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Glass Queen #1

Cindered Glass

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After my father’s death, my stepmother assumed control of my life. She believes I’ll cave to her demands, even when that means arranging a marriage to a man who makes my skin crawl.

With no other choice, I ran toward comfort. The Blacksmith, a kind soul the fae have turned their backs on. He’s allowed nothing: no name, no rights, no wife.

To be with the man I want, I’ll have to make a deal with a God. An immortal being who promises to help at the cost of one night together. An idea that makes me burn with desire.

The only thing standing between me and my happily ever after, is a Prince I must make mine, and betrothal I have to get out of.

Whatever happens, I know I can’t let my stepmother win.

381 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2023

65 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read

About the author

Chalan Johnson

4 books54 followers

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5 stars
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49 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
18 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2022
Firstly, ensure you check the trigger warnings!

“Be honest with me. Just once. Tell me what you want.”

Everything.

Chalan mastered retelling a common fairytale by waltzing in, claimed she could do it better by adding a little bit of spice and making it her very own.

She came, she saw, she conquered. I mean, first of all, black girl magic, amirite?

But I dare you to name a book this is like. Go on, I'll wait. Why do I think it isn't possible? Because even though those elements are there that we recognize from myth, fables, and so on, she ensured she used that information against you so you never quite guessed what it symbolized or meant.

Mini spoiler so don't read this line if you don't want that, but all I'm going to say is: the mirror, the glass fricken slipper, the clock striking midnight?! *chef's kiss*

I'm not even one to usually read the genre of Why Choose, so I'm just going to tell you why I loved this one in particular. 1) They were all consent kings. Every single one of them. Even when they were doing some extra spicy things, they always ensured everyone participating was good and wanted to continue. 2) There's no jealousy. 3) They are all written so differently and add value to the story vs just being an extra D in the mix. Like, if you take one of them away, the story wouldn't be nearly as mesmerizing. 4) Despite the plethora of sexy time scenes, there was an interesting plot.

To me, the spicy parts were just icing on the top.

I devoured this in just a few hours. Chalan knew exactly what she was doing here and did it well.

Now go fricken read it or else 🤺
Profile Image for Black Girl  Tired Energy Book reviews.
232 reviews45 followers
December 5, 2022
Look I was so into this book ...I didn't put my kindle down until I finished this book. It was that damn good!

This was a reverse harem retelling of so many fairytales rolled into one exquisite story ...you get Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, and Beauty & Beast ...Like what!!!

Trigger warnings:
Verbal Abuse
Physical Abuse
Rape
Kidnapping
Degradation
Dom/Sub
Sex with Multiple Partners

Bry's father passed away leaving her in the hands of her Step Mother and step sisters who treated her as though she was their personal servant. The only time she could breathe is when she goes to work with the Blacksmith even though rumors around them have swirled around the kingdom. When the King announces that a ball to find the prince a wife would happen and all single women would attend Bry was excited and was looking forward to it. Unfortunately Bry step mother informs her that she is already promised her to someone in which makes my good sis tight lol...she is not happy at all. Even though her unhappiness is ignored by her step mother she is forced to go to the dress shop with her step sisters to help them find dresses for the ball. As they make way to the dress shop Bry bumps into a Fae (They don't mingle with her kind in this realm) she knows that this chance encounter will burn her just like his touch. This encounter will start a chain reaction of revelations and betrayals.

Not a dull part in the book do you hear me! This was out of this world delicious ...every male in this story was yummy. From the Blacksmith to the Fae just amazing. Ma'am your imagination is flipping awesome! I swear the sex in the book was kink level devilish and had me smiling plus HAWT & fanning myself. My favorite characters were the Fae and the Prince...because Bruh those two wow!!!! And Bry said I want everything...hell me too ! A amazing book
Profile Image for Lisa l chaotic.couchreads.
112 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2022
Story: 4/5
Spice: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Format: ebook ARC

PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK.

Description:
Summer’s life is dictated by her wicked stepmother. When she is betrothed to a cruel man against her will, she turns to unexpected allies to gather the courage to change her fate. The Blacksmith, a discarded soul whom she loves. Ember, a God that appears offering a deal. With their help, she must find out what she desires and win over the prince to escape her fate.

Loved:
-Worldbuilding and magic system
-Female empowerment
-Overall plot

Loved Less:
-Wanting more history of the world and characters

My thoughts:
This is an interesting magic world with many different powers. There is enough described and shown and I want to see what else is possible! I thoroughly enjoyed that the female character gets to explore her own power and sexuality on her own terms. I find Summer a compelling character and appreciate that she finds ownership in an impossible situation. I hope to learn more about some side characters such as Liss and Rasha in the next book. The spice is intense but does not overpower the story. As this is the first book in a trilogy, I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Goodgirlkeepreading .
37 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2023
a gem

I was thoroughly surprised by all the twists and turns and it was a wild ride but I would definitely take it again to read more about these characters. I really loved how the author retold the story with a fresh perspective. There have been so many retellings but this one definitely stood above the rest for me . What a wonderful debut novel from the author I can’t wait to see more . I can’t wait to meet the other characters from her other fairytale dark retellings in the future.

I received an arc copy for an honest review
Profile Image for Alicia.
130 reviews34 followers
January 21, 2023
I didn't want this book to end. I know there is another one coming out and I need it RIGHT NOW.

Please check author website for TW/CW. Full review to come at a later date.
Profile Image for Wanika.
379 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2023
Absolutely amazing.

Cindered Glass was beyond what I thought it would or could be and I'm so glad I read it! Cindered Glas is the story of Summer, who's only way away from her evil stepmother, Prina, is to get married and hope that she'll be able to eventually love him, whoever he is. But when her stepmother informs her that she has already found her a suitor, Summer knows this can only mean trouble since Prina NEVER does anything out of the goodness of her heart. Technically any betrothals before the Ball where Prince Aurell chooses his intended are null and void, so Summer only has a few days to find herself a way out of an engagement she has no say in with a man....she's positive she doesn't want to marry. What Summer does want, everything. But can a simple lowborn mortal like her even attempt to dream that she could have SOMETHING, let alone EVERYTHING she's ever wished for?

Cindered Glass is a dark fantasy, why choose, Cinderella reimagining, where the FMC hopes she gets everything she ever wished for.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Zima Rozalli.
66 reviews
December 17, 2022
Ooh wee! This book is really something!

It is a Cinderella retelling, but it is NOT what anyone could have ever thought it would be. Because this book came with a long list of trigger warnings that Chalan Johnson had provided upon applying to be one of the ARC readers. And when she said to heed the trigger warnings, you best be doing just that. One NEEDS to be prepared, mind, body, spirit to delve into the tale of Cindered Glass.

This Cinderella retelling did not even begin with a girl by the name of Cinderella. It began with Summer who lives in a land of Glaspyre, where there are Ellas (born or married into), Faes who are magical supreme beings that are unseen by the naked eye, Genies, Outcasts, and commoners. Summer led a confined life after the death of her father, and she became a maid to her stepmother and stepsisters. But when her stepmother had arranged for her to marry an obnoxious and unfavourable Ella, short of selling her off through the marriage, Summer decided to rebel and give in to her carnal attraction and feelings for The Blacksmith, who held a secret of his own.

She possessed extraordinary beauty and gave off a sensual vibe that lured men, Ellas, Faes and Genies to want to physically be with her in the most intimate ways. And one Fae in particular, Ember, who was amazed at Summer’s ability to not only sense but to see him, had offered her a solution to get out of her arranged marriage predicament; marry the Prince Aurell - the highest rank of Ella in the land, but at a price of one night together with her. Amazingly enough, it is all also as a way for Summer to be with her beloved Blacksmith and to be free of her stepmother’s clutches.

But did Summer really need the Fae’s help? As she indulges and chases her pleasures, it became more and more apparent that she may not be as ordinary as everyone thought, herself included. It seemed that magic began to emanate from her; the kind where only Ellas and Faes have. She had a certain kind of power that she wields that could be the key to her liberation, body and soul. She could not only sense the Fae but see him, and withstand the fiery passions from a Fae that no ordinary human could. And she seemed to be a huge threat to her stepmother who was adamant to get rid of her by marrying her off to the first Ella with riches.

Could it be that Summer is really someone of special significance in Glaspyre? And will she be able to fulfill her dream of being with her beloved Blacksmith, while indulging in the physical pleasures that Prince Aurell and the Fae would bring to her.

This book is most definitely and undeniably NOT for the faint-hearted. It is NOT for the ones with a delicate disposition, and most certainly NOT for the close-minded. It has a lot of passion, heat, intensity, feral longing, tenderness, love, lust and shock. It has rough and tough bits that adds to the drama. And it is for readers who are brave and adventurous.

Cindered Glass will get you hot and bothered. And a fair warning here; this book is NSFK (Not Safe For Kids), so please, please, please, I would highly advise you against adding this book among your kids’ bedtime stories. Not unless you want to start answering LOTS of questions. Because whatever versions of Cinderella retelling that you could ever think of, Cindered Glass will be waaaaaayyyyyy out of your imaginings. And Chalan Johnson is one creative story teller who managed to incorporate erotica-smut-fantasy-fairytale-romance all in one.

Oh, and did I mention this isn’t for everyone? Yes, you have been warned. Muahaha!!
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,158 reviews71 followers
January 10, 2023
⭐️ARC Review ⭐️

This is everything I wanted and never knew I needed. This is an experience. It’s dark, cleaver, suspenseful, romantic, sexy, and magical. The world that the author is building is truly amazing. I love that it has characters from different storylines than the original and you just never know who’s going to make an appearance. Or if they’ll be a good guy or a bad guy. This story is single POV which I don’t love, but it keeps you knowing just enough information to be engaged without giving you so much information that your overwhelmed or that allows the story to be predictable. There is a content warning for a reasons so please check that. If you love fairytales like I love fairytales. If you’re a Disney girl who’s all grown up and would love an adult version. If you love fantasy and magic and seeing a Black girl get everything her heart desires. Or maybe you just love a spicy romance book with a good plot! Then this is for YOU!!
Profile Image for CJ.
75 reviews8 followers
January 14, 2023
I’m so grateful to have been able to arc read this for Chalan. This was PERFECT! Really exquisite world building! An equal balance to the plot and the spice! And I love how she introduced a creature that is often not talked about. I picked up on the classic Cinderella moments but she made it completely her own! I am enamored with this series and so ready for the next one! Definitely recommending this one!
Profile Image for Chelle Cypress.
Author 6 books108 followers
December 6, 2022
Quick, fun and spicy read. A why choose with a man for everyone’s tastes in this Cinderella retelling.

Summer, the MC is forced into an engagement with a horrible man and to find a way out she invokes help from her beloved Blacksmith, a fiery fae and a prince who all want nothing more than to protect her and pleasure her. The spice is chefs kiss 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Spice in many chapters, some scenes with multi-partner.

The plot was also interesting overall, but be sure to check TW since there is a SA scene.

The novel wrapped up well overall. It was a fun read for anyone who enioys spice and Cinderella retellings.

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Nelly.
333 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2023
There is no logical explanation for this book. It's full of contradictions and inconsistencies. I can't make sense of the plot or the characters. I think I'll just have to give up and move on.

The book starts off with Summer liking the Blacksmith then bam she's fooling around with a Fae and a prince in the same breath with no build-up whatsoever. With barely any warning, Summer's world turns upside down as she finds herself in the middle of a love triangle between a Fae, a Prince, and herself. And this is where the pacing of the story didn't allow for sufficient development of the characters or an adequate exploration of the themes

The book lacks the necessary elements that make up a compelling story such as believable characters, a clear plot, and a consistent writing style. My inability to become engaged and invested in the story was due to the absence of any of these factors.

Instead of focusing on the characters or the plot, the author rushed through the story, leaving the reader confuse. The lack of depth and detail made it difficult to relate to the characters, and the plot felt rushed and disjointed.

The storytelling lacked the nuance and subtlety that makes literature so powerful. The author failed to create a meaningful connection between the reader and the characters, and the overall plot lacked cohesion.

There is just no way it can keep me interested if it is unable to keep me hooked. I'm sure it could have been much better if the author had taken more care in developing the story.
Profile Image for Kiersten J.
102 reviews6 followers
February 14, 2023
A black, why choose, dark fantasy romance... We need more of these because this was unmatched.

It's hard to describe this book without first referencing how few and far between stories like this with black central characters are. This isn't to make it political, but I love this genre and I loved this book. It's sad that this feels like a rarity within the genre.

This is definitely a Cinderella retelling, that reminded me more of the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore. But, with darker elements. This had so many fantastical elements in it, including magic and fae. Things I personally really enjoy in my stories. Summer was a fun character, who definitely liked to have fun *wink*. I enjoyed most of her interactions wither her partners, and we definitely got some interesting moments with them. I did have a favorite, okay maybe two favorites, but I'll keep them to myself.

I can't wait to hear more about this world, and see how other stories develop. <3
Profile Image for Izzy.
1,246 reviews628 followers
August 2, 2023
This was such an interesting set up for a fairytale I don’t love. I really enjoyed the why choose elements set up. I felt like we got a lot of character development for each person involved.

Overall the CW list for this is expansive but I would recommend being prepared for the SA ontop of usual family abuse themes we see in cinderella retellings.

This left me excited to read more from Chalan Johnson!
Profile Image for Erin Smith.
141 reviews6 followers
November 27, 2022
This wonderful transformation of fairytales into one, was absolutely amazing!
You have elements of: Cinderella, sleeping beauty, Aladdin, beauty and the beast.
This book is full of excitement, spice, and a new adaptation to story retelling.

There was a good buildup before actual spicy scenes, but I think it added positively towards the story. Also having 3, eventually 4, men who are obsessed with her was wonderful.

This book deals with certain sensitive topics, such as:
Verbal abuse, physical abuse, rape, slight incest, kidnapping, violence, degradation, slight dom/sub relationship, sex, sex with multiple partners and probably more that I’m forgetting. But take that into consideration before reading.

Overall, this book was wonderful and well worth reading! I’m so happy I was able to ARC read this!
Profile Image for bookedallnight withnakita Nakita.
189 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2023
“What do you want?”

“Everything.”

Same Summer, same!

I devoured this book by Chalan. I had high hopes because I love fairy tale retellings and Cindered Glass fulfilled every expectation.

Not only do we have so many references to Cinderella but there’s elements from Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast…my Disney heart was so dang happy.

When I heard this was also a Why Choose romance, I was all in! These men are CONSENT kings, so even though this is a dark romance, our guys are easy to fall for. Plus they are unique and the relationship between our FMC is so individual with each one ♥️

I can’t wait to see where Chalan takes this series & will definitely be anxiously waiting for the next installment.

Since this is a darker romance-definitely check the content warnings if you are squeamish about SA, r@pe, abuse.
Profile Image for Azyamarie.
159 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2023
This isn't my first time reading a fairytale retelling, but it is my first Cinderella retelling, and I ready enjoyed this book. I will say it took me a little bit to get into it but once I did, I couldn't put this book down! I literally read this book in one day! I will say to check out any trigger warnings for this book. The only thing I would like to have seen are the trigger warnings in the front of the book instead of at the back of the book. That is the main reason why I gave it 4 stars. This book as a lot of action and a ton of spice. You get vibes from the story of Cinderella throughout the book which I really liked. I like that she portrayed the FMC and the other MMC in a why choose troupe. I loved the world building in this story as well as the female empowerment that she shows throughout the book. I loved how the ending of the book left off. It wasn't so much as a cliff hanger, but it also wasn't fully complete. It left you in a I need to know what comes next phase. I can't wait to see what is to come in this series.
Profile Image for The Book Hangover.
285 reviews20 followers
January 13, 2023
This is a dark whychoose spicy romance retelling of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella but it also has lots of threads of other classic fairy-tales running through it too. The storyline is intricate, intriguing and fabulously thought out with plenty of spice and I love the characters. As it is the first in the series it gives you enough info relating to the world it is set in to follow the story but leaves you asking more questions that I hope are going to be answered in the following books. As usual I will remind readers to check their TW as this book does involve some heavy themes. Bring on the next one!
Profile Image for coastalreads.
35 reviews
November 30, 2022
Please check all content warnings prior to reading.

I enjoyed this spin on the classic Cinderella tale. The author’s rendition was original and fresh. I found the characters believable and relatable.

This is a why choose novel and brings in more than one faerie tale/myth, which I enjoyed. It is definitely a very adult version!!

Well done!
236 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

Check TW

Fairytale Retelling
Why choose
Alphas
Friends to lovers
Forbidden romance

Cindered Glass is the first book in the Glass Queen series. We meet Summer who’s stepmother controls her life and has setup an arranged marriage. But Summer wants love not to be forced into marriage.

This was not your typical fairytale retelling which I thought was great! There were so many twist and nods at different fairytales. I loved the discussion of power, and world building that was not over done!

The plot and story building I enjoyed. There are parts of the story were tw might be necessary for some. This is a dark fantasy story with so much spice!! The multiple love interests where amazing. 🤩 I mean she did want “Everything!”

“You’re more powerful than he could ever hope to be. Please, Make me yours.”

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
1 review
December 9, 2022
Definitely check the tw.
I knew exactly who Summer was in the first few paragraphs and I LOVE HER. Spicy spicy! Such an incredible version of the classic story!
Profile Image for Brooke.loves.books.
28 reviews
December 12, 2022
I am posting an arc review of this book. This book was so amazing. The story line of this Cinderella retelling had me hooked from the very beginning. Cinderella and her men are so well written and have such amazing chemistry I could not put his book down. Ember was phenomenal and probably my fave’s of the men except for the blacksmith. This plot was so well written and made me feel so many emotions! I will definitely read more books written by this author!
Profile Image for Lizzy.
134 reviews1 follower
Read
November 10, 2023
I received this book as an arc and am so glad I did I absolutely love Disney retellings and this was was right up my alley. I would like to remind everyone to def check trigger warnings if you are sensitive to specific topics (I personally have none because I’m a psycho) I loved that the MC didn’t have to choose because we love a good why choose romance and the ending was really good. Absolutely worth me buying, recommending, and rereading in the future
Profile Image for Whitney book_bae77.
32 reviews14 followers
January 25, 2023
Omg omg omg!!! This book was absolutely amazing! Spice 5/5 plot 5/5 world building 5/5. I was so sad this book ended but I can't wait for the next one! Everyone needs to give this book a read, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for bookswithgab.
168 reviews8 followers
January 14, 2023
This was such a different take on the Cinderella story while still having nods to the original story. The characters were really interesting and it was nice to see how they interacted with each other. And the worldbuilding was also very interesting.

Thank you to the author for this ARC copy.
Profile Image for Viviana.
353 reviews
January 10, 2023
Before I start please read the TWs
This is a dark why choose retelling of Cinderella mix with other fairytales. Every time I thought I new were the story was going I was wrong. Summer has plans to meet a suitor and move away from her step mother but when time to get thing ready for the ball her step mother informs her that she will not partake in the ball since she was betrothed to someone. when she meets her future husband she realize she needs a way out before she force to marry a monster. this spicy 18+
Profile Image for NatashaReadsnRambles.
51 reviews17 followers
February 7, 2023
I was recommended this story after I did a call out for a why choose that offered some diversity. I was so tired of reading the same type of characters in my why choose books. I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and seriously enjoyed the overall story. Cinderella I’m this story wasn’t just a damsel waiting to be saved or married off. She was fierce, sexy, and protective. The chemistry between her and all the sirs in her life were really tangible. I truly felt like they all cared for her in their specific ways. Also, the stepmother in this one is wild and not in a good way. I’m very intrigued on where this story will go and to learn more about the magic system that has been created. Make sure to check the authors page for TWs.
Profile Image for Danielle Jensen.
179 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2023
Loved the reverse harem twist on the Cinderella tale, and the nods to other fairytales. Loved the new & growing relationships between Summer and her guys. And there’s lots of 🥵 🌶️ moments between them too. Can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Alaynna Baylis.
59 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2022
I liked this book ok. The spice was great! 🥵 but this wasn't really for me at the moment. I may go back and re read it one day to see of it changes my opinion. I love the retelling Cinderella she is one of my fav princesses. Author did a good job with this one.
Rating it a 3 for now just because I don't maybe I wasn't feeling it.
Profile Image for Missy.
243 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2023
Warning: Evil Stepmother ahead consider yourselves warned 😊 Please check your trigger warnings when reading this book!

Woo, this book was hot. Like 100% hot! It has dark fantasy elements, why choose, and the fairy tale is mixed with the fae!

Summer is the MFC, she is not someone who needs saving she is the one that does the saving. As I said above this retelling is mixed with the fae, in a way that the fae once walked their world and shared their powers with the humans and it’s the eyes that determine if they are of fae origin or not and they determine if they are in high society or not. Be prepared to fall in love with the Blacksmith, Ember, and the Prince.


Profile Image for Tiana Cannon.
37 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2022
This book had me hooked! This is a dark fantasy with 🥵. There are trigger warnings provided at the front of the book and on the author website. I loved the twists in the book and connections between the characters to build the world for this story.
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