Tainted Ashes

Untold Tales #4

by Laura Greenwood

Tanwyn has always known her station in life, especially with the Duchess ruling her life.
A chance encounter with the Prince changes everything, and Tanwyn finds herself having to foil a plot, with only the help of her dragon familiar, Dart, to do it.
Can she save the Prince by midnight?
-
Tainted Ashes is a fantasy retelling of Cinderella and part of the Untold Tales series

Genres: Cinderella, Fairy Tales, Audiobook

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2020

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been following my reviews, you've seen the name Laura Greenwood quite often. I'm not only slowly catching up with the books I didn't read, but I also try to keep up with all the new books she writes. It's not an easy task, because she writes a lot, but luckily all her books are quite short and therefore quick and easy reads that you can always fit in. I think the Untold Tales series is however my favorite Greenwood series so far and this book only confirmed that.

In a way it's hard to be original when writing a Cinderella retelling. So many people have already done that. However, Greenwood adds a few really nice elements to the story and does manage to give her own spin to this well known tale. And my favorite part of this story was the animal companion, something that can't miss in a Cinderella retelling. In this case it's the coolest animal ever: An amazing dragon I instantly fell in love with.

On top of that there is magic in this world and story. This also means that a couple of elements of the original story can be made better. So has Cinderella forgotten who she is and who her parents were, which means she has no idea that she could get out of this situation. I also love how this Cinderella (she's not called Cinderella by the way, but I'm terrible with names...) is not just the one being saved, but also the one doing the saving. It makes her more active in her own tale and story.

I also really loved how Greenwood build up her romance. The story is relatively short and yet we get to see how Cinderella meets her prince and how they start to feel a connection. Although there is of course some form of insta-connection, it's not JUST that. They really start to care about each other slowly and they really talk about who they are and what kind of life they have. I therefore had a huge smile on my face when I finished the book!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella-length

For as long as Tanwyn can remember she has served in the Duchess’s house along with a group of other girls. They were always treated slightly different from the servants of the house, leading her to suspect that the girls were there to pay off debts owed by their parents. One day the Duchess lets all of the girls wear fancy dresses, and tells them that the prince will be visiting and to let him do whatever he wants with them. (Just FYI, it’s a clean story). Tanwyn decides to spend her time in the stables, watching the sunset with her small dragonette and she’s more than a little surprised when one of the visiting men joins her to watch the sunset. She’s also more than a little surprised to find that she likes talking to him as a friend.

This is a beautiful rendition of the Cinderella tale with enough elements of the original tale to make a connection, and still enough original plot to weave a new and different story. I loved Tanwyn’s relationship with her dragonette, and I loved that she actually had a friend among the other girls, and they weren’t just evil step-sisters to her. And I loved the mystery of the story, wanting to connect it to the original tale, yet knowing it was different, it had me guessing. I also loved the friendship she built with the Prince rather than insta-lust at first sight. The one thing I was completely uncertain on was her fire elemental power. I got that was why the dragonette liked hanging around her. But her power was never really explained where it came from and why she had it, nor does she seem to ever really question why she had them. The power kind of felt like it had been added in because elemental powers are in fashion these days and it gave her an edge over everyone else besides just relying on her own resources, making her rather obviously undefeatable (though I did like her trying to rescue the prince). And I did love the action, adventure, and romance of the climactic bunch of scenes.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story to be very intriguing and once I started reading it, I did not quit until I finished it. Tanwyn is one of several lowly servant girls who work for a Duchess. They are treated badly by the Duchess and Matron. Tanwyn does have a couple of friends, her pet dragon and one of the other girls. One day all the girls are forced to dress up in fancy dresses and then told to wander the house and the grounds as the Prince is coming to visit and the Duchess hopes that he will choose one of the girls and then she can get some information on him. Tanwyn wants no part of this, so she and her dragon go to the stables. A man finds her there. Believing him to be part of the Prince's entourage, she allows him to share her perch and take in the scenery. She soon learns that he is in fact the Prince and she warns him that the Duchess has something planned. Once the Prince learns her name, he says that one of his father's best friends used to have a daughter with that name. This is just one of the mysteries to be solved over the course of the story. There is plenty of intrigue, fun moments and some light romance. I loved the little dragon and thought it was a cute addition to the story.

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

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely retelling of Cinderella. Relatively faithful to the original but still with it's own new twists. Tanwyn is a drudge in the household of the Duchess. She has been there for as long as she can remember and the Duchess rules with a will of iron, beatings, more chores than can be done completed the alloted time and meager meals. The days never change really, always the constant fear of bringing notice to yourself as getting singled out means for an unpleasant experience. One day while doing the Duchess' hair, Tanwyn finds out that Prince Raynor is coming to stay for a night and in a flash everything is different. The girls are all dressed in beautiful outfits and given leave to do as they wish for the day the one pre-requisite is that should the Prince approach them and speak they are to relate everything to the Duchess after. Tanwyn takes herself away yet somehow the fact Raynor still finds her is fate, even if she has no idea who he is when she speaks plainly before him. Will she make it to the ball and will she find out who she is along the way?
A lovely retelling and one I liked very much.

[Ketty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinderella has always been one of my favorite fairy tales so when I get my hands on a retelling I almost always love it. This one was no different.

Tanwyn is a servant for a very very cruel duchess. She doesn't remember how she became indebted to this horrid woman, but she is nonetheless. Luckily she has Dart to keep her company and sane, and a tiny bit of magic. When the prince comes to visit, Tanwyn's life begin to change, she realizes she knows things she shouldn't, and she discovers a plot that has her scrambling to fix it.

This was such a good retelling, there is enough of the original story to give that feel; glass slippers, a ball, an evil mother-figure, a prince to fall in love with a common girl. Even though it seems Tanwyn's fairy godmother is actually a tiny dragon named Dart. I really loved this one, it was so fun, so sweet, and it ended so perfectly.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanwyn is part of the servants working for a Duchess in a castle. She has always had her little dragon Dart with her and she gained a few friends within the servants. She meets Raynor who is the prince and they really like each other. When Tanwyn hears of a plot, she knows she must do something about it. The character in the Cinderella retelling are well done, with entertaining differences and determination. The storyline was well written with drama, intrigue, plots, danger, uncontrolled fire, memories returning and patience rewarded. Loved their chemistry and how she treated all the girls at the castle after the Duchess left. Great ending with Dart a big part of the day.

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

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanwyn and her tiny pet dragon, Dart, along with several other girls were all under the control of the Duchess. They lived in her home and worked their days and nights at her leisure. Raynor was the crowned prince and came to visit the Duchess. Tanwyn had the power of fire but not the knowledge to control it. When Taylor and Tanwyn met they both were attracted to each other. Then, Tanwyn came upon a deadly and terrible plot that placed the kingdom in jeopardy. Through cunning and help from Dart, Tanwyn discovered secrets, faced danger, found love and sorted the bad from the good.

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

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll go with 3 stars because I didn't realize this is a children's book (or at least I hope it is). If I was rating it as an adult book, I'd go lower.

It's cute, but really simple with simple solutions and a typical fairy tale happy ending. I guess I've come to expect something darker and/or deeper in fairy tale retellings.

I was confused by the world building, too. It seems to have the classic setting of Cinderella and other similar types of tales, but the language and many of the attitudes are entirely modern.

I have two more from the series in my audiobook collection, so I'll likely listen to them sooner or later, but now I know what to expect.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this series !!! love Tanwyn and Dart... this is their story... a fast paced twisted Cinderella tale... a wonderful take on the story...Tanwyn and twelve other girls are here working for the duchess but, they are treated differently than the regular servants. they are given gowns to wear and told to do what the Prince wants...Tanwyn goes to watch the sunset and meets the Prince...they just talk... nice... but, what is the duchess up to ?

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

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of Cinderella retold in a different fashion. As far as Tanwyn knew she was sold to the Duchess to cover a debt. She came to live with her when she was seven or eight. The truth is surprising and you don’t find out till closer to the end of the story. I enjoyed Dart the tiny dragon, she is mischievous and daring. This was a fun read and Tanwyn foils a dastardly plot. I would recommend this book to all.

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

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is retelling of Cinderella with a twist. Tanwyn is the maid to the Duchess who rules with an iron fist. Tanwyn works hard and gets treated badly. When she has a chance meeting with a prince, she is on mission to save the prince. She has the help of her dragon, Dart. Will she save the day and get the prince? I have really loved the retelling of these wonderful stories.

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

[Elesha's book fun gossip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 're-telling of cinderella. This is different as there are 12 girls under a cruel duchess. Tanwyn wants to stop her wicked plan for the Prince with the help of Dart, her little dragon (fairy godmother). This was a interesting twist and intriguing storylines.

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

[Christina Sneeringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons make Cinderella amazing.
I love a good fairytale and this one doesn't disappoint. All the elements of the classic tale with a new modern twist make for a wonderful and sweet story. I found this to be a perfectly enchanting story.

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

[Debbie Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly a different view of Cinderella. Tanwyn has a little fire magic and uses it to keep the fires going along with her pet dragon. She is one of many servant girls for the Duchess. She finds out some horrible things that are going on and decides to do something about it. I love this retelling.

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

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and sweet.

A novella retelling of Cinderella where the role of godmother is played by the cutest dragon.

Tamwyn (Cinderella) is a mistreated maid for a Duchess. When the Prince visits, she must decide where her loyalties lie.

There’s some magic, romance, and of course dragons. A good afternoon read.

[Courtney Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment is my favorite of the Untold Tales series. It has a HEA. I loved Tanwyn’s personality and her pet dragon. I liked how the story unfolded. The only bit that bothered me was that the reason for the memory spell on Tanwyn is never explained nor how she has fire magic. I think this is another great book that a middle schooler may enjoy.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fact that this author is on a fairy tale retelling kick ? Her retellings are so great as she puts such a spin on the story to make them her own. Add in a heavy splash of magic and you are in for a wild ride in this great story

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away and I had a very hard time putting it down. It moves along at a really great pace, not too fast nor too slow. It has amazing characters and a story that will not disappoint you. This book needs to be read, no doubt about it.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic retelling of a classic fairy tale. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.

[Vanessa Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this was not the usual retelling of Cinderella it was such a unique twist with the little dragon I never wanted it to end. This is how fairy tales should be loved it

[Malischa Nijenhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I love this retelling of Cinderella
But than a little different.
It hooked me right away at the first chapter a lot and i couldnt put this book down.
I really enjoyed this booK. And will read the rest of the untold tales by Laura Greenwood

[Jenn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a retelling of an old favourite- Cinderella except here she’s called Tanwyn. Tanwyn has lived with the Duchess for as long as she can recall along with numerous other serving ladies (no evil step sisters here). With her pet dragon that she keeps secret, she doesn’t mind tending to the fire or trying out some magic! And unlike the original Cinderella fairytale, this retelling has our damsel rushing off to try to save people rather than waiting to be save. Yes there’s still a Prince Charming but you’ll need to read to see if they get a happy ever after.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tainted Ashes”, the fourth installment in Laura Greenwood’s “Untold Tales” series, is a retelling of Cinderella, an originally oral Egyptian tale, who was put to paper in Italy, as reflected in the name. In this version of tale, Tanwyn is a girl working for an evil duchess, who – despite being another twelve girls in her same situation – is permanently subjected to abuse. Luckily Tanwyn can rely in Dart, her little dragon familiar, a very nice take on the Godmother’s trope, to stop the machinations of the evil duchess, who plans to attack the Prince at his own ball.

Greenwood’s version of the fairy-tale world is funny, entertaining and interesting. A brand-new take on the fairy-tale trope, fresh, original and fun. The stories, which are independent from each other, offer an amazing blend of the original tales and brand-new twist and situations, that will appeal to both fairy-tale lovers and all those looking for a brand-new story that adds layers of narrations and different POVs to the already known situations. Fairy tales, magic, romance, familiars, FMC, adventure, fast-paced plots, credible leads, new turns and twists, what more can one wish for?

The Untold Tales series is a retelling of world-renowned classical fairy tales, that adds a modern twist to the classical tales. Greenwood’s version of the fairy-tale world is funny, entertaining and interesting. A brand-new take on the fairy-tale trope, fresh, original and fun. The stories, which are independent from each other, offer an amazing blend of the original tales and brand-new twist and situations, that will appeal to both fairy-tale lovers and all those looking for a brand-new story that adds layers of narrations and different POVs to the already known situations. Fairy tales, magic, romance, familiars, FMC, adventure, fast-paced plots, credible leads, new turns and twists, what more can one wish for?

[Laura Greenwood]

Tainted Ashes is part of Dragons and Mages: A Limited Edition Anthology

Untold Tales Series (all can be read as standalones)
1. Balanced Scales: books2read.com/balancedscales
2. Golden Wings: books2read.com/goldenwings
3. Poisoned Fate: books2read.com/poisonedfate
4. Tainted Ashes: books2read.com/taintedashes
5. Braids Of Silver: books2read.com/braidsofsilver
6. Fractured Core: books2read.com/fracturedcore

You can also join my Goodreads Reader Group for new release alerts, spoiler threads, and more!
==> https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever re-imagining of Cinderella featuring an adorable tiny dragon in place of the fairy godmother. Tanwyn is one of 12 girls working for a cruel duchess, but even so she seems to be the one singled out for especially strict treatment. Something is different about her. I liked that this story wasn't about instalove and a girl seeking rescue from her situation. This is a more modern heroine, politically savvy, seeking solutions to her own problems, and doing what it takes to help save her kingdom.

Greenwood did a good job tying in many details from traditional Cinderella stories into this decidedly non-traditional take. It still had all the familiar elements that readers look for in a Cinderella story. The conflict seemed a little rushed and forced though. Especially the final confrontation. It made for a very dramatic, exciting scene, but seemed a little out of character for antagonists that have been biding their time and carefully laying plans for years. Overall a fun, engaging, clean read.

This is the 4th book in the Untold Tales series. All are standalone books and can be read in any order.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanwyn is a servant for a cold hearted Duchess that over works all her help. Tanwyn is informed by the Duchess that a Prince is coming to visit. Tanwyn is not sure what is really going. They are given nice clothing and given instructions on what she expects from them. Tanwyn goes outside to enjoy her time off. She is relaxing when a man asks her if he can rest. Tanwyn learns that is the prince she has been speaking to.
Tanwyn is taking care of her punishment and she hears the Duchess talking to someone. They are going to do something at the ball. Tanwyn makes a decision that she will be following them. She hopes she can stop whatever their plot is.

This is just some of the retelling of Cinderella that happens in the book, I recommend reading this. This is a light hearted, clean story that you can get lost in for a bit. You will see Tanwyn fall for the prince, learn who her parents and much more.

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

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Story with a Strong Heroine

I am a sucker for re-imaginings of fairy tales, and I usually like this author's work. I loved this retelling of Cinderella. As I read the first scene, I thought, “Why haven't I seen other new twists on Cinderella give her fire magic?” It makes total sense, even if it isn't strong in her at the beginning. I absolutely loved her little dragon friend, Dart. The heroine is strong… no damsel in distress in need of rescue, despite her unpleasant circumstances with the demanding duchess. She is quite capable of coming up with plans on her own. In fact, she wants very much to rescue the prince from a plot she has uncovered. Parts of the story felt a little rushed, and I thought there was a plot hole here and there, but other than these factors, I found this to be a fun, delightful read.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a faithful retelling of the Cinderella fairytale - noble daughter forced to act as servant, lots of ashes, cruel stepmother, Prince Charming - check, check, check, and check. Here though Cinderella (aka Tanwyn) has the comfort of companionship - there are other servant girls under her stepmother's control and she has a very unusual being looking out for her welfare. Still, I find Tanwyn's struggle to overcome her accustomed abuse to protect someone who had offered her small kindnesses admirable and surprisingly tough. The author has made that struggle clear yet not superficial - it is painful in its poignancy. That struggle makes this otherwise ordinary story stand out.

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

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since Tanwyn can remember, she has been a serving girl at the castle that belonged to the Duchess. It was a hard life with a cruel mistree, but she had never known anything else.
When the Prince is coming to visit, the Duchess has them all dress up nicely and orders them to do anythinbg that he asks of hthem.
The Prince finds Tanwyn in the garden, and they talk - but Tanwyn knows that she will probably never see him again - until she overhears a pliot against hiom, and with her pet dragon, she sneaks out to the ball to warn him.
Will She and Dart be able to save the Prince? Will she finally learn something more about her past? Loved this Cinderella twist!@!

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

[Sassy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great take on the fairy tale, Cinderella. I enjoyed reading about Tanwyn and the Prince, Raynor.

Tanwyn has been working for the Duchess as long as she can remember. Life is not that great. She has her dragon, Dart to keep her company. She spends her days cleaning along with the other girls in the house. One day, Prince Raynor comes to spend the night. The Duchess gives them a weird order when he is there. She doesn't follow it though. She meets the Prince at sunset and doesn't recognize him. After the Prince leave, she overhears something troubling. She must find a way to warn Raynor. Will she be able to warn him and keep him safe?

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