Book Review: Cinderella is Dead

Author: Kalynn Bayron

Pages: 384, paperback

Pub date: 7/7/2020

Rating: 3.5/5

"Do not be silent.

Raise your voice.

Be a light in the dark."

Cinderella Is Dead is a solid standalone novel, with a clever and original twist to the classic tale. 

We follolw Sophia, a soon to be sixteen-year-old who is expected to attend the annual royal ball, hoping to find a suitor. There is only one problem, well, technically three. Sophia has no interest in getting selected at the ball, no interest in conforming to the imposed societal rules, and no interest in men in general. Thus her story begins, a story about self-discovery, survival and a firm belief in changing the world for the better.

I loved the messages of this book. I especially loved how there was a constant conversation about the importance of fundamental, systemic change and the blunt refusal to conform to an oppressive and flimsy system by the younger generation. There was talk about gender equality, lgbtq rights and social/economic equality. I think it’s a very good fantasy book for the ya audience it is targeting.

My only issue was the passing of the story. It took about 150 or so pages to get the plot started and from there, many things happened all at once. I wanted more build-up to the romance, more struggle during the final confrontation with our main villain. Although I liked the character development, I felt the character dynamics needed a little more time to develop throughout the story.

Despite this, I enjoyed this book and I do recommend it if you are looking for a quick read.

Here's a little mood board inspired by the book and a short playlist!

Favourite quotes

pg.177

"If my life could serve a purpose," the woman begins, raising her head a little and looking directly at the king, "then let it be it. I would die to give even one person the chance to be free from you."

pg.286

The fire in me that has smoldered for her bursts to life in a way I never knew was possible.