Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to the advanced copy of this book to read.

This was a really interesting take on the Cinderella story. Having an unknown, younger stepsister narrate the story gave us the familiarity of the fairytale, but with a fresh approach. This tackled a lot of real world issues like bullying and family dynamics. In terms of the fairytale, it did have a dark take on the fairy magic, which I really enjoyed. I liked not really knowing if the stepsisters or Cinderella were evil or had good intentions for most of the book. It kept me intrigued to see what would happen.

This was a cute novel for middle grade readers. I like how the novel invents another stepsister who is the opposite of the evil stepsisters. However, I did not like how Cinderella was portrayed in this novel. I thought by portraying her as different from the fairytales, it does not portray the original message in the tales. Still, I recommend this for fans of Gail Carson Levine and Jessica Day George!

Cinderella is married and has been ruling the kingdom for the last 6 years. Beloved by the people, she dons her glass slippers once a year during the annual ball. Her stepmother is dead and the other stepsisters have been exiled. 11-year-old Tirza , Cinderella’s sister, lives in the palace, hidden away from everyone else and not treated as an equal. Her only friend is Aiden, a son of a cupcake baker. Aiden’s mom, however, has ulterior motives. When the glass slippers get taken Tirza gets accused of taking them. Determined to clear her name, Tirza battles with family loyalty, her tumultuous relationship with Ella, and the mystery of the slippers. Will she succeed?
A modern take on an old tale, the author creates a story that brings the world of fairy tales to life through the point of view of the people on the other side of happily ever after. The portrayal of unkind Cinderella and the prince doesn’t seem to fit with the original characters’ personalities, but is probably true to how Tirza would see it. Readers who like retold fairy tales, adventure, fantasy, and mysteries will like reading this book. Although this is not the first in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.

I am somewhat obsessed with villains and written-off side characters in fairy tales, so when I saw a story about one of Cinderella's step-sisters I was really excited! I don't think Leah Cypess really needed to invent a THIRD step-sister. I did have to keep reminding myself this is a juvenile fiction book, so the rather thin premise of Tirza being wronged in being painted by the same brush as the rest of her "wicked" family and thus she's blamed when something goes wrong was maybe more believable to a younger audience. I did like the unexpected twists and turns this story took! I'm looking forward to seeing what Leah Cypess will come out with next in this series!

This is the second book in the Sisters Ever After series, and can be read as a stand alone.

So, I have to start by saying I didn't read book one. I got this little MG as an ARC from NetGalley, so I'd not even heard of the series before that. But they appear to be standalones, I believe.

Y'all know how I feel about my fairy tales XD I also happen to love Middle Grade, so I was totally up for this. And it turned out cute. I may be even interested in going back and reading the first one.

It was a quick read. It felt like an older chapter book (like Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys level). It wasn't as epic as like KOTLC and it didn't even feel as MG to me as something like The False Prince. It felt more like a Junie B. Jones or Boxcar Children or Bailey School Kids, but a little bit older. The chapters were fairly quick and it had some compelling chapter endings that made me want to keep reading.

Honestly, the whole premise was a mystery I wanted to unravel. The mystery felt like the strongest component to the story. I really wanted to know what exactly was going on and who had stolen the slippers and why.

The characters didn't particularly stand out to me, but they were mildly interesting and they weren't awful by any means. Cinderella's dual nature made me want to dig more into her and find out what the truth behind the mask was. I spent the entire book questioning if she was good or not. I was a little disappointed that I didn't feel like we quite got to the bottom of her haughty looks. The princes were adorable and I loved every moment of them! I kind of wanted more, but they were sprinkled appropriately throughout--even if they were very articulate for their ages XD The entire concept of Tirza was interesting. The third stepsister who was only a baby when all the Cinderella stuff went down. I liked Aden a lot, but again, wish we'd gone a little deeper with him. The stepsisters had me guessing for a minute as I was trying to figure out the plot, but then they turned out to be about what I expected. I did really like the dynamic between them, though. The layers in the character dynamics and the manipulation vs. truth bits were fun.

Mostly there were some interesting pieces--in the plot, with the characters, etc.--but I felt like the ending was kind of...strange? It's like we had a bumpy landing or something. Things just didn't quite resolve in a super satisfying way. For me. Now, for a kid, this may be totally fine. (I don't usually pull that line since I read a lot of MG and enjoy quite a bit of it, but in this case, it may genuinely be something that doesn't bother a kid, but my analytical brain just wanted something a little...well, more.) The twist was a little disappointing and the resolution with all the characters just fell a little flat for me. I was happy Tirza made the choices she did and I loved how things turned out with her and the queen. The stepsisters resolution kind of surprised me a little, but for the most part I was okay with it for one of them. The other, I had thought would have a different ending, but I won't say what. Aden's resolution was neat and I did mostly like what they did with the nanny. (Would have loved to see more depth there to set that up, but it was still a neat way to end her thread.)

The slippers were super cool. I loved the way Cypess made them her own and the plot really hung on them. Also, though it was a little dark, I liked how they changed colors. Speaking of, the story took a bit of a surprising dark turn. The first half of the book felt like a normal MG, light and fun with a little mystery. But the second half (especially the ending scenes) got a little more violent than I anticipated. I mean, I'm here for the fairy tales. I know they can get dark. But as an early MG, it just surprised me. Plus, the author didn't really set that expectation and possibility up early enough that I was prepared for it. So, for the parents out there, this one does deal with a little blood.

Overall, a cute story. An interesting twist and premise, and not a terrible read. Not my favorite MG or even fairy tale retelling out there. But for those littles who are learning to read more complex stories, this could be a good starter for them and a good intro into the MG world.

Note: I received an ARC from NetGalley and the above are my thoughts :)

Glass Slippers follows Tirza, Cinderella’s third stepsister who was only five-years-old when the events of the fairy tale happened. With her mother dead and her sisters in exile, Tirza grows up in the palace, generally left to her own devices and mistrusted by the majority of the court. When Queen Ella’s famous glass slippers go missing just days before the annual ball, Tirza is immediately blamed even though she’s innocent. Cypess crafts an interesting take on the classic fairy tale. Since Tirza was so young at the time, her memories of past events are fairly vague and broken. She can remember snippets but isn’t even sure what’s real or what’s imagined. It adds to the mystery of who is the hero and who is the villain, and it just makes for a great character overall.

Cypess uses both the more well-known Perrault version of the story and the infamously gruesome Grimm one. We have stepsisters cutting off parts of their feet here! I really appreciated that she didn’t shy away from these darker aspects despite writing for children. It upped the stakes and tension and made for some excellent scenes. The glass slippers were probably my favorite part of the book. Cypess does a fantastic job with them and describing the allure they hold for Tirza.

I did find myself wanting a little more from the book, particularly when it came to character motivations. We never receive an explanation for why Ella acts in certain ways toward Tirza nor do we understand why Tirza’s family mistreated Ella in the first place. The main villain’s plan was never entirely clear to me, though I won’t say more to avoid spoilers. I also wasn’t enamored with the writing, but that probably has more to do with me not being the target audience.

Overall, Glass Slippers is a fun and unique take on what happens after Cinderella’s happily ever after that fairy tale-loving kids (and adults!) are sure to enjoy.

This was such a delightful middle-grade fairytale retelling. Tirza isn’t very popular with those who live in the castle or in the kingdom, all because of who her family is. But just because her mom and stepsisters were wicked, doesn’t mean Tirza is. Right? To make matters worse, she doesn’t know whom to trust. Cinderella claims to love her, but does she? Her sisters claim the same thing, and they are family. Then there is her one friend…is he really her friend? Discovering the answers to these questions along with Tirza was part of the fun of this original story. Fans of fairytales are sure to enjoy the book.

I will admit, it drove me nut that Cinderella and the prince were portrayed at times as unkind. This is so opposite of who they are in the books and shows I’ve seen. I really wanted to shake them both while reminding them they are the nice ones! But don’t let this stop you from reading this enchanting book. Tirza is wonderful, and we see her grow and make her own choices.

Glass Slipper is the second book in the series but reads like a standalone. Each book in the series is a new retelling of a different fairytale.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House, and Leah Cypess for a review copy.

Glass Slippers by Leah Cypess is the second book in the middle grade fantasy Sisters Ever After series. The books in the Sisters Ever After series are all retellings of fairy tales with each book bringing a new story done in a new and creative way of being told from a sibling of someone in the original tales. Each of these books can be read in any order or as a standalone if choosing to do so.

This second book of the series is a retelling of Cinderella told by her third unknown step sister, Tirza. Tirza was only five when her older sisters tormented Cinderella so after Cinderella married her prince and became Queen Ella she allowed Tirza to stay in the castle with them and banished only the older step sisters. Tirza has lived with the shame of what her family had done but now when Queen Ella’s glass slippers go missing all eyes are on her no matter how many times she denies being responsible.


Again I will admit that I am way beyond the age that this series is meant for but I just can’t help myself by being drawn to the cute stories. I love when an author can take the original tale and twist it into something completely new to the point I’m frantically turning pages waiting to see how it will all turn out and that’s just what I’ve found with the Sisters Ever After series. Both books of the series have been great so far with Glass Slippers in the lead as my favorite of the series so far and I will definitely be returning for book three to see what the author comes up with next.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is a Middle Grade Fantasy, and this is the second book in the Sisters Ever After series. I do think this book can be read as a standalone, and I have read and reviewed the first book in this series. This book is a very unique retelling of Cinderella. I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I was into the storyline I could not put it down. I loved the different take on the classic Cinderella story that this author did. I think this book is easy to read and understand what is going on, but I also think adults would enjoy this book if you like light fantasy not high fantasy books. The characters where really fun to follow. You get the story through Tirza point of view, so you are guessing if the other characters are what they want you to think they are which brings a level of suspense to the story. I really enjoyed the suspense that was going on in the story, and I always love guessing who is really good and who is really not so good. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Delacorte Press) or author (Leah Cypess) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Glass Slippers is a Cinderella retelling from her stepsister, Tirza. What we learn in this story is that Cinderella actually had three stepsisters and the story is from Tirza’s point of view. We also learn that those glass slippers had some pretty serious Fae magic which Cinderella needed for protecting the kingdom she is Queen of. I found the writing to be pretty good and while this book is recommended for 9- to 12-year-old readers, but we older readers will enjoy it too! This book is a pretty quick read and the second in the Sisters Ever After series but may be read as a standalone.

I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

fairy tale related kids book, great book for middle school kids or readers that enjoy light fairy tales. this book is from the point of view of cinderella’s sister Tirza. cinderella told everyone that tirza is kind and not evil like her other sisters. one day cinderella’s glass slipper goes missing so tirza has to try to solve the mystery on who took the slipper. i received this arc from NG and this is my voluntary review.

I adore fairy tales in all their glory, re-tellings, new tellings, Russian, English, French, you name it, I love them, especially the (REAL) original Grimm tales. I like the Disney ones well enough but honestly the punishment for the bad guys is always so much better in the lore versions. This one is good for older kiddos but definitely not a younger audience.

Tirza is the third stepsister no one knew about until Ella became queen. The stepmother is dead and the two other stepsisters banished, but Tirza is dear to Ella, being only 5 when the atrocities against then Cinderella were committed and thus Ella takes her into the palace and hopes to give her a real family and show she is loved, even if she does live in a narrow tower furthest away from the heart of the castle. Her room is at least cozy.

Tirza is accused of stealing the glass slippers Cinderella wears to the annual ball when they go missing. Except she swears she didn't do it, but since everyone is gaslighting her, including Ella herself, she starts to believe she did it. And it's a whirlwind adventure to prove her innocence.

The story is full of magic, cupcakes, intrigue, deceit and scary biting bluefish. If you love the original Cinderella fairy tales, you'll like this one, which is reminiscent of the Grimm version, with sprinklings of Perrault's French version (also the version the Disney film is based on) but if you're looking for singing mice and all things nice, this is not it. I loved it and will read the first book in the series soon.

Plot: I loved the plot of this one! A retelling of Cinderella, set after the happy ever after, where she has a third stepsister, Tirza, AND it's told from her POV? Of course I was interested! It took the tale of Cinderell, and completely remade, I loved it. Plus, the ending was wonderful!

Characters: Tirza was a great main character! I don't want to say too much about the other characters, and influence your thoughts on them, but I will say that I loved how the author played with perceptions and assumptions in this book.

The Cover: I like it!

Overall: I absolutely loved this book, and I already know it will make my end of year post of favorite books! This novel reminded me why I love fairytale retellings. Overall, this is one book I highly recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Super cute and clever! I’m all for fairy tale retellings in ever way possible and I just adored this one! I can’t wait to read more in the series!

Tirzah is Cinderella's third stepsister. She was only five when Cinderella was chosen by her prince. While the other sisters were exiled, Cinderella brought Tirzah with her to the palace because she claimed Tirzah was not wicked.

Unfortunately, Cinderella - now Queen Ella - is the only one who doesn't think Tirzah is wicked. She's teased, ignored, belittled and treated poorly by everyone except her one friend Aden who is a stableboy. When the glass slippers that Queen Ella wears once a year on the anniversary of her meeting with the prince go missing, eleven-year-old Tirzah is the first one to be blamed.

Tirzah did see them in Queen Ella's bedroom. And she did try them on and dance a few steps. But then she returned them to where she had found them and left. No matter who asks, and despite no one actually listening to her, she keeps saying that she didn't take the slippers.

Things get more complicated when Aden comes to release her from the dungeon and aid her escape, since he's congratulating her on the theft. Tirzah also learns that her sisters and her godmother have been keeping watch over her and now want her to join them in overthrowing Queen Ella.

Tirzah doesn't know what to believe and doesn't know who to trust. Everyone has their own side to the conflict and all the viewpoints are confusing to her. And the slippers aren't what she thought either. They are remnants of fae magic that give the wearer power but at great cost. She sees what they do to her sisters and begins to understand why Queen Ella has kept her away from them since she moved to the castle. The slippers are calling to her and promising power.

This was an entertaining middle grade story. It has interesting characters and a fast-paced plot with lots of adventure.

I loved the second book in Cypess' new Sisters Ever After series. It was just as fun of a retelling as the first. The story of Cinderella never felt so fresh and new!

So surprising that there is a third stepsister in the Cinderella story. And those glass slippers are not really that great in so many ways? This is a delightfully fun twist on the traditional story and also a good story about what makes a family.