I want you to understand that giving this book such a low rating does not make me happy. I thought the first 1/3 was very engaging, fast paced, and I really liked all the characters introduced.but the other 2/3 simply did not do it for me. I thought the story was extremely predictable (not one plot twist shocked me) and everything was too much on the surface. the characters felt very much 2 dimensional, and some of their actions did not make sense. some characters were vilified simply to make ot...

New week, New BookTube Video - all about the best (and worst) literary couplesThe Written Review Two hundred years ago Cinderella lived, and ever since then she's been an obsession of Sophia's town. She has three chances (one ball each year) to find a husband and then settle into a "comfortable" life as a wife.But she does not want that. Not. One. Bit.She is in love with Erin (even though Erin refuses to rebel) and on the night of the first ball, Sophia makes a run for it. Her life is forfe

I thoroughly enjoyed the first few chapters of this book, I was instantly captivated and moved by the authors powerful words that held true not just within the story.I did feel as though the story began to fall a little flat after the initial world building and character constructions (which were fantastic) but I enjoyed the narrative and the inclusivity of the story. I loved the re-imagination of the classic tale and was left feeling inspired.

So this book has been described as queer black girls overthrowing the patriarchy and yep...that's basically what it is!!This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020, and it didn't disappoint. It kept me turning the pages, and I loved the main characters, and found the romance to be really sweet as well. I also think this is just such an interesting use of the Cinderella story, so props to Kalynn Bayron for that too. I did find that at times this book could be a little didactic and heavy-han...

I did it. I finished this book. This rating is painful for me, because I was honestly expecting to at least like it. This isn't an awful book, but I usually follow the goodreads rating system and one star doesn't always mean I hate it. It can also mean that I didn't like anything about the story and the characters. I considered giving it two stars for the representation, which is the only good thing about this book, but I decided that would be condescending instead of supportive - which doesn't

“It’ll be me,” I say. “I will find myself.” On my blog. Rep: Black lesbian mc, lesbian li, gay side characterCWs: misogyny, domestic abuse, racism, homophobia, implied suicide of a side character, deathGalley provided by publisherCinderella is Dead is a book that basically cements my belief that YA fantasy is not for me anymore. This book, for someone who is still into that genre (and maybe a few years ago that would have been me), is perfect. I am not that someone.So. Firstly. Why you mig

Another reviewer used the terms "predictable, important, and frustrating" to describe this book, and I have to wholeheartedly agree. I thought for sure that this would be the easiest 5 stars I'd give in 2020, but I think my expectations were way out of line for what this book intended to be. The idea of a Cinderella retelling that features diverse characters smashing the patriarchy is truly the level of fantasy we need in the world today; however, I really struggled to get past the fact that the...

you had me at "queer black girls overthrowing the patriarchy"

BLOG | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon | WaterstonesThank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are mine. "I think we sometimes make the mistake of thinking monsters are abhorrent aberrations, lurking in the darkest recesses, when the truth is far more disturbing.The most monstrous of men are those who sit in plain sight,daring you to challenge them." I've never been a fan of the Cinderella fairytale. It's a lovely fairytale, don't get me wrong. And I certainly a...

I can't wait to discuss this one with the Read, Rate, Review folk on my channel on November 7th!

2.5 starsWhile I was excited about the premise of this book, unfortunately it did not deliver. I loved the representation of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ characters, as this is incredibly important and something we need to continue normalizing and supporting in YA. However, from a story and writing perspective, this book totally flopped for me.Sophia is another rebellious YA heroine whose reasons for wanting to dismantle a 200-year-old oppressive political system never truly go beyond surface level. We are

If you expect to read to a charming, sweet fairy tale, a hearts and flowers kind of sweet,soft, swoon story, just close the book! And find yourself another read! Because this is twisty, bloody bleak, harsh, dark, deliciously disturbing and dystopian version of the fairytale, a unique, creative, refreshing retelling! And I truly devoured it ! It was fun, smart, original , great work! The book takes place in a horrifying, nightmarish world where the abusive monsters govern and the women are prope...

I HAVE QUESTIONS BOUT THE ENDING BEFORE WE START!1. DO SOPHIA AND CONTANCE END UP TOGETHER? They have to end up together or i might go on a murder spree👀2. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EVERYTHING?👀BR with Bonnie! <3“Do not be silent. Raise your voice. Be a light in the dark.”Trigger WarningAnimal death, Arranged marriages, Corpse description, Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Physical assault, Selling people and Sexual assault (nonconsensual kissing)BEWARE: there is gonna be...

Instagram || Twitter || Facebook || Amazon || PinterestDNF @ 15%I'm sorry to say I didn't really care for this book and maybe part of that is because I read THIS POISON HEART first, which I really liked. By contrast, CINDERELLA IS DEAD comes across as woefully unpolished and boring. I do really like the idea of a dystopian society that has essentially made the Cinderella fairytale their doctrine in a bizarre Bachelorette like ball culture, but this story mostly feels like it's all ideas and

“Do not be silent. Raise your voice. Be a light in the dark.”Wowwww this was so amazing that i cant even put it into words😭😭 It engages feminism, homophobia and lies in such a way that it's not only intriguing but beautiful!I loved the main character and I could relate to her throughout the story. She grows up seeing her world through a perspective that is proved to be made up. She's fighting every form of prejudice put her way but will she succeed??What's the price to knowing the full truth??I

4.5 stars

I’d pitch this as Black Cinderella falls in love with Merida and together they destroy the patriarchy.I had extremely high hopes for this one because the premise is really fucking good. And while I am often tired of seeing the same tropes and stories being recycled over and over again, this doesn't apply when a well-known concept is reinvented through a queer or otherwise diverse lens. When I started reading I was instantly in awe. The writing was piercing, the words sharp like a needle and I lo...

3.50 Stars. I’m a huge fan of fairytale retellings so this was one of my more anticipated books of the year. I noticed that the early reviews seemed to be a bit mixed. People either loved the book or didn’t seem to like it much at all. I was wondering where I was going to fall and it looks like I came in right in the middle. I liked the read but I didn’t love it like I was hoping to.I thought the premise was great and I liked this unique spin on Cinderella. The problem I had was that I was hopin...

It's time for Cinderella with a very very different twist. Which I am so here for! Also completely in love with this cover (both editions really) and just how furious women in beautiful ballgowns ready to destroy the patriarchy is actually very very lovely 😭I also read this in just one evening and loved being able to be submersed in the world. It read easily, but with leaves you with themes to deeply mull over.so what's the storyFirst off, it wasn't what I was expecting (NOT a bad thing!) but I'...

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.Cinderella is Dead was a highly anticipated book for me, I absolutely love retellings and was quite excited when I was approved on NetGalley for an eARC. Well, it wasn't what I had hoped for, I thought the plot was very bland and reminded me of every other YA fantasy plot. I didn't see anything unique about the storyline and the main character drove me up the wall. Like, I get that she wants to over throw the patriarchy and I'm all...