Damn, do I love a good fairytale retelling, and this one has the perfect combination:
- Broody shadow daddy looking to be saved (but not knowing it)
- Strong, compassionate FMC who really just wants to do right by her people
- He falls first (and hard!)
- She saves him
- A twist in the tale
- A witty, sarcastic and mildly tipsy witch
- Talking rats (and owls and crows and horses)
- Magic being sapped from the land
- So much tension. So many wanton looks. The perfect amount of spice.
- A lovely HEA

I don’t know what more anyone could need! The book held my attention with elements I didn’t - and twists I couldn’t - anticipate. There were high stakes moments, but the story felt cozy in the sense that I didn’t worry that it wasn’t going to turn out okay in the end.

And! The story allows for the set up of book 2 which, if I’m not mistaken, will be a Beauty & the Beast retelling with Ella’s sister, Belle. I can’t wait!

Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for an advanced copy of the book. The above review are my thoughts alone.

A retelling of Cinderella. Ella goes to look for her sister Belle when she is missing. She is caught by Prince Cassius and barely escapes.,,,

Love Ella and Cassius together. I love the magical supernatural elements in the stories. It's a darker and sexier version of Cinderella. A very refreshing retelling. A fun book!

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I received this book as an ARC.

I greatly enjoyed this story. As we followed the FMC through her blights, I found myself enjoying her character more and more. She tries so desperately to help others (her sisters, friends, the rebellion) while also trying to do what she has to do to survive.

I liked the MMC and was able to see the good in him as he tried to keep his kingdom together. I wished that there could have been more chapters from his POV!

*Reign of Cinders and Glass* is an absolute masterpiece! This Cinderella-inspired romantasy takes you on an unforgettable journey through a world ruled by ruthless vampires, with the captivating Prince Cassius at the heart of it all. The tension between him and the fierce heroine is electric, and the stakes are high as she risks everything to find her sister. The blend of magic, danger, and romance is perfectly balanced, making it impossible to put down. With action-packed scenes and a steamy slow-burn romance, this book delivers on every level. A must-read for fans of dark fantasy and romance!

OMG, I am absolutely OBSESSED with this book! From the very first page, I was completely sucked in and couldn't put it down! This is hands down the most thrilling and creative Cinderella retelling I’ve ever read. Vampires, magic, and a brooding prince? YES, PLEASE!

Ella is such a fierce and relatable heroine. What starts as a simple farm girl quickly transforms into a powerful, determined, and defiant force. I love how she’s strong but still holds onto her kindness, making her such a refreshing character. And Prince Cassius? Dark, dangerous, and irresistible! I couldn't get enough of his mysterious and broody nature, and let’s be honest, the chemistry between them is out-of-this-world electric!

The way the story is woven with dark magic and danger lurking in every corner kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the slow-burn romance? It’s agonizingly good in the best way possible! Every glance, every touch—I was totally living for it, and the payoff was SO worth it!

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, romance, and a fresh twist on classic fairytales. I'm dying for more from the Fated Fairytales series, and I'm crossing my fingers for Belle's story next! I would recommend this to EVERYONE—this is a Cinderella retelling like you’ve never seen before. You NEED this book in your life!

******I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


Reign of Cinders and Glass offers a dark retelling of the classic Cinderella tale, featuring vampires, magic, and a brooding prince. The story follows a young woman who ventures into dangerous lands to find her missing sister, only to encounter Prince Cassius, a ruthless yet captivating vampire. With classic fairytale elements like wicked sisters and a masquerade ball, this book provides a unique twist for fans of retellings.

While the concept is intriguing, I personally found it to be an average read. It successfully brings a darker and more mature spin to the Cinderella story, which will likely appeal to those who enjoy paranormal romance with strong fantasy elements. However, it didn’t fully grab my attention throughout.

That being said, it's an easy read and offers something fresh for Cinderella fans looking for a different experience. The blend of magic, romance, and action is well-balanced, but for me, it lacked the depth or connection I was hoping for. Overall, a decent read, especially for those who enjoy fairytale retellings with a dark twist.

Dark but Tasty Fairytale

This dark Cinderella re-telling had it all passion, forbidden romance, temptation, danger, action, secrets, twists and turns as all is not as it seems!

I was so engrossed in the storyline, I couldn’t put it down, once I started reading, I had to finish it and I wasn’t disappointed!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC which I voluntarily read and reviewed! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This uses the Cinderella element perfectly, it had that overall feel that I was hoping for and enjoyed the use of fairy tales. It had that element that I wanted and enjoyed the romance concept. Veronica Douglas & Linsey Hall has a great writing style and it worked well in this story overall. It was a strong start to this series and left me wanting to read more. I loved the cover and thought this was a wonderfully done fairy tale retelling.