Paperback, 291 pages
Published March 4th 2010 by Hodder Children's Books (first published January 1st 2009)
Check out the summary and other details HERE. (The blurb was rather long!)
I was dying to read this book after it was pronounced a 'retelling of Cinderella.' There is absolutely no doubt that Malinda has an exquisite writing style, however I do wish some aspects had been a little different.
Lets talk characters first. This was the main aspect I wanted to change. The characters were just so boring and didn't really stand out at all. Infact having just finished it, I have to admit that I can remember very few. Ash was a strong protagonist, however I just wish there had been more depth to her, and also more detail. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I barley no what she looks like due to lack of description.
I totally got the whole magical feel of this book, however I just wish there was more, well, actual magic, one that I could witniss, why did it have to be so secretive all of the time?
The setting that Malinda created I thought, was stunning. The whole forest was beautifully descriptive. (Why couldn't this have been the same case for the characters?) I loved all of her descriptions of Ash's surroundings, and I really felt like I too, was in the forest.
The ending did take my by surprise. I mean, I have nothing against it, but I really didn't feel much tension, it kind of just happened. I wish there could again, have been a little more depth.
Overall, this was a beautifully written novel, however I thought that there was so much more potential, and it didn't keep my attention for very long.
2.5/5
