I’m not one for ‘re-tellings’ but this one had me from the start! There was not one point in this book where it didn’t have me hooked, I ate this up and I’m so happy I did!

This is a Cinderella retelling, obviously it’s a little more darker & the story & plot was absolutely amazing! This had me gripped from the start.
Ella loves at home in her country manor with her step mother after her father goes missing & then her sister also disappears…
She tries to find her & then starts snooping & ends up working in the castle for the prince called Cassian who is a VAMPIRE.

I can not recommend this book enough! I’m excited to read any future re-tellings that makes this into a series!

A delightful retelling of the timeless fairytale Cinderella—but with vampires and witches and mages and other monsters that go bump in the night.

I would put this story firmly in the romantasy column—more specifically, a romantic fantasy with a dash of spice.

There's a sexy push and pull between these two that adds to the slow burn element that makes this a romance but at times I felt it was interrupted with the politics of the fantasy world.

Enjoyable read for all those who love Disney but also hold a space for the Brothers Grim fairytales.

Big thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for an advanced copy of this book—happy publication!

Cinderella retellings are my absolute favorites! And I loved this one! It was very unique and action packed!

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

ARC Review

A fabulous Cinderella retelling.

I really enjoyed this book and the twists and tweaks to the beloved Cinderella story.

I was hooked from the first chapter, with the depth of world and characters created. The darkness and spice added to the tale was a delight, as were the little nuggets that we know and love from the original tale dotted throughout.

I also loved how Ella became Cinderella, her strength and fierceness and the broodiness of Cassius’ character.

“Fates, she was fierce—yet her heart was pure.”

Only didn’t get 5 stars because I feel the ending of the book was rushed after the build up.

“And what future do you see for us?” “Why, you’ll live happily ever after, of course!”

Now looking forward to book two and Belle’s story.

Themes/Tropes:
High Fantasy, Retelling, Paranormal, Dark, Enemies to Lovers, Magic, Monsters/Fantastical Creatures, Vampires & Multi POV.

3/5 🌶 rating

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A fantastic Cinderella retelling. Vampires and humans who doesn't love that. In a world where vampires rule and humans serve, magic wiped out hundreds of years ago, or so is thought. Ella gets herself hired at the castle to try and find her sister.

With a strong will and a head on her shoulders Ella tries to discover the secrets within.

Prince Cassius is the epitome of a morally grey MMC.

With easy to read dual POV I've found this book has hooked me easily and left me wanting more. I really don't want to wait until March 2025 for Kingdom of Roses and Flame.

The interaction between the FMC and MMC has me enthralled and not wanting to put the book down. Both carrying their own secrets but you as the reader are let in on them, one of my favourite reads of the year.

3,5 stars. This was a nice and easy to follow romantasy read! I did enjoy the romance part of it but also the worldbuilding. Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC.

A slow-burn, spicy vampire twist on Cinderella? Count me in. Ella is on the top of my list as one of my favorite FMCs. She doesn’t back down and fights for what she believes in, even when facing the immortals. And Cassius, whew, I love a good touch-her-and-💀 trope and this man delivers. He is a broody, dark prince that can handle what Ella dishes out and I ate up every second we got them together. The plot was well-paced and intriguing, a page turner for me. I loved everything about this story, easily 5 stars with how fun it was. I cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and victory editing for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.

When I first started this book, I wanted to DNF it - I was not in a mood to read about another vampire who is a mix of Edward Cullen and Rhysand and his Feyre love interest. I am so glad when I am wrong!!!

This is a fun Cinderella story with a powerful spy Ella and the vampire prince who is our tortured hero (not Rhysand) and needs to find himself a wife in a very wild, imaginative and a bit crazy world. The first chapters were not doing anything for me, but since the moment this book's version of evil stepsister appeared, I was giggling and cackling and kicking my feet happily. I really did enjoy all the twists and the interaction between our protagonists. And I love Ella's character very much!

I was even planning to give it 5 stars because the story and the pace were great almost until the end. The end was sweet, but a bit weak. A lot of things happened too fast and it seemed rushed and unfinished somehow. But it really was cute.

All considered, I give it 4/5 ⭐ and I can't wait to read the whole series starting with the second book hopefully next year.

ARC REVIEW 🥰

Reign of Cinders and Glass presents an intriguing twist on the classic Cinderella tale, blending the familiar fairy tale with vampires and magic. The concept was immediately appealing there’s something exciting about the idea of a dark, vampiric retelling of such a well-known story.

However, despite this strong premise, the insta-love between the main characters felt rushed and didn’t allow for much depth or believability in their relationship. I think it’s important for romantic relationships, especially in fantasy where emotions often run high, to be well-developed and feel natural. The immediate, intense connection between the protagonists left me wanting more gradual buildup, making it difficult to become fully invested in their bond.

On a more positive note, the world-building was enjoyable, slowly revealing more of the magical elements as the story unfolded. The setting and vampire twist were definitely highlights, adding fun layers to the retelling. But overall, the relationships in the story, especially the romantic ones, lacked the depth and authenticity I look for in a truly engaging read. Developing those connections more could have elevated the story significantly.

This was an easy, light read and I enjoyed it for the most part. I liked the way the authors wove in the traditional elements of the Cinderella story whilst still putting a spin on it and making it unpredictable. I also really liked the dual POV and how we got extra details from both view points - it really made the story feel bigger as Cassius was able to give us more of an inside track on the vampire element of this world.

My main issue was that I would have liked a little more development in terms of the romantic relationship between Ella and Cassius - it felt like it went from 0 to 100 very quickly and I would have liked if we spent a bit of time building up that relationship, seeing why they liked each other/what they liked about each other beyond the physical aspects. The pacing at the end also felt a bit rushed.

Overall, this was a decent read and I think it would make a good palette cleanser between heavier books/series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I think this was a pretty interesting book honestly. It brings a darker and more mature twist to the Cinderella story that I haven’t seen before. Definitely think if you enjoy paranormal romance then this book is for you!
An easy read with intriguing writing and you can easily get immersed into it. Everything seemed really well balanced and easy to understand the magic and world building.

I love a good retelling and Reign of Cinders and Glass gave me that.

Taking Cinderella and making it a dark fantasy romance with Vampires gave me something I didn't know I needed. It is hard to have a book where you enjoy all the characters but this had me wanting more because I wanted to see what else they could do. Ella and Cassius were just everything. I would say this is a must add to the TBR.

I loved this book. An adult Cinderella retelling with a brooding MMC vampire prince that's obsessed with her, absolutely ❣️.
I loved the FMC character, she's the type to sacrifice anything for those she loves.
I enjoyed this book. I also liked pip, that little mouse is one of my favorite characters.
I didn't expect the step mom to be like that but still I loved the way the story was executed.
The story was well executed in a way I never expected. I also loved the MMC character .
I devoured this book in a day now I'm waiting patiently for book two.

5 STARS ⭐️

This was SO much fun!

I absolutely loved this Cinderella retelling. It struck the perfect balance between nostalgia and originality, keeping me on my toes while weaving in familiar elements of the classic fairytale. Imagine Cinderella, but with a thrilling twist—more magic, witches, and vampires!

What truly stood out to me were the main characters. I’ve grown a bit tired of the typical “bratty” independent FMCs, so Ella was a refreshing change. I loved watching her grow and evolve right up to the very end. And Cassius? He was fantastic 🔥

The writing was straightforward, the pacing was steady, and most importantly—it was fun! This isn’t a complex literary masterpiece, nor does it need to be. If that’s what you’re after, this might not be the right fit. But if you’re into books like Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, or the Nyaxia series, you’ll LOVE this!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this e-ARC!

Book Review: Reign of Cinders and Glass by Veronica Douglas & Linsey Hall

Reign of Cinders and Glass delivers an intoxicating blend of fairy tale magic, romance, and danger, all set in a vampire-dominated world. This Cinderella retelling, part of the Fated Fairytales series, reimagines the classic story in an adult, paranormal setting, weaving a tale that captures the reader's imagination from the first page.

The protagonist, Ella, is compelling in her strength, determination, and vulnerability. Her search for her sister Belle in the cursed woods immediately sets the stakes high, immersing us in a dark, tension-filled world ruled by ruthless immortals. The introduction of Prince Cassius, the dark Lord of the Bloodvale, adds a layer of intrigue and danger. His "cruel beauty" is a classic, irresistible trope in romantic fantasy, and his complex relationship with Ella becomes the focal point of the narrative.

Douglas and Hall masterfully balance action and romance, providing the reader with plenty of heart-pounding moments as Ella infiltrates the vampire prince’s stronghold. The blend of familiar Cinderella elements—such as the wicked vampire sisters, a masquerade ball, and Ella's animal companions—give the book a whimsical quality, even as it ventures into darker, grittier territory. The "touch her and die" energy surrounding Cassius is palpable, and their slow-burn connection creates sizzling tension throughout the story.

Ella’s hidden magic and her mission to uncover Belle’s fate are well-paced, with the revelations unfolding in a way that keeps the reader hooked. The found family dynamic adds warmth to the story, providing moments of reprieve amid the tension of palace intrigue and danger.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its world-building. The Bloodvale castle is described vividly, with an air of enchantment and menace that makes it feel like a character in its own right. The discovery of magic within both Ella and the castle lends a fairy-tale quality, enhancing the romantic, adventurous tone of the story.

The book’s darker elements—the vampire rulers, the oppression of mortals, and Ella’s precarious position in the castle—are handled with nuance, making Reign of Cinders and Glass more than just a retelling. It becomes a rich, atmospheric tale of power, rebellion, and love.

Fans of dark fantasy romance will enjoy the chemistry between Ella and Cassius, the mix of danger and passion, and the ultimate promise of a happily ever after. With a strong heroine, a brooding vampire prince, and a backdrop of magic and rebellion, Reign of Cinders and Glass is a captivating and thrilling read.

Verdict: Reign of Cinders and Glass is a dark, steamy Cinderella retelling with plenty of magic, danger, and romance. If you're a fan of paranormal romances with high stakes and complex, enchanting characters, this one is a must-read.

First of all, a huge thank you to NetGalley and Lady Ambers Reviews PR for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reign of Cinders and Glass is an adult Cinderella retelling in which we follow Ella, a young woman as she tries to find her missing sister, Belle, by infiltrating her enemy's castle.

First of all, fun fact, I had to read this book because it was released on my birthday. Second of all, I really enjoyed this book. The cover is really pretty, alluding to the Cinderella retelling, and you clearly understand that there is a romantasy vibe about it. One thing I would like to point out is that I did not notice at all that there were two writers when reading the book, so it means that the two authors did an amazing job at writing their part.
The plot is predictable (the "normal girl" infiltrating the enemy's side, the two of them slowly fall in love, they live happily ever after) but I still liked it. The fairytale retelling is done in a really clever way and not too obvious (there is obviously a prince, wicked sisters, mice, a masquerade ball and a fairy godmother, but that would not be a Cinderella retelling without those elements), and I loved the vampire twist on it.
I wish there would have been more plot twists and unpredictable moments, and that there were more chapters from Cassius's point of view.

It looks like book 2 is already on the way with Belle's side of the story (at least, it will be a Beauty and the Beast retelling ; title: Kingdom of Roses and Flame on GR) and I can't wait to read this one!

Thanks to NetGalley, Linsey Hall, Veronica Douglas, and Magic Side Press LLC for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Reign of Cinder and Glass in the return of an honest review. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book has so much going for it. It is a Cinderella retelling with vampires, which makes for a very different twist on a classic fairytale. There is a mysterious ambiance throughout the moving plot. The characters are highly enjoyable, even the "wicked" sisters were entertaining for what they were. Ella is a strong main character with great development. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series that I am hoping will be a twist on Beauty and the Beast.

4.5 Stars! I absolutely loved this book! This story was inspired by Cinderella, but was unpredictable and still gave me everything I could want in a romantasy. The plot was super intriguing, and I absolutely adored Ella and Cassius! I would highly recommend this twist on a fairytale retelling! I am very excited for the next book, where we get to hear Belle's story!

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on September 26th called, Reign of Cinders and Glass. You guys, I love fairytale retellings. Something about them, they just capture my heart and every single time I can't get enough. And that's exactly how this book was! This was a twist on the classic Cinderella story, but with vampires, magic, a dark rider, and monsters. The female character, Ella was so fierce and so brave, willing to do whatever it took to save those she loves and her people. The storyline is so creative and so well done. It was so unique and captivating, I couldn't put it down! I will be EAGERLY awaiting the next book! (Which is about Ella's sister, Belle!) ❤️📚

Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of Reign of Cinders and Glass, in exchange for an honest review.

I'm sorry, but I am shocked that this is rating so high. I was planning on two stars. It reads like a whatpad cinderella mixed with Twilight middle school fanfic, and not in any good way. I cannot stand this MC romance- frankly it isn't even a romance! There is no character development between the two. It goes from "bloodsucker" and "weak human" mentality to, "the intoxication smell" and "my dark rider" WTH?!
AND THE PLOT?! Lack there of. I see where it was trying to go and what to do with the Bloodvale, but this looks mirrors the council thing from Twilight in a knock-off fun house mirror kinda way. I really appreciate getting to read this book and I know a lot of work was put into it, but this just isn't for me. If you loved Twilight and want this "I want him/her, but I know I shouldn't" lust- go for it. I mean, there are talking animals, but it felt so Disney, middle school it was making me roll my eyes.

Enjoy?

I know, after looking at everyone's reviews- I am in the minority, and I'm okay with that. I appreciate the authors, and team that wrote and put the book together and I'm glad people are enjoying it. It's just not for me and these are my honest thoughts.

**Since the review is a lower score, I will only be sharing my review on Goodreads. I don't want to post it too many places and hurt sales that might led to someone finding their all time favorite book. Art is subjective