The best Cinderella retellings with a unique spin

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a science fiction and fantasy author with a love of fairytales. I enjoy genre-bending, genre-blending, and new takes on old stories. As a child, I had a book of fairytales illustrated with embroidered illustrations. In high school and college, when I had the opportunity, I always chose to read fairytales—I've even taken classes that exclusively explore fairytales. Now as an author, I’ve leaped feet first into fairytale retellings. My first series, Rove City, features fairytale retellings set in an intergalactic spaceship, and my second series is made up of collections of original fairytales. Next, I’m planning to take the original fairytales and turn them into my own retellings. 


I wrote...

Midnight Wings

By Ariele Sieling,

Book cover of Midnight Wings

What is my book about?

This is the first in a series of fairytales set in an interstellar space-faring city. In this retelling of Cinderella, the main character is not trying to win the prince, but rather a fighter pilot competition hosted by the prince. While most fairytale retellings are fantasy, this science fiction series blends all your favorite fairytale tropes—evil queens, handsome princes, and women finding agency in their lives—with a detailed science fiction setting—a massive space-faring city traveling from galaxy to galaxy, filled with people, robots, and a strange substance called living metal. 

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Cinderella and the Colonel

Ariele Sieling Why did I love this book?

This fairytale retelling is set in a land recovering from war. Cinderella is a landowner, but due to her late father’s poor management of funds, her estate owes significant debts. When she meets Friedrich, an intriguing noble who belongs to the enemy who won the war, everything becomes much more complicated. This fairytale retelling is clever and interesting, with a very different feel than most Cinderella retellings. It is engaging and definitely worth a read.

By K. M. Shea,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cinderella and the Colonel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Cinderella may be a duchess, but her life is in tatters.

Orphaned, destitute, and living in a country recovering from a hostile takeover, Cinderella is desperate to save her lands and servants. She is so determined that when terrible taxes are placed upon her, she dons servants’ clothes and works like a commoner. Unfortunately, her sacrifices aren’t enough, and she is given one season to pay off her debt.

All seems lost, until Cinderella is befriended by the debonair Colonel Friedrich—a member of the Erlauf military and a citizen of the oppressing country that rules her homeland.

Though Friedrich shamelessly…


Book cover of The Stepsister and the Slipper

Ariele Sieling Why did I love this book?

Lighthearted and fun, this retelling is centered on Cinderella’s stepsister, Charlotte. Charlotte is burdened with the unenviable responsibility of finding a wealthy husband, as their small family is nearly destitute. When they make it to the ball, Charlotte is smart and lucky enough to make an acquaintance with the prince. But Cinderella, aka Blanche, keeps getting in her way. This cute and sweet tale blends fantasy, humor, and a dash of philosophy with its new spin on this classic tale.

By Nina Clare,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Stepsister and the Slipper as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What if the prince fell in love with the stepsister?

Lady Charlotte needs a rich husband, and fast. Good thing she has plenty of beauty and charm, with no foolish ideas of love to get in the way of her plans. When the chance to catch the wealthiest, most eligible bachelor in the kingdom appears, she will do everything in her power to win such a prize; even if she must break a few hearts along the way. But in the end, it is her own heart that's troubled. Perhaps true love really does exist, but if so, it’s not…


Book cover of Traitor's Masque

Ariele Sieling Why did I love this book?

This story kicks off a series of fairytale retellings filled with intrigue and adventure by sweeping the main character into a world of complex political machinations. She’s offered an opportunity for freedom from her conniving and overbearing family—all she has to do is deliver a message in exchange. But it turns out, the message was more dangerous than she could have imagined. This Cinderella retelling is unique in that there isn’t much magic in it, but it is filled with mystery, conspiracy, and swirling political machinations.

By Kenley Davidson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Traitor's Masque as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She has one job—attend a masqued ball and dance with a handsome prince.
What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, that’s what.

After years of submitting to her stepmother’s unreasonable demands, Trystan finally has a chance to be free. The promise of a new life, in exchange for her help. Simple, right? After all, the old woman has only asked for one night. One night, one beautiful gown, one dance… and one message to be delivered to a mysterious recipient.

It should be easy. Maybe even fun. Especially when she can slip away into the night after the dance, leaving no…


Book cover of Ash

Ariele Sieling Why did I love this book?

This queer retelling of Cinderella is deep, moving, and engrossing. It features a young woman, Ash, dreaming of a better life—dreaming that fairies will rescue her from the terrible life she lives under the control of her stepmother. But when she meets Kaisa, the King’s Huntress, her desires slowly begin to change. This book has elegant, swirling prose, and tells a beautiful love story woven through with sadness, solitude, and longing.

By Malinda Lo,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Ash as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

The haunting, romantic lesbian retelling of Cinderella and modern queer classic by award-winning author Malinda Lo -- now with an introduction by Holly Black, a letter from the author, a Q&A, and more!

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be…


Book cover of Ella Enchanted

Ariele Sieling Why did I love this book?

This classic retelling of Cinderella is the one that first got me into fairytale retellings. We see El as a young woman living with her stepmother, stepsisters, and godmother who can only do small magic. El is cursed with a spell of obedience, and she must do anything if someone else commands it. She keeps her curse a secret to the best of her ability, with only the aid of her godmother to keep her safe. The story spans several years of El’s life and features a slow, sweet romance with the prince, whom she gets to know throughout the entire story. My favorite part is the ending, where we see how her strength of character has grown to the point that she is able to stand up and do the right thing, despite the power of the curse.

By Gail Carson Levine,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Ella Enchanted as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

ELLA ENCHANTED is a witty, refreshing take on the popular fairytale, Cinderella which preserves the spirit of the original but adds plenty of humorous twists and a spunky, intelligent female protagonist. "If you've read HARRY POTTER, try ELLA ENCHANTED" Publishers Weekly

Ella is given a blessing at birth by a very stupid fairy: She gets the gift of obedience! but the blessing turns into a horror for Ella who literally has to do what anyone and everyone tells her, from sweeping the floor to giving up a prrecious necklace! She has to battle with ogres and wicked stepsisters, make friends…


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A Beggar's Bargain

By Jan Sikes,

Book cover of A Beggar's Bargain

Jan Sikes Author Of The Edge of Too Late

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Avid reader Lover of Music Astral Traveler Tarot Reader Grandmother

Jan's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Historical Fiction Post WW2.

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.

Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger. If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

A Beggar's Bargain

By Jan Sikes,

What is this book about?

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father's dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.

Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time-a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an…


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