Welcome to the Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon blog tour! I was asked to write a review of this retelling of "Cinderella"
Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon
Bonneville Books, 2011
198 pages
Fairy Tale; MG/YA
4/5 stars
Source: Received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As I've mentioned before, I adore Cinderella and love to find new retellings. The main twist for this is that Cinderella is actually two girls, known as Cinder and Ella. Although both grew up in a loving household, magic has twisted their lives. Their father disappears under the influence of an evil prince. Cinder becomes a servant for their two self-centered sisters and mother while Ella fades into the background and ends up completely ignored.
Eventually both girls get sick of their lives. Cinder finds a servant job at the palace, drawn into the glitz and glamour of the prince and his machinations. Ella runs away but is drawn back into the intrigues in an attempt to save her family.
At first I was completely mystified by the magic, which seemed to revolve around trees and their life-force. What did it mean? How could Ella break the curse and save her family? Would either girl find love? (What would a Cinderella story be without a romance?) But as my questions were answered, I found myself enchanted with this new twist on a classic story.
Thanks to Bonneville for the opportunity to review this book! Expected publication is November 8, 2011.
Links for more about Melissa Lemon:
Facebook Fan Page
Author blog
Goodreads
I also love Cinderella and I definitely like the idea behind this twist. Cinderella as two separate girls - this is definitely a novelty! Also, I have no idea what's with the trees, but I'm intrigued. I just love the notion of trees having some importance in fairy-tales, mostly because of Tolkien and the Ents. I will be on the lookout for this book.
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