This book completely flipped the classic fairy tale on its head, turning it into a powerful feminist dystopian story that had me hooked from page one. It’s set 200 years after Cinderella’s death, in a world where girls are required to attend an annual ball where men choose their wives—or risk punishment, even death. The premise alone was enough to pull me in, but what really kept me turning the pages was the fierce main character, Sophia.
Sophia isn’t like the other girls in Lille—she doesn’t dream of being chosen by a man. In fact, she’s in love with her best friend, Erin, and wants nothing to do with the rigid, oppressive rules of her society. When things take a turn for the worse at the ball, she finds herself on the run and uncovering shocking truths about Cinderella’s story, the kingdom, and its cruel ruler. Along the way, she meets Constance, a bold and rebellious girl with her own reasons for wanting to take down the system. Their growing connection was one of my favorite parts of the book—it felt so raw and full of hope.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "I will not be weak or helpless again. I will not let them dictate my life. I will not bow down." This moment perfectly captures Sophia’s strength and determination, and it really stuck with me. The book is full of powerful moments like this, making it a story about resistance, courage, and rewriting the narratives we’re given.
While some parts of the plot felt a little rushed, I still loved every second of this book. It’s a fresh take on a classic tale with important themes about patriarchy, identity, and fighting for change. If you love dark fairy tale retellings with strong heroines and a bit of romance, you will love Cinderella Is Dead!
What made reading Cinderella Is Dead even more special for me was that I actually got to meet Kalynn Bayron at a local Barnes & Noble event! It was my first time meeting an author in person and getting a book signed, which made the experience unforgettable. When I told her how much I loved the way Sophia takes control of her own destiny, we ended up having a conversation about how important it is for women to save themselves in stories rather than waiting for a prince. She also talked about how vital it is for POC to finally be their own main characters in mainstream fairy tales, instead of just sidekicks or background figures. Hearing her speak about representation and storytelling made me appreciate the book even more. Now, every time I look at my signed copy, I’m reminded not just of an incredible story but of an amazing moment that reinforced why these kinds of books matter so much.
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