Becoming Cinder

by Christine Marshall

What if Cinderella was already a princess?
What if her step-sisters weren't mean?
What if she learned to control the animals?
What if her family, her crown... and her love were ripped away from her?
What if in her grief she made a terrible mistake?
Maybe not all fairy-tales end with happily ever after...

Genres: Fiction, Cinderella

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

Reviews

[Jennifer Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued from the start but I had no idea how unique and compelling a book it is. I highly suggest if you love fairy tales for you to read it. Who knows you might find your favorite book of the year.

[Niki Christodoulidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this author, Christine Marshall, on tiktok, and I highly recommend following her! Her passion and enthusiasm for storytelling is infectious, and I was instantly drawn in. I really enjoyed getting to know more about her and her book through her videos, which made me feel more connected to the story as I read it.

I was so excited to have received an ARC of this book. Fairy tales have always been a huge part of my childhood, and I am always looking for that retelling that builds off the original, while keeping me on my toes with a new vision. This story did not disappoint! I became completely immersed in this story and loved the originality of it. I can not wait to read her other books, and for the print release of Becoming Cinder so I can purchase a copy for my daughter.

[c_g.77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.75/5

Ms. Marshall did such a beautiful job with this book. It was a take on Cinderella but with magic. There's no wicked stepmother but there are twists to those characters. And there's no HEA. At least not in this book. Not sure if there is more to this story to come?

To summarize a bit without spoilers, Jessamine has this great childhood with her parents, getting prepared to be Queen someday. She's a good girl. Loves her people and is genuine and modest, not snooty. Tragedy occurs, she falls in love with Peter but she can't be with him, she uses magic to try and get her HEA, crazy a$$ plot twist and BAM end of story. I loved it!

Was it perfect? No. There were some areas that could have used some tightening up. I loved the magic and the worlds she built, but I think we could have gotten more in depth on her magic. It seemed that her mom was dropping all kinds of clues and you'd think she would have more sense because she was such a good girl. It seemed a little out of character. BUT I really liked Jessamine. I just wanted to understand her reasoning a little more.

I felt a little disconnected from Peter as well. And not gonna lie, I was expecting Magnolia to end up being shady. I was expecting different twists than what I got but Christine really made it work, because this was an big page turner for me. I really didn't know what was going to happen next.

My favorite part of this book was all of the creatures in her world and how they were described. I really felt like I was there in her kingdom, researching them with her. When I started reading books, I definitely did so for escapism. To go to different worlds and live a different life than I was living. I felt that with this book. It gave me a happy place. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Willow field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Cinder is one of the most creative retellings I've had the chance to read. The Characters are interesting and endearing and make you truly invested in what this story holds for them.

Becoming Cinder follows an FL who is a princess that, as I said above, is so endearing. She has tragic events forcing her to grow and up and the challenges she faces. And all of this is in a fantastic world created by the author.

This is a story you should pick up this winter season to enjoy!

I was lucky to get this story as an arc reader for my honest review.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and I found it very entertaining. This is a story about a princess who loses her parents to tragedy and must learn to find her true self. I really enjoyed the details in the story and felt like I was right there with the characters. The story really does have a twist and reminds me of a Sci-fi fantasy with a Romeo and Juliet kind of twist. I appreciate the fact that the story really does stay true to the princesses heart and her true calling at the end.

[Alma Cadigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to reader this as an ARC reader. This YA fantasy book follows Jessamine who was a princess, until tragedy hits. Her life is turned upside down. One constant source of happiness is Peter. Jessamine keeps getting blow after blow. Then once she figures out a plan to leave... things go wrong.

[Keegan Eichelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a charming fairy tale retelling spun on its head. The characters are instantly lovable, and the writing has a beautiful flow to it only complimenting the beautiful chapter headings. Claps to the author for a job well done!

[Jana Raddon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. The different realms captured my attention from the start especially. The characters are lovable on all levels. Great read! One that I can’t wait to share with my kids.

[Michelle Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an arc. I like that it is a totally different take on the Cinderella story. I found the characters and story worth the read! The characters and animals all have interesting parts.

[Hilary Amick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It took a little longer for me to read due to unforeseen happenings in my life, but overall I was pleasantly surprised with the story.

[Ashley gummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic retelling!
Loved this book so much :)

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected! A Cinderella retelling but kind of in reverse. Different but still a good storyline. And it will give you all the feels.

Jessamine is our main character who is already a princess, talks to animals, in love ans loved by prince, and is adored by her parents, the king and queen. After an unfortunate accident, everything is taken away from her. EVERYTHING! This story goes on to tell us how she endures. Because it could go one way or another.

I honestly thought Jessamine was a brat. And when you think of Cinderella, you think of a sweet, kind princess. However, being sassy and bratty works to her advantage in so many ways to help her survive.

I did love the magic aspect of the story. Talking to animals, creating potions, magical creatures and kingdoms, etc. I felt like that was a unique aspect of the story. I also loved the love story between Jessamine and the prince. It was very romantic and sweet.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and this was very enjoyable for me! I loved the unique take on “Cinderella”. Hope to read more from this author. :)

[Cali Ravenwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and advanced copy of this book.

I think this book made me a fan of fairytale reimagined. I loved the illustrations and the care the author used to be creative and draw a story with words. I look forward to the next book!

[Angie Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first retelling I think I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. YA novel, Cinderella retelling with a twist. I really enjoyed Jessamine’s story and going through a family tragedy from her point of view. Loved being a part of the animals lives as well, and seeing Jessamine’s power grow as she became a more confident woman.

[Cali Ravenwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing retelling with a twist. I absolutely love the story and the characters. The emotions they feel are so real and relatable. A fantastic story for all ages. Can't wait for the next one!

[Bethanys_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Cinderella retelling! This book is very unique in that it is almost a reverse of Cinderella, where she starts out as a princess with everything she could ever want and slowly loses it all. I loved the character development in this book, Christine did an excellent job to start to weave the main character's personality to fit who she was becoming throughout the book. The ending honestly took me by a surprise and made me hopeful for a sequel (or a sneak peak from another book into what happened to her). Overall fantastic and fun read!

[Kate Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars❤️ I believe this is my first retelling and I honestly adore it🥰❤️ It did exactly what the back of the book said it would do. I want to know what happens! Like will Peter make it back to Jessamine? Will they have their happily ever after? Aghhhhh🤭😅❤️ Christine, I'm going to get all of your books in the nearby future 😍❤️ I haven't read many Indie authors but I'm not going to stop anytime soon😍❤️

[Neoma Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Cinder blew me away. I’m not usually a fan of anything remotely fantasy, but this story sucked me in and kept me searching for more time in my day to read. The characters are complex and instead of being static, they evolve as the story unfolds. The ending was unexpected and left me hoping for a sequel.

[S.A.McClelland S.A.McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinderella retelling

A very entertaining and enjoyable retelling. I particularly picked this up as I wanted the MC Jessamine to become the evil one and it delivered. Included is an ending that I was hoping to turn around for the better, but didn't happen. Instead it was grotty and dark and thoroughly enjoyable.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story filled with family dynamics, kindness, happiness, sorrow, love, and dreams. I will absolutely recommend this to my nieces and their moms.

[Marie Wikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic weekend read

A retelling of a fairytale with its own twists and turns. I enjoyed the way this story flowed, the characters and the story as a whole.

[Mike Minicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Christine did an amazing job bringing so many characters to life. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Miranda Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly like crack. I couldn't put it down!!! I can't wait to read the rest of this series 🖤💜 extremely well written and a thrilling page turner!

[Karla Mcmaster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, interesting concept. Writing seemed a big naive.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75
there are parts of this I really enjoyed...but it isn't what I thought it would be. not for me

[Michelle L. E. Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession first — I am an adult that reads YA. (Mainly because I just love good stories, and I don’t really pay much attention to genre). This Cinderella story had all the angst of adolescence and first love, (complete with letter writing and parents who love her but just don’t understand) and the charm of fantasy (communicating with animals and magical creatures) but it’s much darker… Not sure I’d call it a fairy tale, unless it’s of the Brothers Grimm variety! Really enjoyed the twisty story, and felt like it was an ideal entry into Marshall’s writing.

[Olivia Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤩!🤩!🤩
I loved seeing the different characters in a different view! so cool! definitely going to read the WHOLE series!!

[Kimberly Parsons]

This was a fun fairy tale twist. Different than I expected, the "Cinderella" vibes didn't come in as much until the end. Found the natural magical abilities mixed with using plant abilities cool

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was a very unique take on Cinderella, and it was very fantastical. There were some very heartbreaking moments, but I enjoyed the story.