- It’s a Cinderella story. I’m addicted to Cinderella stories.
I recommend:
- The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey
- Plain Kate by Erin Bow
Summary from GoodReads:
In this fast-paced story full of adventure and romance, Cinderella is more than just a servant girl waiting for her prince—she’s a tough, fearless girl who is capable of taking charge of a dangerous situation. Seeking to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, Cinderella perfects her ninja skills and magic talents in secret, waiting for the day when she can break free and live happily ever after. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Cinderella and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you’ve ever read!
My Review:
When I was a kid I used to love those “choose your own path” books. I felt like no matter the decision I made, the story would come alive and I’d have consequences or rewards based on the path of my choosing. Sometimes, when I was in a feisty mood, I’d make the bad choices, or if I was feeling particularly good, the right choices – but either way I was highly entertained.
Cinderella: Ninja Warrior is a “choose your own adventure” book – but with one slight exception. What I remember of those books was that the ending was always affected by your choice – whereas in Cinderella: Ninja Warrior the ending is the same, no matter your choice. So yes – you can have eight different paths through the book, but no matter the path you choose you end up in the same exact spot as all of the others.
This, folks, defeats the purpose of a “choose your own” adventure.
Now, granted, I should have expected something silly and mildly entertaining from a book titled Cinderella: Ninja Warrior – and I think had I been a middle-grade student reading through the book would have been highly entertaining and lots of fun, but even as a pre-teen, I would have been disappointed by the predictable ending. The adult in me was hopeful, thinking if I made the right choices, if I gave Cinderella the opportunity to show that life isn’t always about marrying the prince, that the story would change a little bit – but I was disappointed.
So, in short, cute book, but does not live up to the potential that could have been there.
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Wow, that is depressing that no matter what you get the same ending. I wonder if, as there are Ninjas, this is influenced at all by Japanese philsophy of karma? That could explain the predestination, but I’d still think that would at least merit an author’s note if it were the reason.
I know! I don’t think predestination plays in, the book is way too simple for that – it just came off as lazy and unenjoyable. =(