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Severed Realms #3
A Bond of Broken Glass
The shoe fits, but she’s no Cinderella.
Ellie knows what she wants in life:
Open a glassblowing shop in the art district.
See her father retire.
Marry for love. (If she can find someone who can keep up, that is).
Winning the fae prince’s heart doesn’t make the list.
So when Prince Evander throws a ball to find a human bride, Ellie respectfully declines. And when she reads the morning paper and discovers the prince danced the night away with a mysterious stranger, only for the woman to flee at the stroke of midnight, Ellie can’t help but laugh.
Until she learns the mystery girl left behind a glass slipper.
Ellie’s glass slipper. From the set that went missing from Ellie’s workshop.
So when the idiotic prince decides it’s a good idea to use the slipper to identify the love of his life (because, you know, no two women could possibly share the same shoe size), Ellie doesn’t hesitate to prove the slipper is hers.
Little does she know there’s been a modification to her work of art. The prince may or may not have attached a fae bargain to the shoe, and when Ellie places it on her foot, she finds herself both legally and magically betrothed to the very prince she detests.
Not that Prince Evander is thrilled about the situation, either. After all, he’d thought the shoe would only fit Cinderella.
Together, the unhappy couple must discover a way to break the fae bond, but there’s danger along the way.
And what’s more dangerous than falling in love with someone whose heart belongs to another?
Ellie knows what she wants in life:
Open a glassblowing shop in the art district.
See her father retire.
Marry for love. (If she can find someone who can keep up, that is).
Winning the fae prince’s heart doesn’t make the list.
So when Prince Evander throws a ball to find a human bride, Ellie respectfully declines. And when she reads the morning paper and discovers the prince danced the night away with a mysterious stranger, only for the woman to flee at the stroke of midnight, Ellie can’t help but laugh.
Until she learns the mystery girl left behind a glass slipper.
Ellie’s glass slipper. From the set that went missing from Ellie’s workshop.
So when the idiotic prince decides it’s a good idea to use the slipper to identify the love of his life (because, you know, no two women could possibly share the same shoe size), Ellie doesn’t hesitate to prove the slipper is hers.
Little does she know there’s been a modification to her work of art. The prince may or may not have attached a fae bargain to the shoe, and when Ellie places it on her foot, she finds herself both legally and magically betrothed to the very prince she detests.
Not that Prince Evander is thrilled about the situation, either. After all, he’d thought the shoe would only fit Cinderella.
Together, the unhappy couple must discover a way to break the fae bond, but there’s danger along the way.
And what’s more dangerous than falling in love with someone whose heart belongs to another?
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2023
246 people are currently reading
4546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 28, 2023
Definitely my favorite book in the series so far! I had completely different expectations when I read that it was a Cinderella retelling, but fell absolutely in love with how the story unraveled. It’s been a long time since I read something that made me so emotionally charged at the lives of the characters. Ellie is such a well written, flushed out character, and I think shows a lot of vulnerability when necessary. Evander is so cheeky and kind, and the way he comforts Ellie will live in my brain rent free for a very long time. It was a lot of fun to read the conflicting emotions and conflicting motivations that both Ellie and Evander had. There were so many moments that I was screaming for both of them to understand what was going on, what was at stake. The supporting characters add a lot to the story; Blaise and Imogen do a great job of redirecting attention at times, and I think their added histories really furthers the plot in a great way.
I can honestly say I’ve never seen Cinderella be more terrifying; her manipulation at every turn drew me in and scared the hell out of me.
Like the rest of the series so far, ABOBG has a lot of heart and confronts a lot of hard truths within its characters. Nothing is ever black and white, and there’s always a twist coming (which I look forward to every single time!). I can’t wait to continue reading this series and see who else I’m going to fall in love with!
Also, let’s talk about Finn for a moment. This man has a strangle hold on me; and his few pages was not nearly enough to quench my thirst. I’m desperately hoping to see more of him in the next book!
I can honestly say I’ve never seen Cinderella be more terrifying; her manipulation at every turn drew me in and scared the hell out of me.
Like the rest of the series so far, ABOBG has a lot of heart and confronts a lot of hard truths within its characters. Nothing is ever black and white, and there’s always a twist coming (which I look forward to every single time!). I can’t wait to continue reading this series and see who else I’m going to fall in love with!
Also, let’s talk about Finn for a moment. This man has a strangle hold on me; and his few pages was not nearly enough to quench my thirst. I’m desperately hoping to see more of him in the next book!
April 20, 2023
I am in absolute awe... usually as I continue series they become less and less appealing (at times, not always!) but T.A. Lawrence has created an internal battle as to which book I like the most in this series so far. The twist on the Cinderella concept had me hooked! All the details had me envisioning everything in my head like a movie. It was just so beautifully written I had to stop a few times to relish in certain moments in the books to simply sigh and replay it in my head. The characters are well developed which made it easy to connect to with and of course, sprinkling in other characters from previous books was the cherry on top for me. The world is slowly coming together and I'm ready for it!!
April 1, 2023
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE x 1,000!!!!!!!
*While this series doesn’t have to be read in the order that the books were released, I DO recommend reading A Word So Fitly Spoken before reading this one. It will help you get a better understanding of the magic system and what is happening at the end of this book.*
I am SO obsessed with this series and this book just heightened my obsession. I wasn’t sure how Cinderella could fit into the world that Lawrence has built but it came together so well. Ellie and Evander’s ARC throughout the story is amazing. And Evander is to die for. He’s so perfect! Lol There we’re a few plot twists that I NEVER saw coming. They had me seriously messed up. My heart was racing and I just couldn’t put the book down.
Cinderella being a villain was such an interesting twist and made for a FANTASTIC plot. The Old Magic is also very interesting and I can’t wait to find out more about it. Everything just fit together so well!!
One of my favorite things about this book was that we finally got to see some of our favorite characters from another book in the series. I could have cried! Lol That part was also very thought out and executed perfectly. And we got a cliffhanger this time that I can’t wait to see come to fruition!
I 100/10 recommend this book!
*While this series doesn’t have to be read in the order that the books were released, I DO recommend reading A Word So Fitly Spoken before reading this one. It will help you get a better understanding of the magic system and what is happening at the end of this book.*
I am SO obsessed with this series and this book just heightened my obsession. I wasn’t sure how Cinderella could fit into the world that Lawrence has built but it came together so well. Ellie and Evander’s ARC throughout the story is amazing. And Evander is to die for. He’s so perfect! Lol There we’re a few plot twists that I NEVER saw coming. They had me seriously messed up. My heart was racing and I just couldn’t put the book down.
Cinderella being a villain was such an interesting twist and made for a FANTASTIC plot. The Old Magic is also very interesting and I can’t wait to find out more about it. Everything just fit together so well!!
One of my favorite things about this book was that we finally got to see some of our favorite characters from another book in the series. I could have cried! Lol That part was also very thought out and executed perfectly. And we got a cliffhanger this time that I can’t wait to see come to fruition!
I 100/10 recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
likeeeee im kinda investeddddd, likeeeeee, i like this series. lowkey when i picked up the first book i was like, this book might be good, i dont have high hopes in it, but ill read it cuz i want some fairytale inspired books, like this series is scrumdillyumptious. yk that one tiktok sound where its like the chomping noise, imagine that while reading this book. i was invested in the romance and that bitch cinderella. even tho reading the synopsis or whatever its called of the next book kinda spoiled it, i liked it. tho what confused me is that bestie ellie started out knowing how to glassblow and at the end she didn't? maybe im slow, idk man, did she loose her ability to glassblow or some shit like that? make it make sense to me, im stupid.
May 30, 2023
Why do these books just get better and better, literally this series is so good. And now there’s gonna be a 4th and 5th book? Amazing. I love this world, so ready for more but also sad about the impending end to it. Everyone read it rn 😤😤
January 5, 2024
3.75/5
This book was fantastic, but it’s ruined a bit by the fact that the story’s continued in the next book. I liked the idea of the books in this series being standalones in the same universe. Resolving this story in this singular book would’ve been much better.
This book was fantastic, but it’s ruined a bit by the fact that the story’s continued in the next book. I liked the idea of the books in this series being standalones in the same universe. Resolving this story in this singular book would’ve been much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
Okay when I devoured that book what (also I’m not exactly looking forward to the next book which is so sad cause liek come on) also releasing a book every three months??? What
April 7, 2023
It was my favorite book of the series yet. I was immediately intrigued by the prologue and was biting my fingernails while rooting for the characters. It had all the humor from the first book and so much more.
I have read all three books and would recommend at least reading the first one for a better understanding of the world setting and how the old magic works. Plus, you will see some beloved characters from the other books!
This story shows a fresh and entirely different perspective of a Cinderella telling, and I LOVED it! I fell in love with the characters. Ellie is such a strong, independent, and witty person, and Evander seems like a good-for-nothing but grows while the story unfolds.
I love that it isn't just a cliché love story, but a slow-burn romance with a more realistic touch that keeps you thinking for hours after you finish reading.
The best part is, of course, the twist so masterfully crafted by T. A. Lawrence. No book series had caught me so off-guard as this one. Each book feels like part of a puzzle, and I cannot wait to get every single piece!
I have read all three books and would recommend at least reading the first one for a better understanding of the world setting and how the old magic works. Plus, you will see some beloved characters from the other books!
This story shows a fresh and entirely different perspective of a Cinderella telling, and I LOVED it! I fell in love with the characters. Ellie is such a strong, independent, and witty person, and Evander seems like a good-for-nothing but grows while the story unfolds.
I love that it isn't just a cliché love story, but a slow-burn romance with a more realistic touch that keeps you thinking for hours after you finish reading.
The best part is, of course, the twist so masterfully crafted by T. A. Lawrence. No book series had caught me so off-guard as this one. Each book feels like part of a puzzle, and I cannot wait to get every single piece!
January 17, 2024
Using this book as a placeholder for completing T.A. Lawrence's novella, A Face to Slay the Shadows, which is not on Goodreads.
April 17, 2023
A retelling of cinderella where cinderella isn't the heroine?? I picked up this book and couldn't put it down!
Romance: 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Trope(s): slow burn, reluctant friends to lovers, crazy ex, forced engagement
Ellie is a glassblower who finally perfected the perfect glass slipper, just not in time to replicate it and sell it to the thousands of women going to the prince's ball. But low and behold, her work gets stolen by the seductress who ensnared the prince's heart and then disappeared. So when the royal guard comes along she of course tells them it is her shoe, that it was stolen and she would like it back. The guards, thinking she meant 'it was hers' the way all the other women said it was theirs to try and marry the prince decline to mention that trying on the slipper meant entering an unbreakable bond of marriage to the prince! When the shoe fits Ellie (obviously, she made it out of molds from her own feet!) she sets off a series of actions that end up with her falling in love with a prince that has his heart set on a woman he met for a single night.
I loved Ellie. Her passion, her quick thinking, her inevitable fall for Evander, her heartbreak, her strength. She was everything I hope to read about in a fmc.
Evander is.. lost. He was never meant to be heir but when his older brother died he found himself thrust into a world he never asked for. Met with scorn from his father and unable to let himself mourn his loss, he falls head over heels for the first woman who treated his loss like a person rather than an opportunity. She then disappears at midnight leaving him with a glass slipper and a wholly unimpressed glassblower. Evander finds himself protecting Ellie and wishing for her survival and happiness as they get closer and closer to their impending nuptials. He slowly starts to forget about the dream of cinderella and focuses on the real person Ellie is- the person who he could be the king he wants to be with her by his side.
The slow burn love that builds between Evander and Ellie was the sweetest, most heart-renching tale! The readers know from the prologue that cinderella is not who she seems and there are enough clues throughout the story for the readers to guess why he is so obsessed with her even after he admits to feeling conflicted and falling in love with Ellie. He wants to marry Ellie, but when cinderella makes her way back into his life, at the expense of Ellie, he is horrified at instinctively choosing her over Ellie in a moment of rash thinking. I was obsessed at reading about their love blossoming over this story and I loved how even through the heart break Ellie and Evander were there for each other.
Honestly, there are only 2 things that dampened my enjoyment of this book- it was a pretty perfect book imo!
1. I wasn't super into the twist villian. But I AM looking forward to her story.
2. I hate hate hate hate hate fey/human romances that just accept the human half of the pairing aging and dying in 50 years while the other half will... live forever? Will he remarry? Fall in love again? Die with her? Will his sacrifice live on after her death? Either way, I like my fantasy romances to have a *complete* HEA- lifespans included. I prefer my fantasy romances to have the 'if you're bonded to an immortal being then your lifespan expands to match' type of trope.
Romance: 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Trope(s): slow burn, reluctant friends to lovers, crazy ex, forced engagement
Ellie is a glassblower who finally perfected the perfect glass slipper, just not in time to replicate it and sell it to the thousands of women going to the prince's ball. But low and behold, her work gets stolen by the seductress who ensnared the prince's heart and then disappeared. So when the royal guard comes along she of course tells them it is her shoe, that it was stolen and she would like it back. The guards, thinking she meant 'it was hers' the way all the other women said it was theirs to try and marry the prince decline to mention that trying on the slipper meant entering an unbreakable bond of marriage to the prince! When the shoe fits Ellie (obviously, she made it out of molds from her own feet!) she sets off a series of actions that end up with her falling in love with a prince that has his heart set on a woman he met for a single night.
I loved Ellie. Her passion, her quick thinking, her inevitable fall for Evander, her heartbreak, her strength. She was everything I hope to read about in a fmc.
Evander is.. lost. He was never meant to be heir but when his older brother died he found himself thrust into a world he never asked for. Met with scorn from his father and unable to let himself mourn his loss, he falls head over heels for the first woman who treated his loss like a person rather than an opportunity. She then disappears at midnight leaving him with a glass slipper and a wholly unimpressed glassblower. Evander finds himself protecting Ellie and wishing for her survival and happiness as they get closer and closer to their impending nuptials. He slowly starts to forget about the dream of cinderella and focuses on the real person Ellie is- the person who he could be the king he wants to be with her by his side.
The slow burn love that builds between Evander and Ellie was the sweetest, most heart-renching tale! The readers know from the prologue that cinderella is not who she seems and there are enough clues throughout the story for the readers to guess why he is so obsessed with her even after he admits to feeling conflicted and falling in love with Ellie. He wants to marry Ellie, but when cinderella makes her way back into his life, at the expense of Ellie, he is horrified at instinctively choosing her over Ellie in a moment of rash thinking. I was obsessed at reading about their love blossoming over this story and I loved how even through the heart break Ellie and Evander were there for each other.
Honestly, there are only 2 things that dampened my enjoyment of this book- it was a pretty perfect book imo!
1. I wasn't super into the twist villian. But I AM looking forward to her story.
2. I hate hate hate hate hate fey/human romances that just accept the human half of the pairing aging and dying in 50 years while the other half will... live forever? Will he remarry? Fall in love again? Die with her? Will his sacrifice live on after her death? Either way, I like my fantasy romances to have a *complete* HEA- lifespans included. I prefer my fantasy romances to have the 'if you're bonded to an immortal being then your lifespan expands to match' type of trope.
October 22, 2023
My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
I'll first warn potential readers that (in my opinion) you should not start the series of The Severed Realms with this book. There's a note from the author in this book that reads:
"If A Bond of Broken Glass was your entry point into The Severed Realms, be sure to check out A Word so Fitly Spoken before reading A Throne of Blood and Ice."
So potentially you could start with this book, I personally would not recommend it. If I hadn't read A Word So Fitly Spoken and A Tune To Make Them Follow then I think I would have been confused. The magic system of this world is explained in the first book and if I hadn't read that, then the "parasite" wouldn't have made much sense to me. So I would recommend reading at least the first book, you could probably skip the second one but that was a good book too so I suggest reading them all! Also, the characters from A Word So Fitly Spoken are in this book and they play a part in the plot and they will all be in the next book so I highly suggest reading that book first for proper world buildings.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book! The spin on Cinderella being the villain is a fun twist.
I loved Ellie and her spirit. Evander frustrated me throughout the story, especially when it came to Cinderella, however there was a reason for his actions revealed at the end.
Their relationship was so fun to journey with them because there were a lot of ups and downs and it kept me interested and not knowing what was happening next.
I am excited to continue reading this series!
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
I'll first warn potential readers that (in my opinion) you should not start the series of The Severed Realms with this book. There's a note from the author in this book that reads:
"If A Bond of Broken Glass was your entry point into The Severed Realms, be sure to check out A Word so Fitly Spoken before reading A Throne of Blood and Ice."
So potentially you could start with this book, I personally would not recommend it. If I hadn't read A Word So Fitly Spoken and A Tune To Make Them Follow then I think I would have been confused. The magic system of this world is explained in the first book and if I hadn't read that, then the "parasite" wouldn't have made much sense to me. So I would recommend reading at least the first book, you could probably skip the second one but that was a good book too so I suggest reading them all! Also, the characters from A Word So Fitly Spoken are in this book and they play a part in the plot and they will all be in the next book so I highly suggest reading that book first for proper world buildings.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book! The spin on Cinderella being the villain is a fun twist.
I loved Ellie and her spirit. Evander frustrated me throughout the story, especially when it came to Cinderella, however there was a reason for his actions revealed at the end.
Their relationship was so fun to journey with them because there were a lot of ups and downs and it kept me interested and not knowing what was happening next.
I am excited to continue reading this series!
April 29, 2024
Really interesting storyline and I didn’t appreciate the cliff hanger ending. 😂 Evander is definitely a hard character to like given his moral issues, but I loved Ellie - her determination, her wit, her strength. In the end I did come to like Evander but at the same time his moral change of heart felt super unrealistic. But I guess this is a fantasy book so maybe all of it is unrealistic. 🙃
While this book is clean, a main component of the book revolves around the fact that Prince Evander sleeps around; kind, steady Ellie being unwittingly forced into a betrothal with him obviously disapproves of that and has no desire to be around that, let alone married to someone like that. Considering the plot line, it’s handled well….but it definitely has a maturity level that should be considered. There is *nothing* explicit in this book at all (no swearing and no bedroom scenes), so I’d still consider it a very clean book. But certain mature subjects are discussed and that should be kept in mind.
There are brief appearances from Asha, Kiran, and Fin (from book 1) in this book that will help make the story make more sense. But you could definitely read book 3 without 1 and 2 and still grasp the storyline. However I am guessing that books 4 & 5 will need the stories of 1-3 to make sense.
***Major spoiler***
I am struggling with the whole Blaise being a bad girl thing. Not sure how I feel about any of that, especially since it’s evil magic that she cannot control that is actually causing the trouble. I know the next two books have her as a main character, so hopefully it’s resolved, but I’m a little scared it won’t be handled well. Anyway, that plot twist was a pretty big letdown as I realllly liked her character and it sorta tainted the book for me. I would’ve been much more okay with it being Imogen, though I know that was the very obvious storyline to follow and plot twists are all the rage. 😉
While this book is clean, a main component of the book revolves around the fact that Prince Evander sleeps around; kind, steady Ellie being unwittingly forced into a betrothal with him obviously disapproves of that and has no desire to be around that, let alone married to someone like that. Considering the plot line, it’s handled well….but it definitely has a maturity level that should be considered. There is *nothing* explicit in this book at all (no swearing and no bedroom scenes), so I’d still consider it a very clean book. But certain mature subjects are discussed and that should be kept in mind.
There are brief appearances from Asha, Kiran, and Fin (from book 1) in this book that will help make the story make more sense. But you could definitely read book 3 without 1 and 2 and still grasp the storyline. However I am guessing that books 4 & 5 will need the stories of 1-3 to make sense.
***Major spoiler***
I am struggling with the whole Blaise being a bad girl thing. Not sure how I feel about any of that, especially since it’s evil magic that she cannot control that is actually causing the trouble. I know the next two books have her as a main character, so hopefully it’s resolved, but I’m a little scared it won’t be handled well. Anyway, that plot twist was a pretty big letdown as I realllly liked her character and it sorta tainted the book for me. I would’ve been much more okay with it being Imogen, though I know that was the very obvious storyline to follow and plot twists are all the rage. 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
This book deserves more than 5 stars because this is a Cinderella retelling that I never knew I needed. Each book in the series is excellent and very well written but this one takes the cake!
I had no idea what to expect when I picked this up, but man oh man was I in for a treat. (So much so that I finished this book in less than 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down.)
Cinderella-she is absolutely terrifying and I will 1000% be having nightmares about her as a villain. Ellie is the character that every book needs, she tells you how it is and points out the obvious that most writers wash over to make the ‘story work’, but she can also be vulnerable to a point where it makes you understand exactly how she sees things. Evander is the prince of all princes. He is kind and caring, and may not necessarily be as bad as his people make him out to be. There were many times throughout reading that I wanted to jump into the book and smack him because he has a habit of putting his foot in his mouth since he can’t lie as a fae, but in the end he was the night in shining armor that we allllll want in a slow burn romance.
The banter in this book… 100000/10. I am a sucker for a good slow burn romance, and this one in particular had me sitting on edge the entire time.
I am always prepared for twists and turns when it comes to T.A. Lawrence, but the twist in the book.. my word! It could me way of guard and I still couldn’t believe it when I finished the last page!
Each book in this series is stand alone, but I recommend reading A Word So Fitly Spoken before this one. You may or may not see some familiar faces in this book if you do ;)
I had no idea what to expect when I picked this up, but man oh man was I in for a treat. (So much so that I finished this book in less than 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down.)
Cinderella-she is absolutely terrifying and I will 1000% be having nightmares about her as a villain. Ellie is the character that every book needs, she tells you how it is and points out the obvious that most writers wash over to make the ‘story work’, but she can also be vulnerable to a point where it makes you understand exactly how she sees things. Evander is the prince of all princes. He is kind and caring, and may not necessarily be as bad as his people make him out to be. There were many times throughout reading that I wanted to jump into the book and smack him because he has a habit of putting his foot in his mouth since he can’t lie as a fae, but in the end he was the night in shining armor that we allllll want in a slow burn romance.
The banter in this book… 100000/10. I am a sucker for a good slow burn romance, and this one in particular had me sitting on edge the entire time.
I am always prepared for twists and turns when it comes to T.A. Lawrence, but the twist in the book.. my word! It could me way of guard and I still couldn’t believe it when I finished the last page!
Each book in this series is stand alone, but I recommend reading A Word So Fitly Spoken before this one. You may or may not see some familiar faces in this book if you do ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
What if Cinderella stole her slippers? How would their real owner convince Prince Charming that the shoes are hers but she is not Cinderella, she was not at the ball and that she has no interest in being his princess thank you very much! Well, unfortunately for Ellie, she now knows... all because she didn't read the fine print when she tried to prove the shoes were hers and because the prince is an idiot who thought no two women could possibly wear the same size shoe!
✨️ A Cinderella imaginative retelling
✨️ A not so simple case of theft and mistaken identity
✨️ A really intrigueing way of including the 'old' magic
✨️ The hidden 'villian' has the power
✨️Cliffhanger ending leading into book 4
This has been my favourite book in the series so far. I absolutely loved the way Cinderella was incorporated into this story. It was so unique and well thought out. I absolutely loved the mistaken identity aspect and how 'Cinderella' was the 'villian' and the one with magic rather than the MC, and how Cinderellas identity isn't revealed until the end!
I loved each character as they were so well written and had well thought out arcs, motivations and vulnerabilities. The plot was also very well thought out, jam packed full of intrigue and plot twists to knock you on your arse.
So far in the series they could be thought of as standalones to be read in any order but this book would be best after reading at least book 1. And from this book it stops being standalones, ending in anxious cliffhangers that will need to be settled by picking up the next book. Which is exactly what I did!
✨️ A Cinderella imaginative retelling
✨️ A not so simple case of theft and mistaken identity
✨️ A really intrigueing way of including the 'old' magic
✨️ The hidden 'villian' has the power
✨️Cliffhanger ending leading into book 4
This has been my favourite book in the series so far. I absolutely loved the way Cinderella was incorporated into this story. It was so unique and well thought out. I absolutely loved the mistaken identity aspect and how 'Cinderella' was the 'villian' and the one with magic rather than the MC, and how Cinderellas identity isn't revealed until the end!
I loved each character as they were so well written and had well thought out arcs, motivations and vulnerabilities. The plot was also very well thought out, jam packed full of intrigue and plot twists to knock you on your arse.
So far in the series they could be thought of as standalones to be read in any order but this book would be best after reading at least book 1. And from this book it stops being standalones, ending in anxious cliffhangers that will need to be settled by picking up the next book. Which is exactly what I did!
April 5, 2023
Okay first off I would like to say that I devoured a vow so bold and deadly. It had everything I wanted and more, kept sucking me in all the time. And when I read the summary of this book I was sold!
I really like the authors writing style by the way. She has a way of describing things that no one else does.
So this book is basically a cinderlla story retelling with a twist. It would be better to read the previous two books to grasp the setting of the story.
The authors books involve multiple PO so it is nice to know which ones you’re reading. But basically there’s fae and humans and then there humans that have “inhabitants or parasites” that take over the body, give some kind of powers and also can talk to the person they’re inhabiting. Some of the inhabitants were consumed by fae and others survived.
The story starts off from the parasites POV. It’s trying to inhabit a human to serve its purpose. It really wants to inhabit Ellie (our MC) but her mind is too strong. She creates glass items and also created glass slippers that the parasite stole. Parasite called herself Cinderella and left one of the shoes for the other prince to find. So typical Cinderella story but that’s where it only starts. The rest are twists and turns of course. I must say, the author did an amazing job at that!
This has everything I need
-enemies to lovers
-good pacing
-strong willed female character
-enemies to lovers
-forced marriage
The book is just chefs kiss ❤️
I really like the authors writing style by the way. She has a way of describing things that no one else does.
So this book is basically a cinderlla story retelling with a twist. It would be better to read the previous two books to grasp the setting of the story.
The authors books involve multiple PO so it is nice to know which ones you’re reading. But basically there’s fae and humans and then there humans that have “inhabitants or parasites” that take over the body, give some kind of powers and also can talk to the person they’re inhabiting. Some of the inhabitants were consumed by fae and others survived.
The story starts off from the parasites POV. It’s trying to inhabit a human to serve its purpose. It really wants to inhabit Ellie (our MC) but her mind is too strong. She creates glass items and also created glass slippers that the parasite stole. Parasite called herself Cinderella and left one of the shoes for the other prince to find. So typical Cinderella story but that’s where it only starts. The rest are twists and turns of course. I must say, the author did an amazing job at that!
This has everything I need
-enemies to lovers
-good pacing
-strong willed female character
-enemies to lovers
-forced marriage
The book is just chefs kiss ❤️
April 22, 2023
I love the way T.A. Lawrence writes, very few authors get me into the plot the way she does. This third book of the Severed Realms series delivered everything and then a bit more to me.
Things I loved about this book, spoiler-free:
1) It is a retelling of Cinderella where she is the villain I have never read anything like that before. I love the way that sometimes you think this is Cinderella, and then you think not that one, this is the real Cinderella, discovering her identity leaves you with a good taste in your mouth.
2) All the new characters in the series are very well created, they have a good backstory, desires, fears, and some bad traits, they don't feel half done, they feel very real and human.
3) We can see other characters from previous books interact more with the characters in this book, I love that Taylor took advantage of the book to continue the plot of the first two books and at the same time introduced us to several new characters.
5) An excellent book, a piece of advice, if you have a super active imagination, reading this book before bed, helps you create new scenarios and chapters while you dream, this is something that happened to me when reading the first book, with the second and with this one Also, it's super fun dreaming up new chapters or continuation of the situations you're reading :)
Things I loved about this book, spoiler-free:
1) It is a retelling of Cinderella where she is the villain I have never read anything like that before. I love the way that sometimes you think this is Cinderella, and then you think not that one, this is the real Cinderella, discovering her identity leaves you with a good taste in your mouth.
2) All the new characters in the series are very well created, they have a good backstory, desires, fears, and some bad traits, they don't feel half done, they feel very real and human.
3) We can see other characters from previous books interact more with the characters in this book, I love that Taylor took advantage of the book to continue the plot of the first two books and at the same time introduced us to several new characters.
5) An excellent book, a piece of advice, if you have a super active imagination, reading this book before bed, helps you create new scenarios and chapters while you dream, this is something that happened to me when reading the first book, with the second and with this one Also, it's super fun dreaming up new chapters or continuation of the situations you're reading :)
April 6, 2023
This series has had a tight hold on me and it just keeps getting tighter. I loved this book so much. I don’t think I could explain the extent of how good this book is but I will give it my best shot. Let me start off by saying that this book is my tippity top favorite of the whole series. I have read all the books in the series and it just gets better and better with each book released.
Evander and Ellie’s love story was so fun to read. Evander with his mischievous and playful personality and Ellie with her strong will and fierce attitude. They are so different but one in the same and perfectly made for each other. Their banter back and forth was so funny, I laughed out loud more times than I can count. There were a few times I wanted to strangle their necks but it all came together perfectly in the end. Speaking of endings… talk about falling out of your seat with suspense, ya well I literally fell out of mine at the revelations at the end of this book. Completely through me for a loop and some. Ha Ha. I really wish I could make time speed up so July can get here, like tomorrow, so I can read the next book and find out what happens. Lol.
I have said this before, but I am going to say it again because it is 1000% true, T.A. Lawrence is a phenomenal author and can really bring her books to life right in front of your face.
T.A. Lawrence
Evander and Ellie’s love story was so fun to read. Evander with his mischievous and playful personality and Ellie with her strong will and fierce attitude. They are so different but one in the same and perfectly made for each other. Their banter back and forth was so funny, I laughed out loud more times than I can count. There were a few times I wanted to strangle their necks but it all came together perfectly in the end. Speaking of endings… talk about falling out of your seat with suspense, ya well I literally fell out of mine at the revelations at the end of this book. Completely through me for a loop and some. Ha Ha. I really wish I could make time speed up so July can get here, like tomorrow, so I can read the next book and find out what happens. Lol.
I have said this before, but I am going to say it again because it is 1000% true, T.A. Lawrence is a phenomenal author and can really bring her books to life right in front of your face.
T.A. Lawrence
April 22, 2023
4.5 out 5 stars
The reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because of how slow the beginning was for me. I was skeptical if I'd like the book, but I ended up adoring and loving the book because its a Cinderella retelling, the twists, and the slow burn development between the male and female lead. I absolutely love how there are different points of views in the book because I like being able to understand and read about what goes on in each character. Their emotions, their thoughts, their actions, etc. It definitely makes the book interesting whenever the point of view switches in the chapters.
I fell in love with the first book, "A Word So Fitlty Spoken," that I absolute loved the references and mentions of the characters from the first book. It really ties in interesting plot points together in this story.
Overall, I loved the story! I loved how I gave the story a chance as I kept reading. I keep getting pulled into the writing, the story, the plot that I never wanted the book to end. I'm sure everyone will love the characters, the plot, and the twists just as much as I did.
The reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because of how slow the beginning was for me. I was skeptical if I'd like the book, but I ended up adoring and loving the book because its a Cinderella retelling, the twists, and the slow burn development between the male and female lead. I absolutely love how there are different points of views in the book because I like being able to understand and read about what goes on in each character. Their emotions, their thoughts, their actions, etc. It definitely makes the book interesting whenever the point of view switches in the chapters.
I fell in love with the first book, "A Word So Fitlty Spoken," that I absolute loved the references and mentions of the characters from the first book. It really ties in interesting plot points together in this story.
Overall, I loved the story! I loved how I gave the story a chance as I kept reading. I keep getting pulled into the writing, the story, the plot that I never wanted the book to end. I'm sure everyone will love the characters, the plot, and the twists just as much as I did.
January 21, 2024
Ellie Payne loves her life. She has dreams, apparitions, goals. None of which fall in line with the oodles of women lining up to attend the Prince's ball. She wants to build her own way. Going to bed early on the night of the ball in celebration of finally perfecting her latest project was easy. Answering the door the next morning after finding out her glass slippers had been stolen, not so much. They were supposed to be her start. Proving that one half of the pair belonged to her was a given. Pop the shoe on her foot and get the other half. Simple. Except for the Fae bargain the idiot prince put on whoever was unlucky enough to fit the shoe. Ellie could not think of a worse misunderstanding. She wasn't the prince's mystery woman. She hadn't even attended the ball. This problem set her and the prince on the same side of a problem: figure out how to get out of this bargain so they can both get what they desire most. This story gripped me in much the same way the other 3 books in this world have. I love all of them. I am excited to see what other characters make appearances and how they all ban together to keep their respective kingdoms safe.
June 3, 2024
This was definitely the best installment story wise in the Severed Realms series with the most interesting plot. Ellie and Evander were great characters to follow because they were very flawed so their story was not a perfect and easy road. An example of this that could also be taken as a criticism of the book is that they often kept stumbling over the same problems repeatedly in their relationship. It was fun to see two characters who pushed to make their relationship work and to not be stopped by the obstacles in their way purely because they wanted to. It's not often that we see a flawed and bumpy romance in fantasy novels.
This series has been enjoyable to read and it's always fun to see characters from past books pop up. I am eager to continue the series as I know the overarching plot that spans each individual installment is starting to come to a head. I recommend checking this series out was they are enjoyable but quick reads. Each book follows different characters and a different main plot but there is a story that is building up through each installment.
This series has been enjoyable to read and it's always fun to see characters from past books pop up. I am eager to continue the series as I know the overarching plot that spans each individual installment is starting to come to a head. I recommend checking this series out was they are enjoyable but quick reads. Each book follows different characters and a different main plot but there is a story that is building up through each installment.
April 6, 2023
The book is part of the Severed Realms series and although it can be read individually, I recommend that it be read in order, not only so that some details are better understood, but also because the first two books are amazing (A Tune to Make Them Follow being my only 5 stars of the year so far).
I really like T.A. Lawrence's writing. She always manages to get me hooked on the stories and modernize traditional fairy tales in order to escape the clichés we always see, and that's exactly what happened in this book.
Elle and Evander's story is a lot of fun to read and seeing how the two fall in love almost unintentionally was my favorite part (although I also loved seeing some characters from previous books).
I just missed a greater connection with the story that started in the previous books and I wish I had had more explanations for some events.
But despite that I loved the book and can't wait for the next ones!
I really like T.A. Lawrence's writing. She always manages to get me hooked on the stories and modernize traditional fairy tales in order to escape the clichés we always see, and that's exactly what happened in this book.
Elle and Evander's story is a lot of fun to read and seeing how the two fall in love almost unintentionally was my favorite part (although I also loved seeing some characters from previous books).
I just missed a greater connection with the story that started in the previous books and I wish I had had more explanations for some events.
But despite that I loved the book and can't wait for the next ones!
May 21, 2023
This is my favourite book in the whole series. It is so fun and cute Ellie and Evander are so loveable they were made for each other.
This was definitely the most creative Cinderella retelling ever, it calls out the flaw in the original story about shoe size. The two MCs are reluctantly paired together to go through the royal marriage trials to legitimise their wedding lest they die because of the fae bargain. Ellie ends up complementing Evander more than Cinderella would have. She keeps him grounded and truthful while he shows her the joys of life and elevated some of her stress. They are so perfect and deserve the best.
This was definitely the most creative Cinderella retelling ever, it calls out the flaw in the original story about shoe size. The two MCs are reluctantly paired together to go through the royal marriage trials to legitimise their wedding lest they die because of the fae bargain. Ellie ends up complementing Evander more than Cinderella would have. She keeps him grounded and truthful while he shows her the joys of life and elevated some of her stress. They are so perfect and deserve the best.
May 1, 2023
If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings and Fae romance, you will enjoy this book. The third in the series, these books are standalone yet not. There is some character overlap and Easter eggs, so reading the first two will definitely help the reader’s understanding.
This was an interesting spin on Cinderella, with a different take on Cinderella being the villain instead of the fated princess. Ellie was a great character: witty, intelligent and strong-minded. Evander was the kind hearted prince with a reputation as a womanizer. Who Cinderella really was in the end was a surprise as there was some obvious misleading during the story.
An enjoyable book that is very YA. The series as a whole has been entertaining.
This was an interesting spin on Cinderella, with a different take on Cinderella being the villain instead of the fated princess. Ellie was a great character: witty, intelligent and strong-minded. Evander was the kind hearted prince with a reputation as a womanizer. Who Cinderella really was in the end was a surprise as there was some obvious misleading during the story.
An enjoyable book that is very YA. The series as a whole has been entertaining.
June 24, 2024
I loved this book! Lately I've been getting into Cinderella retellings and this way by far one of the best I've ever read! This is the third book in the series, but I read it as a standalone (and have now bought the rest of the series to read later...) and didn't feel like I missed out on anything from the previous books.
I loved that Cinderella made her own glass slippers and the whole story came about by a lovesick prince and a magical mistake. While the story sounds fun and quirky, I also enjoyed the character development and maturing, especially from the prince. While we know how Cinderella stories are going to end, this one was still a fun journey that I wished lasted longer! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
I loved that Cinderella made her own glass slippers and the whole story came about by a lovesick prince and a magical mistake. While the story sounds fun and quirky, I also enjoyed the character development and maturing, especially from the prince. While we know how Cinderella stories are going to end, this one was still a fun journey that I wished lasted longer! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
December 14, 2024
I am loving this series so far, each book continues to get better! I love this retelling of Cinderella, and the idea that she isn't the main love interest, but rather a villain. The Prince swiftly become a character that I loved - he was very charming, and not at all how I expected him to be.
The author put in the perfect pieces to lead readers astray in thinking that Cinderella's host/human body was one character when it was actually another - that I was truly shocked to see revealed!!
This book can definitely be read as a standalone, but to have a better understanding of the magic system(s) and the world, I would highly recommend reading the previous books in the series.
The author put in the perfect pieces to lead readers astray in thinking that Cinderella's host/human body was one character when it was actually another - that I was truly shocked to see revealed!!
This book can definitely be read as a standalone, but to have a better understanding of the magic system(s) and the world, I would highly recommend reading the previous books in the series.
April 29, 2025
While the second book in this series wasn’t as captivating as the first this third book was excellent.
I loved the Cinderella twist where Cinderella isn’t our MFC.
Our MFC is Ellie who has a passion for creating things with glass. Much like glass shoes, or more precisely a single pair of glass shoes.
Our MMC is Evander he wasn’t supposed to be the heir, he was the younger brother, the spare. With the death of his older brother, he is thrown into the position he never wanted. He falls for this mysterious girl at the ball, who wears glass slippers (spoiler not Ellie).
In this story you will find:
Forced engagement
Assassin
Fae Bargains
Fae marriage trials
I loved the Cinderella twist where Cinderella isn’t our MFC.
Our MFC is Ellie who has a passion for creating things with glass. Much like glass shoes, or more precisely a single pair of glass shoes.
Our MMC is Evander he wasn’t supposed to be the heir, he was the younger brother, the spare. With the death of his older brother, he is thrown into the position he never wanted. He falls for this mysterious girl at the ball, who wears glass slippers (spoiler not Ellie).
In this story you will find:
Forced engagement
Assassin
Fae Bargains
Fae marriage trials
May 26, 2025
A solid 5 🌟!
This series keeps getting better with each instalment, and I am here for it!
The perfect spin on a Cinderella story. of course two women in the same town can not have the same shoe size!
Sunshine hero and (maybe?) moonlight heroine. Both are extremely likeable. And then the over-arcing theme of the sentient brings co existing with their hosts, well we meet our first antagonistic one.
If I have a gripe, it is I needed a bit more grovelling from the MC aaaaaaand I read the blurb of book 4 too soon and that gave away a major plot twist- so yeah don't read the blurbs to the next books.
This series keeps getting better with each instalment, and I am here for it!
The perfect spin on a Cinderella story. of course two women in the same town can not have the same shoe size!
Sunshine hero and (maybe?) moonlight heroine. Both are extremely likeable. And then the over-arcing theme of the sentient brings co existing with their hosts, well we meet our first antagonistic one.
If I have a gripe, it is I needed a bit more grovelling from the MC aaaaaaand I read the blurb of book 4 too soon and that gave away a major plot twist- so yeah don't read the blurbs to the next books.
April 2, 2023
Another great addition to this collection of books!! I love that her characters and plots are so different in all of these three books. It makes them so enjoyable to read and captivating!
Lawrence did an amazing job creating tension and resolve 👏🏼. So if you want a swoony feel good book with a few twists, this is a definite read! Along with the other two in this collection.
I loved seeing some of the old characters too ☺️.
This is an ARC review 😘 but 💯 my true thoughts (otherwise i probably wouldn’t have finished it in less than 24 hours haha!)
Lawrence did an amazing job creating tension and resolve 👏🏼. So if you want a swoony feel good book with a few twists, this is a definite read! Along with the other two in this collection.
I loved seeing some of the old characters too ☺️.
This is an ARC review 😘 but 💯 my true thoughts (otherwise i probably wouldn’t have finished it in less than 24 hours haha!)
April 9, 2023
Easily the best of the series so far. I was not expecting the different twists this book gave me.
I fell in love far faster with the couple in this book than the two previously, though all have a special place in my heart. T.A. Lawrence does a tremendous job weaving characters and stories that make you feel as though you’re truly experiencing what they are in real time. I can’t wait to see how all of these books come together, even with the little snippet we got in this one with the return of a certain couple.
Thank you for an ARC of this book 🥰
I fell in love far faster with the couple in this book than the two previously, though all have a special place in my heart. T.A. Lawrence does a tremendous job weaving characters and stories that make you feel as though you’re truly experiencing what they are in real time. I can’t wait to see how all of these books come together, even with the little snippet we got in this one with the return of a certain couple.
Thank you for an ARC of this book 🥰
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