-babies.
Receive bookish updates directly from Rachel:
Rachel's email newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
June 29, 2019
4,25 stars - English Ebook 🦋🦋🦋
Quote from the book : Elle shut her eyes, and within moments, memories that weren’t her own began slidings across her vision. She sifted through Monty’s surface memory’s, flicking back through the events of this afternoon and evening, and quickly loacating the one he wanted to forget. 🌷🌷🌷
Loved the character of Elle and her good sister. Did not like the stepmother and other stepsister. A vampire who wanted Elle and the help she gets from three fae who do not want that Humans are slave. ☘️☘️☘️
Quote from the book : Elle shut her eyes, and within moments, memories that weren’t her own began slidings across her vision. She sifted through Monty’s surface memory’s, flicking back through the events of this afternoon and evening, and quickly loacating the one he wanted to forget. 🌷🌷🌷
Loved the character of Elle and her good sister. Did not like the stepmother and other stepsister. A vampire who wanted Elle and the help she gets from three fae who do not want that Humans are slave. ☘️☘️☘️
August 2, 2019
4.5*
I read this today in one sitting... I wanted to wait until the hardcover versions are released, but then the eBook of this one smiled at me yesterday night while scrolling though my eBooks. And so I started... and finished it today.
I already love Rachel Morgan's other Fae Series (okay well shame on me I've only read Violet's trilogy so far, but I WILL get to the others eventually) and I didn't know this one was featuring faes as well. So I was even more pumped when I realised this. It's a great Cinderella retelling, one with action and a little bit of mystery. Which I really liked.
And I like Elle! Dex on the other hand... I don't know what to think of him yet. We didn't get to know the characters very deeply though. At least as of now. I am really curious how this will continue and whether or not Elle will eventually summon the Godmother. She doesn't seem as nice a person as from the original fairytale so I am really intrigued.
One thing that positively surprised me though: Sienna. Having a good stepsister is great and I already like the dynamics between Elle and Sienna!
I hope I can get to the second installment soonish!
I read this today in one sitting... I wanted to wait until the hardcover versions are released, but then the eBook of this one smiled at me yesterday night while scrolling though my eBooks. And so I started... and finished it today.
I already love Rachel Morgan's other Fae Series (okay well shame on me I've only read Violet's trilogy so far, but I WILL get to the others eventually) and I didn't know this one was featuring faes as well. So I was even more pumped when I realised this. It's a great Cinderella retelling, one with action and a little bit of mystery. Which I really liked.
And I like Elle! Dex on the other hand... I don't know what to think of him yet. We didn't get to know the characters very deeply though. At least as of now. I am really curious how this will continue and whether or not Elle will eventually summon the Godmother. She doesn't seem as nice a person as from the original fairytale so I am really intrigued.
One thing that positively surprised me though: Sienna. Having a good stepsister is great and I already like the dynamics between Elle and Sienna!
I hope I can get to the second installment soonish!
May 11, 2019
4.5 stars
If you know me, you know that I am the biggest Rachel Morgan trash (in the nicest possible way) so when I not only saw that she's releasing a new series but also that the first installment is FREE on Amazon, I just knew I was going to drop everything I was doing and go read it.
I am not the biggest fan of fairytale retellings but I absolutely loved this one. It's very fast paced, interesting, the characters are all intriguing and the writing flows nicely and is perfectly adjusted to the plot and the adventure unravels. I think Elle is a very interesting character and a very complex one on top of that and I can't wait to find out more about her and her future in the next two parts of this unique, magic filled storyline.
If you know me, you know that I am the biggest Rachel Morgan trash (in the nicest possible way) so when I not only saw that she's releasing a new series but also that the first installment is FREE on Amazon, I just knew I was going to drop everything I was doing and go read it.
I am not the biggest fan of fairytale retellings but I absolutely loved this one. It's very fast paced, interesting, the characters are all intriguing and the writing flows nicely and is perfectly adjusted to the plot and the adventure unravels. I think Elle is a very interesting character and a very complex one on top of that and I can't wait to find out more about her and her future in the next two parts of this unique, magic filled storyline.
November 30, 2020
Okay this was way better than I had anticipated...
November 9, 2019
I'm an absolute and total sucker for Cinderella retellings. Add some supernatural elements, a world of Fae, Vampires and magic, and there's not much that can possible go wrong. So, when it was too wet or dark to read physical books last week, I dove into this story on my Ipad and I wasn't expecting to enjoy it this much and to end up checking how to get the sequels as soon as possible.
Although the elements of the Cinderella story are clearly there, they are certainly not making this story. Yes, the main character in this story is called Ella. Yes, she lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters. Yes, she's working for them, doing chores and has to obey and follow strict rules all the time. And yes, there are mentions of a handsome prince who has to marry and a ball he's gonna host to meet his future wife.
But, it are the elements Morgan came up with that truly make the story. Even though we haven't seen everything this world has to offer, we are presented with quite some magical species, a political system based on what you are instead of who you are and we are thrown right into the action when we see how Elle does what she can to earn enough to buy herself a wish that could break her free of the slave charm binding her to her stepmom.
The mythology, the lovely character of Elle, who is a little fiercer than your average Cinderella, combined with a really nice writing style that makes the story flow and makes this book a quick and easy read, leads to a book that almost gets addictive.
I've already added the paperback collection with all the books and the entire story to my wishlist and I'll make sure to get it as soon as I can! I want to read more, because this was a very interesting mix of the well known fairytale and interesting mythology.
Although the elements of the Cinderella story are clearly there, they are certainly not making this story. Yes, the main character in this story is called Ella. Yes, she lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters. Yes, she's working for them, doing chores and has to obey and follow strict rules all the time. And yes, there are mentions of a handsome prince who has to marry and a ball he's gonna host to meet his future wife.
But, it are the elements Morgan came up with that truly make the story. Even though we haven't seen everything this world has to offer, we are presented with quite some magical species, a political system based on what you are instead of who you are and we are thrown right into the action when we see how Elle does what she can to earn enough to buy herself a wish that could break her free of the slave charm binding her to her stepmom.
The mythology, the lovely character of Elle, who is a little fiercer than your average Cinderella, combined with a really nice writing style that makes the story flow and makes this book a quick and easy read, leads to a book that almost gets addictive.
I've already added the paperback collection with all the books and the entire story to my wishlist and I'll make sure to get it as soon as I can! I want to read more, because this was a very interesting mix of the well known fairytale and interesting mythology.
May 12, 2020
#69 of 2020
Such a nice story!
But the cliffhanger.... No......
Such a nice story!
But the cliffhanger.... No......
December 30, 2023
This read like a Lunar Chronicles AU fanfiction but it was entertaining so.
November 30, 2020
So am guessing this was a retelling of Cinderella (?) I really enjoyed reading it as I randomly picked this up. Elle is our main character who has a special ability to erase memories. She is a human but is enslaved by her step mother like literally and officially. She can only free herself by buying a third tier wish ans and the payment has to be made in the form of ethers. So she snucks out at night to earn ethers by using her special ability. But a vampire is after her for some reason and she meets a charming fae who kind of keeps bumping into her. One of the step sister is helpful though but Elle still has to free herself and collecting ethers is proving to be a deadly job.
This book left me wanting more because it was not only super short read but also ended on a cliffhanger. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
This book left me wanting more because it was not only super short read but also ended on a cliffhanger. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
July 13, 2019
5 Stars
I really loved this book and everything about it from the beginning to the end. I am definitely gonna check out the rest of the series because I feel like I will be in just in love with the series being I loved this one alot. Rachel Morgan knows how to grab your attention and she knows how to keep your attention through out the whole book. I really love her writing. I would definitely read at least this book again and maybe the rest of the series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a really good book.
I really loved this book and everything about it from the beginning to the end. I am definitely gonna check out the rest of the series because I feel like I will be in just in love with the series being I loved this one alot. Rachel Morgan knows how to grab your attention and she knows how to keep your attention through out the whole book. I really love her writing. I would definitely read at least this book again and maybe the rest of the series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a really good book.
January 5, 2021
The setting is a little clunky, but it's really enjoyable as a quick read! It's very similar to all Cinderella retellings, it relies on the addition of fae and vampires to set it apart. Sometimes it makes it more 3 stars, but it's a fun one.
October 5, 2023
Short & sweet
Perfect reading slump cure
Crescent city vibez but make it lighter 👍
Perfect reading slump cure
Crescent city vibez but make it lighter 👍
Want to read
July 14, 2020🎁 Books 1-3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
November 23, 2021
E-book AND MP3 Audiobook currently for FREE from the author's Payhip store https://payhip.com/RachelMorgan/colle...
E-book currently for FREE on Kindle
This is a simple and fun read featuring a Cinderella retelling set in a urban fantasy world.
At first, I had difficulty trying to get into it because of Morgan's simplistic style (but honestly, most contemporary books are, and I'm VERY picky when it comes to prose - if you like quick/easy reads, this is for you), but thankfully the author offers the audiobook for free on her site and I decided to download it and listened while washing dishes.
I like the urban fantasy spin and the fact that our "prince" character is still rather undetermined. I really like Sienna - she's probably my favorite character at this point, due to her kindness to Elle despite the fact that she's a stepsister. Dex is also interesting - I want to see more of him with Xander and Oliver!
The magic system is not super original, yet enough to make the story interesting. There's a fae-human class system (with Elle being a slave since her stepmother placed a slave charm on her), the vampires being the "bad guys" (as far as that goes - one part of this was a bit confusing since it seems like Morgan is trying to introduce things from the antagonists' perspective, but never did it again for the rest of the story?) who are kidnapping and probably murdering humans, and Dex and his two buddies are trying to work as some sort of justice officers (without being technically police, so they're likely powerful fae who are very keen on protecting humans - hopefully this will get clarified with more backstory in the other books).
Considering the fact that I've been reading W. R. Gingell's City Between books (Between Jobs) recently, this one pales in comparison despite a lot of similarities in the world/system/premise (human meeting three fae of a law enforcement nature) etc.
I expected more humor or more mystery or more SOMETHING from this but that expectation was never quite fulfilled, but I'm going to be generous and give this a rounded up 3 stars since it's fun enough that I'm going to get the rest of the episodes in audio when I can to finish this tale. =)
2.5 Stars, Rounded up to 3 Stars
Recommend for whoever wants a quick, simple, fun light read
If you like this type of story, you should really read W. R. Gingell's City Between books (Between Jobs) if you like more complexity, character depth, more mystery, more fun/humor, and original spins on urban fantasy creatures/races, etc. ;) <3
Contents: Light language (hell, cr*p); no sexual content; light violence due to the setting and the setup of the story
Read as an audiobook. 11.21.2021-11.22.2021
E-book currently for FREE on Kindle
This is a simple and fun read featuring a Cinderella retelling set in a urban fantasy world.
At first, I had difficulty trying to get into it because of Morgan's simplistic style (but honestly, most contemporary books are, and I'm VERY picky when it comes to prose - if you like quick/easy reads, this is for you), but thankfully the author offers the audiobook for free on her site and I decided to download it and listened while washing dishes.
I like the urban fantasy spin and the fact that our "prince" character is still rather undetermined. I really like Sienna - she's probably my favorite character at this point, due to her kindness to Elle despite the fact that she's a stepsister. Dex is also interesting - I want to see more of him with Xander and Oliver!
The magic system is not super original, yet enough to make the story interesting. There's a fae-human class system (with Elle being a slave since her stepmother placed a slave charm on her), the vampires being the "bad guys" (as far as that goes - one part of this was a bit confusing since it seems like Morgan is trying to introduce things from the antagonists' perspective, but never did it again for the rest of the story?) who are kidnapping and probably murdering humans, and Dex and his two buddies are trying to work as some sort of justice officers (without being technically police, so they're likely powerful fae who are very keen on protecting humans - hopefully this will get clarified with more backstory in the other books).
Considering the fact that I've been reading W. R. Gingell's City Between books (Between Jobs) recently, this one pales in comparison despite a lot of similarities in the world/system/premise (human meeting three fae of a law enforcement nature) etc.
I expected more humor or more mystery or more SOMETHING from this but that expectation was never quite fulfilled, but I'm going to be generous and give this a rounded up 3 stars since it's fun enough that I'm going to get the rest of the episodes in audio when I can to finish this tale. =)
2.5 Stars, Rounded up to 3 Stars
Recommend for whoever wants a quick, simple, fun light read
If you like this type of story, you should really read W. R. Gingell's City Between books (Between Jobs) if you like more complexity, character depth, more mystery, more fun/humor, and original spins on urban fantasy creatures/races, etc. ;) <3
Contents: Light language (hell, cr*p); no sexual content; light violence due to the setting and the setup of the story
Read as an audiobook. 11.21.2021-11.22.2021
June 22, 2021
Who does not love a cute Cinderella story? Add in a few more magical beings and you have a dream world! The story itself expands upon 6 books of around 120 pages each and narrates a more modern and fantastical Cinderella. You have the tortured main character, the evil stepmother, the wicked stepsister (singular only!), the handsome prince, the fairy Godmother and a world full of wonders.
City of Wishes series combines the allure of the magical and the convenience of the future. You may have smart phones and tablets, but you can also have a magical coffee pot serving you only the best cappuccino you ever had. The characters move inside this world effortlessly and the mix is a successful one, because you get to have the best of both worlds.
Due to the nature of the work, this book is both an introduction and has its own adventure. What is to be admired is the fact that there is limited exposition, which is something that usually worries me when you get thrown inside a new world with no information. Here, you are given the world, the characters and the basic premise while it builds on the story to come but not the story that came to pass already. The gaps are being filled slowly and some are just left empty for the rest of the books.
If you're looking for a fast read and want some Cinderella dose, this is a very nice choice.
City of Wishes series combines the allure of the magical and the convenience of the future. You may have smart phones and tablets, but you can also have a magical coffee pot serving you only the best cappuccino you ever had. The characters move inside this world effortlessly and the mix is a successful one, because you get to have the best of both worlds.
Due to the nature of the work, this book is both an introduction and has its own adventure. What is to be admired is the fact that there is limited exposition, which is something that usually worries me when you get thrown inside a new world with no information. Here, you are given the world, the characters and the basic premise while it builds on the story to come but not the story that came to pass already. The gaps are being filled slowly and some are just left empty for the rest of the books.
If you're looking for a fast read and want some Cinderella dose, this is a very nice choice.
January 3, 2023
The first of six episodes of City of Wishes, The Memory Thief introduces us to a world where fae, vampires, and shifters live and dominate over the few humans left. Most humans are slaves to fairies, like Estelle, aka Elle, who uses her unique powers to mind wipe others in exchange for Essence, and getting enough will buy her freedom. Very early, the Cinderella parallels were in full view with her forced to do everything for her super evil stepmother, and let me tell you, she's not someone I would want to cross, considering a certain scene near the end of the episode. Thankfully, one of the stepsisters is a good friend to Elle and makes things bearable, as there are a lot of nasty people in this story and its quite cruel.
I'm still determining a verdict on Dex, I wish we knew a bit more about him besides just chasing vampires, but he holds some promise. Though I'm not sure exactly why they are hunting beyond vampires being bad news.
The world itself also is immersive and I'm already invested with the unique magical elements found all around, and especially the clubs. It's well paced as we get an introduction to the world and conflict while getting to know most of the major players, at least on a surface level.
My second biggest problem was it was too short, once it got going, it's over, but that's what makes you pick up the next episode ASAP! Only one part of a longer book.
I'm still determining a verdict on Dex, I wish we knew a bit more about him besides just chasing vampires, but he holds some promise. Though I'm not sure exactly why they are hunting beyond vampires being bad news.
The world itself also is immersive and I'm already invested with the unique magical elements found all around, and especially the clubs. It's well paced as we get an introduction to the world and conflict while getting to know most of the major players, at least on a surface level.
My second biggest problem was it was too short, once it got going, it's over, but that's what makes you pick up the next episode ASAP! Only one part of a longer book.
December 10, 2019
I liked this first installment of the City of Wishes series - I would read the rest. Elle is an interesting protagonist and I really disliked her stepmother. She is a great villain to hate! The world building is really different than any other Cinderella retelling I've come across and it made the story feel fresh.
September 24, 2023
Good world building and nice retelling
With fae magic and vampires, and Elle being a normal human in the whole story, the story starts with a new spin on the Cinderella story.
The story ends on a cliffhanger as it shows how Elle met Dex, but the world building in the world of magic was enjoyable. I heard the audiostory and it was very well performed. Liked it.
With fae magic and vampires, and Elle being a normal human in the whole story, the story starts with a new spin on the Cinderella story.
The story ends on a cliffhanger as it shows how Elle met Dex, but the world building in the world of magic was enjoyable. I heard the audiostory and it was very well performed. Liked it.
June 15, 2019
Really good Cinderella type book.. good thing she has 1 good sister... the step mom is truly awful and so is the other step sister
Good into to the story loving Elle and dex ses awesome ;) can’t wait to get to know the other characters
Good into to the story loving Elle and dex ses awesome ;) can’t wait to get to know the other characters
February 20, 2020
Really good, now I really want to read the second book. Fast read only 15 chapters.
October 30, 2020
This one will be in English, since I read it in English.
"The Memory Thief" is the begging of six books (City of Wishes collection). When I started it I wasn't aware there would be six of it, and I wasn't really aware of the plot.... but, what a ride! I enjoyed it so much.
This is a Cinderella retail that will go on for the six volumes, I really enjoyed the begging: full of magic!
Elle is a human girl enslaved by her stepmother Salvia (who is a fae). Although humans don't possess powers, in this universe, Elle has a peculiar talent: she can erase people's memories. I felt right in the middle of this story, I really enjoyed it and look forward to read the rest of it.
"The Memory Thief" is the begging of six books (City of Wishes collection). When I started it I wasn't aware there would be six of it, and I wasn't really aware of the plot.... but, what a ride! I enjoyed it so much.
This is a Cinderella retail that will go on for the six volumes, I really enjoyed the begging: full of magic!
Elle is a human girl enslaved by her stepmother Salvia (who is a fae). Although humans don't possess powers, in this universe, Elle has a peculiar talent: she can erase people's memories. I felt right in the middle of this story, I really enjoyed it and look forward to read the rest of it.
December 23, 2020
This was a cute short read. I'll continue to the next book.
April 17, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this fun new story Rachel cooked up. This is a fun and original take on Cinderella.
What I really loved about it is that the story was immediately recognizable as a retelling, unlike some other books that have been publicized as such when they indeed had almost no resemblance to the story it was supposedly retelling. City of Wishes was true to the Cinderella tale in some key elements—the step mother, the evil stepsister, the kinder one, and the protagonist’s name, Elle, which kind of echoes Cinderella—and set them in a completely new world, where the stakes are always high for a human living in a world in which Faeries, Vampires and Shifters are in a constant battle to be at the top of the hierarchy.
The magic system is also very interesting, considering that Elle has a very cool ability only few people know about, and that the Essence of faeries could buy her the wish that could set her free.
I cannot wait to read the second episode!
What I really loved about it is that the story was immediately recognizable as a retelling, unlike some other books that have been publicized as such when they indeed had almost no resemblance to the story it was supposedly retelling. City of Wishes was true to the Cinderella tale in some key elements—the step mother, the evil stepsister, the kinder one, and the protagonist’s name, Elle, which kind of echoes Cinderella—and set them in a completely new world, where the stakes are always high for a human living in a world in which Faeries, Vampires and Shifters are in a constant battle to be at the top of the hierarchy.
The magic system is also very interesting, considering that Elle has a very cool ability only few people know about, and that the Essence of faeries could buy her the wish that could set her free.
I cannot wait to read the second episode!
January 29, 2020
This story is a retelling of the classic Cinderella. The main character Elle's story follows that of the original in a very similar fashion, but set in a world including magical beings like vampires and fae. The story was very nostalgic, in the sense of preserving the fairytale's essence. My only complaint with the book would be that, the story line didn't feel complete. I do acknowledge the fact that it is a part of a series, but I personally would have enjoyed a closure to a subplot in the entire story. It felt more like half a book rather than a complete one.
October 7, 2019
“She tried to keep you from us. She thought we’d never find you. She failed.”
“Who?”
“Your mother.”
Following the death of her father, Elle Winters has been bound to her evil stepmother, Salvia by a slave charm. Elle has the ability to erase the memories of others and has been using this gift in exchange for Fae Essence so that she can legitimately purchase a third tier wish and gain her freedom. She is aided by her younger stepsister, Sienna who is equally desperate to escape her mother’s cruelty. During one of her nightly clandestine excursions, Elle is targeted by a vampire extremist group known as the Allegiant who have been responsible for a number of human abductions. Luckily she is rescued by a Fae, Dex who offers her a proposition.
The Memory Thief is an urban Fantasy serialised retelling of Cinderella. Set in a world where Fae are at the top of the food chain and vampires/shifters are in the middle, humans are regarded as lessers and often enslaved by other races. Elle is exceptional in that she is a human with a special ability - an ability that has made her the target of vampires. The question is why?
Elle lost her father seven years ago and has been bound to her stepmother by a slave charm ever since. While she despises her stepsister Meredith, Elle is close to her stepsister Sienna. Aware of their bond, Salvia often punishes Sienna in order to keep Elle in line. Sienna helps to cover up Elle’s nightly excursions in which she secretly ventures out to earn Fae Essence. While the price for a third tier wish is high, the alternative via the Godmother route is significantly higher as the price is usually an item that brings them the most joy.
The book was an encouraging start to what looks to be a promising series. My only small gripe was that it was very short. I recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings, Fae, vampires and paranormal/urban fantasy.
“Who?”
“Your mother.”
Following the death of her father, Elle Winters has been bound to her evil stepmother, Salvia by a slave charm. Elle has the ability to erase the memories of others and has been using this gift in exchange for Fae Essence so that she can legitimately purchase a third tier wish and gain her freedom. She is aided by her younger stepsister, Sienna who is equally desperate to escape her mother’s cruelty. During one of her nightly clandestine excursions, Elle is targeted by a vampire extremist group known as the Allegiant who have been responsible for a number of human abductions. Luckily she is rescued by a Fae, Dex who offers her a proposition.
The Memory Thief is an urban Fantasy serialised retelling of Cinderella. Set in a world where Fae are at the top of the food chain and vampires/shifters are in the middle, humans are regarded as lessers and often enslaved by other races. Elle is exceptional in that she is a human with a special ability - an ability that has made her the target of vampires. The question is why?
Elle lost her father seven years ago and has been bound to her stepmother by a slave charm ever since. While she despises her stepsister Meredith, Elle is close to her stepsister Sienna. Aware of their bond, Salvia often punishes Sienna in order to keep Elle in line. Sienna helps to cover up Elle’s nightly excursions in which she secretly ventures out to earn Fae Essence. While the price for a third tier wish is high, the alternative via the Godmother route is significantly higher as the price is usually an item that brings them the most joy.
The book was an encouraging start to what looks to be a promising series. My only small gripe was that it was very short. I recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings, Fae, vampires and paranormal/urban fantasy.
January 2, 2020
This audio book was absolutely amazing!
The storyline was brilliant.
Full review to come.
The storyline was brilliant.
Full review to come.
May 23, 2021
4.5/5⭐️
This is such an interesting and new take on a cinderella story! Fae, vampires and other magical creatures.
This is such an interesting and new take on a cinderella story! Fae, vampires and other magical creatures.
July 7, 2019
Y siguiendo con los retellings que me fascinaron, uno más se agrega a la lista, esta vez de la mano de Cenicienta.
Este libro nos cuenta la historia de Elle, una humana esclavizada por su propia madrastra, viviendo en un mundo lleno de magia, deseos y criaturas increíbles, donde los humanos son considerados nada más que una raza inferior. Lo único que desea Elle es librarse de su madrastra y conseguir su tan ansiada libertad por medio de un deseo que puede cambiarlo todo, pero en búsqueda de esta, se encontrará en medio de los conflictos de los humanos, las hadas y los vampiros, que la llevarán a tomar peligrosos caminos.
Y me gustó mucho, aún con lo corto que fue. Esto entra dentro de una saga de libros "cortos" o por capítulos, por así decirlo, como un retelling de Cenicienta, donde nos encontramos los mismos factores, la madrastra malvada, las hermanastras, el trabajo en la casa y el "toque de queda" a medianoche, entre otros, que se parecen a lo original, pero además varían y se les da un giro bastante interesante, agregando toda esta magia y ese mundo completamente nuevo en el que los humanos no son los únicos y donde las injusticias radican justamente en eso. Me gustó mucho el estilo de escritura, bastante sencillo y rápido de leer, además de que el ritmo de la trama siempre te tenía deseando querer más y sin poder despegarte de las páginas (que eran pocas y se iban volando). Los personajes también me encantaron, unos más que otros, y espero ver más desarrollo de estos, sobretodo de nuestra protagonista.
Y como ya me metí en esto y me gustó muchísimo, tengo que seguir leyendo el resto, para ver qué más nos trae este interesante cuento de hadas.
Este libro nos cuenta la historia de Elle, una humana esclavizada por su propia madrastra, viviendo en un mundo lleno de magia, deseos y criaturas increíbles, donde los humanos son considerados nada más que una raza inferior. Lo único que desea Elle es librarse de su madrastra y conseguir su tan ansiada libertad por medio de un deseo que puede cambiarlo todo, pero en búsqueda de esta, se encontrará en medio de los conflictos de los humanos, las hadas y los vampiros, que la llevarán a tomar peligrosos caminos.
Y me gustó mucho, aún con lo corto que fue. Esto entra dentro de una saga de libros "cortos" o por capítulos, por así decirlo, como un retelling de Cenicienta, donde nos encontramos los mismos factores, la madrastra malvada, las hermanastras, el trabajo en la casa y el "toque de queda" a medianoche, entre otros, que se parecen a lo original, pero además varían y se les da un giro bastante interesante, agregando toda esta magia y ese mundo completamente nuevo en el que los humanos no son los únicos y donde las injusticias radican justamente en eso. Me gustó mucho el estilo de escritura, bastante sencillo y rápido de leer, además de que el ritmo de la trama siempre te tenía deseando querer más y sin poder despegarte de las páginas (que eran pocas y se iban volando). Los personajes también me encantaron, unos más que otros, y espero ver más desarrollo de estos, sobretodo de nuestra protagonista.
Y como ya me metí en esto y me gustó muchísimo, tengo que seguir leyendo el resto, para ver qué más nos trae este interesante cuento de hadas.
June 1, 2023
Audiobook
*** SPOILERS ***
Spin off of Cinderella. Girl name Ella is human and lives with her two step sisters (one evil, one kind) and evil step mom who are all Fae. There is a law in this realm where humans can be slaves.
Even though Elle is human, she has the ability to erase people’s memories. She sneaks out at night and takes jobs erasing parts of people’s memories that they ask her to and collects essence as payment. She is trying to save up enough essence to buy a third tier wish (the highest tier) to remove the slave bond her step mother put on her. She always has to be back before midnight when the house automatically locks her in.
A vampire is after her, we don’t know why, but a fae man seems to be very interested in her and saves her from the vampire. He and his two friends try to catch the vampire but don’t succeed. He does save elle though and when she comes too she realizes she won’t make it home by midnight. He makes a blood promise to her that he won’t lie to her so that she trusts him to drive her home. The fae man (Dex) and his two friends offer her essence to act as bait to catch the vampire.
They drop her off at home where there are police waiting because the vampire had tried to get into the house to kidnap Elle. The step mother punishes her by locking her in the cellar for sneaking out. While there she remembers the number dex has given her, and she sends him a text saying she agrees to the deal to act as bait to get essence.
*** SPOILERS ***
Spin off of Cinderella. Girl name Ella is human and lives with her two step sisters (one evil, one kind) and evil step mom who are all Fae. There is a law in this realm where humans can be slaves.
Even though Elle is human, she has the ability to erase people’s memories. She sneaks out at night and takes jobs erasing parts of people’s memories that they ask her to and collects essence as payment. She is trying to save up enough essence to buy a third tier wish (the highest tier) to remove the slave bond her step mother put on her. She always has to be back before midnight when the house automatically locks her in.
A vampire is after her, we don’t know why, but a fae man seems to be very interested in her and saves her from the vampire. He and his two friends try to catch the vampire but don’t succeed. He does save elle though and when she comes too she realizes she won’t make it home by midnight. He makes a blood promise to her that he won’t lie to her so that she trusts him to drive her home. The fae man (Dex) and his two friends offer her essence to act as bait to catch the vampire.
They drop her off at home where there are police waiting because the vampire had tried to get into the house to kidnap Elle. The step mother punishes her by locking her in the cellar for sneaking out. While there she remembers the number dex has given her, and she sends him a text saying she agrees to the deal to act as bait to get essence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
I love a good retelling and this cover caught my attention. In a world of fae, vampires, shifters, and humans, Elle is a human who has a special ability - she can erase memories! Her wicked stepmother enslaved her so she could use Elle's ability for her own benefit. For two years Elle's been trying to save enough essence to buy a Wish to get her freedom.
Elle also has two stepsisters: Meredith is horrible and cruel, while Sienna is caring and sweet. This kind of reminds me of the movie Ever After.
I'm very curious to see where this story goes.
Elle also has two stepsisters: Meredith is horrible and cruel, while Sienna is caring and sweet. This kind of reminds me of the movie Ever After.
I'm very curious to see where this story goes.
January 20, 2022
4.5 stars…This was a pleasant surprise. Such a creative and entertaining re-telling of a classic tale. Elle is such a likeable character. She is sweet and determined but I loved that despite her situation, she’s not a pushover. Also glad that there was no instalove between her and Dex, who btw, is also a charming character.
This is my first time reading from this author. It’s also my first time reading a series formatted such as this…it’s different but very interesting and I’m actually looking forward to seeing how Elle’s story ends.
Content: Clean, mild language
This is my first time reading from this author. It’s also my first time reading a series formatted such as this…it’s different but very interesting and I’m actually looking forward to seeing how Elle’s story ends.
Content: Clean, mild language
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