Book Review: Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

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Synopsis:

It’s 200 years since Cinderella found her prince … but the fairytale is over.

Sophia knows the story though, off by heart. Because every girl has to recite it daily, from when she’s tiny until the night she’s sent to the royal ball for choosing. And every girl knows that she has only one chance. For the lives of those not chosen by a man at the ball … are forfeit.

But Sophia doesn’t want to be chosen. She doesn’t want to go to the ball at all. Not when she’s afraid the girl she loves might be chosen too.

Pushed beyond breaking by a society that denies everything she is, Sophia sets out on a journey that will remake her world … into one where SHE gets to choose.

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My Review:

“Do not be silent.
Raise your voice.
Be a light in the dark.”

Cinderella is Dead is a dark fairytale retelling of the classic Cinderella, featuring a lot of diverse characters. Sophia, the heroine doesn’t plan to just save herself but the entire kingdom. This story is about overthrowing the patriarchy, but also accepting that not everyone can be saved. It highlights the suppression and double standards that the women of Lille are subjected to.

Sophia is a woman who knows what she wants and is determined to fight against what her society has normalised.  She is one of my favourite protagonists. She is stubborn, headstrong and unapologetic. She is not going to kneel and obey. She is going to fight for what is right, for what they deserve.

Constance is exceptionally driven, and a good match for Sophia. They support each other and are very similar in their views. She has a clear character arc. You can see exactly what Constance is fighting for.

Amina was an interesting character; I was fascinated with where it was going to go. I didn’t expect her to be entirely truthful and while the plot twist may have been a little predictable. I like the development that the character had and the conflict that they faced.

The main criticism that I have was that I wanted more world-building. To see the ins and outs of this society interwoven in the text. However, I do recognise that this is a very plot-driven narrative and it moves at a quick pace.

Bayron has created a magical world interwoven with important societal themes. I loved how Baylon took a well-loved story and twisted it into a dystopic version of it. The story is really well-written, perfectly paced and had me hooked from the first chapter.

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