CinderellaTag Archives

Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:
  • This is another example of a cover that’s completely caught my eye.

I also recommend:

Summary from GoodReads:

After her father’s disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn’t long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself. What Ella finds there starts a quest that will change her life and the entire kingdom. Cinder and Ella is a Cinderella story like no other, and one you’ll never forget.

My Review:

Cinder and Ella is a fairy-tale re-telling.  If you read many of my reviews, you know this is a specific genre that I absolutely adore.  Even at 35, I never get tired of fairy tales and Cinderella is one of my favorites.

Melissa Lemon takes a far different path then anything I’ve read yet.  She splits Cinderella into two people – Cinder, a daughter who is obedient, servile, meek, and calm and Ella, a fiery-tempered girl who wants something more for her life.  Added into the mix is a legend of trees, kidnapping, evil Princes and clumsy Knights.

I will admit, this was a cute story.  It had a good message, dealt with some universal themes (needing independence, showing responsibility) and had a sweet love story threaded through it.  I think it’s a story that any young girl in her teens would enjoy, provided she wasn’t overly cynical and looking for sparkly vampires or the like.

Still… there was something a bit lacking.  I can’t really place my finger on it, but I think it had to do with Cinder.  I just couldn’t connect with her, instead getting the feeling that the book was more about Ella.  That isn’t in itself a problem, but when you name your book after two characters, I sort of expect them to be equally treated, and they weren’t.  Cinder came off as a bit of a sop and Ella was definitely the likeable, easy-to-connect-to character.

All that aside, if you are wanting a bit of a different twist on Cinderella, this isn’t a waste of a read.  It’s interesting, cute, will make you laugh and is short enough to read in one sitting.

Check out these reviews!

Imaginary Reviews

Nicole’s YA Book Haven

Pin It
Lydia
18 November, 2011
Fairy Tales, Fantasy, reviews, Young Adult
3 comments
, , , ,

Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan

Order from:

 

Reason for Reading:
  • It’s a Cinderella story.  I’m addicted to Cinderella stories.

I recommend:

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.

Check out these reviews!

Ex Libris

Small Town Book Blog

 

Pin It
Lydia
16 July, 2011
Fantasy, reviews, Young Adult
2 comments
, ,