Review of Cinder by Marie Sexton

Cinder is a retelling of Cinderella, only young Ella is a boy named Eldon.

Eldon has been acting as a servant for his stepmother and step-sisters for many years, and hating every minute of it. One day he goes fishing, as he often does during his free time.

There, in a clearing, is a gorgeous man playing fetch with a huge dog--with a boot. Eldon recognizes him quickly. He's Prince Xavier, but he insists on not being called so. He just wants to be a regular guy. So, they become friends. Xavier goes fishing with Eldon every day and Eldon plays fetch with the dog.

Then one day, Xavier says he can't come back, and that he'll be leaving in two days. But he wants to see Eldon one more time. When Eldon gets home, he finds out that the king is holding a ball, and only the eligible ladies in the kingdom are invited. Each one will get one dance with the prince, and afterward, he will choose his bride. The next day, they will leave for the palace.

In the hubbub, Eldon doesn't make it to say goodbye to Xavier, so he asks a witch to help. She agrees to make him a woman for one night. So he can have one dance.

How was he supposed to know what would happen next?

This story was simplistic in design and writing, but it was super cute.

Eldon made a sympathetic protagonist, and I just wanted to hug him and make all his dreams come true--especially as regarded Xavier. However, Xavier was a bit of a dummy, and quite simply refused to see what was right in front of him--stupid straight boy.

The result of Eldon's dance with the prince was funny, heartwrenching, and led to a very happy ending.

I had so much fun reading this novella.

Photo Credit: Mitchell Orr

Stars Image Credit: lovethenerddesigns