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Abused but not beaten, I will break the curse.

With the reason behind her mother’s death revealed, it’s a race for Eloise to exact her revenge and prevent her stepsisters from marrying the prince. However, amidst the glittering jewels and colorful ball gowns, the royal court holds secrets of its own that will devastate Eloise and strike a final blow to her plans. Betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust, Eloise questions how far she’s willing to go for revenge.

62,950

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2019

59 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

M.J. Haag

37 books1,012 followers
MJ Haag is the bestselling author of the Beastly Tales and the Resurrection Chronicles. Writing as both MJ Haag and Melissa Haag, she has sold more than three hundred thousand copies worldwide and authored several other series, including the Judgement of the Six and Of Fates and Furies.

She thinks bios written in third person are hilariously pretentious and doesn't take much in life seriously, including her author photo.

She lives in Wisconsin with her three children and husband.

Connect with the Author:
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Check out her YA books at melissahaag.com


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5 stars
191 (52%)
4 stars
108 (29%)
3 stars
56 (15%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Clifton.
117 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2020
What a lovely series

While I enjoyed this book series SO much!! Now I have to reread the beastly tales so I can figure out WHO THE PIG IS!!! I read the last books years ago! I’m absolutely dying to hear of Kellen! I need her story tomorrow.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,856 reviews177 followers
October 14, 2019
I was looking forward to the last book in this trilogy for a while already and finally last week I found the paperback on Amazon! And the last book did certainly not disappoint. Not only did we get those parts of the Cinderella tale that didn't make it into the first two books, but the loose ends were all tied up quite nicely too!

I'm not sure how many of the so called unexpected turns should have been unexpected. Most of them I already guessed and saw coming, although Haag did have a few surprises up her sleeve too. But, I actually don't mind it when storylines and character developments don't come out of nowhere. I like it when they're hinted at, when the reader can see them coming. It's a sign of a good build up and I really love those.

I also really love Eloise. She's an easy to connect and identify with character. She's in a way as powerless as Cinderella, but she also possesses determination and willpower. In a way she makes choices to shield as many other people as she can, and yet she also dares to take risks at times moving the story along. It's the combination of the beautiful and kind young lady with a fierce and strong streak that truly worked for me.

I have to admit that I'm not entirely sold on Kaven, but that's more because I think he deserved to get more time to shine on his own. He was now, just as the original prince, nothing but a side character in Eloise's story. I think I would have cared much more about him and their relationship if I had seen more of him, and not just through Eloises eyes. But, hey, you can't always get everything you want.

All in all, this was a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I can't wait to read Kellen's story, because it sounds like an amazing and interesting tale!
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
June 8, 2021
6 Stars!
This is not like a Disney Fairy Tale -it's so much better! I love this 3 book series. What a fabulous twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale! This is definitely a very dark tale! This is NOT a book for younger readers. There are some really violent moments I wouldn't want a younger reader to see. I'm trying to keep from writing any spoilers, as it will be a better reading experience with no knowledge of what's going on.

This was another can't put it down type of book -as were the first 2 books in the series- and then I had another book-hangover. I Loved the HEA Eloise ended up with, it was perfect. Book 1 & 2 had a slow simmer romance going, book 3 in the series is the one that had the swooning romance & all the feels, and it was so worth the wait! I did not see anything coming in this book. This ends with an HEA for Eloise, but with loads of questions left for Kellen's story. I can't wait to dive into Kellen's story now!

My Star Rating defined:
1 Star = DNF. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, this is MY opinion.
2 Stars = Finished, but didn’t really enjoy, was at least able to finish the book.
3 Stars = Story was neither good nor bad, no interest in continuing with series.
3.5 Stars = Finished. Story was good enough to probably pick up next in series.
4 Stars = Enjoyed the story & will continue with the series.
4.5 Stars = Loved it, but some little something was off, will continue with the series.
5 Stars = Absolutely loved it, will continue with series & would highly recommend to others!
6 Stars = Stole my heart! Add to favorites & definitely re-read!
Profile Image for Sarah Quilt.
136 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2022
Trigger warning for attempted rape, violence against women, parental abuse, torture.

With a lot of the terrible things the main character has to suffer through, even though she is a teenager, I do not believe these should be considered young adult books. This would have absolutely ruined me if I had read it as a teen. I enjoyed overall this Cinderella retelling, but I definitely think it was a bit too much at times. I did love the epilogue though and the eventual HEA. It would have been nice to get more time with Kaven though, for a break from what Eloise was going through. Although in this third book she did take her power back and developed a lot and grew versus the second book where she was mostly the victim.

Even with the disturbing parts, I'm still interested enough to desperately want to know what happened to the sister Kellen. I really hope we get a Snow White storyline for her.
Profile Image for Kayla.
1,706 reviews17 followers
February 2, 2021
All in all a good conclusion

Can't say it's my favorite fairy tale retelling but it was definitely good. The story building of the trilogy, the harshness of the story, the fact that it was a bit more gruesome like the original story with the twist of being adult made it intriguing for me.

I liked it!

4 stars
Profile Image for Genieinachanelbottle.
364 reviews35 followers
September 10, 2019
M.J. Haag has truly masterd the dark arts with her twisted take on Cinderella,
Damnation is a fascinating blend of Fairytale romance N chilling Horror! Magic N malevolence stroll hand in hand, my heart was racing with fear N excitement until the last page!

Deception runs wild as Eloise plays a deadly game of cat N mouse with her evil stepmother N stepsisters. Eloise is a spirited little spitfire that's spark won't die no matter how hard her wicked stepmother tries to snuff it out! The scorching chemistry between Kaven N Eloise is absolutely delicious, I couldn't get enough of their passion N playful banter! I really love that even though this story is on the darker side M.J. Haag infused it with plenty of humor to balance it out!

The ending is pure perfect N only has me hungry for more I can't wait for Kellen's story!!! 5 Stunning Stars all the way! 💋💋

Merged review:

M.J. Haag has truly masterd the dark arts with her twisted take on Cinderella,
Damnation is a fascinating blend of Fairytale romance N chilling Horror! Magic N malevolence stroll hand in hand, my heart was racing with fear N excitement until the last page!

Deception runs wild as Eloise plays a deadly game of cat N mouse with her evil stepmother N stepsisters. Eloise is a spirited little spitfire that's spark won't die no matter how hard her wicked stepmother tries to snuff it out! The scorching chemistry between Kaven N Eloise is absolutely delicious, I couldn't get enough of their passion N playful banter! I really love that even though this story is on the darker side M.J. Haag infused it with plenty of humor to balance it out!

The ending is pure perfect N only has me hungry for more I can't wait for Kellen's story!!! 5 Stunning Stars all the way! 💋💋
Profile Image for Ira.
741 reviews14 followers
September 11, 2019
"Damnation" is the final book in the Tales of Cinder series by M.J. Haag, a rather dark retelling of the tale of Cinderella. If you haven't read the other books yet, don't touch this book, don't go there, go back and start right at the beginning!
This is the finale and it is amazing! I wish that I could simply say "I knew it", which, in a way, I can say that but there were so many unexpected twists and turns that it wasn't as easy as that even though my instincts were spot on. Sort of. Mostly. Though there was much more to it and things were not as simple as I thought. This book really kept me on my toes and took me on a roller coaster of emotions! I you loved Defiant and Disdain, you will definitely love this great conclusion to the series!
Now, though, I'll have to be patient again (which is soooooo not my strongest suit) because there's still Kellen's story waiting to be told...
Profile Image for Krista.
1,128 reviews31 followers
September 16, 2019
I only gave it 4 stars because it had a "happy" ending and I loved Kraven. Their sex scene was well done and very natural. At least I thought so.
At the end, I enjoyed how Kraven was worried that she was going to run away and how she admitted that he was worried for a good reason but that she planned on making it up to him.

Spoilers ahead++++++++++++++++

Still not happy with this series, sorry. I assumed Eloise would be thrilled once she realized Kraven was the elder prince (I actually suspected this back in book 1), since she knew she had to marry the prince, but no. Oh well.

And why the hell did Rose wait so long before getting involved if she could fix it all????

It was frustrating and I hope other people enjoy this series for MJ's sake.
Profile Image for Hetal.
804 reviews112 followers
May 1, 2023
I enjoyed it. It's definitely a darker tale, but if The general TW stuff doesn't bother you/ you can separate yourself from it, you'll probably enjoy this refreshingly dark take on Cinderella.

It was so satisfying when the truth came out. I want more on the pig's story, and I'm pretty disappointed the author left Kellen's story untold. It's clear from the epilogue she meant to write it, but never did.

To have Eloise never see her sister again after you see the bond they have in book 1 was heartbreaking.

The emotions felt a bit rushed between Eloise and Kaven, but their romance wasn't truly the centerpiece of this story.

All I can say is Maeve truly takes the cake for most evil and twisted Cinderella step-mother I've read about....and I've read a lot of retellings!

I genuinely hope the author finishes Kellen's story instead of leaving it unfinished. It leaves this story unfinished and it can never be 5 stars if it's unfinished.
Profile Image for Dee Dooley.
181 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2024
A Very Dark Tale

This story was labeled “darker than the Beauty and the Beast retelling” and that turned out to be a gross understatement.

The brutality in this 3 book series was far beyond what I expected and excessive in my opinion. While I have read of real life situations of extreme torture and abuse, this just bordered on gratuitous and unnecessary in its excessive gruesomeness and horror.

Although I did pat myself on the back for guessing Kaven was the elusive prince Greyden all along, but I didn’t guess that the pseudo Prince was his little brother Garreth born the night his mother died when Eloise’s mother’s strength was irrevocably lost in trying to save the queen’s life while giving birth while also under attack by evil sorceress Maeve.
Profile Image for Country Goose.
1,131 reviews12 followers
September 26, 2020
Where Do I Start?

The world building is magnificent! This is no ordinary retelling. No fluff and no light reading. No, this is deep. It holds darkness and evil. It holds true defiance and determination that we can only dream to push through. This isn't a Disney sing along. This is the retelling that would make Grimm proud. After reading, there's still mystery.

We get a few references of the Beastly Tales, seeing Rose, Blye, and.... the pig. I wish there was a bit more, but I have a feeling we'll see more of this world.
Profile Image for Gemma.
550 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2020
A great ending

This book had a lot of ups and downs a rollercoaster of emotions, of betrayal and deceit, of protection and love. A brillant book which was also very dark featuring a Heroine who fights for those she deems worthy even whilst being beaten, abused, threatened but is still strong in her defiance. A very good series with a lively HEA ending and looking forward to Kellens story
Profile Image for Jericho McKraven.
Author 1 book14 followers
March 11, 2020
I love the darkness of this book. I love the indomitable spirit that IS Eloise Cartwright. I love that she got her happily ever after and the Kingdom was set to rights.

It's a little light on romance, I could have used a bit more of that... 🤔 who knows, maybe some day I'll do my own retelling and give the prince a more primary role. 😝
3 reviews
September 14, 2020
Excellent ending to trilogy! My heart is still racing from the excitement! When I started this series, I was considering not reading book 2 because book 1 was so slow, but the ending cliffhanger in book 1 hooked me in and thank goodness it did!

I loved how characters bled in from the beastly series. I can't wait to hear Kellen's story!!!
Profile Image for Myisha.
85 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2021
So good!

This trilogy was dark but so good. I have devoted the last 4 days to reading it. The main character is determined, strong, and has a temper compared to cinder. I really liked her a lot. She is a survivor and her endurance made the story so much richer. Now Rose, who is also in the beastly tales, needs more books. I just love her! A must read.
290 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2021
Excellent with a HEA

I really liked the story. Mauve, the stepmother, is very easy to hate. I just wish there was more romance and less gruesome details about the stepmother’s mayhem. Both main characters are very likable and very entertaining . I really can’t wait for Kellan’s book.
Profile Image for Ashlyn Smith.
406 reviews
December 31, 2021
The final book in the tales of cinder really brought together all of the twisted fairy tale origins of Cinderella, or more so of Rose Red and Snow White. I really enjoyed the series and they're quick reads that have some heavy aspects to them while still remaining magical. There are multiple instances of sexual assault, for those who are triggered by that.
Profile Image for Mrsbooks.
1,079 reviews15 followers
February 11, 2020
Review for all three books:

I didn't enjoy this anywhere near as much as I had her Beauty and the Beast series. I felt that this was very slow moving. Nowhere near enough romance. The Heroine seemed to go through SO MUCH and I felt that it... not quite washed off her... but I didn't feel the emotional consequences going through such trials would have on someone.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,538 reviews63 followers
October 3, 2021
Excellent

This was an excellent conclusion to the series. I think that it was all wrapped up perfectly. I cannot wait to read Kellen's story.
Profile Image for Candy Laine.
Author 7 books8 followers
June 15, 2023
That had a number of twists and turns that I didn't expect. Like the resolution. And now I am waiting for Tales of Snow
Profile Image for Jennifer.
40 reviews
July 19, 2023
great retelling story

I really liked the retelling of Cinderella I hope she will write more of Snow Whites story but over all very good story’s
Profile Image for Ashley Sims.
7 reviews
February 22, 2025
Amazing Conclusion!!!!!!!!!!

Loved the plot twists, and the suspense, and drama!!!!!!! Hope the Tales of Snow is just as good. Can't wait to start them.
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,870 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2020
Ding Dong

Adult content, reader discretion advised. Violence and sexual assault scenes. So Step-Mama is evil. She then brings two, I'll go with the term adopted, daughter to wreak havoc on a kingdom. They all get their comeuppance. Now to read Snow's story.
Profile Image for Laura.
228 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2019
What an ending for a brilliant trilogy! I’ve discovered another jewel and without a doubt, the best book in the saga.

This conclusion is full of tension, more romance between Kaven and Eloise (I was really looking forward to it), frustration and plot twists. Maeve’s cruelty knows no limits and Cecilia shows she is as sick as her mother. There are also some surprises regarding Eloise’s stepsisters.
It has been an emotional rollercoaster with little room for hope and, on occasions, you could actually feel Eloise desperation.

I’m also beginning to think Rose will be an important character in this universe. Like a twisted goddess who deep inside is just marshmallow.

I couldn’t put it down until I knew the end, it got me hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommended for mature readers; some passages are not for young readers.

This trilogy is not as sexual as the Beastly Tales between the two main characters (I might have missed that a bit) but its darkness regarding human depravity and cruelty is much stronger and heartbreaking.


Profile Image for BlueBug.
895 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2019
This story was went pretty deep to begin with, but it got even darker and deeper in this final book of the trilogy. Eloise continues to put herself in mortal danger as she searches for a way to escape and save the prince from the wicked workings of Maeve and her terrible step-sisters. She's thwarted at every turn, and her only hope is to keep her wits as she navigates the magic and mayhem in hopes of saving the prince and her newfound friendship with Kaven.

The twists and turns of this story are magnificent. The characters are frighteningly vivid, and the tale is a labyrinth of fear and hope. The ending was perfection and gave us a peek at the upcoming retelling of the Snow White tale. It is another retelling I'm truly looking forward to.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
465 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2019
Whaaaaa? This book slayed me. The whole series did really. Damnation is the final book in the Tales of Cinder trilogy. This book has mystery, intrigue, and everything you want in a fairytale.

Since it is book 3, I will not say too much lest I ruin the amazingness that is this book for someone else. Let's just say the plot is on point. The characters are beyond dynamic. The heat fits the story perfectly. The writing style draws you in and holds you captive!

I would recommend this series to others. If you love twists on fairytales, then pick you up a copy. You will not be disappointed.

Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Profile Image for Heather De Los Reyes.
429 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2019
A mix of a little fairytale and a lot of evil

The writing alone for this book was on point and really flowed together to bring one of the best/epic retellings of the classic Cinderella story. I thought it the author did an amazing job creating a world where the magic is dark but there is also a light magic that tries to help keep the dark at bay. Cinder having to traverse Maeve and her step sisters with out Snow was inspiring. She stuck through all the hardships that were given to her and handled them so strong. Of course the prince twist was something that had me yelling. I absolutely love this story!
Profile Image for Roxanne.
265 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2019
Strong and Selfless

Damnation was an excellent ending to Cinder's trilogy. It's amazing that Maeve can go even darker, but she does. Eloise is trying to spare the Prince from enduring Maeve or either of her daughters while surviving Maeve's continuing torture. Then everything Eloise thought she knew...changes when the Prince finally makes his appearance. Snow's trilogy is slated for Summer 2020 and then we'll finally know what happened to Kellen, now that we know the ending to Eloise's journey.
10 reviews
September 18, 2019
What a ride! I loved every single page of this book. I had my suspicions on who Kaven was from the moment he met Eloise. I loved Eloise's character as I find her so strong and stays an independant woman in front of the King and the princes. M.J. Haag brought her characters to life in my head, so much so that I felt like I was a bystander in every scene taking place, and it wasn't very difficult to truly hate Maeve and Cecilia.
I love the fairy tale world that the author created ever since the Beastly Tales, and I cannot wait for Snow White's story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
Author 16 books7 followers
September 14, 2019
Fantasy fairytale retelling at its best!!

This book concludes the Tales of Cinder trilogy in a most fabulous, just, and satisfying way. Though not quite as gruesome as the original tale of Cinderella, this story weaves true, heart-stopping evil alongside sensual, heart-pounding romance in a way that leaves you frantically trying to catch your breath.
I can’t wait to read the Tales of Snow. Or the next installment in the Resurrection series. Or the Fury/Kiss and Claw world. Actually, I’m off to pre-order this author’s next book right now...
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