Chasing Cinderella

Fairy Tale Descendants #1

by Anna Santos

While growing up, Odette Charming has been bullied because of her last name. It doesn't help when her parents believe they are direct descendants from Cinderella and Prince Charming. They even have the glass slippers to prove it.Laying low and focusing her attention on her studies has been her way to cope with everything. Until the love of her life breaks up with his eternal girlfriend and Odette believes that with a change of attitude and a makeover Carl will finally look her way. Even with the help of her best friend, things don't go as planned, and Odette seeks refuge in her childhood dreams and family relics. Trying on the glass slippers of her ancestor can't hurt, right? Not only do the slippers fit, but they give her a physical transformation and teleport her to another realm where a sad elf prince throws parties every night, hoping that his beloved will find her way to his kingdom. Prince Edrahil has been waiting far too long for his future queen to drop on his doorstep and claim his heart. Instead, the beautiful fairy that arrives is in love with someone in her world and wants his help to conquer that person's heart. In exchange for borrowing the magical slippers, Edrahil is willing to come to the earth realm to play matchmaker and godfather to Odette. As their destinies drift further apart, the dark elf can only hope that Odette is happy even if that might mean his own demise.Chasing Cinderella is a twist on the classic fairy tale that makes every girl wish for a Prince Charming. But when it comes to love, sometimes it's hard to see past the smoke and mirrors and choose the prince that's right for your heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Cinderella, Fairy Tales, Romance

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2018

About the author

Anna Santos is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes to write about shifters, vampires, angels, mermaids, fae, and occasionally humans.

​Anna always keeps her readers on their toes with adrenaline-fuelled adventures, genuine characters, strong female leads, and romantic plots.

​When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading or spending too watching TV shows. As an introvert, home is her safe harbor. Yet, she’s known for leaving the house from time to time and having her family throw a party because they haven’t seen her for days. Then they ask her how many books she wrote while gone, assuming that writing must be super easy.

Anna guarantees that it’s not, but she never wanted to be anything else. Unless there’s a possibility of being a powerful supernatural being in an awesome world where unicorns and fairies are real. Then, she would probably go there and never come back.

Reviews

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried to like this book. I really did. It has such a gorgeous cover and nothing but good reviews. And I love fairy tale retellings and spin-offs. But I hated Odette. She was so superficial, shallow, vain, self-centered, and clueless. She had an unhealthy obsession with clothes, looking good, and really couldn’t see anything beyond that. I really couldn’t see what she saw in Carl. As far as I could tell, she was totally obsessed with him just because he was the handsome popular star of the football team. She said he was more than that, but I never saw any hint of that. The book kept referring to her school as “university” and “college”, but it always came across as high school. It was like the author wrote the book and then decided she wanted the main character to be older, so she needed to change it to a higher school, without changing anything but the name of it. There was no mention of directed studying for a career, which is the point of college. In fact, there was no studying at all really. There was a mention of them seeing her in a bikini during class, which would never happen at the university level (high school PE, yes, but unless you’re going after a sports scholarship, it wouldn’t happen in college). She had the same classes as the cheerleaders and football players, which also wouldn’t happen unless they were following the same career path as her-or if she was going to an incredibly small private college). They also never had dances when I went through the college system. Prom in high school, yes, but not in college. Even Odette’s entire attitude, language, and boy craziness screamed high school and teenage years, rather than the more mature college years. Same with the bullying behavior of the other students. It all rings true for high school, but you’d think they’d be more focused on studying and making grades if they were college age. Even the elf prince sounded high school, especially after spending time with her. Also, she was worrying about getting in trouble with her parents after borrowing the glass slippers. (She sounded like a teenager worried about getting grounded). The story itself was just a blur of dresses, immature bullying, and droning on 24/7 about how she desperately needed to be with her football jock even though she hadn’t spoken more than a full sentence to him and him to her. And I never bought the other romance in it. There was nothing on her side to hint that she felt that way before the end scene. I did like Edrahil and his kingdom, though I wished more had been done with them to round them out within the fantasy world, which felt like a one scene TV show set.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic fairytale in modern setup and with fantasy elements that bring the story to another dimension. Odette, a descendant of the Charming bloodline and unknowingly carrying the legacy of Cinderella's deal, is your typical grey mouse at school - bookworm with glasses, nerdy, old fashioned, with only a few close friends. Yet when she tries on the glass slippers that are protected as family treasure, her life completely changes - entering the faerie, meeting the prince of dark elves, and even making said prince into her faerie godfather - all because she wants to win over the heart of Carl, the man she loves. But is he also the right one for her?
I really enjoyed this fairytale retelling, and even had trouble not falling in love or swooning over the elf prince. Edrahil is everything a woman with romantic heart wants, and he does not even need the magical charm. His attitude and personality make him perfect. Odette on the other side is the character that undergoes the most development, transforming from naive girl into more self-aware woman, using her brain and eyes to actually see people for who they are. The story wasn't complicated, but it was entertaining to pass the time and relax from the stressful day, so I enjoyed the read.

[Shruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

( I received a digital copy of the book. Thanks to Anna Santos!!! )


This was a lovely novella and I had a lot of fun reading it. An original and beautiful reimagining of Cinderella !!



I really like this concept of descendants of fairy tales. Especially this particular take on Cinderella , which is a modern fairy tale that doesn't lack in its classical charm. Giving the perfect enchanting fairy tale feeling. The same one that you get when you watch Disney's Cinderella that came out in 2015, I guess . And even after not being really that long, it
manages to completely enthrall the reader.



I am really looking forward to more books in this series. It is quite fascinating.

[Lisbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okey story about Odette and Elf Prince Edrahil. Odette is decendant from Cinderella and Prince Charming, she finds Cinderellas magick shoes and is transported to the elf alm where Edrahil is waiting. Things do not go quite as planned when Odette believes she is in love with someone else! The book was a little slow at the beginning, but it got better!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Cinderella is the first book in Fairy Tales Descendants serie by Anna Santos. I really liked the story about Odette and Edrahil.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved fairy tales and my favorite one has always been Cinderella since I saw the Disney movie in the theater in the 1950’s.

This is an imaginative tale of Cinderella’s granddaughter who is bullied and made fun of in school and on a whim tries on the glass slippers Cinderella wore and is transported to a elfin fairy realm where she meets a elf prince who is instantly smitten by her. Trouble is she loves a guy on earth who doesn’t even know she exists. He helps put her in a position where her dream can come true but will her love be a prince or a frog? Read this delightful story and find out!

Anna has written a story that most everyone can relate to with the exception of a little magic thrown in. It will probably take you back to your high school days when you were either in the “in” crowd or found yourself on the outside looking in. Odette has a bestie who is there for her and tries to give her advice if only she would take it. Sometimes what we’re looking for is not what we think we want but is right in front of us!

I recommend this book for everyone young or old who love fairy tales and happy endings. It’s a fast read because the story is so well written and engaging that it keeps the readers interest.

I recommend you set aside a block of time and start this story for I think you’ll want to see it through to
It’s conclusion in one sitting like I did. It’s a short book so it’s very doable and you’ll feel good when you finish it with the exception that you’ll want to revisit these new friends you’ve made and see what happens next in their lives!

There are many books to chose out there and I think this book is one you’ll really love. Give it a read and see if you don’t agree with me!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, creative retelling of Cinderella. Odette is a book nerd who really likes a football player who does not really acknowledge her. Her friends try to help her develop confidence and go for what she wants. Cinderella’s slippers offer quite a twist to the story. Her friendship with Edrahil is so sweet, I enjoyed the times she visited him. Odette faces a few obstacles along the way, one is realising what you want/ imagined is not always what is the best option. This unique world draws you into the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy fairy tale retellings. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing retelling of Cinderella. Odette Charming is descended from Cinderella and Prince Charming, or so her parents tell her. She doesn't believe it really. After an experience with Cinderella's glass slippers, she isn't so sure anymore.

This book is fun, sweet, and shows that not every guy turns out to be your prince charming, no matter how much you want him to be.

This is book 1 of the Fairy Tale Descendants Series and I can't wait to read more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story. Odette Charming has been told her whole life that her line is from the original Cinderella. They even have the glass slippers. Odette is a bookworm and very smart. But when it comes to romance she is clueless. In steps her prince or fairy godfather. With him and her somewhat insane best friend they will make sure she makes it to the ball. The story has tons of romance and even a wicked cheerleader.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story that is the retelling of Cinderella. This author has done a wonderful job of retelling the story her way that doesn’t take away from the original. It has a Cinderella but another name and her Prince is different but a wonderful story is told. This was a fun and enjoyable story and can’t wait for more from this author! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Sarah B · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an enchanting read. I really enjoyed the overall storyline but found a few pages a little hard to keep up with. There were some conversations that seemed to jump around a bit. I had to reread to understand what they were talking about and who was actually speaking. Other than that I enjoyed it. I only wish we would have gotten to hear and seem more of the elf realm.

[Bj Gaskill]

Very enjoyable

It's nice to see the twist on the old tale. Can't wait to read Beth's tale. It will be interesting. Though not as interesting as the parents finding out. Really wished that had been included.

[Misty A Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took awhile to get into the story but once Edrahil came to see her in her realm it got better. Of course it was the happy ever after ending but would’ve liked more storyline after they were together and in love.

[Smasher]

note to self: has some talk about sex and chastity being old fashioned. No thanks.

[Mona Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing story. I couldn't put it down. Once you start reading it you will be drawn into and it will leave you feeling like you are a part of this world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While growing up, Odette Charming has been bullied because of her last name. It doesn't help when her parents believe they are direct descendants from Cinderella and Prince Charming. They even have the glass slippers to prove it.
Laying low and focusing her attention on her studies has been her way to cope with everything. Until the love of her life breaks up with his eternal girlfriend and Odette believes that with a change of attitude and a makeover Carl will finally look her way.
Even with the help of her best friend, things don't go as planned, and Odette seeks refuge in her childhood dreams and family relics. Trying on the glass slippers of her ancestor can't hurt, right? Not only do the slippers fit, but they give her a physical transformation and teleport her to another realm where a sad elf prince throws parties every night, hoping that his beloved will find her way to his kingdom.
Prince Edrahil has been waiting far too long for his future queen to drop on his doorstep and claim his heart. Instead, the beautiful fairy that arrives is in love with someone in her world and wants his help to conquer that person's heart. In exchange for borrowing the magical slippers, Edrahil is willing to come to the earth realm to play matchmaker and godfather to Odette.
As their destinies drift further apart, the dark elf can only hope that Odette is happy even if that might mean his own demise.

I really enjoy this reimagining of the classic Cinderella.
I love that it is taken into modern society and I think every girl should read this.
It tackles alot of everyday life that happens.
Really well written plot and story line.
Wonderfully written characters and love the world building.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coccibelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes/themes: nerd girl, bullying, surviving "high school", jock, Cinderella retelling, contemporary world "without" magic, teleporting to a magical realm, elf prince, soulmate, YA

This was not my favorite Anna Santos book, to say the least... Maybe I was not in the mood to read a YA novel and I am more used to her series Soulmate, that I loved, which is made for more "mature" readers. Anyway, when I read the blurb, maybe I read it too fast, but I thought the story would be in a world where people cohabitate with magic elements, like a paranormal romance, but it was in a contemporary setting where people do not believe in magic. I guess the words "Until the love of her life breaks up with his *eternal* girlfriend" throw me off.

Also, the story was supposed to be about college students, but the characters were very childish, especially Odette, the heroine. In general, the whole university seems more like a high school than anything else with the jocks footballers, the bitchy cheerleaders, and the bullying. Odette was very naïve, a little bit dense, socially awkward, selfish... Her crush was the epitome of a jock and I really do not see what attracts her to him besides his physical appearance. Also, she is willing to change all her appearance in order to try to please him, when he just ignore her or makes fun of her, it's quite sad.

Overall, the story is for readers who like YA and fairy tale retelling in a modern setting without deep character development. This is a quick light reading. I would recommend more her Soulmate series for readers looking for paranormal romance with intrigue and action.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every girl should read this book! It is a beautiful telling of Cinderella. I love that the author takes the story and makes it her own. I miss nothing of the Disney version in this perspective of Cinderella. There are elements of the supernatural and paranormal that I enjoy. What I love most though is that Anna Santos addresses issues that many girls and young women face, one being embracing who they are as they are, and another, the cute popular dude is not all he is cracked up to be! This Cinderella sees herself as less than and crushes on the "it" guy, while her BFF, who happens to be related to Sleeping Beauty, tries to help her in her quest. There is the pretty cheerleader who is also the school bully, the Prince....who is incredible, and of course, the glass slippers. There is a twist to those slippers that is quite interesting. There is a happily ever after and tons of issues and obstacles must be overcome along the road to that happy ending. The story itself is entertaining and an easy read. I kept rooting for Ms. Charming, and at times, I wanted to shake her, like really hard....and then remembered that it is a story. Read this book and share it with your girlfriends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Anna Santos’ novels so it’s no surprise that I was delighted to get my hands on Chasing Cinderella , book 1 of her new Fairy Tale Descendants series. I mean, c’mon, Odette Charming is the freakin’ direct descendant of Cinderella and Prince Charming (and her parents have the glass slippers to prove it). It doesn’t get much better than that ... until it does, thanks to a best friend who happens to be related to Sleeping Beauty, accidental teleportation to another realm and her very own prince and then ... well, you’ll need to find out. This book is, quite simply, extremely imaginative and superbly written. It had just what I wanted including a great plot. I frankly adore Odette and love watching her take on all comers. The rest of the cast of characters (hellooo  Prince Edrahil) is pretty amazing as well. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I loved this story about Odette and Edrahil. Her parents believe they are descendants of Cinderella and Prince charming, especially with their last name being charming. They love to restore historical books and have some unique heirlooms. One such heirloom is a pair of glass slippers but they believe we're Cinderella's. Odette has had a crush on Carl for several years but he always ignores her. Odette is teased by the popular kids at her school. Her only friend is Beth, who's family believes are descendants of Sleeping Beauty. What her parents are out of town, she decides to try on the pair glass slippers. She is magically whisked away to a elfin kingdom where she is dressed in a beautiful gown. There she meets the elfin Prince Edrahil, feeling elated at this chance, he tries to explain about why she's there, but she keeps saying she's in love with Carl. The two become friends he wants her to be happy and offers to grant her a wish. Great hea with lots of magic and the realization what a real Prince charming is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odette has a crush on Carl but when she tries on the glass slippers she meets Prince Edrahil.
Odette Charming thinks Carl is her true love but he does not notice her even after breaking up with his girlfriend. In a fit of depression she tries on the family treasure the glass slippers supposedly inherited from Cinderella. As she looks in the mirror she sees a castle then a glow like fairy dust surrounds her and she is pulled towards the castle. She stands up and looks around then follows the sound of voices finding her self in a large room where there appears to be a party. Moving around she spots a sad man with elf like ears sitting on a throne and when he sees her he introduces himself as Dark Elf Prince Edrahil. Walks around the room talking to her asking her to dance until the bells start to rings for midnight and she rushes off so the slippers can take her home.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I love fairy tales and Cinderella is one of my favorites growing up. Odette, who was bullied because of her last name Charming, has a love interest in a football jock named Carl. When she feels rejected and saddened because of rejection, she turns to the glass slippers her parents had put away. Odette comes in front of a man, who is Prince Edrahil, who claims she is meant to be his queen. She refuses him as she is in love with Carl and wants to be with Carl. The Prince decides to help Odette, despite his belief she belongs with him, to go to the ball with Carl if she lets him borrow the glass slippers. Odette is happy when Carl asks her to the ball, but when Carl's true colors come out before the the night of the ball, things change. A fairy tale happens and the best will come from it.

[Nina Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Cinderella by Anna Santos is the first book in the Fairy Tale Descendants series. In this book, Odette Charming a sweet girl attending New York University dreams of being with Carl a football jock who she has a crush on. She finds out that the man of her dreams is not what she expected and that sometimes a fairy needs a different type of fairy tale to find true love. This is a unique and interesting up to date version of the Cinderella tale with lots of twists and turns. I loved the characters attitudes in this story and the way this tale has been changed to make it a very unusual fairy tale that ends with the perfect happy ever after ending. Chasing Cinderella is a perfectly charming up to date fairy tale.

[Nina Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Cinderella by Anna Santos is the first book in the Fairy Tale Descendants series. In this book, Odette Charming a sweet girl attending New York University dreams of being with Carl a football jock who she has a crush on. She finds out that the man of her dreams is not what she expected and that sometimes a fairy needs a different type of fairy tale to find true love. This is a unique and interesting up to date version of the Cinderella tale with lots of twists and turns. I loved the characters attitudes in this story and the way this tale has been changed to make it a very unusual fairy tale that ends with the perfect happy ever after ending. Chasing Cinderella is a perfectly charming up to date fairy tale.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would have absolutely adored this book in high school! Even though I’m older now, I still really enjoyed it. I love fairy tale retellings, and this was no exception. Odette Charming has been a target of bullies all her life and she has a crush on a boy who might not even know she exists. Enter Edrahil, a dark Fae prince who believes she is to be his queen, but who is willing to help her get who she wants, even if it isn’t him. There’s a happily ever after in the end, so don’t worry! I enjoyed the story and the characters, although Odette definitely annoyed me sometimes with her choices. But it all worked out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jasmine Voosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Cinderella by Anna Santos is a 'charming' version of the classic fairytale with a rather unique twist. This story features a shy Odette Charming who is rumored to be a long lost relative of Cinderella herself. Odette is painfully shy and withdrawn and hopelessly in love with a football jock named Carl, who doesn't know she exists. An awkward attempt to gain his attention ends painfully and finds a depressed Odette trying on the fabled glass slippers. Magically sent to the court of Prince Edrahil she starts on a journey of finding her own Prince Charming. Will it be Carl or the mysterious Prince? Loved this adaptation!!!!

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odette Charming is an old fashion girl, who loves books and family. Beth is her best friend and is there for her. Carl is a football star that has any girl he wants. Odette has a huge crush on him and feels like she loves him. Prince Edrahil is a dark elf. One day Odette try’s on the glass slippers that her family owns and is transported to another realm. What does Edrahil think when she shows up? Can Edrahil help Odette get Carl? Will Edrahil find his true love with the glass slippers? Will Beth stay her best friend? Is Carl the one she things he is? Will others ever stop being mean to her?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the fairytale twist this storyline had but I would have liked it better if the characters weren’t so immature. The book claims they are at university - NYU - but most of the book is shallow high school drama. The main character Odete and her best friend are very superficial and she “in love” with a guy she’s never even spoken to and knows nothing about.

The book also needed heavy editing usually I can look past a few errors but I was tripping over every paragraph. It almost seems like the book was written in another language and translated to English without anyone editing it after to smooth it out.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odette is a descendant if the Cinderella and Prince Charming. Her family even owns the glass slippers worn by Cinderella. She is ridiculed at school for her last name. She is also supposedly in love with a popular jock named Carl. She desperately wants to go to the ball with Carl. When she slips the glass slippers on, she is transported to the court of Prince Edrahil, a dark fae who believes she is his queen. She finds herself going on a personal journey to find her real Prince Charming. Interesting story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.6

A different type of fairytale retold, this storyline is about a descendant of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Elements from the original tale are there, but I enjoyed the creativity this author used to create a new tale. Odette seems to be the poster child for book smart but life naive. Even though I pretty much knew what direction this tale would head for, this author still managed to keep me flipping the pages happily. This is a feel good tale that does illustrate bullying and a few other important life lessons. Definitely suitable for a teen reader. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.