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City of Wishes #1-6
City of Wishes: The Complete Cinderella Story
Cinderella A human slave, a fae prince, and a Godmother who’ll grant any wish—if you pay the price.
In a world of fae, vampires and shifters, where magic is real and wishes can be bought and bargained for, Elle is on society's bottommost she's human .
To make matters worse, she's also a slave , bound to her stepmother by magic.
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.
Elle has never been desperate enough to summon her.
Until now.
This collection includes all 6 episodes in the CITY OF WISHES Cinderella
1. The Memory Thief
2. The Vampire Trap
3. The Moonlight Masquerade
4. The Eternal Night
5. The Starlight Quest
6. The Everafter Wish
In a world of fae, vampires and shifters, where magic is real and wishes can be bought and bargained for, Elle is on society's bottommost she's human .
To make matters worse, she's also a slave , bound to her stepmother by magic.
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.
Elle has never been desperate enough to summon her.
Until now.
This collection includes all 6 episodes in the CITY OF WISHES Cinderella
1. The Memory Thief
2. The Vampire Trap
3. The Moonlight Masquerade
4. The Eternal Night
5. The Starlight Quest
6. The Everafter Wish
480 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2019
48 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Morgan
51 books1,855 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:
Rachel's email newsletter
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 75 reviews
November 30, 2019
If your scroll through my list with books read, you’ll discover that I already read quite a few Cinderella retellings. For some reason this story is very special to me and no matter how often I read the same thing, I never get enough of it. So, when a friend told me about this book, I just had to read it and after the first free part I just wanted more and more and more.
And the story never disappointed! Of course, the story is in a way a little predictable at times. It’s a retelling and a lot of the well known elements of the original fairytale are present. But, not all of them in the same way. There are some really nice twists and turns and I was even surprised by some of them, which I hadn’t really expected.
The most original part of the story however was the world. I loved this setting, the politics, the fights between vampires, shifters, faes and humans and all the side plots that came with it. Making Ella literally a slave, trying to earn her freedom, also solved a big issue of the original story: Why doesn’t Ella just get away and find work somewhere else? Well, in this tale she literally can’t.
Although the story is actually split into 6 different parts, it reads as one big story. The parts end on little cliffhangers and the next part continues right there. Each part however does have its own climax and I loved this build up, with little finales along the way and then eventually the big one at the very end. It made sure the book never got boring and all elements really lead somewhere.
But, this story wouldn’t have worked without the characters. Ella is amazing, both kind and selfless and yet fierce and strong. But also Dex has a really nice personality, where it’s easy to see his princely qualities while I never forgot he was also just a boy, with his own issues and battles and with an impossible crush on a human slave girl.
I’ve already downloaded the first part of Morgan’s other series and I can’t wait to read that one!
And the story never disappointed! Of course, the story is in a way a little predictable at times. It’s a retelling and a lot of the well known elements of the original fairytale are present. But, not all of them in the same way. There are some really nice twists and turns and I was even surprised by some of them, which I hadn’t really expected.
The most original part of the story however was the world. I loved this setting, the politics, the fights between vampires, shifters, faes and humans and all the side plots that came with it. Making Ella literally a slave, trying to earn her freedom, also solved a big issue of the original story: Why doesn’t Ella just get away and find work somewhere else? Well, in this tale she literally can’t.
Although the story is actually split into 6 different parts, it reads as one big story. The parts end on little cliffhangers and the next part continues right there. Each part however does have its own climax and I loved this build up, with little finales along the way and then eventually the big one at the very end. It made sure the book never got boring and all elements really lead somewhere.
But, this story wouldn’t have worked without the characters. Ella is amazing, both kind and selfless and yet fierce and strong. But also Dex has a really nice personality, where it’s easy to see his princely qualities while I never forgot he was also just a boy, with his own issues and battles and with an impossible crush on a human slave girl.
I’ve already downloaded the first part of Morgan’s other series and I can’t wait to read that one!
May 10, 2022
4.8 stars
This series was so freaking good! I hear such a ridiculously hard time putting it down. It's a fairy tale retelling with all the important elements along with a couple twists and subplots throywn in that added the author's unique flare. You've got your Cinderella a human named Elle, a sweet prince charming, a morally ambiguous fairy godmother, and a whole array of other unique parties ( a dragon shifter just to name one.)
I do have some serious issues with the ending. Many open plot points just weren't appropriately addressed. It gets spoilery below, so watch out. You've been warned.
1. Sienna's part in all this is extremely disappointing and she was highly underutilized given how impress l important to the main character she was. All we get is some "I ran away, I'm free be happy" rubbish. They were sisters and best friends and had been looking for each other. No way Sienna would send something that cryptic and not come to see Elle.
2. Poor Zander. And the ongoing issue with his family not accepting him end his not coming back was sad. Also there should have been a consequence for Jax. She caused trouble at literally every turn, wanting to kill everyone and it's like oh, ok. She but Jax and that was that l. No.follow up. I demand retribution!!
3. Alissa was just conveniently dropped as a character after she'd completed her part in the quest. That sucked considering how much she'd done for Elle and made it clear they were friends. Same thing with Liana. Would have liked follow up on them.
Aside from the rushed ending, I loved every episode. Especially the savage AF godmother
This series was so freaking good! I hear such a ridiculously hard time putting it down. It's a fairy tale retelling with all the important elements along with a couple twists and subplots throywn in that added the author's unique flare. You've got your Cinderella a human named Elle, a sweet prince charming, a morally ambiguous fairy godmother, and a whole array of other unique parties ( a dragon shifter just to name one.)
I do have some serious issues with the ending. Many open plot points just weren't appropriately addressed. It gets spoilery below, so watch out. You've been warned.
1. Sienna's part in all this is extremely disappointing and she was highly underutilized given how impress l important to the main character she was. All we get is some "I ran away, I'm free be happy" rubbish. They were sisters and best friends and had been looking for each other. No way Sienna would send something that cryptic and not come to see Elle.
2. Poor Zander. And the ongoing issue with his family not accepting him end his not coming back was sad. Also there should have been a consequence for Jax. She caused trouble at literally every turn, wanting to kill everyone and it's like oh, ok. She but Jax and that was that l. No.follow up. I demand retribution!!
3. Alissa was just conveniently dropped as a character after she'd completed her part in the quest. That sucked considering how much she'd done for Elle and made it clear they were friends. Same thing with Liana. Would have liked follow up on them.
Aside from the rushed ending, I loved every episode. Especially the savage AF godmother
August 20, 2019
Actual rating when summing up the ratings to the individuals stories: 4.5 stars
City of Wishes is a fun and original take on the Cinderella tale. I really enjoyed reading every episode, especially because of Elle's perservering personality and kind heart. Like other works by Rachel Morgan, this series has an awesome leading lady and an equally amazing boy at her side, the combination of which led to moments of intense fangirling.
My favorite aspect of the series were the Wishes and how they were constructed. This also leads to my favorite character, an anti-hero worthy of the title: the Godmother. Up until the very end, you never know what angle she's playing or if you can trust her, which made her a very entertaining character to read about.
I really loved 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.
This is a fun and fast read that I highly recommend to all lovers of fairy tales and their retellings!
City of Wishes is a fun and original take on the Cinderella tale. I really enjoyed reading every episode, especially because of Elle's perservering personality and kind heart. Like other works by Rachel Morgan, this series has an awesome leading lady and an equally amazing boy at her side, the combination of which led to moments of intense fangirling.
My favorite aspect of the series were the Wishes and how they were constructed. This also leads to my favorite character, an anti-hero worthy of the title: the Godmother. Up until the very end, you never know what angle she's playing or if you can trust her, which made her a very entertaining character to read about.
I really loved 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.
This is a fun and fast read that I highly recommend to all lovers of fairy tales and their retellings!
November 11, 2019
City of Wishes is a Cinderella retelling, complete with vampires, faeries, and shifters (i.e., people who can turn into dragons, wolves, etc.). While I have read my fair share of this story as told by various authors, Rachel Morgan’s series managed to feel unique.
Elle Winter’s story begins simple enough. She is a slave in her own home and wants nothing more than to gain her freedom. Normally, this is where the Cinderella story would progress; however, there’s a small problem. Elle is also being hunted by vampires, with no idea why.
This is the starting point, but it is certainly not the only aspects of the plot. This series is six books long and plenty happens along the way. It was an enjoyable concept and I was definitely invested to find out how it would end.
The only major stigma of the series came from the dialogue. At several points the conversation felt weak or a bit silly. It certainly didn’t break the novel, but I would have liked to see stronger voices from our main cast.
Read my full review at: https://sevendaysaweek.co/city-of-wis...
Elle Winter’s story begins simple enough. She is a slave in her own home and wants nothing more than to gain her freedom. Normally, this is where the Cinderella story would progress; however, there’s a small problem. Elle is also being hunted by vampires, with no idea why.
This is the starting point, but it is certainly not the only aspects of the plot. This series is six books long and plenty happens along the way. It was an enjoyable concept and I was definitely invested to find out how it would end.
The only major stigma of the series came from the dialogue. At several points the conversation felt weak or a bit silly. It certainly didn’t break the novel, but I would have liked to see stronger voices from our main cast.
Read my full review at: https://sevendaysaweek.co/city-of-wis...
September 12, 2019
City Of Wishes is a Cinderella retelling. When I read the blurb and saw the Cinderella retelling part I had to read it. I love fairytale retellings and this one isn't a disappointment. I loved it and it's very well written.
January 5, 2023
City of Wishes isn't exactly a Cinderella retelling, but it takes elements of the tale, such as the midnight curfew, Elle being stuck with a wicked stepmother, and a royal ball and turns it into an original story full of magic, fleshed out characters, and super intense pacing and tension. While there are some pacing issues, it didn't deter me from listening to this in less than a week.
Elle is a human with a mind erasing ability, which she's using to buy her freedom from her wicked stepmother. And wicked isn't even the start of it, what she's doing is flat out abuse in some cases, as she's treated more as a commodity. I love Elle's grit throughout and her drive to rescue her good stepsister out of their chaotic home as the stepmother is more interested in scams. Along the way, she meets Dex, a mysterious man who takes a while to develop, but by the halfway point of the serial, I grew attached to him.
Most of the characters were rather brutal and nasty, which fit with the theme of life not being fair and having to get everything you wanted out of grit. I do like how some characters are rather sly, and their true motives are hidden until much later in the story.
The world building was immersive and fleshed out. It's a modern world with shifters, vampires, fae, and humans living with magic all around them, and there's tons of lore that's revealed slowly over the course of the serial, that shocked me a couple of times as things were unveiled.
The pacing was for the most part great, but there were some sections in parts 2 and 3 that felt like filler to get six episodes in. The rest was great, with the intensity building at the end of each part to get readers to buy the next part, or for me, listen to the next part immediately. Even the climax and ending had hints of sequel hook, despite the satisfying ending.
I enjoyed the story more than I thought and I can't wait to read more from Rachel Morgan!
Elle is a human with a mind erasing ability, which she's using to buy her freedom from her wicked stepmother. And wicked isn't even the start of it, what she's doing is flat out abuse in some cases, as she's treated more as a commodity. I love Elle's grit throughout and her drive to rescue her good stepsister out of their chaotic home as the stepmother is more interested in scams. Along the way, she meets Dex, a mysterious man who takes a while to develop, but by the halfway point of the serial, I grew attached to him.
Most of the characters were rather brutal and nasty, which fit with the theme of life not being fair and having to get everything you wanted out of grit. I do like how some characters are rather sly, and their true motives are hidden until much later in the story.
The world building was immersive and fleshed out. It's a modern world with shifters, vampires, fae, and humans living with magic all around them, and there's tons of lore that's revealed slowly over the course of the serial, that shocked me a couple of times as things were unveiled.
The pacing was for the most part great, but there were some sections in parts 2 and 3 that felt like filler to get six episodes in. The rest was great, with the intensity building at the end of each part to get readers to buy the next part, or for me, listen to the next part immediately. Even the climax and ending had hints of sequel hook, despite the satisfying ending.
I enjoyed the story more than I thought and I can't wait to read more from Rachel Morgan!
October 15, 2025
This book set is a great way to read these books. They really feel more like novellas. I was surprised each time I transitioned from one book to another as each felt a little short, so I was grateful that I didn’t have to hunt the next book down. I could just consume it at my leisure.
To me this book set wasn’t as good as other books I have read by Rachel Morgan. It felt rushed and lacked the whimsy that I currently know from her. The idea and the characters are great, but they are swept along in her attempt to make sure that the plot gets told. I feel like if she had written this as one book it would be a little slower and a touch more funny.
To be fair to Morgan the ideas that she is presenting aren’t ment to be fun or wimsical. Slavery, discrimination, abuse, treason, and revolution are all hard topics to talk/write about. The premise of them being in a Cinderella story is not that hard a reach as the fairy tale deals with some of these ideas to begin with.
I loved the setting and world building she placed her Cinderella story in. With there being technology of modern day, while adding the magic of picksies, fae, vampires, and shifters. it created a dynamic and rich world that I could see her playing with again (Maybe she has). It was fun to read Cinderella as a urban fantasy Rachel Morgan style.
I would recommend this book to those who like fairy tails with fun spins, characters who strive to do what’s right, and magic. Lots and lots of magic.
To me this book set wasn’t as good as other books I have read by Rachel Morgan. It felt rushed and lacked the whimsy that I currently know from her. The idea and the characters are great, but they are swept along in her attempt to make sure that the plot gets told. I feel like if she had written this as one book it would be a little slower and a touch more funny.
To be fair to Morgan the ideas that she is presenting aren’t ment to be fun or wimsical. Slavery, discrimination, abuse, treason, and revolution are all hard topics to talk/write about. The premise of them being in a Cinderella story is not that hard a reach as the fairy tale deals with some of these ideas to begin with.
I loved the setting and world building she placed her Cinderella story in. With there being technology of modern day, while adding the magic of picksies, fae, vampires, and shifters. it created a dynamic and rich world that I could see her playing with again (Maybe she has). It was fun to read Cinderella as a urban fantasy Rachel Morgan style.
I would recommend this book to those who like fairy tails with fun spins, characters who strive to do what’s right, and magic. Lots and lots of magic.
November 13, 2020
Well that was the best 1.99 I've spent in awhile. Thanks, Chirp.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Cinderella; City of Wishes is a retelling of Cinderella with fae, vampires, shapeshifters, and a Godmother (more like The Godfather 😂). Retellings can be hits or misses. I'm not always the biggest fan of them. And it's been ages since I've been able to make it through an audiobook. Luckily, City of Wishes was a big hit as a book and with it's narrator. I picked it up recently on Chirp, which is an audiobook site that constantly offers discounts. It's the Bookbub of audiobooks. I highly recommend. City of Wishes was originally released as a set of six novella episodes but I purchased it as a set. I hope to maybe see a sequel someday. Xander's story maybe? Or Sienna's? Orrr, hear me out... Xander and Sienna's??? 👀
Now to check out the author's other work. 💞
TW:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Cinderella; City of Wishes is a retelling of Cinderella with fae, vampires, shapeshifters, and a Godmother (more like The Godfather 😂). Retellings can be hits or misses. I'm not always the biggest fan of them. And it's been ages since I've been able to make it through an audiobook. Luckily, City of Wishes was a big hit as a book and with it's narrator. I picked it up recently on Chirp, which is an audiobook site that constantly offers discounts. It's the Bookbub of audiobooks. I highly recommend. City of Wishes was originally released as a set of six novella episodes but I purchased it as a set. I hope to maybe see a sequel someday. Xander's story maybe? Or Sienna's? Orrr, hear me out... Xander and Sienna's??? 👀
Now to check out the author's other work. 💞
TW:
Read
April 1, 2021I had no idea this was 6 books so I feel like I should get credit for them all. lol
Listened to it on audiobook and the narrator is absolutely fabulous. I'd never heard Arielle DeLisle before but she's a new favorite now.
Listened to it on audiobook and the narrator is absolutely fabulous. I'd never heard Arielle DeLisle before but she's a new favorite now.
May 25, 2020
Fun series. I really enjoyed all of the books in the series. Light-hearted and entertaining.
October 25, 2025
For fans of K.M. Shea who are grumpy about the hiatus, this one's for you.
This is a retold Cinderella story. There are references to a prince, a shoes, a Godmother, an evil stepmother, all of it, just not exactly the way you expect.
What really puts this book from fluffy little book to interesting is the different ideas. Sometimes urban fantasy, sometimes fairy-tale, this one is definitely different. There are 6 books, each a novella that continues the story. Because of that, the transitions from each book is a little choppy.
What pulls the story down are a few things:
First, the first story is solidly urban fantasy. The modern tech coupled with magic is fantastic. The problem is that as the stories continue, the modern references no longer feel like they fit (i.e. cars and phones). They're just not married well, if that makes sense.
Next, the romance isn't explored. They both just think the other is pretty darn cute, at some point there's some kissing, oh no what if they can't be together? But...you're pretty sure they will so you're not too worried about it.
Last, maybe just a titch TOO mushy. No one dies despite the pretty intense abductions, fights, anti-human stuff, dungeons, etc. Also, my own personal opinion, I didn't love how there was a quest.
The Godmother also...the problem is we never get a real bead on what's going on with her. And for a story that resolves itself entirely, I really think we should have.
My teenager daughter ate this up, I think I'm honestly just too old for it, but if you're looking for something clean and sweet, this'll do it.
Parental Guide: some biblical swearing and some make out scenes, nothing naughty. Slavery, violence, abduction, bigotry, etc.
This is a retold Cinderella story. There are references to a prince, a shoes, a Godmother, an evil stepmother, all of it, just not exactly the way you expect.
What really puts this book from fluffy little book to interesting is the different ideas. Sometimes urban fantasy, sometimes fairy-tale, this one is definitely different. There are 6 books, each a novella that continues the story. Because of that, the transitions from each book is a little choppy.
What pulls the story down are a few things:
First, the first story is solidly urban fantasy. The modern tech coupled with magic is fantastic. The problem is that as the stories continue, the modern references no longer feel like they fit (i.e. cars and phones). They're just not married well, if that makes sense.
Next, the romance isn't explored. They both just think the other is pretty darn cute, at some point there's some kissing, oh no what if they can't be together? But...you're pretty sure they will so you're not too worried about it.
Last, maybe just a titch TOO mushy. No one dies despite the pretty intense abductions, fights, anti-human stuff, dungeons, etc. Also, my own personal opinion, I didn't love how there was a quest.
The Godmother also...the problem is we never get a real bead on what's going on with her. And for a story that resolves itself entirely, I really think we should have.
My teenager daughter ate this up, I think I'm honestly just too old for it, but if you're looking for something clean and sweet, this'll do it.
Parental Guide: some biblical swearing and some make out scenes, nothing naughty. Slavery, violence, abduction, bigotry, etc.
October 17, 2022
Where do I begin?
Rating : 5 ⭐️ Duh
Genre : ya fantasy / Cinderella retelling
Enjoyment: 12/10
I started this book during exam season 🤫 and really needed the escape. Previous books that I've tried to read didn't hold my attention until I started city of wishes. It pulled me out of a reading slump and brought me joy in a time of stress and anxiety. I hope that when you read this book, you'll experience the same joy and wonder that I did.
I LOVED everything about this book from the plot to the characters , the twists and turns and of course the budding romance between our prince and Human slave.
This was the best Cinderella retelling I have ever read. It had fae, vampires, shifters, humans and of course a godmother.
I hope we get more fae inspired retellings in the future *cough cough*
If you're not ready to buy the book, you could first listen to the audiobooks on Rachel's YouTube channel for FREE! How amazing is that!! Although I highly recommend buying it especially if you live in South africa like me, you can buy a signed copy from Rachel. I plan to buy this book, well as a Christmas gift to myself 😂.
Read this book if you like :
🪄 anything fae
🪄 twists you won't see coming
🪄 quests
🪄 forbidden romance (in the kings eyes)
🪄 well written magic system
🪄 an amazing story that Will make you forget where you are and read/listen non stop
While you're at it, you should pick up Rachel's other books. I can not stop recommending them😆.
Rating : 5 ⭐️ Duh
Genre : ya fantasy / Cinderella retelling
Enjoyment: 12/10
I started this book during exam season 🤫 and really needed the escape. Previous books that I've tried to read didn't hold my attention until I started city of wishes. It pulled me out of a reading slump and brought me joy in a time of stress and anxiety. I hope that when you read this book, you'll experience the same joy and wonder that I did.
I LOVED everything about this book from the plot to the characters , the twists and turns and of course the budding romance between our prince and Human slave.
This was the best Cinderella retelling I have ever read. It had fae, vampires, shifters, humans and of course a godmother.
I hope we get more fae inspired retellings in the future *cough cough*
If you're not ready to buy the book, you could first listen to the audiobooks on Rachel's YouTube channel for FREE! How amazing is that!! Although I highly recommend buying it especially if you live in South africa like me, you can buy a signed copy from Rachel. I plan to buy this book, well as a Christmas gift to myself 😂.
Read this book if you like :
🪄 anything fae
🪄 twists you won't see coming
🪄 quests
🪄 forbidden romance (in the kings eyes)
🪄 well written magic system
🪄 an amazing story that Will make you forget where you are and read/listen non stop
While you're at it, you should pick up Rachel's other books. I can not stop recommending them😆.
June 13, 2021
As a whole, this really wasn’t a bad book at all. Sure, it was a little predictable, cheesy, and or convenient at points but it was still interesting and overall, well-written.
It’s set within an interesting world where humans are treated as a lesser species. Elle (a human) has a unique gift -one that others want to exploit- that definitely kicks off the plot in an interesting way.It’s definitely got the Cinderella thing going for it as well -with a twist of course. The characters are intriguing enough too -Elle kind of reminds me of Jude from the Cruel Prince because she’s got the shrewd determination and wary intelligence of someone who has lived in a world that is overall hostile to her, but she’s also clearly a good person. Dex is kind of standard to be honest, but I mean, sometimes it can be refreshing to read books where the good guy actually happens to be a good guy. I would say as a whole some more character depth for everyone would have been appreciated, but it wasn’t the end of the world.
Honestly, as a whole, it wasn’t bad. I think the book started off very promisingly, and while it wasn’t as unique or creative as I was hoping it was still enjoyable and definitely worth reading!
It’s set within an interesting world where humans are treated as a lesser species. Elle (a human) has a unique gift -one that others want to exploit- that definitely kicks off the plot in an interesting way.It’s definitely got the Cinderella thing going for it as well -with a twist of course. The characters are intriguing enough too -Elle kind of reminds me of Jude from the Cruel Prince because she’s got the shrewd determination and wary intelligence of someone who has lived in a world that is overall hostile to her, but she’s also clearly a good person. Dex is kind of standard to be honest, but I mean, sometimes it can be refreshing to read books where the good guy actually happens to be a good guy. I would say as a whole some more character depth for everyone would have been appreciated, but it wasn’t the end of the world.
Honestly, as a whole, it wasn’t bad. I think the book started off very promisingly, and while it wasn’t as unique or creative as I was hoping it was still enjoyable and definitely worth reading!
May 16, 2024
It's an urban novel fantasy of cinderella's story.
The story unfolds in the lively city of Los Angeles, following the adventures of Elle, a young woman who uncovers her extraordinary powers and gets caught up in a hidden realm of supernatural creatures and political schemes.
It has a fast-paced narrative, packed with surprises that will keep you hooked with every twist and turn.
the vibrant descriptions of the cityscape and enchanting magical elements truly bring the world of "City of Wishes" to life, drawing readers into its captivating atmosphere.
All in all, "City of Wishes" is an engaging and captivating read that will have you want to continue to the next part immediately
The main audience is young adults and adults
The story unfolds in the lively city of Los Angeles, following the adventures of Elle, a young woman who uncovers her extraordinary powers and gets caught up in a hidden realm of supernatural creatures and political schemes.
It has a fast-paced narrative, packed with surprises that will keep you hooked with every twist and turn.
the vibrant descriptions of the cityscape and enchanting magical elements truly bring the world of "City of Wishes" to life, drawing readers into its captivating atmosphere.
All in all, "City of Wishes" is an engaging and captivating read that will have you want to continue to the next part immediately
The main audience is young adults and adults
June 14, 2020
I thought the story line was very innovative. And the world building was good, I definitely got the picture and it was interesting. However the heroine was a bit too heavy handed, too young and strident I suppose, which made parts of the narrative seem forced. I guessed a few things right away, things about which I would have thought she might question. She just lacked subtlety. I’m glad I read it, and it is true that I rarely put down a book or in this case 7(!) if I haven’t finished it. But I’m not inclined to read more of this author after this.
January 17, 2021
Awesome!
The fitting title 'Cinderella retold'.
An extremely soothing story. Paranormal stories always have huge amount of romance, to the point of embarrassing young readers but this was not like that. I actually completed the whole series in 2.5 days and loved it.
The only thing that I think was incompleted is the ending with respect to 'Sienna' which could have been more... Nice?
Anyway it's worth a read!!
The fitting title 'Cinderella retold'.
An extremely soothing story. Paranormal stories always have huge amount of romance, to the point of embarrassing young readers but this was not like that. I actually completed the whole series in 2.5 days and loved it.
The only thing that I think was incompleted is the ending with respect to 'Sienna' which could have been more... Nice?
Anyway it's worth a read!!
January 2, 2022
Fae, vampires, shifters, and humans come together to enliven this retelling of Cinderella, complete with a "crime lord"-like Godmother and combat boots over glass slippers. An interesting and limited magical system combined with technology. A fun read with lots of pros but it lacks diversity and shows too much optimism over the easiness of ending slavery. Everyone is described as "fair-skinned" and white.
March 26, 2022
A marvelous and very original twist on Cinderella. Suspense and surprises throughout the series but especially in this final book. Quite fun!
Only caveat I have it that formerly incarcerated individuals asked for and were able to use laptops and cell phone after over a decade in a prison where they had no such access. Who memorizes cell numbers?? Technology changes far too much in ten years for this to be remotely believable...but it's a fantasy fiction after all.
Only caveat I have it that formerly incarcerated individuals asked for and were able to use laptops and cell phone after over a decade in a prison where they had no such access. Who memorizes cell numbers?? Technology changes far too much in ten years for this to be remotely believable...but it's a fantasy fiction after all.
September 4, 2023
El and Dex
This book was ultimately an urban fantasy but it had a small plot of romance that I really liked. It was sweet and low key. There was a Cinderella vibe to it throughout the books although it was very tame, it was a fun addition. I loved how the divide between races was discussed and loved all the characters you meet along the way. I found El’s powers really interesting and all in all I thought she was a really nice person n and very likeable, same with Dex.
This book was ultimately an urban fantasy but it had a small plot of romance that I really liked. It was sweet and low key. There was a Cinderella vibe to it throughout the books although it was very tame, it was a fun addition. I loved how the divide between races was discussed and loved all the characters you meet along the way. I found El’s powers really interesting and all in all I thought she was a really nice person n and very likeable, same with Dex.
July 11, 2024
I stumbled across this series on one of those "Stuff your ereader Free Book days" and only recently got to read it, and I absolutely loved it!
Part 1 and 2 were done as audiobooks last week when I was busy with some housework, and by then, I was so drawn in that I had to immediately leave all my other reading and continue the other 4 parts! I could have literally binged all 6 parts in one sitting. It was so good!!
It is a Cinderella Retelling filled with vampires, shifters, and of course,magic!! So, so good!
Now I'm even more excited to read "From Storm and Shadow" by the same author, which I purchased ages ago and has been sitting on my TBR for way too long!
Part 1 and 2 were done as audiobooks last week when I was busy with some housework, and by then, I was so drawn in that I had to immediately leave all my other reading and continue the other 4 parts! I could have literally binged all 6 parts in one sitting. It was so good!!
It is a Cinderella Retelling filled with vampires, shifters, and of course,magic!! So, so good!
Now I'm even more excited to read "From Storm and Shadow" by the same author, which I purchased ages ago and has been sitting on my TBR for way too long!
April 16, 2020
Good but...
The ending felt way too sudden. And are we really supposed to believe that the Godmother is just going to leave Elle alone after manipulating her and everyone else all the way for what... a happy ending? Eh. It needed a better wrap up though, although I was glad for the happy ending.
The ending felt way too sudden. And are we really supposed to believe that the Godmother is just going to leave Elle alone after manipulating her and everyone else all the way for what... a happy ending? Eh. It needed a better wrap up though, although I was glad for the happy ending.
August 21, 2020
It’s best to buy all the books, each book is a cliffhanger and so, happy I did. This story had the familiarity of Cinderella story, of course, but with a twist of magic. I love the characters and how it keep you guessing. It was adventurous, charming, mysterious, and out right beautiful storyline. Rachel Morgan will not fail you on YA paranormal romance stories!
February 8, 2023
City of Wishes Is an entertaining fantasy story based on Cinderella with magical creatures including fae and shifters as well as a godmother who’s a bit twisted. This story is appropriate for younger readers/ listeners but entertaining enough for adults to enjoy. I’d recommend it for age 10 and over.
The narrator of the audiobook does a good job bringing the story to life.
The narrator of the audiobook does a good job bringing the story to life.
June 30, 2020
3-1/2***
Fae are usually twisted types that love to play games not usually fun for the live "pieces". All help comes with a cost or penalty for not thinking up a way to get yourself out of trouble to begin with. Readers are bound to pity the maze-runners. Feel-good ending included, eventually.
Fae are usually twisted types that love to play games not usually fun for the live "pieces". All help comes with a cost or penalty for not thinking up a way to get yourself out of trouble to begin with. Readers are bound to pity the maze-runners. Feel-good ending included, eventually.
May 10, 2021
A really interesting take on the Cinderella story and how fae and other creatures can co-exist. Some great characters and lots of plot twists. Some I guessed, but not all. The ending was a bit rushed, but otherwise an enjoyable read.
January 18, 2025
I really liked it! Enjoyed the world building and characters! I wished the ending was more complete or satisfying. I could see this world more expanded and hoped there might be more or a spin off.
3.6 out of 5 rating for me!
3.6 out of 5 rating for me!
January 5, 2020
I love a good Cinderella story and the twists in this book brought it to another level. I finished reading the series in two days because I couldn't put it down, and I could start it again tomorrow!
February 2, 2020
Such a fun read! A retelling if Cinderella. Loved the Characters in this store. Especially the Fairy Godmother she is something else.
March 5, 2020
Loved this series!
I had trouble putting this down. A beautiful twist on Cinderella that keeps you wanting more! Definitely a series I could read over and over!
I had trouble putting this down. A beautiful twist on Cinderella that keeps you wanting more! Definitely a series I could read over and over!
March 29, 2020
Amazing twist on a traditional fairytale. I found the writing similar to the writing of Sara Cannon.
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