BOOK REVIEW: Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Pages: 400
Genre: Fantasy, YA, LGBTQ+
Year: 2020
Author: Kalynn Bayron
Let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer beauty of this book's cover - it's simply stunning! Cinderella is Dead offers a fresh and entertaining retelling of the classic Cinderella story, and I must say, it was a pleasant surprise. Retellings can often be hit or miss, but this one managed to be unique and captivating. Despite the initial hype surrounding the book, I approached it with cautious optimism, and it did not disappoint.
The novel is set 200 years after the original Cinderella story, where a society has been built around the assumed "truth" of the fairy tale, including the love story, the fairy godmothers, and the infamous glass slipper. I found the development of this society to be quite plausible,
adding a layer of realism to the fantasy genre. Kalynn Barron skillfully weaves themes of oppression, dehumanization, and manipulation through fear, particularly affecting women's rights, as the story unfolds.
Our protagonist, sixteen-year-old Sophia, emerges as a strong and defiant character who refuses to accept the propaganda coming from the Palace. Throughout her journey, she fights for the rights of girls and women, even in the face of deep losses and grave consequences. Along the way, she forms meaningful relationships with others who join her quest for justice.
Notably, reading this book during pride month was an added delight, as Sophia's character offers LGBTQ+ representation. Her quote, "I was twelve when I told my parents that I would much rather find a princess than a prince," adds a wonderful layer of diversity and inclusivity to the story.
As for the reading experience, Cinderella is Dead is a breeze to read, tailored for YA audiences. The writing flows smoothly and effortlessly, making it a quick page-turner for those who enjoy devouring books at a fast pace.
Regarding the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I felt the ending could have been fleshed out better. There was a slight struggle to fully believe in the conclusion, which might be due to a touch of cynicism on my part.
While the story and enjoyment receive high ratings, the characters, unfortunately, fall a bit short with a 3/5 rating. Though enjoyable, they feel somewhat surface level. However, this doesn't detract significantly from the overall story and enjoyment, which is why I awarded a 5/5 rating in that category.
Cinderella is Dead does manage to provoke thought with its intriguing premise of a society evolving from a fairy tale over two centuries. It's a fascinating concept, and while I found myself captivated during the reading, I must admit that after finishing the book, the thought-provoking aspect didn't linger as much as I had hoped, leading to a 3/5 score in this category.
In conclusion, this book is an absolute gem, perfect for fans of retellings and those who enjoy a dash of fantasy with relevant societal themes. The characters may have benefited from a deeper exploration, but the overall experience of reading Cinderella is Dead is undeniably enjoyable. It's a must-read, especially if you're looking for a delightful LGBTQ+ representation during pride month or any time of the year. Don't miss out on this exciting and beautifully crafted tale.
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