this is how you write a debut. PHENOMENAL SENSATIONAL SPECTACULAR.

I really had a great time reading this. the writing is full of witty remarks that slowed my reading pace a bit because i needed time to process them but that's part of this book's charm! not to mention that it's SO funny, God help me!! i got hooked since the beginning and it's being consistently interesting throughout the story. the characters are charming, seemed like everyone is beautiful and stunning (with the exception of some that can be counted with 1 hand's fingers). I loved Theo's character development. she's just a daughter that wasn't loved enough and grew up bitter and lonely. the resolution and the twist were a little bittersweet but really smart! truly a fresh spin of Cinderella. can't wait for the sequel<3

lastly, the audiobook narrator was exceptional, her voice was pleasing to hear and really brought out the character's personas. i have no notes 10 out of 10.

What I enjoyed:
1. The Cinderella retelling from the perspective of a stepsister
2. A morally grey and dimensional look into a previously "wicked" character.
3. The twist at the end. I wasn't expecting it and it flipped the classic tale upside down. (Similar to what Wicked did for The Wizard of Oz).

This is more of a 3.5-star read that I'm rounding up to 4 based on the ending. Some points pulled me in, but too often plot dragged along. There was a point where I debated putting it down. I'm glad I didn't, the ending redeemed it. If you enjoy retellings for their different perspectives, this is a good one to pick up,

I listened to this on audio and the production value and narration were well done and enhanced the reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC

A fascinating and original twist on the Cinderella fairytale. This time we follow one of the wicked stepsisters (not as wicked after all) as she tries to summon the fairy godmother herself and gets caught up in a deal. I thought it was a bit slow moving at times, but liked the story. I found the concept really fun. Our fmc was kind of naive and the fairy godmother morally grey at best. I enjoyed the bargains and the development of our fmc. A fascinating fantasy.

This was amazing! I skipped the blurb and start reading (or rather listening) blind. The only thing I kind of vaguely knew about the plot was that it‘s a retelling of the Cinderella story. So, you can imagine my surprise when the book was like „yeah, forget about Cinderella, let‘s hang out with one of the step-sisters.“ Perfect. That‘s exactly my type of story. Take a well known fairytale and retell it with an interesting twist and you have my attention. And boy did Laura J. Mayo manage to keep my attention for the duration of the entire story.

I did love following Theo‘s story who I found to be a lot more interesting than Cinderella/Beatrice to be honest. I liked seeing her discover and come to terms with who she really is and how that affected her interactions with the other characters as the story went on. Also, there is that one scene where Theo tells a story from her childhood that will hunt me for a long time. If you read the book you probably know which scene I‘m talking about.

How to Summon a Fairy Godmother was simply put an incredible book with a very unique take on a beloved tale that will keep you under its magic till the last page and beyond.

This Cinderella retelling puts one Theo, one of the wicked step-sisters in the spotlight and boy is it delightful. Theo is messy and complicated in a way fantasy romance leads rarely get to be. I listened to the audio version of this and the narration was well done. If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings, the Assistant to the Villain Series, fairy/regency romance this one will tickle you. I’ll be waiting for more in this series!

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this audiobook for review purposes.

Generally, I thought this was fine. The premise was cute and the characters had potential but I don't know that I loved the execution. It is cozy and a bit whimsical. I would recommend the audio probably over the text to help pull you through the slower bits.

Thank you so much for the audio ARC. I arrest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

What a fun little twist on fairytales! I had pretty high hopes for this one and I'd say overall I was satisfied. The characters are deeply flawed but there's a nice character arc that left me feeling satisfied as a reader. I really hope the following books in the series continue to follow Theo and this cast of characters as I am now quite attached to them. I could've done without the little twist at the end, but I think it is likely setting up book two.

The narrator did a great job. Could listen at my normal speed despite the accent and everything was nice and crisp.

Happy release day to this book full of mischief, magic and evil step sisters.

3.5 stars
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is such a fun read. At first, it seems like a retelling of Cinderella from the point of view of one of her evil step-sisters, Theo. And though the book takes its time painting the sad picture of Theo's life, her family's status and reputation are in the dirt and the only man willing to marry her is an old duke; there's a big twist in the plot, pace and even characterization when the fairy godmother is summoned. From then, the world is open to magical adventures and tasks, faerie parties and attractive familiars.

I had a lot of fun with the story. It's a lighthearted young adult adventure with a fairy tale vibe. My biggest issue with it, it's that the first 80 pages or so are so rooted in reality, painting Theo as the evil step-sister so she's bitter and hateful, and also a victim of the circumstances of a Victorian-esque world, but then as soon as Theo steps into the faery world I feel like her character makes a sudden turn to a modern YA heroine with non-ending sass. Honestly, the character reads so different from the beginning, from a Victorian-inspired world, that I never really got used to how perfectly brave, resourceful and extremely unaffected she ended up being when confronted with magical beings and dangerous scenarios.

Characterization aside, the book is fun. Theo must accomplish three tasks to escape her faith, and that made the book vibrant and dynamic. The romance was a bit rushed, but honestly it fit the vibe of the story.

As for the audiobook, the narrator made such a good job voicing Theo. Theo is an unlikeable character, especially at the beginning, yet she's vulnerable and desperate, and I think Josie Charles gave Theo a lot of depth. I think, for a book like this, the audiobook is such a fun way to experience the story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Orbit and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

I would like to thank the publisher for giving me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I thought I had found my favorite version of Cinderella earlier this year, and I was wrong because THIS. YES.

Lady Theodosia, one of the ugly stepsisters, watched as Beatrice became the princess, dragging her, her sister, and her mother's names through the mud as she tells everyone how evil and horrible they are. It's been two years, and now Theo is engaged... to an old man who she does NOT want to marry. So when Theo discovers a way to summon the fairy godmother -- the same one who helped her step-sister all those years ago -- she does it. And Cecily of the Ash Fairies is not exactly what she pictured.

Theo is one of my favorite characters. She's been through a lot in her life, and it's hardened her to a point where she is almost as cruel as her mother with her sharp words and attitude. Her adventure through the faerie realm, completing tasks for Cecily, were interesting and twisted, and I was hooked. It was around her second task that I started to suspect one of the twists that was coming and I was totally here for it. What I also loved was the fact that Beatrice wasn't the perfect little angel she's always shown as, and we get a more realistic look at the family dynamic that they would've had growing up, and it hurt my heart for Theo as we saw glimpses of that childhood.

I also didn't realize this was going to be a series, but I'm kind of here for it. I loved this world and the characters, and I'm so ready to dive back into it. The narrator did a fantastic job with the audiobook and I highly recommend checking it out.

*No Spoilers Here* I love when I run across a retelling which explores a different perspective and avenue which I haven't heard in the past. Though I recently read another which explored a Cinderella story, this one was far different and well worth the read. I thought it was whimsical and fun.

I wasn't certain where this story was going to go when I first dove in. We aren't supposed to like the step-sisters and they certainly aren't presented in a likeable way, but Theo is presented in a sort of sympathetic way as though IF she changed her way, MAYBE the reader could be on her side. But she certainly has a long way to go to be likeable. She is, in fact, quite a rude and nasty sort of person.

All of that to be said, this story is really good! With Beatrice aka "Cinderella" out of the house, Theo becomes the punching bag of the family or the least desirable daughter. With a horrible impending marriage on the horizon, Theo is desperate to make a deal with just about anyone to save herself, even if it mean making a deal with the same fairy who saved Beatrice and whisked her away into the life of a princess. However, the fairy wants Theo to complete a few tasks before she will grant Theo the boon she is requesting.

I can't wait to see where book 2 takes us on the next adventure. Since this one was a retelling, I wonder if the next will explore another retelling or if we will simply explore Theo's life beyond the pages of this book. I can't wait!

It’s so well written, I wouldn’t have guessed that How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is Laura J. Mayo’s debut novel. I love fairytale retellings, and this story puts on interesting spin on the Cinderella story told from the perspective of one of the wicked stepsisters.

Our main character, Lady Theodosia Balfour (Theo) was initially a bit hard to root for because she was so rude and prickly, always assuming the worst of people. As another character mentioned, she doesn’t so much have a chip on her shoulder as a giant boulder. She is terribly witty though, and as I got to know her better and watched her make a genuine effort to become a better person, she won me over.

The story was a bit slow until Theo summons Cecily of the Ash Fairies, who was not at all what you might expect of a fairy “godmother.” Things become much more interesting and amusing once fairies and other magical creatures are involved. And I absolutely adored Cecily’s familiars, the magpie shifter Phineas and the fox shifter Kasra, as well as the flirtatious fairy Lockland.

By the end of Theo’s first task, I understood what was happening and had a good idea how the story would end, but I took great pleasure in hearing how it all came about. Theo’s cleverness in fulfilling her tasks and wittiness in insulting almost everyone who crosses her path were highly entertaining. There were also some surprisingly sweet moments between her and her two potential love interests. However, this story is really all about Theo’s redemption and finding her place, and it’s not at all a romance.

The audiobook production was excellent, and I loved the narration by Josie Charles. She’s a pleasure to listen to, with distinctive voices and speech patterns to suit each character, and the ability to convey mood and emotion effectively. The story works very well as an audiobook.

This is listed as Book 1 in Mayo’s Fairies and Familiars series of humorous historical fantasy, and I am eagerly awaiting Book 2. I recommend this book for fans of fairytale reimaginings and historical fantasies featuring snarky heroines.

I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6591985546 Happy Pub Day to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother! Though we got off to a bit of a rocky start, I’m surprised by how much I ended up loving this book. How to Summon a Fairy Godmother explores what happens after Cinderella becomes the princess through the eyes of her “evil” stepsister Theodosia. Sure, Theo may have done some things that won’t earn her kindness points, but was she really *that* bad when you really think about it?

While this is based on Cinderella, I love that the author doesn’t pay much time on the origin story we know so well. Theo’s story is fully hers and we get to know her, flaws and all, as she comes into her own. In a way, this reminded me of Ella Enchanted (my absolute favorite book as a kid). We have a bit of an adventure as Theo tries to complete the tasks that are given to her. Along the way she encounters not just fairies, but also gnomes and elves and discovers a world completely unknown to her. There’s even a spark of romance, something I hope will be explored more in the next book. There’s a next book, right???

I’m so glad I took a chance on this book and can’t wait to read more from this author! I listened to the audiobook and really loved the way the narrator brought like to Theodosia. She captured her spunky nature and I just had a blast listening to her.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for a review copy.

4.5⭐

Apparently 2024 is the year of the Cinderella re-telling's and I'm really not mad at it! This was exactly the fun and silly time I was expecting to find in this book. I absolutely loved Theodosia and our group of characters, the sass and the banter were perfection. I would honestly beg this author for a sequel cause I just want more of these characters and this world. I do wish it would have ended a bit differently but honestly the more I think about it the more I think it was the perfect ending for this book. Honestly the vibes of the book are just 👌🏻, its funny, cozy and really fast paced!

Overall I had such a fun time listening to this book, the narration was fantastic really brought Theo to life.

4/5 ⭐️

A clever blend of Cinderella sequel and retelling that explores themes of rumors, reputation, and redemption.

Josie Charles delivers a sharp and engaging narration, making the audio version a pleasure to listen to.

There’s not much rehashing of the original storyline, just enough to give context to what could be up for debate.

It begins with Theo, one of Cinderella’s stepsisters, navigating the fallout from the original tale while grappling with her future, largely dictated by her mother. It follows her attempts to find out if fairy godmothers are real as she seeks to escape an unwanted arranged marriage to a less-than-ideal suitor.

Overall, it’s nothing super deep or heavy, and a well-written, enjoyable, cute read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hatchett Audio | Orbit for the advanced audio copy.

I love that the fantasy genre is really having a renaissance period, and so many new authors are emerging with fresh takes. It seriously makes me so happy because I was raised on Stephen Cosgrove (Serendipity books), Robin McKinley, Gregory Maguire (the OG ugly step-sister retelling), and so many good 80’s fantasy movies. Fairytale retellings are a particular favorite of mine, and I felt a lot of nostalgia reading this one. It’s a light fantasy, so it’s a comedic, relatively quick read, and fairy low stakes.

We follow Theodosia, Theo, who is the younger of the two “ugly stepsisters”. She informs us that Cinderella, or Bea, as she’s called in this, is actually quite manipulative and is not all that she seems. Unfortunately, we then spend the first maybe quarter or the book-seriously- setting up this storyline. We don’t really get to the actual conflict, or meet the fairy godmother for a big chunk of the book. SO. Once we get to the meat of the book, we learn that Theo is to be married off to basically the oldest man ever. He’s rude, his family is vicious, and she will have a miserable, lonely life. So she summons a fairy godmother. Enter Cecily. She’s both funny and forced funny. If you’ve seen Ella Enchanted- she gives Lucinda. Maybe it’s just me 🤷🏻‍♀️ Once Theo asks her wish- to NOT have to wed the old duke, Cecily agrees, but with a caveat- Theo must complete 3 tasks. Ok, fine, fine. So to help her, Cecily has two familiars- you know, like animals witches have- only these two are also pretty men. So that’s fun. Wait- like not that fun, this isn’t dark fantasy romance, calm down. But anyways, a bird and a fox. And so, the story goes onward and the 3 tasks lead to some minor adventure and some character development and found family. Awwwwww. But like, romance? Crickets. Oh. Ok. Cool. Cool. Cool. Cool. It’s fine. It’s cool. The ending totally didn’t bum me out at all. Totally fine. 3 ⭐️

If you’re a Mercedes Lackey fan, you will love this!

Thank you so much NetGalley, and to Orbit, Hachette Audio UK for the advanced audiobook, in exchange for my honest review!

This book was not on my radar, but when I heard the synopsis I knew that I needed to read it!

At first it was giving Cinderella vibes, with the whole set up of the ball. However, I found it very difficult to connect with the story and wished that I got more from that first 30% to hook me, and it just ultimately wasn't for me. I can see how others may like it though, especially if you are more into fantasy than I.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for this copy!

I absolutely loved this book!
It was so much fun from the very beginning. I really enjoy a story with snark & sass which the main character Theodosia has.
This was a refreshing retelling of the Cinderella tale but from the POV of one of the step-sisters & suffice it to say, things aren't always what you've heard. There were a few missed opportunities but I refuse to let that spoil what was for the most a very fun & I can't wait to see what happens next read. Highly Recommend.

I enjoyed this so much that when I noticed my library hadn't ordered it yet I put in a request so I can recommend this to everyone.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Josie Charles & she does an excellent job.

Thanks to Hachette Audio & Orbit Books for the chance to listen to this title.

Currently in tears trying to collect my thoughts about this book.

I picked this book up thinking it would be a cutesy fairytale palate cleanser between heavy fantasy series, but the emotional journey I just went on was more healing than most therapy sessions. I’ve been labeled a “mean girl” most of my life even by my own mother (her words were “mean and hateful”), just like Theodosia.
Theo is the “wicked step sister” to pretty and perfect Beatrice. Beatrice summoned a fairy godmother who helped her marry a prince. Theo simply wants to avoid an unwanted marriage to a cruel, old Duke.
This story is a Cinderella retelling from the perspective of one of the wicked step sisters. It’s unique, refreshing, and emotionally suprising.

If you have ever been labeled “mean”or felt unworthy of love, kindness, and good things, this book is for you. This book is incredible and I hope readers love it as much as I have.

How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J Mayo releases TOMORROW October 8th, 2024.

Can you help me write a summary for this one:
How to Summon a Fairy Godmother
by Laura J. Mayo
Narrated by Josie Charles
Format Read: Audiobook

Description:
This book is a spin-off from the well-known Cinderella fairy tale. Beatrice (Cinderella) met her prince, they married, and once she became Princess Beatrice, she let everyone know about how she suffered due to the evil treatment by her step-mother and step-sisters. The Balfour (step-family) household falls into disrepute and near bankruptcy. Lady Theodosia Balfour, one of the step-sisters, finds it hard for any man to willingly wed her, until her mother strikes a deal with Duke of Snowbell. Well, Lady Theo happens to be younger than his grandchildren, and the Duke doesn't even have a pleasant personality, so Lady Theo seeks to find a way out before the marriage takes place.

Remembering Princess Beatrice's story about a fairy godmother, she inspects her old room looking for clues, and finds instructions on how to call the fairy godmother. Once done, she realizes Cecily is not all about doing good deeds, but instead, is a gorgeous Ash Fairy, and more akin to fantasy fairies that have rules about owing favors. She instructs Lady Theo that she will help end the upcoming marriage if Lady Theo can perform three tasks to prove she is a kind person. Cecily's familiars, Phineas a shapeshifting mockingbird, and Kasra a shapeshifting fox, help her along her tasks as Lady Theo tries to prove to Cecily, the whole community, and herself that she is a good person.

My thoughts:
This was a funny and playful ride of a book. It was a fresh and inventive spin on the story, taking on a huge task of making one of those sisters likeable. And I think the author did an amazing job of making her redeemable, and still very much unpleasant, in a humorous way. And spins the original Cinderella tale around in a way that I'll be questioning all fairy tales now.

The reliance on fantasy fairies was a really nice touch, of owing them a favor, and how they collect debts. I also really liked the inclusion of familiars. It made the whole story seem like a fantasy, but the familiars were also complex supporting characters who added a lot to the story.

Overall, I was really surprised and loved this book! Would recommend to those who want a more grown-up fairy tale that's still based in fantasy, and not dark.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced reader copy.

In this funny, cute and well written retelling where we are following Theodosia (Theo) in a "What happends the two (evil) stepsisters of Cinderella (Beatrice) after she is wisked away with the Prince".

Theo dreams of her own fairytale and when she gets marry a Duke it seems like a wish comming true... or is it?

Desperat to change her luck, she summons a fairy Godmother and gets 3 tasks before she will be granted her wish.
A beautiful, funny and heartwarming story - Defently worth a read! And the audiobook was great!

Post on IG (one_:fairy_tale_at_the_time) 12.nov 2024