By Jennifer Donnelly
It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book this much. What a great story! This is my first time reading a fractured fairy tale and I loved it! The greatness of literature is the ability to pull the reader into the great lie, the what if? This book grabbed me and kept me drawn into its pages, it is well crafted, intentional and superb. A lot of people know the beloved story of Cinderella, but what about her mean spirited step sisters? What becomes of them after Cinderella is spirited away by the Prince? How do they live? Do they ever find happiness?
This fractured tale meets up with the step sisters, Isabelle and Octavia just as they have both maimed themselves in an effort to fit into Cinderella's shoes. Octavia, has sliced up her heal, and Isabella has cut off her toes at her Maman's request. Of course they are discovered and Cinderella is freed and finds her true love. After Cinderella (Ella) is whisked off by the Prince, their small town hears of their cruelty and they are ridiculed and bullied.
There are multiple forces that may change their lives. Unknown to Isabella, Chance and Fate have taken an interest in her actions. They have placed a wager on whether or not she lives through the upcoming battle. France is at war, the country is divided, especially when the king dies and the young prince must rule. The encroaching rebels led by Volkmar will stop at nothing, they are killing whole villages for sport. Finally, the fairy queen Tanaquill has a role to play, she has answered the call of Isabella's heart.
Will Isabella's warrior heart answer the call, can she find the pieces of herself that has been lost along the way? This book works on the question what wins and directs us, can we decide our own fate through our actions? Can Isabella break free of the chains of what she is expected to do can she embrace who she is meant to be and love who she wants?
This is a great empowering book! I am giving it a 5 out of 5 stars and believe it is appropriate for readers from 6th grade and up. It does skew a bit towards a feminine audience, but I do think that most readers would enjoy it immensely! This is a great example of a fractured fairy tale and breaking the mold forever! Pick up your copy today.
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