This book is also filled with underused side characters who had so much potential. While I could write an entire paragraph on any one of them, I want to primarily talk about Luke. From the moment he’s introduced, one would think he was going to have a major role in this story: This fresh take on a classic story will make readers question the tales they’ve been told, and root for girls to break down the constructs of the world around them. I don’t think I can put into words how incredible, important and damn brilliant this book was and that ending had me a little teary-eyed because I was just like “YES”! You will know what I mean if you decide to read the book. I’ll just try to make this review as non-waffly as I can! And Sophia runs into Constance - the last known descendant of the true Cinderella and her stepsisters. Author Luke Palmer introduces his new book, Play (Firefly Press) about four boys growing up together, the challenges, the friendships, and what hap...

Any story in which the main characters are out to topple the patriarchy is aces with me. I think my young adult self would have loved to have literature like this at my disposal. There isn’t any subtlety to the feminist messaging in Cinderella is Dead, but it works. Sophia and Constance are wise beyond their years. They realize the most dangerous men are the ones who sit in plain sight daring to be challenged, and they’re determined to do more than challenge them. Sophia and Constance are the resistance, and they won’t be stopped. The Cons Constance: I have to admit that I did not trust Constance for most of the book and she only started growing on me right at the end, but I did root for her the whole way regardless. She was a really interesting character, just as strong-willed and determined as Sophia and by the end I loved her. I don’t know if the author intentionally wrote her to come across as a little bit suspicious, but I didn’t really trust her for quite a while. No Woman's Land: The women of Mersailles are seen as the men's property and nothing else. A woman's body, finances, and even life belong to her husband. It's so bad that soldiers can casually talk about killing their old wives to get new younger ones right in the open. On the night of their Ball, one of Sophia and Erin's friends isn't as prepared as she should be. The King reacts harshly and the poor girl's fate is sealed.Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron, my first cinderella retelling I think, i liked it. I LOVED THE PLOT TWISTS!, THEY WERE LIKE YASSSS! I also loved all the characters!, they were awesome! except for prince charming! 👀🔪 U'll see why! 👀 The girls are chosen for completely superficial reasons, so it's important to look your best; to be seen, but not heard. Another thing that immediately threw my off and made me roll my eyes was the insta love that goes on. I'm not for it and now I'm really irritated with the main character. I get that insta love is a thing and it's my opinion to love or hate it, but at least make it somewhat believable. Our main character loves her best friend and wants to run away with her before the ball happens, but the minute she meets another girl she is smitten with her. No thank you.

An unapologetic roar at the conventional fairytale, Cinderella is Dead challenges readers with a whole new story of justice, revenge, and queer love.” - Sami Thomason, Square Books Again, I found the way the setting and the world was created to be very unique, but also not (not in a bad way), because this is basically our world. If you don’t realise how messed up our society is, when reading this book, you will because it was very vivid and you can’t help but feel anger towards the characters who just go along as if everything is alright. Tbh, if you loved Cinderella don't read this. It might disturb you a bit because this Cinderella retelling is dark and deep.Amina: the Fairy Godmother of the original story. She is portrayed as more of a witch, having a variety of powers including potion making and divination. Sophia and Constance go to her for help. She has either had people come to her for help or to accuse her of evil throughout the years. She uses potions to remain looking young, though she does age. Cinderella: The original girl that the story has been told about. She has been dead for a couple centuries when this book takes place, but that doesn't mean that her strength and perserverence died with her.

Luke and his late boyfriend were in the same situation. It ended with Louis' parents selling out their son as soon as they found out about him being gay.I found this world to be so dark and it fit perfectly with the plot and the characters. If you go into this book looking for a cute retelling of Cinderella, this is not what you will get. It’s raw, poignant, truthful and dark. This setting made the book so vivid, believable and I was completely immersed. CHARACTERS The plot holds parallels to the original story of Cinderella. The King of Mersailles holds an annual ball that young women are required to attend. At the ball, men choose the young woman that they want as their bride. A woman has three years to be chosen as a bride. If not, she forfeits her right to get married and loses her connections to her community. Even if they do get married, some end up in bad marriages and some would rather not get married at all.