◀ This ARC is provided by NetGalley and Magic Side Press in exchange for an honest review ▶

Rating: 4.75/5

I really loved this book. Enjoyed the cinderella retelling.

Reign of Cinders and Glass - a goth inspired Cinderella retelling with Scandinavaian feels and a commanding plot

For Cinderella fans far and near, if you are on the lookout of a strong heroine, a thirst for a coming to power tale, and a some spiciness to an enemies to lovers trope, look no further!
Veronica and Linsey have a drafted a truly exceptional plot where Ella Marquette goes in search of her sister Belle to the Vampire prince's castle - little does she know her magic will bloom there. And the reign of evil the commoners perceive royalty to be may not be all that meets the eyes. Add in some terrifying vampiric sisterhood, a wave of nature's magic and a shadowy triad - you've got yourself a true blue thriller!!

This book was a beautiful read, the plot is nuanced well and the ending was the cherry on top! A definite must read for fans of ACOTAR and Twilight! The authoress due have woven the elements of Cinderella seamlessly into their tale - you will not be disappointed, trust me!

Thank you Linsey and Veronica for the haunting read and special thanks to Netgalley and Magic Side Press, LLC for the ARC!

That was a hell of a retelling ahahha I wasn't expecting to be honest but I really had a lot of fun reading it.. This was a wonderful romantasy to be honest and when I think about the term this is exactly what I imagine.. Also has vampires which is really a fun vision of the story.
Thanks so much for allowing me to read this book

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

WOW!!! What a great book!! This one had me hooked from page 1! This was a first for me from this author and I will not be my last? I am a huge fan of romantasys!! This one was a win for me!

Lately, a lot of the retellings l've read haven't really hit home for me. In some way they just weren't that great.
This book made up for it though! I'm so glad I took a chance. Oh my gosh, the mystery.. the magic! Ahhh all of it was just so good. I really like longer books to get as much as I can out of a story. But this book was perfect! I hate posting reviews that give too much away or spoil anything. But these main characters are adorable. The slow burn makes you want to chew your own fingers off. Do you like banter? Why not throw in magical animal banter, it's too funny. Seriously I wish I knew what to say other then no matter what kind of reader you are or what genre you normally read this book is amazing and I encourage everyone to give it a chance <3|

OMG for my first fantasy book, I have to say I loved every single second of reading it 🏰❤️‍🔥

A fairy tale written so beautifully, with a badass FMC.

The worlds and the characters where built so beautifully and the plot twists had me in a chokehold 🤭 I was hooked from the very minute I picked up the book, the only thing I disliked about the book was the long chapters but apart from that everything else was amazing

A fairy tale spin off of Cinderella but with vampires, witches and magic 🪄 of this is your vibe your going to love this book 📖

❤️‍🔥 touch her and your 💀
🥀 romantasy
❤️‍🔥 adult retelling of Cinderella
🥀 vampire price
❤️‍🔥 immortal and mortal relationship
🥀 strong FMC with hidden power
❤️‍🔥 Fairy tale ending

Reign of Cinders and Glass is an enchanting blend of Cinderella magic and gothic romance, set in a dark world ruled by ruthless vampires. When Belle goes missing, her determined sister ventures into the cursed woods and soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly game with the enigmatic vampire prince, Cassius, Lord of the Bloodvale.

The novel weaves together beloved Cinderella elements—a masquerade ball, wicked sisters, and a brooding prince—with a fresh, thrilling twist. The heroine’s resilience and hidden powers add depth to her character, and her chemistry with Prince Cassius crackles with tension. With a strong dose of action, magic, and steamy romance, this story will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

For fans of dark fantasy and romantasy, Reign of Cinders and Glass delivers the perfect mix of danger, passion, and a well-earned happily ever after.

I have always been a fan on Linsey Hall every since I read the Charming Cove books, so I knew this book was going to be good. And it was.

I’ve not read from Douglas before but I’ll be looking into some of her work going forward. I adore the Cinderella retelling this book offers, but throw in some fantasy and romance and it’s sure to be a win.

The characters are beyond perfect, I feel like so much time went into them to get them to such a level of perfection. The descriptions were really the selling point for me, there were no looming questions or lack of personality.

But the world building, my oh my, now that was just beautiful. It was descriptive, and thoroughly set. The narrative truly set the scene in this book, and it does not fail in its imagery. I was in love with it.

It’s fair to say this book was an absolute win for me, so much so I’d read it again… Which by the way rarely happens!

Reign of Cinders and Glass offers an enjoyable twist on the beloved Cinderella tale, taking us on an adventure full of surprises. With vampires, espionage, romance, and more, the story leaves the reader wanting nothing. Our FMC embarks on a journey of growth, transforming into the badass heroine we all root for. Add in a unique magic system, and needless to say, I was hooked. For me, fairytale retellings can be hit or miss, but I was pleasantly surprised by Reign of Cinders and Glass. Veronica Douglas and Linsey Hall have successfully added a fresh spin to the classic fairytale.

This was a good fantasy book! It was a great start to the new series. The magic system was great and I feel like I was there in the world.

At first I wasn't too sure and the story looked a bit unhinged, but once you get emerged into it and it really gets going you cannot stop turning the page.

Some really good twists and turns, and the main characters are amazing.

Really satisfying resolution. Would definitely recommend!

This was my first read by Limsey Hall and Veronica Douglas and would not be the last.
Reign of Cinder and Glass got me hooked from the first pages. I love retellings and even more when characters are better, and vampires are involved.
I love the changes made for Cinderella and the prince. Ella starts as a simple farm girl and transforms into a powerful ans determined force. The prince is so much better: dark, dangerous, irresistable. I am obsessed with the chemistry between these two.
The writing, the world, the characters, the plot, the agonizing slow-burn romance, the plot, the twists and turns, every little thing makes this book so perfect.

I just learned this about myself as a reader: I am not hooked by a descriptive opening line. I read the first sentence—twice—and still didn’t really take anything in 🙃.

However, while the opener didn’t grab me, the rest of the beginning definitely did! Ella, searching for her missing sister Belle, discovers that both Belle and their stepmother are part of a human resistance fighting against vampires. To track down Belle and gather intel for the resistance, Ella takes a job at the vampire castle. She’s got silver hair, lavender eyes, and—of course—a missing or dead mom, so we know there’s some secret magic in her future. Oh, and she’s really good with animals.

This book hit all the things I love in a retelling! A strong, take-no-crap FMC with a huge heart, plus all the Cinderella must-haves: a mean stepmother, endless chores, a glass slipper, animal companions, and some seriously awful stepsisters (though, not Ella’s). There’s also a drunken fairy godmother, vampires, magic, a one-horse moment, and an MMC who’s protective and obsessive. Could it get any better? Actually, yes—the writing!
Stories like this can easily be ruined by cringey writing, but this one? It was witty, quick, and engaging. The authors knew what they were doing and really delivered. Plus, it’s part of an interconnected series but still works as a standalone, so you get that sweet HEA! (Also, I’m already seeing a story between Belle and Valen 👀.)

There are only two spicy scenes, making this perfect for readers who aren’t huge on spice—but still satisfying for those who are. The pacing was perfect, with no slow moments, and the world-building was smooth and unforced. Even the light political touches added to the story without dragging it down. I was hooked from start to finish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️

This is my favorite Cinderella retelling so far. The story grabbed me from the start. I loved the characters, the world-building, the magic, and the abundance of fairytale elements woven throughout. The plot was full of mysteries, surprises, and revelations that kept me hooked.

Ella was a fantastic protagonist, she was kind but also brave and clever. I liked how naturally magic came to her and how quickly she mastered it. Cassius was a strong lead with great depth to his character. The twist that immortals couldn’t possess magic added an interesting layer to the story. I loved the romance, the tension, and the playful banter between Ella and Cassius,their dynamic was truly unmatched.

The ending felt a little bit rushed, I wanted to know more what happens after the coronation but I hope we will see it in the sequel.

Thank you to the authors, the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC!

I always enjoy and retelling and this definitely did not disappoint!! Cinderella (slight beauty and the beast) mixed with vampires and adventure! I loved it!
My first with this author but not my last! So easy to get gripped into this story and just want to keep reading more! The duel pov was perfect! I enjoyed the twists and suspense in parts! The light spice is perfect for this type of slow burn. Highly recommend this read

First off I just wanted to say thank you to Netgalley and the authors for allowing me to read this arc. I’m so happy I got to experience this story and all of the characters.
This book pulls you in like the magic heart and keeps you there until you’ve finished it. I love how strong and consistent Ella is. I love Cassius and his love for Ella, as well as his ability to realize there needs to be change, instead of the typical stubborn MMC that doesn’t listen to anyone. These characters, the plot, and everything in between is written so beautifully I couldn’t put this book down. I also think I need to crown this book for the slowest slow burn I have ever read (in a good way!). I love the undeniable tension, but loyalty to their people. Everything about this book is just perfect. I also wish I had Ella’s powers! I cannot wait for Belle’s story!

"Reign of Cinders and Glass" offers a darkly enchanting vampire twist on the classic Cinderella tale, proving that some fairy tales are best served with a side of fangs. This adult retelling transforms the familiar story into a dark fantasy romance that manages to feel both fresh and faithful to its source material.
At the heart of the story is Ella, a compelling female protagonist whose self-sacrificing nature adds depth to the traditional Cinderella character. Her dynamic with Cassius, the brooding vampire prince, creates an intriguing central relationship, though readers' mileage may vary on the instant attraction between them. While some find their intense connection captivating, others might wish for more gradual relationship development to fully invest in their bond.
The world-building shines as magical elements unfold throughout the narrative, creating a rich, atmospheric backdrop for this supernatural romance. The author cleverly reimagines familiar elements of the original tale – including an unexpectedly complex stepmother and a scene-stealing mouse named Pip – while weaving in vampire lore and dark fantasy elements that give the story its own identity.
However, where the story truly excels is in its character ensemble. It's rare to find a book where the entire cast of characters proves engaging, but this novel manages that feat, leaving readers eager to explore more of their individual stories. The unexpected directions the plot takes, particularly regarding traditional characters like the stepmother, keep readers guessing despite their familiarity with the original tale.
While the insta-love aspect might not appeal to all readers, those who enjoy their romance with immediate passion and high stakes will find plenty to love here. The book proves intensely readable – many readers report devouring it in a single sitting – and the anticipation for book two is already building.
"Reign of Cinders and Glass" is a must-add to any TBR list for fans of dark fantasy romance, vampire fiction, or fairy tale retellings. Though it may not perfectly balance all its elements, it offers an addictive reading experience that successfully reimagines a classic tale for an adult audience.

Linsey Hall has done it again! And thanks to this book I have another new author to look into Veronica Douglas! I’ve been a fan of Linsey since her “Charming Cove” series. When I heard she was doing Disney fairytale retelling with a fantasy twist I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. Let me tell you folks this is definitely one of my favorite books of the year and I need my hands on book 2 already.

Before we talk about book 2 potential let’s back up and talk about the first one in this new series, “Reign of Cinders and Glass”. Which if you haven’t gathered from the title is a Cinderella retelling with a fantasy twist. Ella our MFC is a human sent to Vampire Prince Cassius castle to search for her missing sister. However, she is recruited while working in the castle to spy for the Human Resistance. Ella discovers not everything is as it seems and she’s more powerful than she’s ever known.

I loved this unique take on the retelling of Cinderella. The magic system, the characters, the romance were captivating and enjoyable from start to finish. Now that we’ve been introduced to this world I can’t wait to see where we go next. I have a strong suspicion it will be Belle, Ella’s sister, story next but I’ll have to wait and see.

I can’t say it enough I loved this book and I highly recommend everyone read it! Big thanks to NetGalley & Magic Side Press for providing me an arc to read and review!

Super fun retelling of Cinderella! Very well-paced, especially the romance. FMC was strong without being irritating and I enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC. Quick read. Would recommend to any romantasy lover not wanting to start an entire series!

I absolutely love fairytale retellings and this makes the list in top 10 (and there are hundreds!). This is an adult Cinderella retelling and I cannot wait to include it in my tiktok top fairy-retales. We've got vampires, atmosphere, romance, found magic, and all the best parts of a romantasy. Love this.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.