Cinderella Is Dead

"Wholly original and captivating." - Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of A Curse So Dark and Lonely

Girls team up to overthrow the kingdom in this unique and powerful retelling of Cinderella from a stunning new voice that's perfect for fans of Dhonielle Clayton and Melissa Albert.

It's 200 years after Cinderella found her prince, but the fairy tale is over. Teen girls are now required to appear at the Annual Ball, where the men of the kingdom select wives based on a girl's display of finery. If a suitable match is not found, the girls not chosen are never heard from again.

Sixteen-year-old Sophia would much rather marry Erin, her childhood best friend, than parade in front of suitors. At the ball, Sophia makes the desperate decision to flee, and finds herself hiding in Cinderella's mausoleum. There, she meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella and her step sisters. Together they vow to bring down the king once and for all--and in the process, they learn that there's more to Cinderella's story than they ever knew . . .

This fresh take on a classic story will make readers question the tales they've been told, and root for girls to break down the constructs of the world around them.

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Published Jun 29, 2021

391 pages

Average rating: 7.52

167 RATINGS

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Oree

Jun 25, 2025

6/10 stars

Another book that I didn't know was LGBT heavy. As a retelling, it was good. It definitely has strong feminist ideals, not one major plot was caused by a male character. I feel like it's a bit unrealistic as men and women change the world for better or worse.

An interesting theme was how people deal with oppression. Some just try to make the best of it like Sophia's parents. Others try to beat the system, like Luke trying to play along then escape. Constance represents those who live outside the system and therefore can't really change it but just disrupt it from time to time. Then there's Sophia who tears it down from the inside and causes long-lasting change. But Sophia's disappointment in her parents seems a bit cruel and unfair. If it was easy everyone would overthrow governments.

Also, I loved that the author used different fonts for the invitations and handwritten notes.

BamJam n' Glitter

Aug 30, 2024

10/10 stars

Honestly, this was the BEST take on Cinderella I have read in a while. Betrayal, secret love, and it gives a new world order type of feel. The author writes so detailed you see everything in your mind. I will read this again.

Shahna

Jul 18, 2024

8/10 stars

Loved it. I had a blast.

LMahoney

Jun 30, 2024

10/10 stars

an incredible re-telling of the popular fairy tale. This was the 2nd time I read this and it was just as amazing as the first time! I love the inclusivity and the FMC so much!

Lady (she/they)

Mar 04, 2024

8/10 stars

I always love the retelling of classic fairytales. It was a fun read. It is especially a fun read with Sapphics in it! Pacing was a little off and there are some characters who I wish were in it more. They felt introduced with major purpose and then become minor characters. the sudden drop of them make you question why they were even there at all and if the story would have made a difference if they were or weren't there. I can decipher what the authors intention was with the characters, but it lacked in displaying it.