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

I ended up really loving this story and retelling of what happens after the princess (Bea, aka Cinderella) gets swept to the palace to marry the prince, leaving the stepsisters to forge their own ways, reviled for the treatment of Bea. But love it and Theo with her own fairy bargain and working with cute familiars. That twist was fun too, even if I guessed it before the big reveal.

Theo is a prickly character, always ready to deliver the most cutting insult which actually makes her very entertaining in the fairy courts. It was easy to feel for her and the life she had lead after her mother married Bea's father. She fits right in alongside Cecily's familiars Phineas and Kaz and it makes for a humorous, whimsical, cozy story as Theo completes three tasks in order to avoid having to marry and odious old duke (really quite the piece of work!) Along the way, Theo is also able to bloom into what she was meant to be. There are many chuckle bits and I was very satisfied with the ending which showed the true characters of all those in the fairy tale.

This may be a debut novel, but it was really well written and I enjoyed listening to it. The narrator did an excellent job in bringing the characters to life and making the story feel alive. You can be sure I will be following this author, waiting very impatiently for the next book in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book to listen to and review.

This was a cute little story. A bit of nostalgia mixed with some Bridgerton vibes it was an easy listen. The production of the audio book did a great job and it was easy to listen to. The beginning was a bit hard to follow for me personally, but overall a solid read

Honestly this book really is a fairytale with a twist. And while I still feel the need to rant about it after finishing, I did genuinely enjoy this book and I think it’s a nice mix of fairytales with romantasy (not genre romance though so please don’t explicitly go into it with those expectations). I’m a sucker for fairytale retellings, and even more so when the characters getting their stories retold were framed as the villain. This book is the story of the youngest stepsister of maybe-Cinderella, and it really makes her a complex character who admittedly is not a nice person, but also doesn’t exactly deserve what’s happened to her. I think this book ends up doing a pretty good job of playing with nuanced, morally grey characters, although the ending is very fairytale like in its morality play. I don’t know that I had a lot of expectations going into the story, but I ended up enjoying reading this and I thought it was very readable!

As far as the audiobook went, I thought it was a great way to read this book, especially since the fantasy elements aren’t too complex. While the narrator didn’t always have completely different voices for the various characters, I feel like she did a good job of still making the characters distinct and where I could tell what was happening in scenes with more characters. I also think I ended up enjoying the romance aspects of the book a little bit more via audiobook than I would have with a physical copy. All in all, worth the read if it sounds like something you’re interested in!

5 ☆
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Hooked from beginning to end! In the beginning, the Theodosia Balfour character was very insufferable, but once you start the semi-healing journey with her, you start to understand her a lot more, and honestly, I felt for you and could really relate to her. Wild! The twists and turns were *chef's kiss*. Highly recommend.
The audiobook was great. I couldn't stop listening. If I didn't have to go to bed, I would have listened to this story in one day. The narrator did a great job. She was easy to listen to and understand, and I could listen to her forever.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Cinderella Retelling
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Thank you, Netgalley, and Hachette Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I love a villain origin story. This book is a Cinderella retelling from one of the evil stepsister's point of view after the royal wedding. She needs help because they are broke and the new queen is telling lies about how evil they are, so she enlists help from the same fairy godmother that her step sister used. Chaos ensues.

Our main lady, Lady Theodosia Balfour, is just as awful as the original fairytale would suggest, but her character arc took me on a ride.

It was entertaining, I was surprised by the twists, and the narrator was fun to listen to. This is the first book in the Fairies and Familiars series, but it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, so it's safe to enjoy before the next one comes out.

Pick this up if you enjoy:
Debut authors
Single POV
Magical worlds and creatures
No spice
Fairytale what ifs?
Unlikeable narrators
Regency mixed with fantasy
Character growth
Faerie bargains

"How to Summon a Fairy Godmother" by Laura J. Mayo and was captivated by the fresh take on the classic Cinderella tale. The story is told through the eyes of Theo, Cinderella's stepsister, offering a unique perspective on what happens after the famous pumpkin carriage scene. Left behind, Theo struggles with a tarnished reputation and an uncertain future. Facing an arranged marriage and unexpected stepchildren, she decides to summon a fairy godmother and embark on a quest for her own happiness.

Theo is a complex character who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Initially sharp-witted and resentful, she evolves into a more empathetic and courageous individual. The romance between Theo and her suitors, Lock and Kas, is delicately portrayed, adding depth to the narrative. However, the core of the story remains Theo's journey towards self-love and personal growth.

Cecily, the fairy godmother, is a standout character with her whimsical and morally ambiguous nature. Her presence adds an intriguing layer to the story, and I would love to read a novella from her perspective.

The audio narration was excellent, and the plot twists kept me engaged. The protagonist, Theo, is a compelling character, and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. While I enjoyed the book overall, I felt that Theo's transformation from villain to hero could have been more developed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager to get my hands on a hard copy. I look forward to news about the sequel, as I believe it will be a magical ride!