An opening very much like Cinderella’s step sisters getting ready to go to the ball but with more cheeky humor coming from Theodesia, Theo, self described as the ugly sister of the two attending the ball. If you like fantasy retellings with a different perspective, pick this one up. But was “Cinderella” really the pure and good woman, that a fairy god mother wanted to save; or was it all just a spell? Theo is doomed into an arranged marriage until she discovers her sister’s secret- she summoned the fairy- which you should have figured out from the title.

There’s no one to really root for. Theo is the wicked stepsister so you have to decide does she deserve better for her crimes. Does the villain turn deserve a hero story.? Theo was enjoyable but I’m not sure if she does. She would play the victim to certain rumors of wickedness but also would relish living up to them too. But this was a fun retelling. My mind kept picturing a very “Ever After” scenery and I appreciated the imagery of it. The ending was also a smart choice, feeling complete but still leaves you feeling like you can’t wait for more.

This gives you almost every fantasy trope but I didn’t mind it. As this is the first in a series, I’m intrigued to read the next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for access to an early release copy