Once she was a noblewoman.Now she is a palace servant.Ashlin never pictured herself scrubbing floors. But with the family savings depleted and her stepmother crippled by grief, Ashlin selflessly takes a job at the royal palace. She can pursue her dreams of becoming a seamstress someday in the future.However, as she forms an unlikely friendship with the prince, she learns that the future may not … learns that the future may not be so certain. Wielders of a powerful magic threaten their small coastal kingdom and Prince Onric does not believe that their defenses will hold.
As Ashlin navigates growing feelings for the charming prince, she realizes that her unique skills could help save the kingdom. But her stepmother starts to demand more from Ashlin, blaming her for the situation their family is in. Wanting desperately to keep her family together, Ashlin starts to push the prince away. Can she learn who really loves her and who is merely exploiting her selfless nature?
Shard of Glass is a fantasy retelling of Cinderella. Discover a world where heroines can be both powerful and worthy of protection. If you love sweet romance, a little bit of magic, and heart-melting conversations, then this story was written for you.
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I was impressed. I’ve read many Cinderella retellings, and this one was quite good. I didn’t think the heroine’s change was too abrupt. The characters’ interactions and journeys are all engaging and believable, and I especially like that there is a history to this world. I look forward to learning more about it in the rest of the series.
What a fun and fresh retelling of one of my favorite fairytales! Loved every second.
No matter how many Cinderella retellings I read, I always want to read another one. This book was wonderful! I couldn’t put it down.
The first book in the Fairy Tale Royals series a well written take on a Cinderella retelling. I enjoyed reading Ashlin and Prince Onric’s story of suspense, drama, danger, a curse gone wrong, villains, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet, clean new rendering of a Cinderella-type story. Ashlin is obsessed with keeping her step-family together after her father dies. She will literally do almost anything to please Step-Mother. Amiable, kind-hearted, incognito Prince Onric is delighted to meet a nice girl who treats him like a regular person, but what will happen when Ashlin discovers he’s a prince?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I absolutely loved this book! I received Shard of Glass as a part of an ARC team, and I am choosing to leave a review. I have read all of Emily Deady’s other books, so when the chance came to be a part of her ARC team, I jumped at it.
I have always been a fan of fairytale retellings, but Shard of Glass did it in a fun new way. I really enjoyed the interaction between Onric and Ashlin. Onric’s character was so sweet. I also caught myself really upset and almost wanting to slap Ashlin’s stepmother throughout parts of the story :). The stepmother character was extremely well-written. There were definitely some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
I read this book entirely in one sitting. It was so good that I couldn’t put it down. I was actually pretty sad when I finished it because I didn’t want the story to be over. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
ONE STEAMROLLING LANDSLIDE!!!
Vile villain! Emily unleashes one sensational, tantalizing and brilliantly composed work of art, laying out this enchanting storyline and engaging plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Vexing mishaps and surprising circumstances alongside intimidating trials and challenging tribulations noting the compelling twists and wicked turns testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rousting the drama, intrigue, spiraling suspense and intense situations, along with a double dose of devilry, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Braided, bound and entangled, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it’s strength and awe inspiring in it’s depth. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are stretched and bent, flinging this bad boy forward, kicking it into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with an intoxicating culmination. The characters are realistic, intriguing and authentic with depth and qualities that add just enough flaws for diversity. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Emily, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
The author brings a beautiful Cinderella story with strong,likable characters and an entertaining story line. She does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes in vivid detail. It’s well written and moves fluidly from start to finish. It’s an enjoyable story and I would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Shard of Glass was a beautiful new take on a very familiar story. Ashlin and her prince didn’t meet at the dance. Instead, they meet when Prince Onric and his brother are caught in the storm and need to spend the night in her barn. Hiding his identity, Ashlin feels comfortable talking with him, but forgets to ask his name and doesn’t expect to see him again. When she takes a job as a palace servant, she is embarrassed to find out who he is and also to constantly see him everywhere. Could it be that he is as drawn to her as she is to him?
Ashlin is not a typical Cinderella in the way she loves her step-mother and step-sister and truly believes they care for her as well. She also feels partly responsible for the death of her father and the suffering his death has caused her family, so she feels no resentment toward either of her remaining family members. However, that makes the domestic abuse worse. And several people, including Onric, call it out. Over the course of the story, Ashlin learns what is and what is not her responsibility and begins to stand up for herself. Several people in the story offer her a way out at various points, but it is up to her to choose to take it.
Onric is a darling of a prince, not perfect, but not snotty either. He likes Ashlin and even though he thinks she is just a servant, he doesn’t treat her differently in any way. He even asks his mother for the ball to include commoners because he wants Ashlin to attend (and the queen agrees, knowing that’s why he wants her to)! Onric also chooses to trust Ashlin when people lie about her, which is unlike royalty in many fairy tales.
Ashlin’s step-mother and step-sister were weak villains, powerless apart from the power Ashlin gave them. So when she decided she was done, so were they. The true villains of the story have yet to make an appearance. They are the Majis, magic users who once wreaked havoc on the land and are returning. For the majority of the story, we hear only rumors of their abilities. But magic is seen as evil and anyone researching it will be severely punished. Of course, that also makes it fun the few times we see magic at work. And yes, there is still a fairy godmother of sorts.
Shard of Glass was beautiful story with fabulous characters. The end clearly pointed to the next fairy tale retelling which I hope Emily will be writing very, very soon.
I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it because I stayed up all night reading it and wanted to share how amazing it was.
A wonderful, unique, clean version of Cinderella–wish I could leave more stars
I loved reading the Shard of Glass. It is a unique departure from the standard plot of Cinderella. The prince has siblings, and the spare heir interacts with the leading character.
In this version, the leading lady works cleaning in the palace getting the rooms ready for the ball. She gets to know members of the royal family, one in particular. The Shard of Glass is not what you suppose either. Magic and at least one specific member of the royal family have a unique relationship.
One thing never changes in this tale; the stepmother and stepsister are both mean pieces of work. They are characters that you love to hate.
A thoroughly delightful tale; fairy tales can make you laugh at life’s absurdities.
I received a free ARC copy and had the delightful experience of reading the chapters as the author posted them to her reader’s group. I loved the delightful gems of unexpected physical action and character interaction. Readers need to get this book; the author just raised the bar for originality in this beloved classic tale.
Oh my goodness I enjoy this book. Too sappy stories rankle me but I do enjoy a couple falling on love and the partnership they form, and this hits the nail on the head. Plus, it is clean and not weirdly sexual. The protagonist is so unique. I found myself struggling along with her new friend to try to understand her, in a good way. Their respect for each other is so inspiring. I love a retelling of a classic fairytale, especially when it’s different enough to catch you off guard. I am eternally grateful that this book is kicking off a series!
I received a free advance copy of the book, but then I went and purchased a paperback copy because I love it so much I want to own it!
This enchanting story (pun intended) was a delightful trip into a new land. The setting was laid neatly, explaining things at just the right speed. The main characters were relatable and endearing, sincere and strong. The plot was very well paced and engaging – I wanted to keep reading! I look forward to more stories for secondary characters to come!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4.5 stars
What engaged me in this story:
• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story with Ashlin’s kindness and selflessness.
• The story presented the dilemma: how much should we allow others to use us because we want their acceptance and love?
• Ashlin and Onric were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read their story. These characters were multifaceted and likeable.
• Lady Cabril was perfectly presented as the quintessential manipulator.
• The minor players in this story added extra depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I could envision these scenes so clearly.
• The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast. There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book.
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• This was a clean story.
I was given a free advance copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy novel takes on fairytales. I will be reading more books by this author.