Cinder

So far, I've been a huge fan of every D.N. Bryn book I've read, and this one certainly continues the streak! A queer dark Cinderella retelling with a trans vigilante-murderer Cinderella, an aromantic prince, and a flock of magic pigeons? Add some spicy scenes and a healthy dose of revenge? Sign me up - I'm here for it! Cinder was a wonderfully complex character. He's clearly abused by his family at home through gaslighting and emotional manipulation, but he reacts believably to the situation. It's all he's known, and he feels he's doing good by helping them, even when they hurt him in return. Instead, he claims agency by helping those being hurt around him as The Plumed Menace, a vigilante serial killer who removes abusers and enslavers. Cin also struggles with being trans in believable ways, mostly through body dysphoria; it was refreshing that being trans was the one thing Cin wasn't bullied for (love a queernormative world!). The prince was also an interesting character, being shoved to the forefront as heir to the kingdom when that's the last thing he wants and reacting by leaning on his playboy persona. I wasn't sure about him at first, but he had great chemistry and banter with Cin, and I was definitely rooting for him by the end. The worldbuilding was so good, with magic being integral to the story without taking it over, hints at other fairytale crossovers from the series, and a world that feels so much bigger than the small area around the capital city. I…

I absolutely loved the pigeons and the magic that was created with them. Cin brings us a trans character who struggles with their body not fitting with who he is. "I wish far my body to feel like a home, instead of a house." I love how these stories bring such twists to the classic stories see already know. Cin is still the one expected to be the maid. Though one sibling does adore him and tries to help even if it is actually a hindrance. Cin is also a bit of a vigilante and is wanted by the crown for something he had no part in. I adore the interactions between the Prince and Cin. They are so good together. Both are looking for something but are not sure what it is or how to get it. The Prince doesn't want to be king but after the loss of his brother he is the only option. I also absolutely love seeing the characters from the other books appearing. We see the elves in this one when Con needs new shoes. Guess what these will be the shoe the Prince uses on the people to find his person. This book held so much emotion. Good and bad alike. There is so much change and healing found in this story. I can't wait for the next story.

I love a good Cinderella retelling, and this one definitely jumps to the top of my list for written versions. I loved the unique play of magic in the story, the way traditional story elements were woven in, and THE BIRDS. It was also really nice to live in this world where LGBTQ characters exist without question, and I loved Cin for his struggles (physical and emotional) from the very first pages.

This was not quite what I expected it to be, it was very dark emotionally. The way Cin was so self-sacrificing to the point of hurting himself broke my heart. I also appreciated a trans character with family drama that had nothing to do with their gender! It was a slow start for me as well, but it picked up and was very enjoyable! The magic with the pigeons was such a neat twist.

Cinder of blood and ash when one must become the vigilante after the kingdom fails to protect the vulnerable. An interesting twist to the Cinderella story and a little bit darker then even the original story.