The Cracked Slipper

Thank you to Netgalley, Stephanie Alexander and Books Go Social for my arc of The Cracked Slipper in exchange for an honest review. 


Synopsis: A retelling of the Cinderella story finds Eleanor Brice winning the heart of the Handsome Prince, Gregory Desmarais. But things are not as they should be for the happy couple. Eleanor who has spent her time learning, educating herself and being confident and outspoken outside of her time of drudgery and cleaning, finds that in Eclatant Palace women should be seen and not heard. Plus there's the matter of her new princely husband being unable to stick to his marriage vows, keep a hold on his temper or know when it's a good idea to stop drinking. And Eleanor has a new and dangerous love interest of her own. When a terrible magical crime is committed falsely accused Eleanor is dragged into the whole sorry mess with seemingly no way out...

Ok, so I had absolutely no expectations from this book, in fact that's a lie. I expected to start it and no finish it because it was originally published in 2012 and I've never heard anyone mention it. But that is such a huge shame because this was a great book! I really enjoyed it and trust me with my aversion to most fairytale retellings nobody was more surprised about that than me! So basically now I'm just going to rave about how much I loved this book!

This book encompasses exactly what a good fairytale retelling should be. While keeping its base in the fairytale itself, Stephanie Alexander goes on to produce a work all of her own with fantastic world building, great characters and an interesting storyline. I love that Eleanor is outspoken, educated and determined, she's fierce and doesn't let anyone try and 'put her in her place' which I really liked about her. Dorian is another great character with lots of depth to him, and even the 'bad guys' are done well. Gregory is the perfect grey character with his terrible ways but occasional insights into his struggle as crown prince and all the pressure that comes with it. Imogen and Sylvia (stepmother and stepsister) are exactly the kind of mean girls we all love to hate.

I liked the world, I won't go into too much to make it spoiler-y but there's a wonderfully sarcastic talking parrot who delivers some great one liners

Plus there's talking unicorns and there's dragons and there's the framework that's been laid for the perfect story leaving enough intrigue that I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

All of my life, Cinderella (alongside Snow White) has been my least favorite Disney princess. I always had zero tolerance for damsels in distress, whether fictional ole real. And this is why I thoroughly enjoyed The Cracked Slipper. Even though stringy inspired by Cinderella, Eleanore Brice Desmarais is nothing like her; she is an educated, smart, strong, wilful, ponderous, intimating and logical woman, who never relied on her physical attributes to go up the social ladder or to get anything she wanted.

She married Gregory, Prince of the Kingdom of Cartheigh, after both fell in love with each other at that famous ball. Pure infatuation. But Gregory’s childish, spoiled-rotten personality quickly made Eleanore fall out of love with him. And that’s when the story get interesting ;-)

I highly recommend this to any Historical Fiction fans like me, The story has meat, and it’s not your typical subdued princess. Eleanore has personality and opinions which makes you so want to cheer for her. Great read!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

4.5 star review!

I do wish we could give half stars on goodreads and other review platforms as this book is so worthy of that half star!
I've always loved fairytales and as an adult I enjoy retellings too. This is an amazing book full of jealousy, passion, love, magic, a love triangle, friendship, trust, and so much more. Eleanor is such an endearing character and my heart goes out to her so much! Any retellings fan must read this book!!!
This is part of a series spinning on from the Cinderella fairy tale. I cant wait to read what happens next in book 2.

Good story based on Cinderella. What I liked about the book is the fact that the author made me engage in the plot. The writing and magic if the book made me enjoy it that much better. Rating solid 4.5 stars.

Fun twist on a classic fairy-tale including intrigue, scandal, magic, and unicorns. This story picks up where the happily ever after leaves off. The night before the wedding Eleanor discovers that her Prince isn't so charming after all. After his multiple infidelities, she becomes more disillusioned by her new husband Gregory and closer to his best friend Dorian. Becoming her rescuer and champion against the court gossips only makes her long even more for a love that can never be. But when an important artifact critical to the survival of the kingdom turns up missing, Eleanor is the number one suspect and must prove her innocence to save her own life.
I just love that Prince Charming isn't all he's cracked up to be in this retelling. Eleanor becomes a strong woman able to defend her own self. I'm so excited to read the sequel that sitting in my to read file! Can't wait to find out what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the fairy tale elements. It made me excited to read the next books in the series.

I love fairytale retellings and this one was no exception. Was it perfect? No. It was fun and thats what I enjoyed. If you're looking for a Cinderella reimagining, this is it!

An interesting series opener - it's full of content and story. A little bit basic in the writing style but ultimately, enjoyable. The Cracked Slipper is the story of what happens after the fairytale (only darker), which was such a refreshing take - it really kept me reading. I wanted an easy read and I got it. I will look to continue the books.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

4 star review!

I loved this fairytale retelling of cinderella, the story was well written and made easy reading, and was pleasantly surprised by this book as I am not usually a fan of retellings! This book gives the vantage point of what happens when cinderella goes off in the carriage with the prince with cinderellas point of view written as Eleanor Brice and the Prince as Carthean Prince Gregory.
I look forward to reading the other 2 books in this trilogy!