This post was last updated on August 23rd, 2024 at 02:53 pm
In my excitement preceding the release of my own Cinderella story, I thought it only fitting that I share some other popular versions of the story of Cinderella with you. These are my picks for the three best Cinderella retellings. Have you read any of them? I’m curious to know which one is your favorite!
Best Cinderella Retellings
Cinders, Stars, and Glass Slippers: A Retelling of Cinderella (The Classical Kingdoms Collection Book 6) by Brittany Fitcher
From the blurb:
What if the prince didn’t throw the ball to meet his true love? What if he was trying to save her life instead?
Since the murder of her gifted mother, Elaina has been sheltered on her father’s ship. But when Elaina’s secret is compromised, she must return to land and live under the king’s protection…much to her objection.
Ashland’s crown prince, Nicholas, has never been without. He is, however, facing a possible civil war and a deadly foe who preys on his gifted citizens. So when he meets Elaina, Nicholas delights in insisting that she share her military expertise gained on her father’s ship. He gets more than he bargains for, though, when he finds that he might have fallen for the one girl who refuses to fall for his charms.
Just as Elaina and Nicholas begin to realize they might need each other after all, a dark turn of events finds Elaina exiled and forced into servitude, a civil war declared, and the murderer bloodthirstier than ever. Can Nicholas and Elaina defeat the dark forces that have poisoned their kingdom…and find their own happy ending as well?
Cinders, Stars, and Glass Slippers is sixth in the Classical Kingdoms Collection, a series of fairy tale retellings for those who still believe in sacrifice, true love, and the magic of happily ever afters.
What readers are saying:
“Cinders, Stars, and Glass Slippers is a beautiful written captivating tale of love, betrayal, and happily ever after. This is a uniquely written fairytale retelling of Cinderella.” —Amazon Reviewer
“Perhaps the best retelling I’ve read! I was enraptured from chapter 1; I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read more from Brittany Richter.” —Emily Kelley, Amazon Reviewer
Cinders: The Untold Story of Cinderella by Finley Aaron
From the blurb:
Everything you’ve been told is wrong.
Oh, not everything, I suppose. Yes, I turned a pumpkin into a coach and mice into horses. The stroke of midnight, the glass slippers, and the prince searching for a girl whose foot fit the shoe…those were all part of the story.
And yet, the prince didn’t just fall in love with Cinderella because she looked good at the ball. Pigeon feathers and pollywogs! Could you respect him if he did? I most certainly could not.
No, no, there was vastly more that happened before the night of the ball, and a great deal of international intrigue after. Cinderella was a warrior who saved the life of the prince and defended her kingdom from oppressors who were plotting to overthrow the king.
They didn’t tell you that part? It’s time, past time, for you to know the true story of the real Cinderella.
What readers are saying:
“Cinders is perfect for every fan who ever wished Cinderella could be a bit more like Mulan, and for everyone who loved The Princess Bride, but wished Buttercup would pick up her sword and fight for herself once in awhile.”—Jess Evander, author of the TimeShifters series
“I usually am not a fan of Cinderella retellings, but this book had all the things I didn’t know I was missing! I love how the prince and Cinderella actually spend a lot of time together. Cinderella’s backstory and who she became make for a fun read.” —Amazon Customer
Fated: Cinderella’s Story (Destined Book 1) by Kaylin Lee
From the blurb:
All Cinderella wants is to take care of her family.
After working tirelessly for five years to prove herself among the city’s elite, she’s about to graduate and win a coveted spot in city government. Then it all blows up in her face—literally.
A violent, anonymous force has been targeting commoners in horrifying attacks. Now, they’ve set their sights on Cinderella. Either that, or she’s losing her mind. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for a mage who’s way out of her league.
Just as she manages to recover from the attack that left her scarred and traumatized, the city’s mysterious enemy destroys what’s left of her future. But when they go after her family, they cross the line. The whole city is in danger now.
How much is Cinderella willing to risk to save the city that has always hated her?
What readers are saying:
“Most unique Cinderella story I’ve ever read. Thought-provoking, beautiful, clean, perfect.” —Kindle Customer