I couldn't put this book down! I read it in one sitting. This is a different type of fairy tale retelling the I normally read. Highly recommended.

What if your life followed a fairytale template?

Set in New York, magic is fading from the world, but there are still pockets. Elle's life follows the Cinderella template. Her family own Cynder Mercantile a shop of wonders, when her mother passes, her father marries Marchesa "the evil step-mother". Our leading man, Alec Le Charme, is heir to the jewellery business his parents own.

A unique take on another Cinderella story. This world introduces a whole host of magical beings and whilst being book 4 in a series, you certainly don't need to have read the previous 3 to follow along, as this appears to be a "part 2" story line, with the first 3 following another character in the same world.

It is well written, intriguing and you are left wondering. Who is the Queen of Hearts? How will Elle and Alec overcome their families plot to keep them apart? What will happen next?

I absolutely loved this concept of Cinderella, although the main parts are pretty true to the story everything else is so original and I did not expect it at all. This book is part of a series, but given that the author does a great job on explaining the backstory you could totally read this on its own, which is what I did. I however, will be reading the other books before the next book comes out.

I was really impressed by the book. I decided to give this book ago as I loved how the cover looked along with it's title and found I was actually quite impressed on what I found inside the book.

This book is a retelling of Cinderella without the normal characters sitting about feeling sorry for herself. Elle knew what she wanted so she went out to get it.

It was only later on I discovered this book was apart of a series. Even if it's apart of a series I still think this is a good book to have as a standalone read without reading the first 3 books. I don't feel like I have missed out on some information or anything that happened in this book would link to the other 3 book. (Start placing your bets if I am wrong or not) I will be trying to pick up the other books at some point to try see if they do link or not.

Minus the books cover and title, I actually really enjoyed the characters and their development. Ellie for one, didn't mope around all day waiting for a prince or a fairy godmother to sort out her problems or get what she desired and decided to be independent enough to do it herself.

My only criticism is how ridiculously fast Alex and Elle fell in love, but to be fair there was a two year time skip which kinda makes up for it. But it was a case of they met then their romance pretty much led the usual Cinderella story line pretty well with a few twists in the story.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes Disney/ Cinderella like vibes in their stories as it is a good retelling and did keep the characters fresh.

Slippers and Thieves by Christina Bauer is a part of the Magicorum series. It’s a modern retelling of Cinderella but with a couple of twists.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and the idea that every person in the Magicorum has their own fairytale template (meaning that their lives will go according to a certain fairytale). I think that was a brilliant idea, and that was my favourite part of the book. Also, I liked how the author combined the human world with the magical one – in this book they manage to coexist without secrecy, and I really enjoyed that since usually in books one world is a secret.

I rather liked the character, though we only got to know Alec and Elle. I liked how Elle wasn’t a typical Cinderella waiting for the prince to save her – ever since she knew she a Cinderella template she took matters into her own hands, and I admire her character for that. Elle always fought for herself, and she is a great main character. Alec was really charming like a prince should be. I wish we had more information about Bry and Knox since they were also an important part of the story, but they only functioned as help in some plot holes.
I was rather disappointed that some holes in the plot were covered up in a really simple way, and that some parts were only mentioned (for example some of the adventures that were rather important were mentioned in the only sentence).

To conclude, I really admire the way in which the author presented the fairytales, and I loved the worldbuilding. The idea for the story was a great one, but I think that the book could have been longer so the plot wasn’t so fast. I had a feeling that there were a lot of shortcuts in the storytelling. And I liked the characters though I wish we knew more about them.

“First, homework. Then, jewel heist.”
Unique, magical, wondrous, fabulous.
Enchanted items that speak: violin, suit of armour.

“First, homework. Then, jewel heist.”

I quite frankly love everything about this book! Unique, magical, wondrous and fabulous, I’ve never read anything like it!

Whilst this is the fourth book in a line of fairytale retellings, you definitely don’t have to have read the previous books, though you will absolutely want to (like me!).

Strange creatures, strong characters and a gripping storyline - this is a must read! Based upon Cinderella, you’re left to wonder; who truly is the Queen of Hearts? Will Elle find her true love? How will her wicked stepmother affect her life?

Do yourself a favour and read this series!

A completely new and spellbinding retelling of classic fairytale. I loved this book and its twist on the cinderella story. Despite this being the 4th book in the series and never having read any of the previous books, this was still easy to pick up and read as well as follow and enjoy. Will Elle find her true love? Will her wicked stepmother steal him away? Throw in some family drama, a couple of curses, the Queen of Hearts and some magic and you have this fantastic story. I have already bought the rest of the series to read more!

I see Cinderella retelling, I add it to my TBR. It's a curse.

I had such high hopes when I started this. Elle is a jewel thief. The Queen of Hearts is part fae, part vampire. The story's set in a modern world where the lives of magical beings fit neatly into fairy tale templates and follow the general plot. It's not your typical Cinderella story.

I'll start this out with a disclaimer: I figured I could read this as a standalone and went into this with no prior knowledge of the Magicorum world. I wasn't completely wrong; Bauer gives enough background so that first time readers get a sense of the world and its magical system, but I can help but feel like I was missing out on a lot. There are some pretty obvious references to the events from the first three books and a gaping time skip for aforementioned events. So while you can definitely read this without prior knowledge, you may find the experience will leaving you feeling a bit...incomplete.

This book certainly has its moments. There's some good humor and you certainly can't accuse Bauer for a lack of originality. Unfortunately it just never came together as a whole for me.

The pacing was a little weird for me. The story moves incredibly slow for the first two thirds of the book before rushing at breakneck speed towards the climax in the final act. There's also a gaping crater of a time gap when Elle and the gang are ostensibly on adventures chronicled in books 1-3, that really throws the story's flow off. I don't have a problem with time skips or referring to previous books, but the lack of transition made it feel like someone ripped a couple of chapters out of the book.

I was disappointed by the lack of character development. Elle and Alec go through this constant back-and-forth of being soulmates who are obviously in love to "just friends" because denial. It cycles between the two a few times and neither is particularly convincing. (I'm really starting to wonder if my ARC had some chapters mixed around because it felt like I'd jump back to the beginning anytime any sort of progress was being made, and it'd be more of the same over and over and over again.)

The story as a whole didn't really work for me. Part of it is because of the way it was developed (see above), and part of it was the fact that there's a lot of filler. As a result, we end up with a story that doesn't really make sense to me. The obstacles feel contrived, the characters' motivates aren't that believable, and the resolution feels a bit too convenient for me to fully suspend disbelief.

I'll probably give the Magicorum series another chance somewhere down the line (and will read it properly next time). The world has potential, and when she's not busy spewing cheesy fluff like a bottle Cheese Whiz, Elle is a snarky heroine I'd want more of.

Thanks to Monster House Books for the ARC!

Thank you Netgalley & Christina Bauer for sending me a copy of Slippers & Thieves.

Firstly, can I start by saying how this review must be written for so many cool reasons but most importantly I have it on good authority that for every time you review an indie author, somewhere an angel gets a mocha latte and cmon, angels need caffeine too!

In Slippers And Thieves you follow Elle and Alec, two magic wielding characters forced into a fairy tale story template. If you know me, you know I am definitely the biggest lover of ballgowns and burglar type books and this was no different. Sometimes it's easy to miss the mark on fairy tales re imagined (especially one as popular as Cinderella) but this book did not disappoint! ALSO can we take a moment for the kickass and feminist heroine Elle who didn't let her life be controlled just by some template and who lived her story on her own terms!! A part that bothered me a tad was that there were some parts that rushed to push along the story. I really would've wanted to read more about their adventures all over the world or seen some more context and backstory for the side characters. (Though, to be fair this is the first Maicorum book I've read so I don't know if those moments were featured in other books but more context and detail to some aspects would've been lovely!)

Also, the Appendix included in the ARC was so so cool! You got a sneak peak at all of Bauer's thoughts, music she listened to while writing and so much more that really added a touch of personality to the writing overall.

Has it really been two years since I read the third book in this series? It doesn't feel like it's been that long. Either way, I'm back reviewing another one just in time for the new one to come out in November!! I'm so excited. I love these books because they're so delightfully cartoony in the best way possible. The characters are kick ass with their powers and just their lives in general, and this book is no exception to that rule. I had a lot of fun reading this, and I can't wait to start the next one in a couple weeks.

Unlike the last books, this one follows Bryar's best friend, Elle, and her partner Alec. Both Cinderella templates, Alec is a powerful warlock and a warden, and likewise Elle, though she has a little more trouble with school, being that she's the warden of Fae magic, and an enchanter. The problem being that she has no fairy wings, because her parents removed them when she was a baby to protect her. The other students love to tease her and always pretend that she's easy to forget, even though she's probably much stronger than any of them. The chapters alternate between Alec and Elle, giving the story a much needed and refreshing take, and letting you see both sides of what's going on with the characters.

The author begins with a bit of an explanation, though I don't really think it was necessary. This story begins when the two are fifteen, showing their lives before their eighteenth birthday and the events that lead up to creating the people that they are today. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters like that, because it had been so long since I last read one of these books, I needed that refresher. I really came out of this book feeling like I learned a lot more about them, and also the world that they live in.

This time, the characters don't go on any kind of big adventure outside of New York. All the events that take place in the book are inside the city, and occasionally in the land of the Fairies, and interacting with the Queen of Hearts. I thought that the two blended really nicely together, and one of the things I really enjoy about this series is how seamlessly these kind of old worn out fairy tales are brought back to life in modern times with kick ass characters. I just can't get enough. Aside from the school situation, Elle has to deal with her evil stepmother and horrible step sisters, the death of her parents, how to come to terms with her magical powers, and the fact that Alec's going to be forced into a loveless marriage in almost no time at all. I think that if you're into young adult fiction with a touch of romance and a whole lot of magic and fantasy aspects, than you're going to love these books, and I highly recommend checking them out. They're probably my favourite series from the author, and I can't get enough.

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Firstly thank you to Netgalley and Monster House Books for giving me the opportunity to review the e-arc for Slippers and Thieves in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The fourth book in the Magicorum series, but definitely not a series you have to read to have a clue what's going on. I haven't read the other books, but I still fell into this story and didn't have any concerns or gaps from not having read the previous three.
Christina Bauer provided a totally new set up for Cinderella, Elle is definitely no Disney princess waiting to be saved. She has wit, guile, brains and a closeknit set of friends who are there for her. In this YA Fantasy retelling of Cinderella you get other fairytale characters and not one of them fits the modern 20th century stereotype of a fairytale, but nor do you get the Grimm from Grimm's fairytales. What you do get is definitely 21st century, save yourself and stop waiting around for things to happen, make them happen.

You also get a whole bundle of other tales thrown into the mix, Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland, and more. The story is a fun romp that throws in intrigue, mystery, and a whole bunch of messy adventures. In Elle's world humans and magic live alongside each other and rather than someone asking you your star sign, they ask what's your fairytale template?

Our Prince isn't some wet carbon copy, he's funny, clever, thoughtful and pretty much any teen's ideal boyfriend...and of course he does have that edge of wit and naughtiness that means your parents will not be quite sure about him!

We also get elves, Faery Land, Trolls, magic, and of course the wicked step-mother...but this time she's got help. All round a great fun romp that was so easy to read in one sitting and that transports you away from the real world. I'm definitely going to be looking up more Christina Bauer books as I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in Alec and Elle's adventure in Bandits and Ballgowns.

And the character of Marchesa on the new cover so reminds me of a young Helena Bonham Carter!

I absolutely adore Fairytale Retellings and this one is no different. Cinderella is such an easy plot that it could almost be quite boring if you're careful but Christina Bauer wrote this beautifully. The characters are each strong in their own unique way, the plot was well paced and easy to follow. A definite recommendation

Loved seeing more of Elle's story! I recommend reading the first 3 books but it's not necessary. They are more focused on Elle's best friend but they give more depth to Elle and Alec and their world if you read them first.
Poor Elle really got the short end of the stick with her fairy tale template but she's determined to make her own future and does it with a vengeance. When the queen of hearts and the Cheshire cat get involved Elle and Alec have to work together to get the queen's help before it's too late. Alec's parents are determined to force Alec into doing things their way no matter what the cost and the cost starts to get higher and higher.

Thank you to NetGalley & Monster House Books for this advanced reading copy.
This is the first fairytale retelling I've ever read, and it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the interaction between Elle & Alec. I do feel like this would be a big hit with kids who were raised on lots of Disney movies (which I was not). A bit juvenile for my reading tastes, but overall a good book.

I must admit I did not know this was part of the series but the author does a good job putting the pieces together so I did not feel that I missed something but I would gladly read the three previous books as I enjoyed the story so much.
An impressive retelling of the Cinderella fairytale that mixes sci-fi and fantasy! I mean, what more do you need? And before you think this might be too similar of concept with The Lunar Chronicles, I can assure you it is not.

Thank you Netgalley and Monster House Books for the Arc in exchange for an honest review!

As a science fiction and fantasy reader, I found much to enjoy in this book from a voice that is new to me. Christina Bauer creates an inviting world and turns the plot well from page to page. Recommended for a reading trip to another universe.

Long story short that book is not for me. And I can’t understand why. Normally you can get me with the word „cinderella“ and I will be totally addicted. Although Arielle and Belle are my favorite Disney princesses, I am addicted to Cinderella Storylines and Retellings...

But this book didn’t work for me.
My mistake was to start with this book and not with the beginning of this series. The worldbuilding is understandable without the knowledge of the three other books but I always had the feeling that there was missing something of the plot. So start with #1.

The story of the first three book takes place in the middle of this story...so you will miss some parts of the relationship between elle and alec. Bry and Knox are the Protagonists of the first part of the series but in this story I had the feeling they were not really necessary. And after I read a lot of other reviews, there a lot of mistakes in the whole storyline of the series or changes between the stories.

I did‘t like the mix with alice in wonderland, the chesire cat search....on the one hand it was so much in one story and on the other hand it was boring...

Wow! Another great read in the Magicorum world! Told from points of view of Elle and Alec, we see how they build their relationship from the moment they met. Neither could forget about the other, but tragedy affects one and a curse affects the other. We also see the return of old characters and get introduced to some new ones. Elle knows she is Cinderella and is keeping a major secret, for if anyone knew, she would be in great danger. Elle decides to take fate into her own hands and not be helpless or wait for prince charming. Alec is the heir and wants true love, unlike all the previous Le Charme marriages, for he is a warden and they need their mates. Alec knows Elle is the one for him, bu getting her to see it, proves to be a challenge. Alec makes plans to spend as much time with Elle as possible, but there are forces at work to keep them apart and prevent them from having a happily ever after. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Alec and Elle need to realize their love before it is too late.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First of all, thanks to NetGalley and Monster House Books for sharing this lovely arc with me in exchange my honest thoughts. Christina Bauer is a new discovery for me. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. Usually find fairytale retelling alluring but often disappointing, its often very hard to keep the familiar parts that we love about the tale while making it fresh and this was very much lighthearted fun.

I dived into the fourth book of the series without knowing to much about it, and to my surprise the story seems to stand by its own. This takes place in a world where fae, elves, shifters, and wizards co exist alongside humans, and there are fairytale templates that dictate our hero and heroine's lives. Alec and Elle have the decks stacked very much against them, their respective parents or guardians will do anything to keep them apart. They also become good friends who try to deny their feelings and resist the story mold they are forced into. This reminded me a little of Indexing by Seanan McGuire where storybook narratives take over the character's lives against their will.

Triumphing over adversity is a given in any Cinderella retelling but the way there counts even more. Elle is snarky, defiant and far from helpless, she has some magic, mainly summoning her trusted mouse Gustav, and an income a a jewel retriever. Alec also has a lot to contend with. As an heir to a big jewelry chain he has many responsibilities and a high public profile. And it seems that to keep the business going he will have to sacrifice his happiness and enter a loveless marriage with one of Elle's step sisters.

I've had minor complaints some deus ex machina solutions to some of the plot's tight corners, but the author cleverly suggested a third interest party who aids and abets. I am looking forward to the next installment telling Jackoby's the dark elf story. And I really appreciated the acknowledgment page that acknowledges the reader who got there.


#SlippersAndThieves #NetGalley

It has been years since Elle’s parent’s died and she ran away from her stepmother to live her own life in New York City. Elle tries her best to forget about what she went through and she even attends West Lake Prep, a high school where regular humans and Magicorum study side by side. Elle knows she is a Cinderella template and that she is destined to not marry her true love. When Elle falls for Alec, she quickly discovers that her stepfamily already has plans for one of the stepsisters to marry Alec and he is off-limits. It is even thought that if Alec and Elle so much as kiss … a group of witches and wizards would go to war. They try really hard to stay friends, but with curses and prophecies in the mix, who know where they will end up.

Slippers and Thieves is the fourth book in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum series. Although there are overlapping storylines and characters with the other books in the series, this tale can be read and enjoyed all by itself. With that said, if readers go back to the other stories, they may have some spoilers. Bauer has once again created a story that was fun and fast with some backstabbing and friendship building throughout. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Bandits and Ball Gowns, slotted to be released in November 2020.