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Magic Mirrors Saga #1
Cinders: Necessary Evil
Oh, you think you know Cinderella? She loses a shoe and in exchange gets a prince...
Here's a double book that tells all - the stepmother's side supplemented by Ella's diary of the events. If Thumbelina was more Roald Dahl and suitable for kids, this one is a dark fairy tale adaptation for a more adult (18+) audience in the vein of Sarah Pinborough’s Charm and Jackson Pearce’s Sweetly.
Three step-kids with magic abilities and a license to be evil? Yes, please.
With a restaurant to run, Ella to boss around and a cannibalistic witch to befriend, Grace seems to have made the bargain of a life-time. If it wasn’t for one estranged husband, the lying mirrors and Ella’s teen romances getting completely out of hand. Also, there seems to be a part of the bargain Grace might be forgetting, while her son’s third birthday is approaching. Fast.
Can Grace be the necessary evil that gets Ella her dream? What did she get in the bargain? And why are guardian angels and the Fae Queen involved? Again.
I used to love fairy-tales until I was in one. Thanks, Mother, for upping and leaving to chase after some man.
My name is Elizabeth Jane Goodall and I can read minds. Not everyone’s, goodness, no, that’d be a nightmare! I wonder what was Mother’s trick? Father has no magic. Nor does the witch he married.
“Ella do this and Ella do that!” I wish Aunt Mellie, my godmother would whisk me away from the drudgery of my common existence. But she didn’t want to take me in. For which I’m making her pay every chance she offers. I wish I had a fairy godmother!
While my stepmother is rumoured to be related to the King, does she let any of us enjoy the benefits? It’s not like I want to get to know Nicholas aka Prince Charming better. I fancy John from school and for a while I think he liked me, too. Until Betty claimed him. Literally.
I can’t wait to turn 18, finish school and leave this place. Mellie insists I need to marry an aristo, but I want to…just figure out what I can do, who I could be, where I could live.
Because it definitely isn’t doing chores, serving dinner to stepmother’s clients and living in this hovel we nominally call a castle. I wish…for a miracle.
Here's a double book that tells all - the stepmother's side supplemented by Ella's diary of the events. If Thumbelina was more Roald Dahl and suitable for kids, this one is a dark fairy tale adaptation for a more adult (18+) audience in the vein of Sarah Pinborough’s Charm and Jackson Pearce’s Sweetly.
Three step-kids with magic abilities and a license to be evil? Yes, please.
With a restaurant to run, Ella to boss around and a cannibalistic witch to befriend, Grace seems to have made the bargain of a life-time. If it wasn’t for one estranged husband, the lying mirrors and Ella’s teen romances getting completely out of hand. Also, there seems to be a part of the bargain Grace might be forgetting, while her son’s third birthday is approaching. Fast.
Can Grace be the necessary evil that gets Ella her dream? What did she get in the bargain? And why are guardian angels and the Fae Queen involved? Again.
I used to love fairy-tales until I was in one. Thanks, Mother, for upping and leaving to chase after some man.
My name is Elizabeth Jane Goodall and I can read minds. Not everyone’s, goodness, no, that’d be a nightmare! I wonder what was Mother’s trick? Father has no magic. Nor does the witch he married.
“Ella do this and Ella do that!” I wish Aunt Mellie, my godmother would whisk me away from the drudgery of my common existence. But she didn’t want to take me in. For which I’m making her pay every chance she offers. I wish I had a fairy godmother!
While my stepmother is rumoured to be related to the King, does she let any of us enjoy the benefits? It’s not like I want to get to know Nicholas aka Prince Charming better. I fancy John from school and for a while I think he liked me, too. Until Betty claimed him. Literally.
I can’t wait to turn 18, finish school and leave this place. Mellie insists I need to marry an aristo, but I want to…just figure out what I can do, who I could be, where I could live.
Because it definitely isn’t doing chores, serving dinner to stepmother’s clients and living in this hovel we nominally call a castle. I wish…for a miracle.
- GenresCinderellaFantasy
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2020
18 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 5, 2021
A unique and absolutely refreshing retelling of Cinderella that will make any reader root for the evil stepmother.
No jokes people! You'll end up cheering for her in the end. I sure as hell did!
Why in the world would you even consider something like that, you ask?!
Well, the answer is pretty simple. Because THIS evil stepmother is the surprisingly relatable kind. A modern day woman whisked into the Enchanted Kingdom, Grace must not only raise three step-kids with magic abilities but also run a restaurant, keep the kids safe from a cannibalistic witch, deal with an estranged husband, lying mirrors and her teen stepdaughter Ella who's romances are getting completely out of hand. All by herself and with no help. Well, there is Ella to order around but that's not quite enough, is it? :D
This particular tale is a double book that tells the stepmother's side, supplemented by Ella's diary of the events. It is Ella's tale and we get to know how she lost a shoe in exchange for a prince and yet, it is perhaps just as much, the stepmother's tale.
Written for a more adult (18+) audience, this particular retelling is not only wickedly funny but also thought provoking. In a way that is best understood after you've reached a more mature age.
Because here, the black is by far not pitch and the white more cream than pristine. And you'll be hard-pressed to point a finger and lay blame.
This is a tale with real seeming characters and real-feeling problems, set in an enchanted world and sprinkled with a touch of magic. Full of twists and turns you won't see coming and topped with a good measure of absolutely fabulous sass and spunk.
Cinders made me love the evil stepmother and that end!!!! Oh man!
I've already grabbed book 2 because I want to know more.
Not because it's a cliffhanger. It isn't and the tale is perfectly fine as a standalone. But because I read the snippet from book two and saw Grace again. And I want more!!
If you love fairytale retellings and a good measure of sass and spunk, you have got to give this one a try!
It's downright fabulous!
Happy reading everyone
and don't be quick to judge.
No jokes people! You'll end up cheering for her in the end. I sure as hell did!
Why in the world would you even consider something like that, you ask?!
Well, the answer is pretty simple. Because THIS evil stepmother is the surprisingly relatable kind. A modern day woman whisked into the Enchanted Kingdom, Grace must not only raise three step-kids with magic abilities but also run a restaurant, keep the kids safe from a cannibalistic witch, deal with an estranged husband, lying mirrors and her teen stepdaughter Ella who's romances are getting completely out of hand. All by herself and with no help. Well, there is Ella to order around but that's not quite enough, is it? :D
This particular tale is a double book that tells the stepmother's side, supplemented by Ella's diary of the events. It is Ella's tale and we get to know how she lost a shoe in exchange for a prince and yet, it is perhaps just as much, the stepmother's tale.
Written for a more adult (18+) audience, this particular retelling is not only wickedly funny but also thought provoking. In a way that is best understood after you've reached a more mature age.
Because here, the black is by far not pitch and the white more cream than pristine. And you'll be hard-pressed to point a finger and lay blame.
This is a tale with real seeming characters and real-feeling problems, set in an enchanted world and sprinkled with a touch of magic. Full of twists and turns you won't see coming and topped with a good measure of absolutely fabulous sass and spunk.
Cinders made me love the evil stepmother and that end!!!! Oh man!
I've already grabbed book 2 because I want to know more.
Not because it's a cliffhanger. It isn't and the tale is perfectly fine as a standalone. But because I read the snippet from book two and saw Grace again. And I want more!!
If you love fairytale retellings and a good measure of sass and spunk, you have got to give this one a try!
It's downright fabulous!
Happy reading everyone
and don't be quick to judge.
January 8, 2022
I would like to begin this review with a little whoop for challenging the evil stepmother stereotype!
Of course, as a part-time stepmother, this is pure self-indulgence.
As it's new year, I thought this an appropriate read. Well, Cinderella is a panto. Oh, yes it is!
Let me just offer a word of caution that this does include teen pregnancy and abortion, just in case you find that upsetting.
Because of that, I'd be inclined to say this is more NA (as opposed to YA) even though there's no detailed scenes of the act.
The book description itself says 18+
Teenaged Ella is a brat! Head-strong, gullible and determined to think the world's against her. Her POV is revealed via hilarious, ranting diary entries.
Whilst Grace takes her on along with the younger twins, and does her best to care for them and her own almost-three-year-old boy. Phew!
There's a myriad of fairy tale characters, and the tales you knew are all turned on their heads - such fun!
You do have to read to the end once you've started as there are some surprise revelations.
The ending sets up the next book but not on a cliff-hanger.
This is quite a shadowy, angst-filled yet fun read.
A good 4* from me.
Of course, as a part-time stepmother, this is pure self-indulgence.
As it's new year, I thought this an appropriate read. Well, Cinderella is a panto. Oh, yes it is!
Let me just offer a word of caution that this does include teen pregnancy and abortion, just in case you find that upsetting.
Because of that, I'd be inclined to say this is more NA (as opposed to YA) even though there's no detailed scenes of the act.
The book description itself says 18+
Teenaged Ella is a brat! Head-strong, gullible and determined to think the world's against her. Her POV is revealed via hilarious, ranting diary entries.
Whilst Grace takes her on along with the younger twins, and does her best to care for them and her own almost-three-year-old boy. Phew!
There's a myriad of fairy tale characters, and the tales you knew are all turned on their heads - such fun!
You do have to read to the end once you've started as there are some surprise revelations.
The ending sets up the next book but not on a cliff-hanger.
This is quite a shadowy, angst-filled yet fun read.
A good 4* from me.
May 21, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25
There are always two sides to one story, possibly more.
The truth is probably somewhere in between.
This was a balm for the soul. I could definitely feel the author’s own struggles and worries culminating into this book which reads as a funny contemporary set in a fantastical world. It’s genre-bending which makes it all the more fun!
There was never an issue of NOT taking them in.
Quite the contrary I made a promise and I'm going to honour it.
Four kids it is.
The three of them not wanted by their own mother.
Then not wanted by their Godmother.
Two actually wanted by Grizelda, but for carnivorous purposes.
Grace is the evil stepmother in Ella’s story, but in hers, she’s the tired, stretched-thin, hectic stepmother struggling to balance expenses, her restaurant, her relationship, her other three children, and an ungrateful, entitled teenage girl who is chasing romance based on her godmother’s unattainable urgings.
”Well, I didn't know that he was inviting me to his bedroom when he asked if I wanted to see his sword collection, did I?” Ella says.
I roll my eyes. Sword collection. My word.
I just can’t get over how fun this book was! I flew through it, it was so bingable. I thought this was a standalone, so I was slightly disappointed by the ending and ‘solution’, yet it sets it up for another brilliant subversive reimagining of well-loved fairytales. Even if it did feel slightly forced and rushed.
I would recommend this to fans of the Lunar Chronicles (Cinder) and Dorothy must Die.
Bookstagram
There are always two sides to one story, possibly more.
The truth is probably somewhere in between.
This was a balm for the soul. I could definitely feel the author’s own struggles and worries culminating into this book which reads as a funny contemporary set in a fantastical world. It’s genre-bending which makes it all the more fun!
There was never an issue of NOT taking them in.
Quite the contrary I made a promise and I'm going to honour it.
Four kids it is.
The three of them not wanted by their own mother.
Then not wanted by their Godmother.
Two actually wanted by Grizelda, but for carnivorous purposes.
Grace is the evil stepmother in Ella’s story, but in hers, she’s the tired, stretched-thin, hectic stepmother struggling to balance expenses, her restaurant, her relationship, her other three children, and an ungrateful, entitled teenage girl who is chasing romance based on her godmother’s unattainable urgings.
”Well, I didn't know that he was inviting me to his bedroom when he asked if I wanted to see his sword collection, did I?” Ella says.
I roll my eyes. Sword collection. My word.
I just can’t get over how fun this book was! I flew through it, it was so bingable. I thought this was a standalone, so I was slightly disappointed by the ending and ‘solution’, yet it sets it up for another brilliant subversive reimagining of well-loved fairytales. Even if it did feel slightly forced and rushed.
I would recommend this to fans of the Lunar Chronicles (Cinder) and Dorothy must Die.
Bookstagram
March 4, 2022
Unque and creative Retelling great for Once Upon A Time fans
What if Cinderella's stepmother was more complicated than she originally appeared?
What if Ella was just a spoiled regular teenage girl who was desperate to be loved? And who could read the minds of those she loved or hated?
What if Hansel and Gretta were her siblings and the witch in the woods didn't really try to eat them?
What if the kids' fairy godmother sucked as a person?
Sky Sommers has reimagined not just the original Cinderella fairytale but the whole Magic Kingdom in a unique and refreshingly modern way in the first novel of her Magic Mirror Saga. For fans of Sommers’s other retellings you will be surprised to see some familiar faces from across her other works pop in.
Grace and Peter made a deal with the mysterious Guardian Angel Agency three years ago to relocate to the Magic Kingdom from the Earth dimension with their infant son Henry. As part of the deal they would inherit three step children: Ella, Hans and Gretta. Grace agreed to be the evil stepmother in Ella's story after the three children were abandoned by there aunt/godmother Mellie. Mellie is no fairy but she indeed is magical. The only person who she can't fool with her glamour is Grace who sees through her BS.
This is not quite a dual POV. The novel is told from Grace's perspective but with diary interludes from Ella so you can see what she is thinking and feeling that enhances the depth of both characters.
I loved the effortlessly interwoven narratives of all the characters and am even more curious about the "Agency" and inter dimensional nature of all the worlds. I definitely plan to read more by Sky Sommer's in the future 😀
What if Cinderella's stepmother was more complicated than she originally appeared?
What if Ella was just a spoiled regular teenage girl who was desperate to be loved? And who could read the minds of those she loved or hated?
What if Hansel and Gretta were her siblings and the witch in the woods didn't really try to eat them?
What if the kids' fairy godmother sucked as a person?
Sky Sommers has reimagined not just the original Cinderella fairytale but the whole Magic Kingdom in a unique and refreshingly modern way in the first novel of her Magic Mirror Saga. For fans of Sommers’s other retellings you will be surprised to see some familiar faces from across her other works pop in.
Grace and Peter made a deal with the mysterious Guardian Angel Agency three years ago to relocate to the Magic Kingdom from the Earth dimension with their infant son Henry. As part of the deal they would inherit three step children: Ella, Hans and Gretta. Grace agreed to be the evil stepmother in Ella's story after the three children were abandoned by there aunt/godmother Mellie. Mellie is no fairy but she indeed is magical. The only person who she can't fool with her glamour is Grace who sees through her BS.
This is not quite a dual POV. The novel is told from Grace's perspective but with diary interludes from Ella so you can see what she is thinking and feeling that enhances the depth of both characters.
I loved the effortlessly interwoven narratives of all the characters and am even more curious about the "Agency" and inter dimensional nature of all the worlds. I definitely plan to read more by Sky Sommer's in the future 😀
April 4, 2021
This is such a clever book!! Laugh out loud in places and Sommers makes you think twice about what you thought was the truth. A very well written, thought provoking book, as all fairy tales should be. A lesson well penned. You should not always judge a book by its covers nor a person! If you don't know why a person behaved the way they did, you should try and find out a bit more before passing judgement. But of course us humans are all too quick to judge, and take offence or think the worst of someone for no reason at all. Why is that I wonder?
Seeing the story from the step mothers point of view puts an interesting spin on the story. All of a sudden she is not just the evil stepmother but a woman trying give to home to her husband's children whilst managing her own small son, a restaurant and looking after them all. It is not surprising she gets a bit frazzled on occasion. High recommend you read, very enjoyable.
Seeing the story from the step mothers point of view puts an interesting spin on the story. All of a sudden she is not just the evil stepmother but a woman trying give to home to her husband's children whilst managing her own small son, a restaurant and looking after them all. It is not surprising she gets a bit frazzled on occasion. High recommend you read, very enjoyable.
April 1, 2021
There are two sides to every story, right? Within the pages of Cinders: Necessary Evil, you get to determine whether or not Grace was or was not the evil stepmother she was made out to be in the classic fairytale Cinderella. Sky Sommers has a gift for taking the fairy tales we all grew up with and turning them on their head. Her books are all interconnected, with characters making appearances in multiple stories, but this is not really a series, in that they could all be read in any order, or even as standalones.
Sommers' world-building ability and g enjoyable cast of characters make her books fun for every age, from teen to 50+-year-old adults. She is definitely one author everybody should try, at least once.
Sommers' world-building ability and g enjoyable cast of characters make her books fun for every age, from teen to 50+-year-old adults. She is definitely one author everybody should try, at least once.
December 23, 2020
Modern characters thrown into a magical kingdom where fairy tales happen? Yes, please! What a fantastic and clever spin on the fairy tale. There are always two sides to every story and this one happens to be the one about Cinderella’s more-like-us-than-we-ever-realized evil stepmother. No one is quite what they seem in this story and our heroine will do anything she must to keep her family together. Despite being wickedly funny at times, the book also touches on serious topics as well - needless to say, it had me laughing and crying. And that ending! Gah! If you like unique takes on fairy tales in a ‘Once Upon a Time’ -ish world, you’ll definitely want to check this out. Excited for the next book in the series.
December 31, 2020
Magical fairytales meets modern world. As I've come to know with this author, the world is beautifully laid out with Sky's own unique style of writing. I loved the story being that the stepmother is the true Cinderella while Ella is a spoilt brat. Possible trigger warning for anyone who may have suffered from the loss of a child. As you can guess by that statement there are some more issues that come up throughout so it is not the typical fairytale read. I did enjoy this and I loved the crossover from her Thumbelina book. I look forward to seeing what else comes from the author.
December 21, 2020
This book was amazing!
I think it is the best book I have ever read where two opposing charracters have shared their side of the story so well. Both 'Ella' and 'The Evil Step-Mother' are likable, believable and completely real. The plot and twists and turns were very clever and original.
The story as a whole is quirky, often fun, and sometimes pretty emotional. Great illustrations too!
I would really recommend.
*Trigger warning: Abortion. *
I think it is the best book I have ever read where two opposing charracters have shared their side of the story so well. Both 'Ella' and 'The Evil Step-Mother' are likable, believable and completely real. The plot and twists and turns were very clever and original.
The story as a whole is quirky, often fun, and sometimes pretty emotional. Great illustrations too!
I would really recommend.
*Trigger warning: Abortion. *
December 26, 2020
This book takes place in a unique world that highlights fairytales in a whole new way. It starts with many twists and turns that the reader must unravel and evolves into an intriguing plot with passionate characters. Ella cares greatly for her family and will do whatever it takes to keep them together and in this book, no one is what they seem. I like that we have dual perspectives and are able to see the story from both (Cinder)Ella's and 'the evil stepmother's' point of view.
April 14, 2021
" CINDERS: NECESSARY EVIL by Sky Sommers " is the story about Cinderella and her step-mother, Grace. We all know about the story of the fairy queen Cinderella and the cruelty of her step-mom. But every story have two sides. We didn't know if her step-mom is really cruel or she behave like this because of her circumstances. This book is written in the point of view of Cinderella's step-mom. After entering the family of three kids as their step-mom, she started a restaurant to support the family, in that time her husband is busy with the works. She tries to be a good mother for the children. The story alternates between Cinderella's teen angst filled diary, and the step-mom's exhausted view of being a parent with little support.
What is actually happened in Cenderella's life? Is her step-mom is really cruel? What is the reality of this fairy tale?
This book is a mixture of happiness and sorrow. The characterization is amazing. I really enjoyed this read. Lot of twist with lot of fun. Sometimes I really felt that this is a real life story. In reality we all hide something in our life and we know that one day the truth will reveal in to the world. Like that this plot included some dark side of human life. The themes are really good. In the beginning we have not got the grip of the plot but after the progress of the story we will enjoy the read.The book cover is fantastic and the title also eye catching. Author's writing style is great and everyone must read her work once in your life.
Overall a good work. It is not just a recreation of the fairy tale. It contain lot of messages for the present world. Highly recommend
4.5 ⭐
What is actually happened in Cenderella's life? Is her step-mom is really cruel? What is the reality of this fairy tale?
This book is a mixture of happiness and sorrow. The characterization is amazing. I really enjoyed this read. Lot of twist with lot of fun. Sometimes I really felt that this is a real life story. In reality we all hide something in our life and we know that one day the truth will reveal in to the world. Like that this plot included some dark side of human life. The themes are really good. In the beginning we have not got the grip of the plot but after the progress of the story we will enjoy the read.The book cover is fantastic and the title also eye catching. Author's writing style is great and everyone must read her work once in your life.
Overall a good work. It is not just a recreation of the fairy tale. It contain lot of messages for the present world. Highly recommend
4.5 ⭐
August 4, 2021
A fresh retelling of Cinderella. This is a fun book. I like when the ‘villains’ get a chance to tell their side of things, and this book delivers on that note. The point of view is partially from the perspective of the stepmother, with Cinderella’s viewpoint being excepts from her journal.
Grace (the Stepmother), abandoned by her husband, is running a restaurant and trying to take care of her own little boy and her husband’s kids with no backup. Frazzled, she still tries.
Ella’s journal is as emo as you’d expect from a teenager who feels unloved. She’s a bit spoiled, and the driver for the plot.
The contrast between the perspectives of the same events is what makes the book fun to read. There’s a lot of references to other fairy tales and tongue in cheek humor overlays the narrative. Plenty of snark as well. It reminded me a bit of Into the Woods in places. The ending transitions well (with a great twist!) into the setup for the second book.
Enjoyed!
Grace (the Stepmother), abandoned by her husband, is running a restaurant and trying to take care of her own little boy and her husband’s kids with no backup. Frazzled, she still tries.
Ella’s journal is as emo as you’d expect from a teenager who feels unloved. She’s a bit spoiled, and the driver for the plot.
The contrast between the perspectives of the same events is what makes the book fun to read. There’s a lot of references to other fairy tales and tongue in cheek humor overlays the narrative. Plenty of snark as well. It reminded me a bit of Into the Woods in places. The ending transitions well (with a great twist!) into the setup for the second book.
Enjoyed!
March 14, 2021
A nice take on an old classic
Me and a friend have a similar taste in books, so when she told me I needed to read this one, of course I did.
Some hours later and a decent amount of pages read, I had suddenly finished the book and found myself in dire need to read the next one in the series. The characters came across as believable and you could easily imagine yourself in their shoes.
This fairytale retelling had a nice twist as you get cinderella's tale told from the point of view of the stepmom and from cinderella's diary instead of the usual one, and it worked really well being written in such a fashion.
Would I read it again? Definitely. It was a refreshing read, and being lucky, i already got my hands on the next in the series, so that's what I'll be diving into for the rest of the day.
Elle
Me and a friend have a similar taste in books, so when she told me I needed to read this one, of course I did.
Some hours later and a decent amount of pages read, I had suddenly finished the book and found myself in dire need to read the next one in the series. The characters came across as believable and you could easily imagine yourself in their shoes.
This fairytale retelling had a nice twist as you get cinderella's tale told from the point of view of the stepmom and from cinderella's diary instead of the usual one, and it worked really well being written in such a fashion.
Would I read it again? Definitely. It was a refreshing read, and being lucky, i already got my hands on the next in the series, so that's what I'll be diving into for the rest of the day.
Elle
April 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this! A fun twist on the fairytale, and it feels real and believable.
February 13, 2022
Wonderful retelling of a classical fairytale
Sky has a way of making you enjoy reading about characters with terrible personalities. Although, this time I liked Ella in the end and can understand why she's the way she is. Grace was actually easy to like from the beginning. There was a wonderful twist or 2 at the end that I thoroughly enjoyed. So far, this is the best of her books that I've read.
The only parts that I did not like were the repetitive portions between the two main characters.
Sky has a way of making you enjoy reading about characters with terrible personalities. Although, this time I liked Ella in the end and can understand why she's the way she is. Grace was actually easy to like from the beginning. There was a wonderful twist or 2 at the end that I thoroughly enjoyed. So far, this is the best of her books that I've read.
The only parts that I did not like were the repetitive portions between the two main characters.
March 8, 2021
Cinders: Necessary Evil is a fantastic modern-day retelling of Cinderella with an adult twist. All characters that Sky developed are relatable. I love how the readers are able to view the novel from a dual perspective rather than just Ellas. While there are trigger* warnings, if you love fairytale retellings in the modern-day then you are going to love this novel and the series that Sky has created!
*Trigger warnings: Abortion*
*Trigger warnings: Abortion*
July 10, 2021
This book is full of magic, adventure and situations to which everyone can relate to in real life. Found it very capturing and fun to read. It was very hard to put it down.
October 22, 2021
A delightful twist to the Cinderella tale, told from the point of view from both the “evil” stepmother and the Cinderella character. While there are angsty teenage moments, this is not a young adult novel as it covers some mature themes. That being said, what fairy tale did not? I really enjoyed how the author casually threw in some magic and all the familiar characters from the fairy tales, reminded me of Shrek and gave me a good chuckle. This was an engaging tale as I eagerly wanted to know what happened next. Already bought the “sequel” — Embers: Beastly Curses and I’m looking forward to reading that.
January 7, 2021
Greta, the stepmom: "I used to hate all those evil stepmothers, until I made a deal to become one."
Ella, the tween stepdaughter: "I used to love fairy-tales until I was in one."
Thus begins Cinders, a re-telling of Cinderella. The narrative develops through the points of view of the two main characters, Greta and Ella. Both characters are well fleshed-out and reading their respective thoughts makes the pages fly by as the plot unfolds. Although the storyline is based on the Cinderella fairy tale, Cinders is way much more engaging (at least for adult readers). There are twists and turns galore and a surprise ending. The reader will also come across the nested fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel--and did you know the real story behing Nicholas's parents? (Spoiler alert: They are Belle and the Beast.) All in all, great fun. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the saga.
Warning: There are some mild sex scenes and a teen abortion theme.
Ella, the tween stepdaughter: "I used to love fairy-tales until I was in one."
Thus begins Cinders, a re-telling of Cinderella. The narrative develops through the points of view of the two main characters, Greta and Ella. Both characters are well fleshed-out and reading their respective thoughts makes the pages fly by as the plot unfolds. Although the storyline is based on the Cinderella fairy tale, Cinders is way much more engaging (at least for adult readers). There are twists and turns galore and a surprise ending. The reader will also come across the nested fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel--and did you know the real story behing Nicholas's parents? (Spoiler alert: They are Belle and the Beast.) All in all, great fun. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the saga.
Warning: There are some mild sex scenes and a teen abortion theme.
September 20, 2023
This was a book which combined three fairy tales into one book- Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and
Hansel and Gretel but with twists that shows that the fairy tale we know and love about the wicked witch who tried to eat the children may not be really true.
It’s an imaginative tale which had me saying “No No” as Cinderella turns out to be selfish and self-centered and the wicked stepmother to be just the opposite.
A couple from the earth dimension appear in the Magic Kingdom where the man claims to be the father of three orphaned children; Ella, Hans and Greta. The children come to live with the couple and their young son and the mother tries to blend the three children into the family but Ella refuses to be swayed. There are surprising things in store for her and I just couldn’t accept the “new” Cinderella until the very end.
This book is the first of three in a box set which twists the fairy tales we loved reading about while growing up. They are imaginative and different so be prepared to read about characters you loved in an entirely new light!
I recommend this book as one that will “grow” on you as you continue to read the book. There are characters you’ll love and hate and some of them may surprise you!
I think most people will enjoy this book and the ones following it once they realize the stories are just another reimagining of characters we have loved. You’ll be surprised at the twists and turns the story takes but you’ll enjoy how everything works out in the end!
Hansel and Gretel but with twists that shows that the fairy tale we know and love about the wicked witch who tried to eat the children may not be really true.
It’s an imaginative tale which had me saying “No No” as Cinderella turns out to be selfish and self-centered and the wicked stepmother to be just the opposite.
A couple from the earth dimension appear in the Magic Kingdom where the man claims to be the father of three orphaned children; Ella, Hans and Greta. The children come to live with the couple and their young son and the mother tries to blend the three children into the family but Ella refuses to be swayed. There are surprising things in store for her and I just couldn’t accept the “new” Cinderella until the very end.
This book is the first of three in a box set which twists the fairy tales we loved reading about while growing up. They are imaginative and different so be prepared to read about characters you loved in an entirely new light!
I recommend this book as one that will “grow” on you as you continue to read the book. There are characters you’ll love and hate and some of them may surprise you!
I think most people will enjoy this book and the ones following it once they realize the stories are just another reimagining of characters we have loved. You’ll be surprised at the twists and turns the story takes but you’ll enjoy how everything works out in the end!
January 8, 2021
A clever flip on the classic fairytale, Cinders shows a side to the stepmother we may have never considered. Told from both (Cinder) Ella’s and Grace’s perspective, we meet a bratty teenage Ella and a floundering stepmother Grace, both unhappy with their lot and striving for better.
Despite an exciting start, I found the pace dragged a little for the first half of this book. Grace and Ella’s ranting diary entries got a bit repetitive for me, along with the detailing of Grace’s daily tasks for the restaurant. I ended up skimming some of these paragraphs in the hope that action would be waiting on the next page. Thankfully, the plot thickened when Ella’s stubbornness and naivety lands her in trouble, and from there, the story picked up.
Many of the fairytale characters we know make an appearance in Cinders, but with a darker twist in Sommer’s magical kingdom. It seems every person hides a secret, but bit by bit, snippets of the truth are revealed. With themes of manipulation, prejudice and loss, there are some darker subjects handled in this tale, including the loss of a child and abortion, so reader beware.
Overall, I enjoyed this tale, but found myself a little confused by the plot at times and would have liked the pace to have picked up sooner. A solid 4 stars.
December 31, 2020
Masterful, original take on Cinderella.
July 2, 2023
This review is a long time coming because I’ve had this book for over a year! A special thanks to Sky Sommers for sending me a copy of her gorgeous book and being so patient while it took me forever to read and review it!
This Cinderella retelling is like none I’ve read before! The main story is told from Grace’s (the evil stepmother’s) perspective, but here’s the twist: she isn’t actually evil! In order to save her own life after a terrible car accident, Grace made a deal with a guardian angel to be the “necessary evil” in three children’s lives in order to continue living. The three children don’t know this detail, and Ella cannot stand her stepmother.
I loved so many aspects of this novel. First, I appreciated the unique perspective on the fairy tale, and the addition of Grace being the “necessary evil” was very inventive and well-written. Sommers also explores other fairy tales in this story, which was a lot of fun.
Grace was a very interesting character, and I found myself going back and forth between liking her and hating her. That being said, the ending helps explain some of her behavior, so I actually enjoyed this feature of the book. One minute she would be absolutely horrible to the children and the next she sincerely cared about them. Deep down, it was clear that she wanted what was best for Ella, Greta, and Hans. As the story progresses, it’s obvious that she will do whatever it takes for Ella to live a happy life, which was really endearing.
There were a couple instances of Grace judging Ella for her sex life that I wasn’t super fond of. And, at one point, Grace appears to be okay with giving Ella a potion that would permanently prevent pregnancy, which was not only wrong but also strange considering her own struggles with infertility. Despite that, I think some of this behavior was explained at the end.
Speaking of Ella, I absolutely HATED her character! This was actually one of my favorite parts of the novel because readers should hate Ella. That is the whole point of the book being told from Grace’s perspective. I thought Sommers did an exceptional job of portraying her as a spoiled brat, while also painting her in a different light in the section from Ella’s point of view. She is definitely one of the best written antagonists I’ve read in a long time!
As a whole, I really enjoyed this book, and the ending has me wanting to read the sequel immediately!
This Cinderella retelling is like none I’ve read before! The main story is told from Grace’s (the evil stepmother’s) perspective, but here’s the twist: she isn’t actually evil! In order to save her own life after a terrible car accident, Grace made a deal with a guardian angel to be the “necessary evil” in three children’s lives in order to continue living. The three children don’t know this detail, and Ella cannot stand her stepmother.
I loved so many aspects of this novel. First, I appreciated the unique perspective on the fairy tale, and the addition of Grace being the “necessary evil” was very inventive and well-written. Sommers also explores other fairy tales in this story, which was a lot of fun.
Grace was a very interesting character, and I found myself going back and forth between liking her and hating her. That being said, the ending helps explain some of her behavior, so I actually enjoyed this feature of the book. One minute she would be absolutely horrible to the children and the next she sincerely cared about them. Deep down, it was clear that she wanted what was best for Ella, Greta, and Hans. As the story progresses, it’s obvious that she will do whatever it takes for Ella to live a happy life, which was really endearing.
There were a couple instances of Grace judging Ella for her sex life that I wasn’t super fond of. And, at one point, Grace appears to be okay with giving Ella a potion that would permanently prevent pregnancy, which was not only wrong but also strange considering her own struggles with infertility. Despite that, I think some of this behavior was explained at the end.
Speaking of Ella, I absolutely HATED her character! This was actually one of my favorite parts of the novel because readers should hate Ella. That is the whole point of the book being told from Grace’s perspective. I thought Sommers did an exceptional job of portraying her as a spoiled brat, while also painting her in a different light in the section from Ella’s point of view. She is definitely one of the best written antagonists I’ve read in a long time!
As a whole, I really enjoyed this book, and the ending has me wanting to read the sequel immediately!
November 26, 2023
‘Not all stepmothers are evil’
As a third-time stepmother, I endorse the above statement.
Having said that, my personal experience with role stepmother models is different from the below:
‘There are no good role models for stepmothers. Maria in “The Sound of Music” doesn’t count – she was almost a nun.’
Trust me, this gave a me good chuckle when I read it – ’cause the second part is sooo true!
I grew up with four step-grandparents in the family (my daughter and I both acquired a stepparent as adults). My mom told us good stories about her own stepmother as well as my father’s (my mom grew up next door to her future in-laws). Also, my first husband’s ex- would introduce me as her daughter’s “other mother”. Perhaps, it’s well past time to correct the narrative about stepparents – they are often the liaison between the bio-parents and can truly have a positive effect on the family dynamics.
The author brings up an ethical dilemma outside of the obvious as per the book description. We all (hopefully) know the dangers of being mindful of what we say, to whom, and under which circumstances: ‘You never know who might be listening’.
But are we as careful about *not* listening in when we aren’t the intended audience? We may not have heard the full story and we cannot unhear the information. And then, what do we do with the information that was not for our ears?
And yes, there is lots of the usual sass as well as IRL references (like Pride & Prejudice and The Fifth Element). I really enjoy the banter between characters (even more so the internal snarks).
Fave line:
‘Tinder? What does kindling a fire have to do with dating?’
Starting up the next in series very soon –‘Embers: Beastly Curses’ then 'Ash: Crooked Fates'. All three tales are in a newly released set.
As a third-time stepmother, I endorse the above statement.
Having said that, my personal experience with role stepmother models is different from the below:
‘There are no good role models for stepmothers. Maria in “The Sound of Music” doesn’t count – she was almost a nun.’
Trust me, this gave a me good chuckle when I read it – ’cause the second part is sooo true!
I grew up with four step-grandparents in the family (my daughter and I both acquired a stepparent as adults). My mom told us good stories about her own stepmother as well as my father’s (my mom grew up next door to her future in-laws). Also, my first husband’s ex- would introduce me as her daughter’s “other mother”. Perhaps, it’s well past time to correct the narrative about stepparents – they are often the liaison between the bio-parents and can truly have a positive effect on the family dynamics.
The author brings up an ethical dilemma outside of the obvious as per the book description. We all (hopefully) know the dangers of being mindful of what we say, to whom, and under which circumstances: ‘You never know who might be listening’.
But are we as careful about *not* listening in when we aren’t the intended audience? We may not have heard the full story and we cannot unhear the information. And then, what do we do with the information that was not for our ears?
And yes, there is lots of the usual sass as well as IRL references (like Pride & Prejudice and The Fifth Element). I really enjoy the banter between characters (even more so the internal snarks).
Fave line:
‘Tinder? What does kindling a fire have to do with dating?’
Starting up the next in series very soon –‘Embers: Beastly Curses’ then 'Ash: Crooked Fates'. All three tales are in a newly released set.
July 31, 2022
Cinders: Necessary evil is a new and refreshing take on the Cinderella story. I love that we actually get to see things from the stepmother’s perspective and that Ella’s side of the story is her diary. Contrary to the traditional representation of Cinderella, we get to meet a typical stripy teenager making all the wrong decisions thanks to misguided adult “intervention” until, in a brilliant twist, the godmother and stepmother switch roles. I’m not going to say any more. I don’t want to give any more away.
Sommers does great work at setting things up for a sequel and I can’t wait to read the next book which she promises will be out soon. Also, Sommers weaves in her other books making me want to read those too because I want to know more about those side characters who already have their own stories. Great fun!
Sommers does great work at setting things up for a sequel and I can’t wait to read the next book which she promises will be out soon. Also, Sommers weaves in her other books making me want to read those too because I want to know more about those side characters who already have their own stories. Great fun!
November 25, 2021
Have you ever wondered how the story of Cinderella looks from the evil stepmothers point of view? If so, look no further, Cinders tells that story!
I loved the way that the author wove together a number of different Disney classics into the backdrop of Cinders, and I thought it was clever to tell the story of ‘Ella’ and the story of the evil step mother in one. It really drove home the fact that there are two sides to every story.
However, Ella was a brat and that did spoil the beginning of the story for me. Once she started to grow up and to think for herself though, the story improved and I was glad I’d persisted with it. Now, I’m eagerly turning to the sequel to find out what happens next.
I loved the way that the author wove together a number of different Disney classics into the backdrop of Cinders, and I thought it was clever to tell the story of ‘Ella’ and the story of the evil step mother in one. It really drove home the fact that there are two sides to every story.
However, Ella was a brat and that did spoil the beginning of the story for me. Once she started to grow up and to think for herself though, the story improved and I was glad I’d persisted with it. Now, I’m eagerly turning to the sequel to find out what happens next.
June 29, 2022
This was a very different version of Cinderella, and not just because it's in Sky's created world--which, turns out, is HUGE. The POV splits between Ella and her stepmother, and they way it is done really makes it hard to take sides.
Except, of course I usually sided with the exhausted stepmother over the bratty teenager. Let's go back in time about 15 years and see who high school Marie sides with. (P.S. it's Loretta, based on fashion sense alone)
Except, of course I usually sided with the exhausted stepmother over the bratty teenager. Let's go back in time about 15 years and see who high school Marie sides with. (P.S. it's Loretta, based on fashion sense alone)
October 7, 2022
This book was so good
November 14, 2022
I loved this retelling of Cinderella very interesting way of telling the story. I loved how it was told from the stepmothers point of view and then you also got to read Ella's point of view as well.
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