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City of Wishes #3

The Moonlight Masquerade

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Cinderella retold: Fae, vampires, shifters, and a Godmother who’ll grant you any wish—if you pay the price.
Elle is desperate enough to do the one thing she promised herself she’d never do: bargain with the Godmother for a wish. But if she pays the price, it will leave her forever changed.

So she makes the daring decision to lie to the Godmother.

She’ll pretend to pay the price.

Can she get away with her freedom before the Godmother finds out?

~ ~ ~

CITY OF WISHES is an urban fantasy serialized retelling of Cinderella. This is episode 3.

~ ~ ~

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?

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2019

120 people are currently reading
466 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Morgan

51 books1,871 followers
Once 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for Maria✨.
321 reviews79 followers
June 22, 2021
Another fun installation of Elle's fairytale! This time, we continue where we had left off exactly, with Godmother laying her rules if Elle wants her freedom and most importantly, Godmother is giving us some very important hints about Elle's backstory that we had no idea about.

This book mostly focuses on revelations with our Cinderella finally getting to the ball and having to do what she needs to as to get what she wants. Of course, things get more complicated as there is slowly a showdown of the vampires who are lurking to finally take the spotlight and we finally get to see who Dex really is (to no one's surprise. Although the book managed to create a good diversion and plays on that exact predictability).

There is still not enough information to go on, other than just trying to escape and not let anyone get in the middle of the final goal, but we are more than ready to find out!
Profile Image for Lits.
240 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2019
I received a copy of this episode from the author.

Another fantastic episode of City of Wishes. I had to read it immediately considering how the last one finished and it did not disappoint.
The plot is thickening! Although some secrets and a bit more breadcrumbs of backstories are being revealed, the intrigue is intensifying.

I was not sold on the idea of a serial but now I can see the appeal. I get to pace myself and enjoy the story over a longer period of time. Because, when it comes to Rachel Morgan's books, I am not one to pace myself.
Profile Image for Janine.
520 reviews77 followers
December 29, 2022
The third episode of City of Wishes, The Moonlight Masquerade, brings about several game changers and reveals that turns everything up its head that had me intrigued at the start and the end. Elle’s finding herself in another predicament and trying to skate through some rules in order to have her freedom, and I like her thought process. We finally get some interesting development in Dex, which made a lot more things make sense, and their romance added several layers, and I’m intrigued where it goes next.

Some of the world building starts to come together and I’m realizing where the plot is headed toward now, and I see lots of trouble happening in the second half of the serial. Especially if the Fairy Godmother gets involved, it might get super messy.

Again, the pacing issues are hampering the story a bit, probably due to the episodic structure. This time, it’s squeezing in three flashback chapters in the middle of an intense sequence, and part of me figures that it was to hide a big reveal and make it more shocking, but it threw a lot of things off, plus, it sorta made the first half move too slow. However, the episode endings are always my favorite, with a new major change presented in a super tense moment that was well written, and a huge cliffhanger. I just have to keep reading!
Profile Image for Maria Elena | pagesofmaria.
787 reviews236 followers
May 29, 2019
LOVED the action in this episode and the palace setting! Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I was hoping for a dance scene but that didn't happen. Still, loved the reveals we got, loved a particular scene between Dex and Elle and I am jumping directly to the next episode. What do you mean, it's not out yet? *sobbing intensifies*
Profile Image for Lizzie Rhoades.
384 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2021
I love pretty dress descriptions, and this was no exception! The pacing was also very fun. Excited to start the next one immediately.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,736 reviews200 followers
July 23, 2023
The third installment picks up right where the second one stopped, with the godmother telling Elle the rules and what will happen if she turns her down or doesn't complete her task. There was a big reveal, which I expected, but the twist was interesting - That ending was crazy! I'm going to be starting the next one immediately and can't wait to learn more about Elle and why she's so special.
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,685 reviews51 followers
June 16, 2019
The Moonlight Masquerade is the third episode in Rachel Morgan's City of Wishes series. City Of Wishes is a Cinderella retelling. I love fairytale retellings and this one isn't a disappointment. I loved it and it's very well written. I love Elle, Dex and Sienna. Can't wait to continue this series!
454 reviews
May 22, 2019
I started reading "The Moonlight Masquerade" as soon as I got home from work. Cinderella was not one of my favourite fairytales but I loved the idea of the ball.
I was looking forward to seeing how it would be depicted here and Rachel Morgan did not disappoint.
Ella makes the decision that she would lie to the Godmother that she will kill the prince. I get that she wants her freedom but it worries me that she would risk tangling with one of the most dangerous magical beings around.
Anyway, so the Godmother helps Ella go to the ball where she needs to pretend to kill the prince, keep away from her step-mother and step-sisters AND try to avoid the vampires looking for her.
I loved that this is a Cinderella adaptation but it is such a loose one that the City of Wishes series can stand on its own merits.
The plot is fast-paced, the writing is excellent and the worldbuilding always leaves me awed.
Definitely give this a try if you're looking for something fun and not too long.
Profile Image for J.M..
Author 18 books30 followers
May 27, 2019
Completed it in three days!!!
What does that tell you guys ???
Highly worthy of a binge read and valued at a 5 star review!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awesome mini adventure Rachel
It was perfect
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
July 14, 2020
🎁 Books 1-3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
May 30, 2019
This is such a fun series and perfect for quick reads here and there.

After summoning what appears to be her last hope, Elle now discovers the price of the Fairy Godmother's wish, and it's something she can't morally do. Still, Elle sees no other way out of her impossible situation and makes the deal. Her intention—to find a loop-hole and trick the Fairy Godmother. But it's not something which is easily pulled off.

Each of these novellas is like reading a few chapters in a continuous story, and I can only hope these are available as a set some day. The books are like biting little morsels of a delicious desert. Each book creates a fantastic atmosphere of magic, tension, secrets, romance and hope. This third installment starts off with a bang as the reader realizes what the Fairy Godmother is really asking even if Elle doesn't. At first. It's hard not to fever for Elle, since her situation is more than difficult and doesn't only involve her. It's easy to feel for her as she makes a tough decision whether or not to take the wish, and had me sitting on the edge of my seat as I hoped her plan wouldn't backfire. However, I was a little surprised that Elle ever thought her plan would work (which I'm still not sure if it does or not since it's not clear yet) and almost switched my rating down a star because of this.

This third book has gripped me as much as the first two. I'm hoping to see more of the other characters in the next book and can't wait to see what secrets and intrigue....and magic?...still lay in wait.

I received a complimentary copy and loved reading every page. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
1,619 reviews36 followers
June 3, 2019
All Elle wants is her freedom and to protect Sienna. But how far is she willing to go? After the Godmother asks her to kill the prince, she hatches a crazy plan to work around the request, hoping that she can trick the Godmother into believing it and granting her wish. More clues to Elle's past come to light, making things ever more intriguing.
The Godmother is such an interesting character. She's kind of evil but in a cool way, I would love a story about her.
My only complaint is that the books are so short. They are supposed to be, but I feel like just as I'm getting immersed in the story, it ends. And Rachel Morgan really knows how to leave you hanging and desperate for more!
Profile Image for Novel Grounds.
1,519 reviews79 followers
May 25, 2019
If you are reading this and you haven't read the first two books in this serial, GO DO THAT NOW. Then you can come back here. I will try to have this be not spoilers, but we all know I am not great at that.


GUYS. Okay with the ending to the second installment I really didn't know how this one was going to go and holy godmother, what a twist!

I swear every time I try to predict a Rachel Morgan book, I am wrong. I truly don't know why I even try.

Can we talk about our Prince? SO MANY MYSTERIES! I need to know all the answers.

I also want all the answers about Elle. ALL THE ANSWERS.

This rambled a lot. I know. But really its book three and I shouldn't' have to convince you yo read it. You are already hooked like me if you are reading this.
Profile Image for Catarina | cat literary world.
643 reviews
October 30, 2020
This might be the first time I'm ranking a fantasy book with 5* (except the Harry Potter ones, I don't, usually, give very high rankings to fantasy, since it's not my favorite genre).

What a ride! I'm aware I already said this in the first one, but this one was so good. We finally get to the ball part - and I really love the original Cinderella ball, so the expectations were high.
There's a lot going on at the ball, I couldn't stop reading, wishing to figure out the all plot and wanting to know Elle's story.

Spoiler alert: Can I just say I ship Elle and Dex a lot? 'Cus I really do. I want to see more of his side of the story, he seems to be really sweet. I liked him in this first two books, but not this much, I have to admit. I had some concerns with him...but they're all gone now!
Profile Image for Tiffany  (Bluestocking).
448 reviews18 followers
January 20, 2022
This story is so incredible…the world building is so imaginative and whimsical that I fell in love with this book even more. I love Dex & Elle together and I’m super excited to see how their relationship progress.

Content: Clean, kissing.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
268 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2019
Talk about a cliffhanger! Wow!

What I love most about these books is that they are a modern day retelling of a classic. I am truly enjoying that along with the fantasy twists.

Quick and easy read that is enjoyable (but not entirely fulfilling with that ending!) I can't wait for part 4!

Something unrelated but I love the covers of this series and how each book's cover is basically the main scene of the story. Very clever.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
420 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2019
Brilliant brilliant brilliant.......

argghh but so so short....

I Absalutely loved this book. Rachel's take on Cinderella is just fantastic. I have loved each book so far. But goodness me i want more. What a place to end Cliff hanger alert.!!!

I can't wait to read on and find out what's in store for Elle.

I hope Elle and Dex have their happy ending.

5 star read. Awaiting book 4.
Profile Image for Candace Barnard.
60 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2019
This series just keeps getting better. It always has me on the edge of my seat waiting for more, and that cliffhanger ending! I need episode 4 now please.
Profile Image for Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten).
2,128 reviews186 followers
June 13, 2019
Thank you to Rachel Morgan for providing me with an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!

The Midnight Masquerade is the third novel in the City of Wishes serial by Rachel Morgan and is another deeply addictive and bewitching tale that sweeps readers up into a fast paced and entertaining adventure.

Elle Winter was so close to having enough Essence to buy her freedom with a wish, but that disappeared in a puff of smoke the day her stepmother found her secret stash. Now Elle has no choice but to turn to the Godmother in order to obtain a wish; something she told herself she would never do. It’s well known that the Godmother’s prices are high but Elle never expected what she would have to do pay the price. It’s something Elle knows would change her forever should she follow through, so she’s made the decision to lie to the Godmother. But can she get away before the Godmother finds out? Or is Elle's chance at freedom over before it ever truly began?

Having breezed through the first two instalments, I was super excited to dive into The Midnight Masquerade and did so as soon as I was able. Rachel Morgan continues to write such a fun and engaging story which is effortless to read but really entertaining. I’m invested in Elle’s story and am keen to see her find happiness. Magical and entertaining, The Midnight Masquerade is fast paced like the first two novels and well rounded—there’s danger, romance, humour, excitement—all tied together nicely.

Certain revelations may not come as a surprise but I sure loved seeing them come to pass. Dex played a smaller role in this instalment than he did in the others, but he and Elle continue to be so endearing to witness. I’m enjoying the building romance and the mystery surrounding the vampires and their plans for the kingdom.

Satisfying and entertaining, The Midnight Masquerade was simply so much fun and ending on another cliffhanger has guaranteed I’ll be dying to get my hands on Rachel Morgan’s next instalment as soon as it comes out! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Nisareen.
458 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2019
“There’s a masquerade ball happening soon at the palace. If you want your freedom, you will go to this ball and you will kill the Fae Prince.”

Having discovered her secret stash of Fae Essence, Salvia has forbidden Elle from leaving the attic again unless her gifts are required to pull off a con. In desperation, Elle has called on the Godmother for her help. Unfortunately the price for her freedom is something that Elle is unable to morally fulfil so she hatches a scheme to trick the Godmother into thinking she has upheld her end of the bargain long enough to be granted her wish. Will her plan work?

The Moonlight Masquerade is the third episode of the City Of Wishes series and picks up right after the events of the previous book with the Godmother still in Elle’s bedroom, laying down her condition for granting Elle her wish. The book was tense, compelling and fast paced. I confess I was riveted from the first page, engrossed to such an extent that I couldn’t believe it when I reached the last page. Despite the length of these books, which is my only gripe, each episode is filled with non stop action and intrigue. This instalment covered the most ground; from the Godmothers appearance, the ball as well as the reveal before the inevitable clock striking twelve moment. While all this is going on, we have the Allegiant in the background planning their own assault on the palace which threatens to ruin Elle’s carefully laid plan to deceive the Godmother.

Elle’s meeting with the Godmother was intriguing to say the least with the latter implying that they had met before. “I never forget an Essence.” Most interesting was the revelation that Elle had used her memory wiping powers on herself. The question is why? Why are the Allegiant desperate to get their hands on her and why does the Godmother want Dex dead?

This was another well executed and exciting addition to the series with a whopping cliffhanger that has ensured this reader will be reading the follow up episode, The Eternal Night.
Profile Image for Chris.
199 reviews
May 27, 2019
The worst part about a story being serialized is having to wait for the next one when the part you just read was so incredible and ends on a cliffhanger that has you throwing your Kindle across the room because you're beyond frustrated that you can't keep reading.

The ball is upon us. Elle has made her deal with the Godmother. It's not a good deal but Elle has a plan. The problem is that the Vampires have a plan too. There are some really cool twists and reveals in this episode. Ms. Morgan does an excellent job keeping you on your toes for this one. There is one fake out that had me second guessing what I thought I knew to be true about who was who and what was going on. It was brilliant.

My favorite part of the series is Elle and Dex. I've been a fan of them being together from the beginning. Each time they didn't or were prevented from expressing their feelings for each other was like a punch to the gut. You can tell they are an adorable couple who deserves to be together and finally in this book they get their moment (after some crazy vampire madness at the ball) It was beautiful...and then the clock struck 12. It's a Cinderella story....the clock striking 12 is never good. And if that was the cliffhanger it would have been frustrating enough in itself but the story took it a step further....Azriel intervenes. I'm sitting here freaking out, wondering what's going to happen next. What will Azriel do? What happened to Elle's family at the ball? What is the darkness? What was the power the King used against the vampires? What are the repercussions of it all??? I guess I'll just have to wait....but no one says I have to like waiting!

Profile Image for Coral Chanel.
93 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2019
*Spoiler Freeish Review*

Daaaaayum. I didn't know how else to start this review other than that. The plot doth thicken and wow things are heating up. After the way book 2 finished this was picked up immediately and it DID NOT disappoint. The drama, the absolute drama! I love it.
So Elle has done the unthinkable and summoned the Godmother. We start this book with the Godmother still standing in Elle's bedroom, waiting to hear whether or not she's going to kill the prince of fae in return for her freedom of the slave charm.
This is where we get to see the ultimate Cinderella moment, no spoilers, but its great is all I'm gonna say!
I thought the plot was thickening with the last book, but damn I was not expecting this jump. This 'episode' in the narrative felt like the equivalent of a mid-season finale. We've been introduced to an even bigger bad than what we thought we had with Azriel, further alliances with unlikely but ultimately loveable characters and even more shiiiiiippiiiiing.
We get a big, no, Huge reveal in this book and some flashback chapters to flesh out the story even further, filling us in on all those moments we didn't know we needed until we were given them.

There's not much more I can say regarding the actual story because it's just so chock full of all the stuff and things happening but all I can say is, if you're reading this then you've made it this far in the series and you'd better get excited because the whole thing has blown wide open now and boy is it good.
Profile Image for Brittany Smith.
919 reviews15 followers
May 27, 2019
Yet another amazing instalment by Rachel Morgan! I do believe they are getting better as they go along.

Elle and Dex were so close-and not just on the business side of things! We pick up to Elle being held prisoner now by her stepmother. Elle has no other resort to go to so she calls out desperately for the Godmother, surprisingly, she appears. When the situation is explained Godmother is happy to help and will make all the arrangements all Elle has to do is pay the price-end the Prince's life. When the time comes will she be able to do it? Can she get free from her stepmom, run away with Sienna and what about Dex?

This instalment is full of twists and turns and nothing is at all as it seems. I found myself hanging on to the edge of my seat the whole way through the book! The descriptions are still top notch and the writing style flows so naturally.I really am rooting for Elle on this one and I really want to know the deep dark secret that Dex is hiding.

This is another great Fae story that I whole heartily recommend .The series is a great introduction into the world of magic and Fae. Anyone can and will find themselves enjoying this series, it makes for a very nice read where you will lose yourself for the duration in the book.
Profile Image for Doit.
71 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2019
Omgosh! I LOVED this sequel!!! 😍

The prince's death may be the Godmother's price for freeing her from her slave bond but even though Elle doesn't know who the prince is yet she still doesn't want to kill him because she's not that kind of girl. So she devises a plan to trick the Godmother and things don't go as planned! 😄

Up side, she finds out who the prince is... swoon! However, at midnight, just like the original Cinderella, she's pulled away from him by the Godmother's spell before she can tell him her full name and where she really lives.

✨ Her obnoxiously awesome rhinestone combat boots are prominently featured 😜

Oh, then there's another twist to the story that leaves it on a cliffhanger, ahh! Rachel Morgan, the author, is probably maniacally laughing at us readers who are screaming for the next book asap 😂

Note: I received this book's ARC for free from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lori.
69 reviews24 followers
July 11, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book and volunteered to review it.

Elle is a human slave of her fae stepmother's with an ability to manipulate memories. In order to escape from slavery, she is in a predicament where in order to pay for a wish she made for her freedom, she must kill the fae prince - no biggie. Except with the Godmother, there's nothing simple about the situation.

But at the masquerade where she is meant to assassinate him, things go wrong when magic wielding vampires arrive - oh dear - when they shouldn't have magic at all. Even worse Elle finds out a few shocking things. Spoiler! The fae prince turns out to be Dex, a guy who she is seriously crushing on! Don't worry, it's mutual!

Now, all Elle has to do is figure out how to not kill her guy, but still get her freedom, because if she's not home by midnight, the slave charm on her leg will literally turn her upside down and carry her home - and not in a fun way.

Yeah totally doable. Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
July 26, 2019
ONE AMAZING ADVENTURE!!!
Chirping chickens! Biting off more than you can chew is definitely not the brightest bulb in the room. A whirlwind of emotions and events that feed from the excitement and nerve racking tension that brings this bad boy roaring to life smoothly. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there pull you deeper into this raging storyline and hard hitting plot. Throw in all the drama, intrigue, uncertainty and suspense and you have one intense, page turning bombshell that grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. The characters are complex and so believable it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. You have no trouble picturing each scenario as it plays out perfectly. Remarkable job Rachel, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Profile Image for Kim - Inside the Wong Mind.
387 reviews30 followers
June 19, 2019
City of Wishes 3: The Moonlight Masquerade
By Rachel Morgan

Book 3 did NOT disappoint. The ball has arrived!!! I love fairytale retellings! I’ve been waiting for this part of the story. Parts 1 and 2 set up Part 3 so you’ll want to read the first two books first. The books are more like episodes and end on a cliffhanger so be prepared for that. Elle is finally ready to request help from the Godmother, who can grant illegal wishes. Elle is not willing to pay the ridiculous price that the Godmother requires, so Elle tries to trick the Godmother. Of course, more surprises ensue at the ball! I’m so in love with the characters and I can’t enough of this world. Highly recommend for those who love YA fantasy and retellings.

My thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Profile Image for Claire.
21 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2019
AH-HA! I knew it! Not going to spoil but if you've read it, you probably know what I mean. I loved this instalment of The City Of Wishes. Finally the plot threads are coming together and all the action is starting. I can't wait for the next episode.

In The Moonlight Masquerade, Elle goes to the ball to carry out the task The Godmother has set for her. Dex learns a bit more about Azriel's motives. Elle and Dex finally finish their "conversation" from last episode. Elle finds out what happens if she doesn't return home by midnight... and then it ends on a cliffhanger.

I strongly recommend that anyone reading this book also reads The Creepy Hollow series by the same author. The style of writing and character development is very similar.
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