What a wild ride this book has been!

At first, I thought it would be like... 2 stars? Then 5. I finally settled for 4. Here's why :

From 10% to 70%, it's AMAZING. Same for the last 10% of the book. In those pages, everything just works : Finnian, the MMC, is PER. FECT. A swoon-worthy, smug, arrogant, possessive, perfect book boyfriend. The story flows, I wanted to know what was going to happen, I hated Jasper and Regina with all I had I just wanted for Irina, Finnian, Elora and Honora to live happily.

Buuuuuuutttt... The first 10%, where most of the world-building happens, was just painful. Really painful. It made little sense to me and I even thought about DNFing the book! Fortunately, the first chapter with Finnian's POV made me stick with it.

As for the pages between 70% and 90%... I swear they could have been taken off and it would have been better. Or at least, what was happening during those pages didn't need to take freaking 20% of the book! It was literally just smut for smut. And I am really not one for smut over plot. Smut within the plot, YES. Smut to advance relationships, YES. But smut every three pages just for the sake of it? No. I just wanted the story to continue! The fact that Finnian became extremely possessive and "needy" for sex after the wedding made me ick too. During those 20%, he was not, for me, perfect anymore.

Also, the verb tenses are just all over the place and it really upsets me 🫠

Overall, though, as you can see with my 4-star review, I LIKED this book. The end was amazing. I want to know what comes next for Finnian and Elora. So, yeah. My appreciation of this book is all over the place! But it was still worth the read, and I'd gladly read the second.

**This book was given to me as an ARC (thanks to Netgalley and the author 💖). All opinions are my own.

I really struggling getting through the book. I had trouble keeping up with the story in the beginning. Around a third of the way in, the story really picked up for me and then towards the end the story started to fall apart for me again.
I really enjoyed the romance developing with Elora and Finnian. It felt natural and I really believed their disdain for each other. To see their relationship slowly develop kept me interested in reading.
My biggest problem with the book was the Cinder Faes. Their story in this all seemed like an after thought. The Faes part in the story just seemed like a way to get the MCs to become Faes at the end. For a book to be named “Rise of the Cinder Fae” the Cinder Faes are barely in it. And when they were in it, I would skim through bc I just wasn’t interested in them.
Overall I enjoyed parts of the book but if this wasn’t my first NetGalley read, I wouldn’t have finished it.

The Cinder Fae are forced to tirelessly use their fire to make coal for the human kingdom. That’s just the way it’s been. Their survival depends on how much coal they can produce and the ruthless human king keeps demanding more. Elora has always brushed elbows with the Cinder Fae. Before his death, her father was the peacekeeper between the Fae and the humans; now she’s one of the few humans they tolerate and they’re not afraid to let everybody know it.

With the cruelty of the king keeping the Fae indebted to the kingdom, they’re growing restless and ready to flee. When they approach Elora to tell her their plans, she’s heartbroken. They don’t want to put her in danger by abandoning her, but they can’t stay any longer. She’s willing to do anything to guarantee their safety. Including seducing the Prince in order to save her Fae friends.

The premise of the book is influenced by the story of Cinderella. Not quite a retelling, but definitely a source of inspiration. Complete with a dead dad, an evil step mother, two obnoxious stepsisters, and an obsession with glass and pumpkins. Elora travels from her impoverished town to the kingdom for a ball with her eyes set on the Prince. She walks away with an arranged marriage and her life is forever changed.

There’s so much going on in this book. Elora’s story wasn’t anything that I was expecting. Especially the way her and the Prince were anything but lovers at first sight. Unlike Cinderella, this is an enemies to lovers book through and through. She’s so strong willed despite being naive. I liked her tenacity and appreciated the way she gives everyone a run for their money when she realizes she’s been betrayed by her family. The banter between her and Finnian is top notch! They’re both so stubborn and it was hilarious to watch the tension explode.

If you love romantasy you’ll enjoy this book. This book is sexy and fun. Don’t be fooled with the pretty cover and the cute Cinderella-esque premise, these two are SPICY. It takes them a minute to give into the tension between them but when they do, wheeeew! I was sweating a little bit. There’s lots of drama, jealousy, ex’s popping up out of nowhere, and betrayal!!! Plenty to keep me entertained. The pacing was a little off for me in the last half, but I’m glad I stuck through until the end.

The writing style is perfect for someone that hasn’t read fantasy in a while. I was able to jump into the world building immediately. It was easy to follow who was who, and what was what. I really enjoyed all the characters and the way everyone was so easy to understand. This book primarily focuses on the humans with the Fae serving as background characters, but in the next book we’ll see a shift. I’m so excited to learn more about the Fae world.

What I liked most about this book was the way it wrapped up. Although there’s more to the story to be told, I still felt very satisfied with the ending. It’s a cliffhanger, but off a short cliff—if that makes any sense. I’m very much in my standalone era, so I was relieved to see that most of the loose ends are tied up at the end. Next book will be a whole new adventure, and I’m excited to see how the story evolves from here.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Whitney Dean for the review copy of this book. I’ve been long awaiting it after I heard about everything that went down with the rights to her previous books. I wish her the best of success and hope that people enjoy this book.

At a glance:
Enemies to lovers
Fae and humans
1st person
Dual POV
One horse
Touch her and 💀
Bi Rep (side characters)

I would like to thank netgalley and the incredible whitney dean for the advance copy of this book. I truly feel so lucky for getting to read this story before release date even though that also means months and months of suffering before I can read the next one…

"Are you pleasant with every man you meet, or am I just lucky?" 🩵

Cinderella is my favorite princess so no need to say i was very curious about this book as soon as i’ve heard of it and it did not disappoint. It’s so unique and it’s own thing but also has bits here and there from the original fairytale that made me love this world more than i could ever explain.

The characters are all so lovable and you can’t help but feel protective of them, in the same way that finn is with his little doe ellie. This is one epic love story between the main couple but also in every other relationships in this tale about love, family and the sacrifices you’re willing to make for those who mean most to you.

RELEASE DATE : february 26, 2024
RATING : 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

۵𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 ۵
Thank you @netgallery and @authorwhitneydean for the opportunity to read the ARC for this book. ❤️

I think I liked everything about this book, the slow burn, the banter between Ellie and Finn, the world building, the Cindarella's retelling, THAT ENDING (!).

Loved seeing Elora's growth, she went from being this insecure girl that couldn't fathom a way of helping her town, the town her father gave up on so easily to this super confident woman at the end, managing to get what she wanted. I can't wait what the next book is going to bring us for Ellie, she's really looking forward to a new life and she's got so many people that will help her transition into it.

Finn, oh sweet Finn, he had a lot of growth to do in the story as well, going from being the ignorant boy who left the town to protect his family to finding his true love and taking it, doing anything needed to protect Ellie, to save her. He has a really interesting future to look forward to, I have to admit I was really surprised of the choice he made at the end, but I'm sure it will only bring him beautiful things in the future and I'm looking forward to seeing how they're gonna work together (Ellie and Finn), 'cause I'm sure Finn is gonna do a lot of helping now. 👀

The blow burn between them was sooo so top notch 🤌🏼
The book was definitely enemies to lovers, was endearing to see them get together and the energy that flowed between them. Another thing I really liked and I didn't really see in other books so far: pinching 😂 I'm a person that likes pinching people, so it was delightful to see that here.
Whitney did an excellent job with the book, it really pulled me in and I didn't want it to be over. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing Ellie and Finn again. ❤️

Thank you NetGalley and Undying Ravens Press for this ARC Copy!

I saw this book and was intrigued by the story but it far exceeded my expectations.

This is your quintessential romantasy book with quite a bit of spice, but the story is so much deeper than that. I cant really get into that part without spoiling the good parts, but if you love a morally grey, tortured soul MMC who falls hard and fast for the FMC, and a gorgeous love story then you will love this book.

I am a sucker for a retelling and this is my first Cinderella retelling and I am afraid that it has ruined all retellings for me because I have never read one that even closely compares to my love of this book. The ending has me yearning for more and I am only sad that I read the ARC copy of this book before it was release because that just means I have to wait that much longer for the second book to come out.

Rise of the Cinder Fae is not your typical retelling with a few twists and turns that make the book different from the original. It's an emotional rollercoaster, a story so complex and full of tension, that you simply have to pick it up and read it in one sitting, or you won't be able to stop thinking about it.

I loved Elora and everything she represented. Her silent strength, her willingness to fight for her beliefs, for her love for Finn were absolutely beautiful and yet another proof that a character can be gentle and yet still be seen as a strong one.

I wouldn't necessarily consider Finnian to be her complete opposite, but rather someone who complemented her in a way no one else could. The banter between Elora and Finn was everything I could ask for and more, but it was the tension, the tender moments between them that made me fall in love with them over and over again.

The whole plot was fantastic - close enough to the original to still be considered a retelling, yet loose enough to allow the author to get creative and explore topics that are rarely discussed in these kinds of books. The fact that ROTCF is just the first one in a series of retellings makes me excited (and pretty anxious) about the future books

This book was a fun take on the classic Cinderella story with a hate to love/enemies to lovers trope. I enjoyed the dual point of view from Elora and Finnian as well as the great banter that is sprinkled throughout the book. The trials that these two have had to overcome is heartbreaking but the relationship they build together is a joy to follow along.

This book had me screaming! It was so good! I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers vibes, the world building, and so much more! The characters are so fun to learn about and fall in love with! The ending had me in shock! So excited for more!

This is officially one of my favorite books, up there with Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash. It had me from the beginning when they start explaining about the Cinder Fae and then once they move more into the retelling of Cinderella which I absolutely adored. It got pretty spicy about halfway through. This is the type of book that I immediately want to reread after finishing. I could not put this book down. I cannot wait for this series to continue. It ends on a cliffhanger but in the best freaking wat.

*ARC Review*
This is the first book by this author that I have read, so like any reader, I went in with some skepticism. However, this book was an absolute delight! A fae Cinderella retelling, with some yummy enemies to lovers and sprinkled with some of my favorite tropes. The way the retelling was done is also masterly crafted, and I found myself smiling and giggling all throughout reading this book.
Elora and Finn are SO cute, but boy do they put you through an emotional roller coaster! Elora is a stellar character. She starts off pretty naive, develops in such a way where she still is firm, but kind. I truly adore soft yet fierce characters! Finn is hilarious, and I enjoyed his POv. Watching him slowly fall in love was everything to wait for!
The start of the book was slow (not in a bad way), but really allowed the worldbuilding to be told without being completely overwhelming. But when the story starts picking up, it comes together in a seamless and amazing way that I’ll be thinking of this world for so long! Can’t wait for the next one, and I’ll be sure to read more by Whitney in the meantime.

Rise of the Cinder Fae is a dark retelling of Cinderella. It has all the good tropes in it: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Touch her and D*e, Age Gap and One Horse! The banter between the two main characters is glorious, and I loved seeing them adjust to marriage behind closed doors. It is dual POV and I loved seeing everything from both sides. Would definitely recommend.

4.5 ⭐️

The Rise of the Cinder Fae is a dark Cinderella retelling with magic, cruelty, love and spice and DUAL POV that made me unable to put this book down.

Elora is a fallen princess, treated awfully by the people who were supposed to love her, constantly used by them and betrayed. But somehow, she still has the purest, kindest heart and only cares about saving her people - the people of a forgotten kingdom of Ashbury, and the Cinder Fae who arrived there over 20 years ago. In order to do so, she needs to convince the prince of Pumpkin Hollow to love her and marry her. And how does a person who’s been degraded for most of her life, told and continuously shown they don’t matter and are nothing special, achieve something like love of a prince with a womaniser reputation?

They drink from a magical stream, that can grant their wish. But magic don’t give without taking, and Elora sacrifices a big part of herself for it.

Finnian is a prince of Pumpkin Hollow. Well-travelled, with a reputation of bedding many women, problems staying away from whiskey and doing everything he can to be away from the kingdom, its king and being married. But he also carries a lot of weight on his shoulders, trying to protect the people he loves and cares about from his cruel father, the master of manipulation.

Finding themselves in an arranged marriage, Finn and Ellie slowly fall in love with each other, but when they do, their love is deep and both are ready for the sacrifices for each other. Our man Finnian will also stop at nothing to protect his wife - and we love a morally grey man.

The banter between Finnian and Elora is something I thoroughly enjoyed! Even with dreadful things looming over their heads, they still have lots of playful, lovely moments.
The tension is also there, of course. 👀

We also get to see them adjusting to the married life, them getting to know each other and what they need - which sometimes result in silly arguments over miscommunication.

The smut was very well written, but I must admit - I sometimes felt like the spicy scenes were unnecessary and it gave me a little bit of an ick.

I never mind a little bit (or a bit more 👀) of “touch her and I’ll end you” attitude, but I found that Finn was taking it a bit too far for me, especially when Elora’s thoughts became the same about her own body.
Ultimately, I don’t like when men think that woman’s body belong to them only. Woman’s body only belong to her and I will only accept it if the woman tells the man off for saying things like that.

Other than that, I absolutely loved this book. The pacing is really good and the writing style is so easy to devour, even though the there are over 600 pages, which makes it one of the longer books I’ve read.

I cannot write this review without mentioning my favourite character from this book - Irina. She’s free-spirited, stubborn, full of love and loyalty for the people she loves and cares about, and so quick to tell her brother (Finnian) off. She also adds bisexual representation to the book.
I love the friendship she developed with Elora and that Elora found a sister she deserved in Irina - it truly made my heart full.

The ending is not something I expected, but then I realised that there’s been hints dropped for this moment throughout the book! Or maybe it’s just me. Either way - it blew my mind!
It makes me so excited for what’s to come for Elora, Finnian, Irina and the Cinder Fae!


* Thank you to NetGalley & Whitney Dean for this ARC. The review is my honest opinion.

I was really excited to receive this ARC as I have heard a lot of amazing things about Whitney Dean and this book didn't disappoint.

This is a very interesting and highly original take on Cinderella. It is definitely not the traditional Cinderella story you may be expecting (in a good way).

Elora is a brilliantly fiesty FMC. The relationship with Finnian is amazing. I'm always a sucker for an enemies to lovers plotline. It didn't feel like instalove, it felt like the relationship developed very naturally.

My favourite character was definitely Irina. She shone in every scene and I would love to read a book, purely about her romance.

Dean's writing style is very easy to read. Since I was reading it as an ebook, I had no idea how long this book was when I first started (it's quite lengthy). The start did drag a little for me. It took a little while for me to get fully into this story. However, once I reached about ~50% I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down.

I was left with quite a lot of questions about this world but since this is the first book in the series, I hope some of them will be answered in future books. I look forward to finding out more about this world.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to fans of romantasy and fairytale retellings. This book is due for release on 26th February. Definitely keep an eye out for it!

Thanks to NetGalley, Whitney Dean, Undying Raven Press and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this 5/5

"I think you haven't been loved enough and the weight of my love. Smothers you" "But I want you to feel choked by it Elora, Because only then will you learn how to breathe from the weight of it. It's an adjustment, I know, but abuse isn't only physical. I want to undo every pain you've been through" -Finn

That quote says it all. I loved this book and the spice was perfection. The story and world building grabbed me from the first page.

Cinderella retelling
Arranged marriage
One horse
Enimies to lovers
Touch her and (flatline)
Age gap

I cannotvwait for the release on 2/26/24 so I can purchase a book for my shelf

I look forward to the next book in this series!!

My new favorite romantasy. The slow build-up to such a passionate love was just perfection. I even got attached to some side characters (looking at you, Dolfe and Irina). I absolutely loved the dual POV. Being able to see both sides as they fell in love and the sacrifices they would have to make had me invested.

Now I have to pretend to patiently wait for the next book in the series. 😭😭

Thank you to NetGalley and Undying Raven Lress for this opportunity to read rate and review this book which will be available on Feb 26,2024!

I have nothing bad to say but I also have nothing truly awesome to say. I felt like I have read this story before. It’s an okay book. As always the plot and spice were on point but nothing truly stuck out for me

Rise of the Cinder Fae is the first book in a series of romantic fantasy retellings by Whitney Dean. It was one of my most anticipated books of 2024 and it certainly did not disappoint!

I was completely sucked in by the beautiful writing style and immersive setting. At first I was sceptical about the characters, however I quickly grew to love them and really enjoyed their development throughout the book. The romance was a beautiful enemies to lovers but was also such an incredible slow burn.

Despite it being well over 600 pages, I could stop myself from binging Rise of the Cinder Fae in just two days! Overall, I absolutely adored this unique and spicy Cinderella retelling and I am beyond excited for the next book in the series!

This book was magnificent! The writing was absolutely phenomenal! The characters are complex with amazing development throughout the story. This book is a perfect representation of what a true enemies to lovers is! I could not get enough of this story! I am utterly obsessed! The romance will have you swooning in no time!

Can I give this more than 5 stars? I feel like it has earned it. This is a dark fairytale retelling of Cinderella. The kins has an obsession with the magic pumpkins in his kingdom and it would be absolutely hilarious if he wasn’t literally making heads roll to keep them. Oh, did I mention he’s also managed to enslave centuries-old faeries? Oh, also, Elora is sold into an arranged marriage by her evil family to an arrogant prince...who maybe isn’t so bad after all. And he’s definitely not hard on the eyes. I fear the book hangover after this one. It is just so, so good. And my mouth probably dropped open in shock every 50-100 pages. Be prepared for that!