A review by queerafictionado
Cinder Ella by S.T. Lynn

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I absolutely love the idea of a trans Cinderella! It just seems like a perfect way to retell this rather problematic fairy tale. I was really hoping to see this story transformed and filled with trans joy, but that isn’t quite what I got. I knew going into this that it was obviously not going to be all sunshine and rainbows. I mean…it’s Cinderella. Evil stepmother and stepsisters are kind of part of the deal. But I felt like more of the focus was on the transphobia from her step family than on her trans joy which is what I was wanting. And then in the midst of all the hardship and turmoil, some parts felt a little too easy and at times even contradicting. The other issue was that I couldn’t tell what time period the story was taking place in. At times it felt like it was supposed to be more historical and at other times contemporary, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the world. I did enjoy the story. It was a quick read with a unique twist on the Cinderella story. It just didn’t wow me and fell a little short of what I was hoping for from a trans Cinderella retelling.

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Black Trans FMC, Sapphic LI (note: author is not black)

📝Tropes/Themes: Young Adult, Fantasy, Sapphic Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling 
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