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Tales of Cinder #0.5
Disowned
Not all fairy tales are ribbons and roses.
In a world where the measure of a person rarely goes beneath the surface, Margaret Thoning refuses to play by its rules. Unwilling to compromise her ideals, she walks away from everything she’s ever known to risk her heart and her life for the people who matter most.
Welcome to the Tales of Cinder and Snow.
In a world where the measure of a person rarely goes beneath the surface, Margaret Thoning refuses to play by its rules. Unwilling to compromise her ideals, she walks away from everything she’s ever known to risk her heart and her life for the people who matter most.
Welcome to the Tales of Cinder and Snow.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2019
54 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Haag
38 books1,015 followersMJ Haag is the bestselling author of the Beastly Tales and the Resurrection Chronicles. Writing as both MJ Haag and Melissa Haag, she has sold more than three hundred thousand copies worldwide and authored several other series, including the Judgement of the Six and Of Fates and Furies.
She thinks bios written in third person are hilariously pretentious and doesn't take much in life seriously, including her author photo.
She lives in Wisconsin with her three children and husband.
Connect with the Author:
Website
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Check out her YA books at melissahaag.com
She thinks bios written in third person are hilariously pretentious and doesn't take much in life seriously, including her author photo.
She lives in Wisconsin with her three children and husband.
Connect with the Author:
Website
Check out her YA books at melissahaag.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 12, 2019
“Disowned” by author, M.J. Haag is a fabulous twist on the standard fairytales. A prequel story about Margaret and her adventures. Margaret is a strong, independent character and will fight for what she believes in. Much happens to her and her story which leads into a new series, Tales of Cinder and Snow. I really liked this new world M.J. Haag has created. The characters are so creative and spark to life. You really feel like you are in the story with them. It’s set in a town which is part of her Beastly World and I loved the cameo certain characters from the Beastly series made. Which was pretty cool. I am excited to continue with the upcoming series from this prequel.
January 1, 2020
This book has been waiting for me to read for a while, and in the meantime, several more stories have been added to this series.
And I'm glad about that. I started and couldn't stop, I was so fascinated by the plot and the magic.
We all know the fairy tales or think so, but that's until we read the first book. Then we see that we know nothing. I highly recommend this series to story lovers and will wait for the next wonderful tale.
And I'm glad about that. I started and couldn't stop, I was so fascinated by the plot and the magic.
We all know the fairy tales or think so, but that's until we read the first book. Then we see that we know nothing. I highly recommend this series to story lovers and will wait for the next wonderful tale.
August 24, 2019
I actually started Tales Of Cinder without knowing that there was a prequel and another series set in this world (that makes a small cameo in this book too). But, the last few weeks I've caught up and today it was finally time to read this prequel, to read the story about the twins' mother, her connection to the royal family and the illness she carried with her for the rest of her life. And it's also the story of how the parents of Cinder and Snow met and fell in love.
Actually, now I write this all down and think about it, that's quite a lot of information crammed in one book, especially since the book is a little over a 100 pages long. And I have to admit that at times the story does feel a little rushed (and at other times a little slow) and that the relationships don't have much emotional build up. But, in the end that actually didn't matter much to me.
This Novella gave a really nice insight in the world, in what's going on and what has caused the royal family to forbid magic. It answered a few questions that I had while reading the first book and it provides us with knowledge the main characters of the main series don't have yet. I can't wait for them to figure it all out.
I do wish I had read it before I read the first book, even though I understood the book perfectly fine without all these answers and information. If you still have to start this series, start with this prequel and then read the rest!
And now I can't wait to read the second book in the series!
Actually, now I write this all down and think about it, that's quite a lot of information crammed in one book, especially since the book is a little over a 100 pages long. And I have to admit that at times the story does feel a little rushed (and at other times a little slow) and that the relationships don't have much emotional build up. But, in the end that actually didn't matter much to me.
This Novella gave a really nice insight in the world, in what's going on and what has caused the royal family to forbid magic. It answered a few questions that I had while reading the first book and it provides us with knowledge the main characters of the main series don't have yet. I can't wait for them to figure it all out.
I do wish I had read it before I read the first book, even though I understood the book perfectly fine without all these answers and information. If you still have to start this series, start with this prequel and then read the rest!
And now I can't wait to read the second book in the series!
August 8, 2019
Lo and behold. This book just came out of nowhere and it was not that bad. After a few weeks of just mediocre books, I'm quite surprised by this book. I was expecting boring plotlines and poor writing, but hell, I kinda want to read the next book now.
Being a novella/prequel to the series, this book totally dis its job well.
Being a novella/prequel to the series, this book totally dis its job well.
September 6, 2022
I do like this author. And I liked her other series. This one… not quite as well developed as the other.
Not sure if it's because it's just a prequel or cuz it's so short but there are some continuity errors, lack of development for the characters, and overall poor plot construction. The flow of the story is the only thing that propels the reader forward in the read as the engagement of the characters is minimal. There is an attempt for the build-up of the h, her mentor, and their overall situation to create a sort of emotional attachment from the reader to get involved with the story. But that fades quick with the unbelievable paper-thin creation of other characters such as the h's parents, the queen, and even the H in the story.
This is further not helped along with the instant love between the characters and the time skips the story makes to get to the end and as such whatever emptional bond that was supposed to be created with the story or characters is emptied out by these wrong choices the author took in my opinion.
We are TOLD that the h is different than those of her station as she does not look down on those below her in status. We are TOLD that she is seeking a love match. We are TOLD that she created this connection with her I guess we can call her fairy-godmother witch woman and goes to her when her parents have no sympathy for her personal reservation regarding marriage and the choice they thrust on her. See we are TOLD all of this and not quite shown as the story just skips over all these actions made by the h and just expects the reader to take them at face value with no doubt.
And yet there are quite a lot of problematic areas in the story that show this is just a placeholder story to create the groundwork for the next one. But it is creating serious doubt in my mind even the real full story of the next book will be properly developed. This is mainly cuz of these little but that snowball into large discontinuations in the story.
Yes, it is a short story. Yes, it is a prequel and one should not expect great epic writing. But I have come across well-developed prequel shorts and it made one quite glad they existed - Looking at you Ilona Andrews. So I was kind of hopeful for this one as well as I liked the other works from this author. But such a poor start I am hesitant to go into the actual story and don't think it would be developed as her other stories…
Not sure if it's because it's just a prequel or cuz it's so short but there are some continuity errors, lack of development for the characters, and overall poor plot construction. The flow of the story is the only thing that propels the reader forward in the read as the engagement of the characters is minimal. There is an attempt for the build-up of the h, her mentor, and their overall situation to create a sort of emotional attachment from the reader to get involved with the story. But that fades quick with the unbelievable paper-thin creation of other characters such as the h's parents, the queen, and even the H in the story.
This is further not helped along with the instant love between the characters and the time skips the story makes to get to the end and as such whatever emptional bond that was supposed to be created with the story or characters is emptied out by these wrong choices the author took in my opinion.
We are TOLD that the h is different than those of her station as she does not look down on those below her in status. We are TOLD that she is seeking a love match. We are TOLD that she created this connection with her I guess we can call her fairy-godmother witch woman and goes to her when her parents have no sympathy for her personal reservation regarding marriage and the choice they thrust on her. See we are TOLD all of this and not quite shown as the story just skips over all these actions made by the h and just expects the reader to take them at face value with no doubt.
And yet there are quite a lot of problematic areas in the story that show this is just a placeholder story to create the groundwork for the next one. But it is creating serious doubt in my mind even the real full story of the next book will be properly developed. This is mainly cuz of these little but that snowball into large discontinuations in the story.
Yes, it is a short story. Yes, it is a prequel and one should not expect great epic writing. But I have come across well-developed prequel shorts and it made one quite glad they existed - Looking at you Ilona Andrews. So I was kind of hopeful for this one as well as I liked the other works from this author. But such a poor start I am hesitant to go into the actual story and don't think it would be developed as her other stories…
July 23, 2019
This is the prequel to the dark retelling of the Cinderella and Snow White stories as told in a way only this author can tell. Margaret lives a life full of magic and regret as she risks her own life to save the ones most important and closest to her. It is a tale of love and self-sacrifice and brings tugs at our hearts. It also brings us to the beginning our the tales of her daughters. It's a wonderful introduction to the dark and twisted world of Cinder and Snow. And I found it impossible to put the book down. I could hardly wait to begin the first part of the Cinderella story.
August 7, 2019
I had originally read this in the Of Thrones and Criwns Anthology. In Disowned Margaret decides to leave everything behind that having money forced her into. She's tired of the shallow life and expectations and decides to disappear, which brings more consequences than she ever imagined. Set in the Beastly World from M.J. Haag's other fairytale series, there is something evil taking over, and not everyone will be unharmed. This prequel leads to the Tales of Cinder and Snow and will make you feel...
May 3, 2019
Fairy Tale Origins
Margaret is the type of female character I love to read about: strong, stubborn in the best way, and knows what she wants. Oh, did I mention magic? Yes, magic is definitely involved. Her story gives a truly fascinating background intro into these new, upcoming fairy tale series’. Who’d have thought that the story of Snow White and Cinderella came from the same beginnings? Now I cannot wait to see what effect this has on Kellen and Eloise.
Margaret is the type of female character I love to read about: strong, stubborn in the best way, and knows what she wants. Oh, did I mention magic? Yes, magic is definitely involved. Her story gives a truly fascinating background intro into these new, upcoming fairy tale series’. Who’d have thought that the story of Snow White and Cinderella came from the same beginnings? Now I cannot wait to see what effect this has on Kellen and Eloise.
May 3, 2019
This prequel to the Cinderella and Snow White stories is sure to draw in readers and does a great job of setting up the unanswered questions from our childhood about who these girls were, why they had such stellar qualities in difficult circumstances, and what was the broader picture of their lives. Margaret and Atwell's story is one of true love and devotion and is imbued with the mystique of magic and it's users. Looking forward to the next installment!
May 7, 2019
Wonderful
Disowned is a fascinating story of fairytale lore woven with magic, adventure and love. I loved Margaret she’s a wonderfully written character with great charisma and although this is a novella it reads like a novel with loads of depth to the story and characters. I’m so happy the author chose to write this prequel to her upcoming new series Cinder and Snow because it’s a great way to introduce the reader to this new world. 5 stars.
Disowned is a fascinating story of fairytale lore woven with magic, adventure and love. I loved Margaret she’s a wonderfully written character with great charisma and although this is a novella it reads like a novel with loads of depth to the story and characters. I’m so happy the author chose to write this prequel to her upcoming new series Cinder and Snow because it’s a great way to introduce the reader to this new world. 5 stars.
July 3, 2019
I've been disappointed by this author recently. I stopped reading the fury and the demon series because I found the work hurried, flat and repetitive. But this....this has me excited in her work again. I will definitely be trying the next in this series with my fingers crossed that Ms Haag gets to be one of my favorite, must read authors again. She has amazing talent, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!
April 29, 2019
Disowned is a prequel to this author’s Cinderella fairy tale retelling series and it was just everything you could ask for: Magic, fantasy, romance, intrigue. Nothing that this author has come out with has ever been disappointing. If this prequel is this amazing, I absolutely cannot wait for book 1 of this series to come out.
September 18, 2019
Quick and interesting read.
This tale showed the extraordinary life of the a woman who repudiated her family ties with her parents in order to have control over her life. The author leaves many clues that encourage the readers to pick up the next. I hope some loose ends are wrapped up in the next story (s). Great job!
This tale showed the extraordinary life of the a woman who repudiated her family ties with her parents in order to have control over her life. The author leaves many clues that encourage the readers to pick up the next. I hope some loose ends are wrapped up in the next story (s). Great job!
September 12, 2019
I'm so glad we are getting more from this fantastic world. This is the prequel to Tales Of Cinder, a dark retelling of the Cinderella and Snow White stories. For a short read there is also so much information crammed into it. You won't be disappointed.
May 16, 2019
Fantastic
Great read. I’m really looking forward to the Tales of Cinder and Tales of Snow books after reading this prequel! Lots of action, great characters and good world building.
Great read. I’m really looking forward to the Tales of Cinder and Tales of Snow books after reading this prequel! Lots of action, great characters and good world building.
July 3, 2024
Disowned is a prequel to Tales of Cinder but also the author's Beastly Tales trilogy, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I read Disowned after finishing the trilogy.
September 25, 2024
AWESOME READ
I have read the Beastly Tales trilogy and they were amazing!!!!! Can't wait to see what Tales of Cinder and Snow bring!!!!!
I have read the Beastly Tales trilogy and they were amazing!!!!! Can't wait to see what Tales of Cinder and Snow bring!!!!!
November 3, 2024
So good
As prequels go, this was so good! We got great characters and story, there was no repeating anything in previous books, and now I want to read the other books again!
As prequels go, this was so good! We got great characters and story, there was no repeating anything in previous books, and now I want to read the other books again!
April 25, 2025
Good prequel for a Snowhite & Cinderella type of tale. Loves how Atwell and Marguaret met and the world built… seems something to pick up and dwelve into some more…
September 16, 2019
I know it was a novella but it was rushed. I felt like it was more of an FYI notice and we rushed thru the details. The story itself could have been a full novel if it was a bit fleshed out, but even if it was, I am not sure I would have connected to the main heroine.
A regrettable miss for me since MJ Haag is one of my fav's. On to the series!
A regrettable miss for me since MJ Haag is one of my fav's. On to the series!
June 12, 2019
Its a prequel to the much anticipated Tales of Cinder.
Margaret is a beautiful young woman who is tired of her parents making her choices so she decides to run away and leave everything behind: her name, her tittle and money. With the help of Elspeth, the towns witch healer she becomes her apprentice. In the process she meets handsome man name Atwell whom she develops a relationship. Margaret learns alot from Elspeth and right away both get summoned by the queen. Tragedy strikes and regardless of the magic some things are out of their reach. Not every fairytale has a happy start but this one was definitely raw and beautiful. Leaves on a cliffhanger. This will continue and can’t wait! I pre order!
Margaret is a beautiful young woman who is tired of her parents making her choices so she decides to run away and leave everything behind: her name, her tittle and money. With the help of Elspeth, the towns witch healer she becomes her apprentice. In the process she meets handsome man name Atwell whom she develops a relationship. Margaret learns alot from Elspeth and right away both get summoned by the queen. Tragedy strikes and regardless of the magic some things are out of their reach. Not every fairytale has a happy start but this one was definitely raw and beautiful. Leaves on a cliffhanger. This will continue and can’t wait! I pre order!
September 10, 2019
I've read the prequel after reading the first two books of the Tales of Cinder. I discovered the spirit of Eloise and Kellen's mother, which reminded me a lot of Eloise. This prequel helped to understand why magic was bound in Cinder and Snow's time, and how their mom got so body-weak. I loved getting to know their father as well in another light as the absent father he was in the first two books. Had I read this prequel before reading the first two books of the tales, I would not have believed in him marrying another so quickly, if ever.
The ending of this book let me found some new hypothesis into who is the prince in the tales...
I couldn't put this prequel down either.
The ending of this book let me found some new hypothesis into who is the prince in the tales...
I couldn't put this prequel down either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2021
6 Stars!
What a thrilling start to a series & I look forward to getting my hands on this next book in this series! This story is loaded with mystery, magic & fairytale mayhem. The twists & turns are unexpected, & this reads like a full blown story not a prequel, with an ending that will leave a reader curious enough to want to continue with the series in my opinion. This flowed fast, & is a “can’t put it down” kind of read. Margaret, is a great character, I liked that she has a strong personality with a great sense of right & wrong.
My Star Rating defined:
1 Star = DNF. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, this is MY opinion.
2 Stars = Finished, but didn’t really enjoy, was at least able to finish the book.
3 Stars = Story was neither good nor bad, no interest in continuing with series.
3.5 Stars = Finished. Story was good enough to probably pick up next in series.
4 Stars = Enjoyed the story & will continue with the series.
4.5 Stars = Loved it, but some little something was off, will continue with the series.
5 Stars = Absolutely loved it, will continue with series & would highly recommend to others!
6 Stars = Stole my heart! Add to favorites & definitely re-read!
What a thrilling start to a series & I look forward to getting my hands on this next book in this series! This story is loaded with mystery, magic & fairytale mayhem. The twists & turns are unexpected, & this reads like a full blown story not a prequel, with an ending that will leave a reader curious enough to want to continue with the series in my opinion. This flowed fast, & is a “can’t put it down” kind of read. Margaret, is a great character, I liked that she has a strong personality with a great sense of right & wrong.
My Star Rating defined:
1 Star = DNF. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, this is MY opinion.
2 Stars = Finished, but didn’t really enjoy, was at least able to finish the book.
3 Stars = Story was neither good nor bad, no interest in continuing with series.
3.5 Stars = Finished. Story was good enough to probably pick up next in series.
4 Stars = Enjoyed the story & will continue with the series.
4.5 Stars = Loved it, but some little something was off, will continue with the series.
5 Stars = Absolutely loved it, will continue with series & would highly recommend to others!
6 Stars = Stole my heart! Add to favorites & definitely re-read!
June 15, 2022
3.5 ★
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews