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Fairy Tale Royals #1
Shard of Glass
Once she was a noblewoman.
Now she is a palace servant.
Ashlin never pictured herself scrubbing floors. But with the family savings depleted and her stepmother crippled by grief, Ashlin selflessly takes a job at the royal palace. She can pursue her dreams of becoming a seamstress someday in the future.
However, as she forms an unlikely friendship with the prince, she learns that the future may not be so certain. Wielders of a powerful magic threaten their small coastal kingdom and Prince Onric does not believe that their defenses will hold.
As Ashlin navigates growing feelings for the charming prince, she realizes that her unique skills could help save the kingdom. But can she trust the charming prince or he is merely exploiting her selfless nature?
Shard of Glass is a fantasy retelling of Cinderella. Discover a world where heroines can be both powerful and worthy of protection. If you love sweet romance, a little bit of magic, and heart-melting conversations, then this story was written for you.
Now she is a palace servant.
Ashlin never pictured herself scrubbing floors. But with the family savings depleted and her stepmother crippled by grief, Ashlin selflessly takes a job at the royal palace. She can pursue her dreams of becoming a seamstress someday in the future.
However, as she forms an unlikely friendship with the prince, she learns that the future may not be so certain. Wielders of a powerful magic threaten their small coastal kingdom and Prince Onric does not believe that their defenses will hold.
As Ashlin navigates growing feelings for the charming prince, she realizes that her unique skills could help save the kingdom. But can she trust the charming prince or he is merely exploiting her selfless nature?
Shard of Glass is a fantasy retelling of Cinderella. Discover a world where heroines can be both powerful and worthy of protection. If you love sweet romance, a little bit of magic, and heart-melting conversations, then this story was written for you.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2020
431 people are currently reading
2142 people want to read
About the author
Emily Deady
11 books159 followersEmily Deady was as an avid reader who hated writing. But one day she realized that most authors loved cats and tea, her two favorite things. So, she stopped fighting the inevitable and she began to write. She loves a good romance, her real life hero who patiently listens to all her plotlines, and hitting the trails for light hike in sunny San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
April 10, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling
I was in the mood for a simple but cute and clean fairytale retelling—and this one was just that! Minus the horrible stepmother that made me want to bust out some MMA fighter moves (cue Popeye saying “why I oughta 🤨😤😠”), this was a delightful story. Very cute, very sweet.
Just when I thought the stepmother was going to be a nice one. 😫😤😠😡 I was a invested into the story just to see her get some comeuppance. Ashlin was being played like a fiddle by her.
Ashlin has been manipulated so much by her stepmother that some how she thinks that Onric is manipulating her without even thinking that the stepmother is truly the one in the wrong. This brought in some stupidly harsh words and angst in the third half of the book that I would have liked to skip over, but I still read it. I liked Ashlin regardless, though.
Onric was an overeager prince with a bit of insecurities himself, but I loved him for his joy of being around Ashlin and his protectiveness towards her. Perhaps he fell for her shortly after their first meeting, I really don’t care because they were cute. 🥰
I did feel like I was missing something with the magic system and all the mentions of the Majis (evil magic people??) but it’s eventually explained decently and I was honestly here for the cute couple and seeing the stepmother eat crow rather than fantasy elements. 🤷🏻♀️ Not everything is wrapped up or fully explained in this book, though, so I expect there will be more about it in the rest of the series.
I didn’t mean to stay up until 4am reading this book, I was actually pretty tired when I started reading, but the pages flew by pretty fast and oh, well, oops, there goes a decent sleep schedule. This book ends with a major lead in to the next book of the series, so I’ll have to read that one soon.
I would say about the same romance level (if not a bit less) than Melanie Cellier's fairytale retellings as a comparable.
Main Content-
Majis are the magic users of this world and have been locked away for 250 years with their return coming soon and many believe they are going to be back for vengeance; It’s said that the Majis created things that were used for “destruction or torture” and had the non-magical be their slaves (which makes Ashlin uncomfortable with using a magical item, but it doesn’t feel evil); Someone says that Majis’ source of power is from “seeds of chaos” and can only be accessed from pain or inflicting pain on others (torture); Majis have unique powers over the sea and they can create unnatural storms; Magic and magical items are illegal now; Onric finds a magical item and Ashlin uses it, they both feel the hum and direction of how to best use that item; *Spoilers* *Major Spoilers*.
Mentions of Majis, magical/enchanted items, them doing spells, & a curse; Mentions of kingdoms trying to work on creating magical defense items; Mentions of a monastery & monks.
No language stronger than ’stupid’ or ‘idiot’ which are both used a couple times; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Pain, Being slapped, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to a couple sentences); Onric punches someone.
Ashlin’s stepmother gaslights and manipulates her about many things, but also to believe her father’s death is her fault and that their current circumstances is also her fault; Ashlin’s stepmother harshly accused her of being selfish and causing her father’s death; *Spoilers* ; Onric has insecurities/jealousy about how everyone always wants his older brother and his brother always being perfect (and being compared to him by others).
Mentions of deaths & grief (Ashlin’s father from a shipwreck and the possibility of Onric’s parents passing away); Mentions of physical abuse (including Ashlin saying she deserved to be slapped by her stepmother); Mentions of arrests; Mentions of manipulation; A few mentions of torture; A few mentions of lies & not wanting to lie; A few mentions of alcohol; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of wars; A couple mentions of a place being looted.
1 hand kiss
5+ head/forehead kisses,
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
Staring at lips & Wanting to kiss (a sentence).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Tingles, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a couple sentences); Blushes & Winks; Noticing (up to a couple sentences and more sweet than lusting).
Onric tells Ashlin that he will not step into her personal space unless she asks him; Onric takes off his shirt so Ashlin can mend it and her eyes skim his bare chest and because she seems uncomfortable, he slips on his jerkin again (all of this is in his POV and there are no details); Ashlin’s stepsister allows her dress to show more of her collar area and it’s noted that Onric’s eyes do not linger on her.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of being in love; Mentions of flirting women & them trying to get to the crown prince; A couple mentions of jealousy.
I was in the mood for a simple but cute and clean fairytale retelling—and this one was just that! Minus the horrible stepmother that made me want to bust out some MMA fighter moves (cue Popeye saying “why I oughta 🤨😤😠”), this was a delightful story. Very cute, very sweet.
Just when I thought the stepmother was going to be a nice one. 😫😤😠😡 I was a invested into the story just to see her get some comeuppance. Ashlin was being played like a fiddle by her.
Ashlin has been manipulated so much by her stepmother that some how she thinks that Onric is manipulating her without even thinking that the stepmother is truly the one in the wrong. This brought in some stupidly harsh words and angst in the third half of the book that I would have liked to skip over, but I still read it. I liked Ashlin regardless, though.
Onric was an overeager prince with a bit of insecurities himself, but I loved him for his joy of being around Ashlin and his protectiveness towards her. Perhaps he fell for her shortly after their first meeting, I really don’t care because they were cute. 🥰
I did feel like I was missing something with the magic system and all the mentions of the Majis (evil magic people??) but it’s eventually explained decently and I was honestly here for the cute couple and seeing the stepmother eat crow rather than fantasy elements. 🤷🏻♀️ Not everything is wrapped up or fully explained in this book, though, so I expect there will be more about it in the rest of the series.
I didn’t mean to stay up until 4am reading this book, I was actually pretty tired when I started reading, but the pages flew by pretty fast and oh, well, oops, there goes a decent sleep schedule. This book ends with a major lead in to the next book of the series, so I’ll have to read that one soon.
I would say about the same romance level (if not a bit less) than Melanie Cellier's fairytale retellings as a comparable.
Main Content-
Majis are the magic users of this world and have been locked away for 250 years with their return coming soon and many believe they are going to be back for vengeance; It’s said that the Majis created things that were used for “destruction or torture” and had the non-magical be their slaves (which makes Ashlin uncomfortable with using a magical item, but it doesn’t feel evil); Someone says that Majis’ source of power is from “seeds of chaos” and can only be accessed from pain or inflicting pain on others (torture); Majis have unique powers over the sea and they can create unnatural storms; Magic and magical items are illegal now; Onric finds a magical item and Ashlin uses it, they both feel the hum and direction of how to best use that item; *Spoilers* *Major Spoilers*.
Mentions of Majis, magical/enchanted items, them doing spells, & a curse; Mentions of kingdoms trying to work on creating magical defense items; Mentions of a monastery & monks.
No language stronger than ’stupid’ or ‘idiot’ which are both used a couple times; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Pain, Being slapped, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to a couple sentences); Onric punches someone.
Ashlin’s stepmother gaslights and manipulates her about many things, but also to believe her father’s death is her fault and that their current circumstances is also her fault; Ashlin’s stepmother harshly accused her of being selfish and causing her father’s death; *Spoilers* ; Onric has insecurities/jealousy about how everyone always wants his older brother and his brother always being perfect (and being compared to him by others).
Mentions of deaths & grief (Ashlin’s father from a shipwreck and the possibility of Onric’s parents passing away); Mentions of physical abuse (including Ashlin saying she deserved to be slapped by her stepmother); Mentions of arrests; Mentions of manipulation; A few mentions of torture; A few mentions of lies & not wanting to lie; A few mentions of alcohol; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of wars; A couple mentions of a place being looted.
1 hand kiss
5+ head/forehead kisses,
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
Staring at lips & Wanting to kiss (a sentence).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Tingles, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to a couple sentences); Blushes & Winks; Noticing (up to a couple sentences and more sweet than lusting).
Onric tells Ashlin that he will not step into her personal space unless she asks him; Onric takes off his shirt so Ashlin can mend it and her eyes skim his bare chest and because she seems uncomfortable, he slips on his jerkin again (all of this is in his POV and there are no details); Ashlin’s stepsister allows her dress to show more of her collar area and it’s noted that Onric’s eyes do not linger on her.
Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of being in love; Mentions of flirting women & them trying to get to the crown prince; A couple mentions of jealousy.
August 14, 2020
Well....hmmm...
Positives: Good characterization of everyone. The protagonist was especially done well with her abuse situation (and by the way, it was NOT some, this boy came into my life, all my problems are fixed thing) and growth. There was also the intriguing world that was being built and just the beautiful characterization of everyone. The twist on Cinderella was very nice indeed and I liked how the author combined the Cinderella-godmither symbolism with both the dead mother contributing as well as the glass slipper and magic thing! A solid story with solid characters (sides included), plot, and progression to story.
Negatives: That said....I did feel the narrative and writing were a bit...fast sometimes. Such as the romance and side plot. Of COURSE I loved that finally there wasn't that awkward denying stage...buuuut, the change from affection to growing love could have been less abrupt? Or is that just me...also, I kind of wished we did get a bit more worldbuilding, though judging this is a series, I suspect we will be getting that.
Opinion: To be honest, it's not possible for me to hate this book. Not with such adorable cinnamon rolls as our main characters, one who likes subtle snark... Sure, I could have used more development on the romance and story as well as a bit more worldbuilding (though there WAS the right amount of info given, just to say), but the internal stories of the characters really things well. It's a biiiiit cheesy, in some ways, but this was a story that highly benefited from that.
All in all, a really great tale... I was actually pulled into this book by the second book's premise. So...here's to waiting!
Edit: forgot to mention this. But I really did like the romance despite my pickiness. Mostly because of what occurred at the end.
Content: Nothing but kissing. And some magical stuff but nothing gory or too dark
Positives: Good characterization of everyone. The protagonist was especially done well with her abuse situation (and by the way, it was NOT some, this boy came into my life, all my problems are fixed thing) and growth. There was also the intriguing world that was being built and just the beautiful characterization of everyone. The twist on Cinderella was very nice indeed and I liked how the author combined the Cinderella-godmither symbolism with both the dead mother contributing as well as the glass slipper and magic thing! A solid story with solid characters (sides included), plot, and progression to story.
Negatives: That said....I did feel the narrative and writing were a bit...fast sometimes. Such as the romance and side plot. Of COURSE I loved that finally there wasn't that awkward denying stage...buuuut, the change from affection to growing love could have been less abrupt? Or is that just me...also, I kind of wished we did get a bit more worldbuilding, though judging this is a series, I suspect we will be getting that.
Opinion: To be honest, it's not possible for me to hate this book. Not with such adorable cinnamon rolls as our main characters, one who likes subtle snark... Sure, I could have used more development on the romance and story as well as a bit more worldbuilding (though there WAS the right amount of info given, just to say), but the internal stories of the characters really things well. It's a biiiiit cheesy, in some ways, but this was a story that highly benefited from that.
All in all, a really great tale... I was actually pulled into this book by the second book's premise. So...here's to waiting!
Edit: forgot to mention this. But I really did like the romance despite my pickiness. Mostly because of what occurred at the end.
Content: Nothing but kissing. And some magical stuff but nothing gory or too dark
January 29, 2021
I love Cinderella retellings! This one was great with all the elements that make Cinderella great plus more!
May 22, 2023
dnf
I feel like this book is telling young women that if someone is abusing you it is completely acceptable. I know someone will tell me "That's not what happened and that's not what the author was trying to say." I'm sure it isn't what the author was trying to say but I was deeply disappointed and angry that Cinderella couldn't grow a backbone to save her life. That is why I stopped reading.
I understand that in the tale Cinderella is always abused but don't just let her take it when she can clearly leave. She may not end up living in the best place but that's better than what her situation is.
Cinderella is not a strong character at all. I couldn't even pity her. She just let people talk to her and treat her like trash because why not!
I feel like this book is telling young women that if someone is abusing you it is completely acceptable. I know someone will tell me "That's not what happened and that's not what the author was trying to say." I'm sure it isn't what the author was trying to say but I was deeply disappointed and angry that Cinderella couldn't grow a backbone to save her life. That is why I stopped reading.
I understand that in the tale Cinderella is always abused but don't just let her take it when she can clearly leave. She may not end up living in the best place but that's better than what her situation is.
Cinderella is not a strong character at all. I couldn't even pity her. She just let people talk to her and treat her like trash because why not!
January 13, 2024
A YA Cinderella retelling where the Cinderella character meets her prince before the ball as a scullery maid in the castle, in a world where magic is outlawed and considered dangerous.
I would consider this book a palate cleanser, for if you are looking for a light, cute read with romance and a bit more magic than in the original fairy tale.
I like how the author added something for depth into the Cinderella character: a passion for sewing and dreams of becoming a seamstress. We see Ashlin marvel over the qualities of fabric, design dresses in a sketch book, and make a custom ball gown for her step sister. This quality gave the character more substance than the original, who merely seemed to clean and cook for her step-family, dreaming to be free one day.
One aspect of the Cinderella character I've always struggled with is how she lets her step family walk all over her without ever seeming to have a backbone. In this story, Ashlin blames herself for her father's death and her step family heaps that guilt upon her as well. As such, Ashlin feels the need to make up for her role in her father's death and wants to feel a part of the only family she has left--but what she goes through is way too much to be in any way justified. Ashlin makes excuses for them and is apparently accepting of how they treat her-- I can almost forgive this if she had grown up being treated this way but Ashlin was an older teen when her father died and is now I believe 20, so she's had the life experience to know what a loving family really is. It takes Ashlin a whiiilllleeee to finally see the truth, but not before she blames the prince ironically of the deceit and two-facedness that her step family was truly doing to her--that part of the story was pretty frustrating.
I thought some of the dialog between Onric and Ashlin was a bit awkward/cheesy/unrealistic, but perhaps that is the YA element coming through. I wish there had been more worldbuilding and I felt like a few things were left hanging without explanations, which I doubt will be present in the next books (i.e. Ashlin never finished the tapestry that explains the past with the magis and it is never explained how Ashlins mother came to own a magis creation.)
But overall, it was a cute read and satisfies the urge to read a Cinderella retelling!
Christian faith rating: 0/3 clean fiction
I would consider this book a palate cleanser, for if you are looking for a light, cute read with romance and a bit more magic than in the original fairy tale.
I like how the author added something for depth into the Cinderella character: a passion for sewing and dreams of becoming a seamstress. We see Ashlin marvel over the qualities of fabric, design dresses in a sketch book, and make a custom ball gown for her step sister. This quality gave the character more substance than the original, who merely seemed to clean and cook for her step-family, dreaming to be free one day.
One aspect of the Cinderella character I've always struggled with is how she lets her step family walk all over her without ever seeming to have a backbone. In this story, Ashlin blames herself for her father's death and her step family heaps that guilt upon her as well. As such, Ashlin feels the need to make up for her role in her father's death and wants to feel a part of the only family she has left--but what she goes through is way too much to be in any way justified. Ashlin makes excuses for them and is apparently accepting of how they treat her-- I can almost forgive this if she had grown up being treated this way but Ashlin was an older teen when her father died and is now I believe 20, so she's had the life experience to know what a loving family really is. It takes Ashlin a whiiilllleeee to finally see the truth, but not before she blames the prince ironically of the deceit and two-facedness that her step family was truly doing to her--that part of the story was pretty frustrating.
I thought some of the dialog between Onric and Ashlin was a bit awkward/cheesy/unrealistic, but perhaps that is the YA element coming through. I wish there had been more worldbuilding and I felt like a few things were left hanging without explanations, which I doubt will be present in the next books (i.e. Ashlin never finished the tapestry that explains the past with the magis and it is never explained how Ashlins mother came to own a magis creation.)
But overall, it was a cute read and satisfies the urge to read a Cinderella retelling!
Christian faith rating: 0/3 clean fiction
June 7, 2021
I wanted to love this book. It's well written and had a great scope with a lot of realistic characters. The one thing that kept it from being wonderful is the amount of abuse that Ashlin just KEEPS TAKING. I know it's a Cinderella story, but her cruel stepmother is just hideous and Ashlin needs a backbone. It's almost unrealistic the amount of mental maneuvering that Ashlin does to convince herself that things aren't absolutely awful.
June 24, 2020
I absolutely loved this Cinderella retelling! Ashlin was such a dear girl, and she had a strong character growth arc. The author really illustrates how someone can be trapped by emotional abuse: it was painful to watch Ashlin keep rationalizing and excusing things, choosing to put up with her stepmother and stepsister's cruelty in order to be a part of the family, but it made it the more meaningful when she finally realized for herself that what they were doing was wrong and she didn't have to continue letting them treat her like that.
And the world building! Set at the brink of a major societal change, Shard of Glass introduces the concept of magic-users as a race of Others to be feared and hated, but clearly sets the stage for the countries to experience magic first-hand as more stories unfold on this continent and the thousand-season exile of the Majis comes to an end. The interaction between the five Kingdoms will be interesting to watch; I have a few suspicions, and can't wait to see whether there's anything to support or undermine them in the next book in the series!
I received an ARC from the author, but enjoyed it so much that I bought a copy as soon as it released.
And the world building! Set at the brink of a major societal change, Shard of Glass introduces the concept of magic-users as a race of Others to be feared and hated, but clearly sets the stage for the countries to experience magic first-hand as more stories unfold on this continent and the thousand-season exile of the Majis comes to an end. The interaction between the five Kingdoms will be interesting to watch; I have a few suspicions, and can't wait to see whether there's anything to support or undermine them in the next book in the series!
I received an ARC from the author, but enjoyed it so much that I bought a copy as soon as it released.
January 12, 2021
Cinderella is my favorite fairytale and one of my favorites to read retellings of, and Shard of Glass did not disappoint! This book was sooo good!! I loved everything about it, and am so happy that it's in third-person and goes between the two main character's POV. Most of the retellings I've read are in first-person, and while I like it, I much prefer books like this one! It's also completely clean!!
Ashlin and Onric were amazing characters, and I absolutely loved reading their story.
Emily Deady writes really well. Her books do tend to have some grammatical errors in them like she didn't edit super well, but they didn't bug me too much.
Ashlin and Onric were amazing characters, and I absolutely loved reading their story.
Emily Deady writes really well. Her books do tend to have some grammatical errors in them like she didn't edit super well, but they didn't bug me too much.
October 22, 2021
Shard of Glass was such a sweet retelling of Cinderella, with a unique (though slightly underdeveloped) world. I'm intrigued to learn more about it in the rest of the series. The romance happened a bit quickly for my taste, it followed the general Cinderella trend and wrapped up so nicely in the end, it seemed too good to be true. But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Emily Deady's work!
October 19, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, it gave me the heart stopping moments and the warming core moments. I would recommend a hundred percent!!
August 18, 2021
An Amazing Fairy Tale retelling
I loved this book it was an amazing quick read. I really loved the characters especially Ashlin she is a bit unsure of herself and her place in the world I am glad this is fixed by the end. The romance was amazing I loved that it was slow burn and Ashlin did not rush into anything by the end. I loved the plot it started with an altered Cinderella story I hated her step mother and sister they did not deserve her I am happy with how things ended. So overall I loved this book and will be continuing the series soon.
I loved this book it was an amazing quick read. I really loved the characters especially Ashlin she is a bit unsure of herself and her place in the world I am glad this is fixed by the end. The romance was amazing I loved that it was slow burn and Ashlin did not rush into anything by the end. I loved the plot it started with an altered Cinderella story I hated her step mother and sister they did not deserve her I am happy with how things ended. So overall I loved this book and will be continuing the series soon.
December 16, 2020
Once upon a time there was a Cinderella retelling that did exactly that: retell the story but with it's own dash of difference to spice things up. It's still a fantasy romance at heart, but with a few twists in the tale to keep you guessing now so much the what happens, but the how. It may have a little issue here and there, but it's still the sweet romance you'd expect.
We follow the girl Ashlin, our heroine with the unenviable life we all know to expect. Dead father, step-mother and step-sister who are less than wonderful, a dream she can't fulfil because of them... But a chance encounter with a prince of the realm might change all that, and that's without there even being a ball. Prince Onric is immediately drawn to the kindly girl, and she's rather taken with him too, but alas, their social status must keep them apart. Hardship forces Ashlin to work as a servant in the royal palace, bringing the two closer but still so far apart. At the same time as fighting his growing feelings for each other, Prince Onric is on a mission to protect his kingdom from an ancient evil while Ashlin must work out if family really is all its cracked up to be.
There's something about the writing that was quirky enough to draw me in and keep me hooked despite my usual aversion to straight-out romance stories. I did get a bit of an eye-twitch every time someone who usually sounded well-spoken dropped a "...right?" at the end of a question like a modern teenager, but otherwise I really enjoyed the narrative voice. The third person POVs mirrored the two main characters almost like first person, so we followed their perceptions rather than what might actually be. That gave Ashlin's family situation a bit of a cruel twist, because we know that in cases like this step-mothers/sisters are always not quite as they seem.
The twist that the prince and the girl get to meet long before the ball and have some time together really worked for me. Their romance is sweet and clean, and though it did occasionally make me want to shout at them (just talk about the important feelings stuff dangit; you've spent the rest of the book just chattering away!) it happens gradually enough to not feel insta-love beyond what's expected of a fairy tale love at first sight sort of thing. A few of their character development moments could feel a bit sudden though (like a scene where Onric decides to "growl posessively" and Ashlin swoons... Yet later they both go straight back to thinking the other isn't interested?)
What did leave me a bit confused was the world around them. I loved the fantasy setting of the Five Kingdoms, and was really curious about their history that plays a big part in the story. But what was missing for me was an explanation of what characters like Onric already knew. We get a little about the Magis, but it felt too late in the day when they'd been mentioned so many times before. There were just a few... holes in the history that left me confused. I longed for some kind of "Once upon a time" prologue that had just told me some bare bones "legends of the Five Kingdoms" stuff so that when characters talked about events I wasn't playing catch up!
(For anyone who wanted to know what I wished I knew first: )
A couple of moments fell a bit flat for me, and the backstory of the world could be confusingly vague at times, but it's an enjoyable reworking of the tale we all know if you're in it for the cute love story.
We follow the girl Ashlin, our heroine with the unenviable life we all know to expect. Dead father, step-mother and step-sister who are less than wonderful, a dream she can't fulfil because of them... But a chance encounter with a prince of the realm might change all that, and that's without there even being a ball. Prince Onric is immediately drawn to the kindly girl, and she's rather taken with him too, but alas, their social status must keep them apart. Hardship forces Ashlin to work as a servant in the royal palace, bringing the two closer but still so far apart. At the same time as fighting his growing feelings for each other, Prince Onric is on a mission to protect his kingdom from an ancient evil while Ashlin must work out if family really is all its cracked up to be.
There's something about the writing that was quirky enough to draw me in and keep me hooked despite my usual aversion to straight-out romance stories. I did get a bit of an eye-twitch every time someone who usually sounded well-spoken dropped a "...right?" at the end of a question like a modern teenager, but otherwise I really enjoyed the narrative voice. The third person POVs mirrored the two main characters almost like first person, so we followed their perceptions rather than what might actually be. That gave Ashlin's family situation a bit of a cruel twist, because we know that in cases like this step-mothers/sisters are always not quite as they seem.
The twist that the prince and the girl get to meet long before the ball and have some time together really worked for me. Their romance is sweet and clean, and though it did occasionally make me want to shout at them (just talk about the important feelings stuff dangit; you've spent the rest of the book just chattering away!) it happens gradually enough to not feel insta-love beyond what's expected of a fairy tale love at first sight sort of thing. A few of their character development moments could feel a bit sudden though (like a scene where Onric decides to "growl posessively" and Ashlin swoons... Yet later they both go straight back to thinking the other isn't interested?)
What did leave me a bit confused was the world around them. I loved the fantasy setting of the Five Kingdoms, and was really curious about their history that plays a big part in the story. But what was missing for me was an explanation of what characters like Onric already knew. We get a little about the Magis, but it felt too late in the day when they'd been mentioned so many times before. There were just a few... holes in the history that left me confused. I longed for some kind of "Once upon a time" prologue that had just told me some bare bones "legends of the Five Kingdoms" stuff so that when characters talked about events I wasn't playing catch up!
(For anyone who wanted to know what I wished I knew first: )
A couple of moments fell a bit flat for me, and the backstory of the world could be confusingly vague at times, but it's an enjoyable reworking of the tale we all know if you're in it for the cute love story.
June 7, 2020
I loved this book and highly recommend it to all
those who fell under the spell of Cinderella when
Walt Disney released the film in 1950!
Emily’s story is one who will tug at your heart strings
as she (and us) follow the life of Ashlin, a girl who only wants to make her wicked stepmother and stepsister like her by working herself to the bone, while they laze around.
I couldn’t stop reading it when I started it yesterday and had to read it through the night to finish it! I
knew the story but I never get tired of hearing and
reading it over and over. It is a timeless masterpiece which leaves us hoping that what we do in our life will matter to others and finally be appreciated by someone else!
With all the doom and gloom with riots, looting, arson, wanton destruction of property I have a solution for you- turn off the idiot box and escape into the wonderful world of magic and make believe!
The politicians and so-called “celebrities” are celebrating what is going on and we can’t do anything about it, only it makes us madder and madder! Stop torturing yourself over it! Get lost in a good book and believe me THIS is a good book!
Relieve the moment again when you first saw Cinderella- how it made you feel. This book will give you the same feeling! I rejoiced in Ashlin’s finally recognizing she didn’t have to take the abuse anymore! I got angry at how her stepmother and stepsister treated her as I did with the Disney movie!
Emily is a ray of sunshine in an ever increasing dark world! We need to not lose hope or think we’re responsible for something we never did as we’re constantly being told by the media. Be like Ashlin and
throw off those chains they are trying to wrap you up in! In our own little world we can be who we want to be and hopefully if everyone did that our world would be a whole lot better for it!
I hope you will do Emily the pleasure of picking up and reading this book! You won’t regret it and you will find a new author to look forward to reading again and again!
those who fell under the spell of Cinderella when
Walt Disney released the film in 1950!
Emily’s story is one who will tug at your heart strings
as she (and us) follow the life of Ashlin, a girl who only wants to make her wicked stepmother and stepsister like her by working herself to the bone, while they laze around.
I couldn’t stop reading it when I started it yesterday and had to read it through the night to finish it! I
knew the story but I never get tired of hearing and
reading it over and over. It is a timeless masterpiece which leaves us hoping that what we do in our life will matter to others and finally be appreciated by someone else!
With all the doom and gloom with riots, looting, arson, wanton destruction of property I have a solution for you- turn off the idiot box and escape into the wonderful world of magic and make believe!
The politicians and so-called “celebrities” are celebrating what is going on and we can’t do anything about it, only it makes us madder and madder! Stop torturing yourself over it! Get lost in a good book and believe me THIS is a good book!
Relieve the moment again when you first saw Cinderella- how it made you feel. This book will give you the same feeling! I rejoiced in Ashlin’s finally recognizing she didn’t have to take the abuse anymore! I got angry at how her stepmother and stepsister treated her as I did with the Disney movie!
Emily is a ray of sunshine in an ever increasing dark world! We need to not lose hope or think we’re responsible for something we never did as we’re constantly being told by the media. Be like Ashlin and
throw off those chains they are trying to wrap you up in! In our own little world we can be who we want to be and hopefully if everyone did that our world would be a whole lot better for it!
I hope you will do Emily the pleasure of picking up and reading this book! You won’t regret it and you will find a new author to look forward to reading again and again!
November 30, 2021
Okay so I tried Shard of Glass and was... underwhelmed.
I really like the interaction between the prince and Ashlin but the writing is sorta... 🤔 green. And it felt to me as though Deady over focused on details that I didn't necessarily find gripping.
*slight spoilers*
For instance, Ashlin loves designing gowns and such, and the there was a bit of a tangent about a one in particular she wants to make, (I can see how this will come into play later) which.... would be fine if the rest of the story was engaging, but the stunning silk, simple design and silver embroidery really didn't get me immersed into her world-- the imagery was great! I just didn't find it engaging first chapter content.
Then there was this debacle with candles that was supposed to be silly, (and maybe showcase Ashlin's self sufficient manner) but it made me feel like unlit candles were the pinnacle of difficulty in her life and... I gave up.
But! Because the characters are really cute and the world has some background intrigue going on, lots and lots of other readers will still adore this classic retelling!
Once again I wish goodreads would provide a "not interested" button. Who do I have to talk to to make this happen? 😏
I really like the interaction between the prince and Ashlin but the writing is sorta... 🤔 green. And it felt to me as though Deady over focused on details that I didn't necessarily find gripping.
*slight spoilers*
For instance, Ashlin loves designing gowns and such, and the there was a bit of a tangent about a one in particular she wants to make, (I can see how this will come into play later) which.... would be fine if the rest of the story was engaging, but the stunning silk, simple design and silver embroidery really didn't get me immersed into her world-- the imagery was great! I just didn't find it engaging first chapter content.
Then there was this debacle with candles that was supposed to be silly, (and maybe showcase Ashlin's self sufficient manner) but it made me feel like unlit candles were the pinnacle of difficulty in her life and... I gave up.
But! Because the characters are really cute and the world has some background intrigue going on, lots and lots of other readers will still adore this classic retelling!
Once again I wish goodreads would provide a "not interested" button. Who do I have to talk to to make this happen? 😏
May 28, 2020
I loved it!!!
I stayed up till more than an hour passed midnight to finish it because I was enjoying it so much and didn't want to wait for tomorrow to finish it.
Cinderella is one of my favourite fairytales, and I've lost count/ stopped counting how may different variations of the fairytale I've seen and read. But, Emily Deady definitly gave it a different spin while still sticking to the fairytale enough that you can tell exactly which fairytale it is based on.
I like how Ashlin (Cinderella) ends up standing up to her stepmother in the way she does; not just going to the ball and entering unannounced, but literally taking back her own life lock, stock and barrel or rather name, title/social standing and future.
I can hardly wait (mostly because I know I have too) for the other stories in this series. Especially Prince Aden's story which is going to be based on one of my other favourite fairytales.
I stayed up till more than an hour passed midnight to finish it because I was enjoying it so much and didn't want to wait for tomorrow to finish it.
Cinderella is one of my favourite fairytales, and I've lost count/ stopped counting how may different variations of the fairytale I've seen and read. But, Emily Deady definitly gave it a different spin while still sticking to the fairytale enough that you can tell exactly which fairytale it is based on.
I like how Ashlin (Cinderella) ends up standing up to her stepmother in the way she does; not just going to the ball and entering unannounced, but literally taking back her own life lock, stock and barrel or rather name, title/social standing and future.
I can hardly wait (mostly because I know I have too) for the other stories in this series. Especially Prince Aden's story which is going to be based on one of my other favourite fairytales.
January 12, 2021
3.5 stars. Very fun plot and so much better and revised than the original Cinderella story. The only thing that sorta throws me off is the name.
June 6, 2022
This was such a feel good read. I know fairy-tale retellings don't exactly meet the criteria for most unique plot lines, but they just have something so utterly heartwarming and soothing that comes from reading something familiar. You know the bones of the story and how it will end, but the journey to get there is entirely up to the author, and I'll say that Emily Deady definitely made the story her own.
Ashlynn always looks on the bright side even if her life is in shambles. Her parents are dead, and though she is mourning, she still tries to make the best off making a home with her stepmother and step- sister stasia. I liked the dynamic here because it wasn't just a mean step family. They gave her just enough kindness to occasionally make her feel like family, all the while treating her as a maid servant. Tricky mind games here.
As they struggle to make ends meet, Ashlynn takes a job at the palace during the nights. There she meets an overlooked Prince who helps not change her, but invokes a fire in her to change the way she's been living and to pursue her own happiness.
I think I was drawn to the underlying sadness in this book. Ashlynn literally runs herself ragged for the barest bit of belonging. And when a certain prince shows her just what she is worth and how much agency she has over herself, it is utterly endearing.
I also love one particular piece here. Remember that agency I was talking about? The prince really gives her the confidence to say No. . And use that word she does. To him, to her family, and most importantly to herself.
With a dabble of magic and hint of strife in the kingdom, comes a Cinderella-retelling you won't want to miss.
Ashlynn always looks on the bright side even if her life is in shambles. Her parents are dead, and though she is mourning, she still tries to make the best off making a home with her stepmother and step- sister stasia. I liked the dynamic here because it wasn't just a mean step family. They gave her just enough kindness to occasionally make her feel like family, all the while treating her as a maid servant. Tricky mind games here.
As they struggle to make ends meet, Ashlynn takes a job at the palace during the nights. There she meets an overlooked Prince who helps not change her, but invokes a fire in her to change the way she's been living and to pursue her own happiness.
I think I was drawn to the underlying sadness in this book. Ashlynn literally runs herself ragged for the barest bit of belonging. And when a certain prince shows her just what she is worth and how much agency she has over herself, it is utterly endearing.
I also love one particular piece here. Remember that agency I was talking about? The prince really gives her the confidence to say No. . And use that word she does. To him, to her family, and most importantly to herself.
With a dabble of magic and hint of strife in the kingdom, comes a Cinderella-retelling you won't want to miss.
November 27, 2022
”This is temporary. Bad times are always followed by good times, right?” She attempted a smile to prove she was truly alright.
“Not if you bring the bad times upon yourself.” Mistress Cedrice spoke softly, her voice filled with concern.
This nicely summed up my feelings for most of the book. Ashlin’s stepmother and stepsister were cruel, manipulative and demanding of her. Yet, she remained loyal to them throughout the book and did whatever she could to help them and try to earn their love. She took the role of their maid. Humiliated herself and worked scrubbing floors in the palace. Then, she watched her stepmother waste that hard-earned money on gowns for herself and Ashlin’s stepsister. Ashlin let them mistreat her again and again, doing nothing to stop them or to help herself. Why? Because they were her family.
Her stepmother was not vicious; she was just being thorough. Despite her mind's reassurances, Ashlin could not quite calm the uneasy feeling in her core.
I wanted to scream at Ashlin many times during the book.
To make matters worse, Ashlin had somewhere else to go. In the beginning of the book, we watched Mistress Cedrice offer Ashlin an apprenticeship. Naturally, Ashlin refused her, with tears streaming down her face, because she couldn’t leave her family. What family?! She was choosing to be miserable. She had a way out. And, instead, she chose to stay miserable and committed to her “family”. Honestly, I felt very little pity for Ashlin after seeing her choose to stay with her step-family.
Then, there was Ashlin and Onri’s romance. The romance felt shallow, unrealistic and quite forced.
Other than that very small point – the romance was a disaster.
In conclusion, though, there was intriguing worlds and many plot twists woven into this story, the romance and stepmother subplots were too hard for me to overlook.
I’m not sure I’d recommend this book to others.
Content Warnings
Other:
Magic exists, though it plays only a small part in the plot.
Religion:
An old monetary and its monks were visited before the story,
Violence:
Threat of war.
Romance:
“Not if you bring the bad times upon yourself.” Mistress Cedrice spoke softly, her voice filled with concern.
This nicely summed up my feelings for most of the book. Ashlin’s stepmother and stepsister were cruel, manipulative and demanding of her. Yet, she remained loyal to them throughout the book and did whatever she could to help them and try to earn their love. She took the role of their maid. Humiliated herself and worked scrubbing floors in the palace. Then, she watched her stepmother waste that hard-earned money on gowns for herself and Ashlin’s stepsister. Ashlin let them mistreat her again and again, doing nothing to stop them or to help herself. Why? Because they were her family.
Her stepmother was not vicious; she was just being thorough. Despite her mind's reassurances, Ashlin could not quite calm the uneasy feeling in her core.
I wanted to scream at Ashlin many times during the book.
To make matters worse, Ashlin had somewhere else to go. In the beginning of the book, we watched Mistress Cedrice offer Ashlin an apprenticeship. Naturally, Ashlin refused her, with tears streaming down her face, because she couldn’t leave her family. What family?! She was choosing to be miserable. She had a way out. And, instead, she chose to stay miserable and committed to her “family”. Honestly, I felt very little pity for Ashlin after seeing her choose to stay with her step-family.
Then, there was Ashlin and Onri’s romance. The romance felt shallow, unrealistic and quite forced.
Other than that very small point – the romance was a disaster.
In conclusion, though, there was intriguing worlds and many plot twists woven into this story, the romance and stepmother subplots were too hard for me to overlook.
I’m not sure I’d recommend this book to others.
Content Warnings
Other:
Magic exists, though it plays only a small part in the plot.
Religion:
An old monetary and its monks were visited before the story,
Violence:
Threat of war.
Romance:
January 6, 2021
A great Cinderella retelling!
January 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this lovely fairy tale retelling. It has a storyline that was beyond romance, but kept to the tale. I loved it.
February 27, 2024
Oh my god. Shut up. 🙄
i-tried-but-this-shit-failed-me
July 12, 2023It’s cute. But it’s literally a very close retelling of Cinderella without anything interesting added in. And it’s very young. It’s more middle grade. Not for me. My 11 year old might like it.
April 18, 2025
I LOVED this retelling. It was unique, beautiful and I felt that there were many lessons to be learned. Emily Deady has certainly become one of my fav authors here!
February 18, 2022
Shard of Glass was a beautiful new take on a very familiar story. Ashlin and her prince didn't meet at the dance. Instead, they meet when Prince Onric and his brother are caught in the storm and need to spend the night in her barn. Hiding his identity, Ashlin feels comfortable talking with him, but forgets to ask his name and doesn't expect to see him again. When she takes a job as a palace servant, she is embarrassed to find out who he is and also to constantly see him everywhere. Could it be that he is as drawn to her as she is to him?
Ashlin is not a typical Cinderella in the way she loves her step-mother and step-sister and truly believes they care for her as well. She also feels partly responsible for the death of her father and the suffering his death has caused her family, so she feels no resentment toward either of her remaining family members. However, that makes the domestic abuse worse. And several people, including Onric, call it out. Over the course of the story, Ashlin learns what is and what is not her responsibility and begins to stand up for herself. Several people in the story offer her a way out at various points, but it is up to her to choose to take it.
Onric is a darling of a prince, not perfect, but not snotty either. He likes Ashlin and even though he thinks she is just a servant, he doesn't treat her differently in any way. He even asks his mother for the ball to include commoners because he wants Ashlin to attend (and the queen agrees, knowing that's why he wants her to)! Onric also chooses to trust Ashlin when people lie about her, which is unlike royalty in many fairy tales.
Ashlin's step-mother and step-sister were weak villains, powerless apart from the power Ashlin gave them. So when she decided she was done, so were they. The true villains of the story have yet to make an appearance. They are the Majis, magic users who once wreaked havoc on the land and are returning. For the majority of the story, we hear only rumors of their abilities. But magic is seen as evil and anyone researching it will be severely punished. Of course, that also makes it fun the few times we see magic at work. And yes, there is still a fairy godmother of sorts.
Shard of Glass was beautiful story with fabulous characters. The end clearly pointed to the next fairy tale retelling which I hope Emily will be writing very, very soon.
I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it because I stayed up all night reading it and wanted to share how amazing it was.
Ashlin is not a typical Cinderella in the way she loves her step-mother and step-sister and truly believes they care for her as well. She also feels partly responsible for the death of her father and the suffering his death has caused her family, so she feels no resentment toward either of her remaining family members. However, that makes the domestic abuse worse. And several people, including Onric, call it out. Over the course of the story, Ashlin learns what is and what is not her responsibility and begins to stand up for herself. Several people in the story offer her a way out at various points, but it is up to her to choose to take it.
Onric is a darling of a prince, not perfect, but not snotty either. He likes Ashlin and even though he thinks she is just a servant, he doesn't treat her differently in any way. He even asks his mother for the ball to include commoners because he wants Ashlin to attend (and the queen agrees, knowing that's why he wants her to)! Onric also chooses to trust Ashlin when people lie about her, which is unlike royalty in many fairy tales.
Ashlin's step-mother and step-sister were weak villains, powerless apart from the power Ashlin gave them. So when she decided she was done, so were they. The true villains of the story have yet to make an appearance. They are the Majis, magic users who once wreaked havoc on the land and are returning. For the majority of the story, we hear only rumors of their abilities. But magic is seen as evil and anyone researching it will be severely punished. Of course, that also makes it fun the few times we see magic at work. And yes, there is still a fairy godmother of sorts.
Shard of Glass was beautiful story with fabulous characters. The end clearly pointed to the next fairy tale retelling which I hope Emily will be writing very, very soon.
I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it because I stayed up all night reading it and wanted to share how amazing it was.
August 2, 2020
Content:
Language, violence, and romance is all CLEAN.
I am thrilled to say that I've added a new author's name to my list! Emily Deady delivers a sweet and satisfying reimagining of Cinderella. The character development in this book deserves several rounds of applause. I was fascinated by the idea of "Maji", mages who have been exiled for decades as the people of the continent fear another uprising- but the mages are coming home. Deady's intricate plot and characters with depth will enthrall readers and keep them coming back for more. (I know I can't wait to read the next book!) Five stars!!
Recommended for fans of Melanie Cellier, K. M. Shea, Lucy Tempest, Camille Peters, and Brittany Fichter. (These are all fairy tale authors. . . I read a lot of fairy tales, y'all).
Language, violence, and romance is all CLEAN.
I am thrilled to say that I've added a new author's name to my list! Emily Deady delivers a sweet and satisfying reimagining of Cinderella. The character development in this book deserves several rounds of applause. I was fascinated by the idea of "Maji", mages who have been exiled for decades as the people of the continent fear another uprising- but the mages are coming home. Deady's intricate plot and characters with depth will enthrall readers and keep them coming back for more. (I know I can't wait to read the next book!) Five stars!!
Recommended for fans of Melanie Cellier, K. M. Shea, Lucy Tempest, Camille Peters, and Brittany Fichter. (These are all fairy tale authors. . . I read a lot of fairy tales, y'all).
April 28, 2024
The writing is well done. But the Cinderella character is just too unbelievable. She seems to be reasonably intelligent. But no one can be that naive. Her family is horrible. No amount of pretty words should be able to convince someone of their genuine concern. If she had been motivated by fear I could have understood. Or if she was a young child. But she seems to desperately love them. She is an adult at this point. She would see through their lies but doesn’t. She had a backbone at times but is a huge wet noodle at others. She is very quick to see manipulation on the part of the prince. But can’t even contemplate it in her family. Just too inconsistent and unbelievable. I ended up wanting to slap her as well as he evil stepmother
December 26, 2020
I have to admit I love Cinderella and this was a decent retelling. The plot is so different to others I have read and the authors spin is great to read.
However, I felt the pace was too slow in places and although it did hook me, I found some repetition when the POV changed.
I also found Ashlin a bit weak at times. With an offer of leaving her family, why she stated to be abused is beyond me. I’d have thought she’d have jumped at the chance to be a seamstress considering how much she enjoyed sewing.
However, I would like to see how the story posts out.
However, I felt the pace was too slow in places and although it did hook me, I found some repetition when the POV changed.
I also found Ashlin a bit weak at times. With an offer of leaving her family, why she stated to be abused is beyond me. I’d have thought she’d have jumped at the chance to be a seamstress considering how much she enjoyed sewing.
However, I would like to see how the story posts out.
July 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this version of Cinderella. Ashlin was strong and solved her own problems even if it did take her a rather long time to realize she was being abused. But sometimes the lie is less painful even when you're being hurt. I liked that the prince didn't push and kept his promises. The ending was more about getting onto the next book than wrapping up this one which bugs me. Yes, I promptly grabbed the next book but I still want to know more about the fate of the step family.
January 2, 2021
Enchanting
A great Cinderella retelling. I loathed Ashlin’s step-family. It was wonderful seeing Ashlin’s growth. I loved her breaking away from her terrible situation as much as I loved her falling in love with the prince. The magic of this world is intriguing and I can’t wait to see more of the big picture!
Content: clean (a few kisses, mild violence, no language)
A great Cinderella retelling. I loathed Ashlin’s step-family. It was wonderful seeing Ashlin’s growth. I loved her breaking away from her terrible situation as much as I loved her falling in love with the prince. The magic of this world is intriguing and I can’t wait to see more of the big picture!
Content: clean (a few kisses, mild violence, no language)
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