Author: Kelsey Macke
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Spencer Hill (October 14, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Contemporary
My Rating: 4 Stars
Book Description:
Hot girls get the fairy tales. No one cares about the stepsisters' story. Those girls don't get a sweet little ending; they get a lifetime of longing
Imogen Keegen has never had a happily ever after–in fact, she doesn’t think they are possible. Ever since her mother’s death seven years ago, Imogen has pulled herself in and out of therapy, struggled with an “emotionally disturbed” special ed. label, and loathed her perma-plus-sized status.
When Imogen’s new stepsister, the evil and gorgeous Ella Cinder, moves in down the hall, Imogen begins losing grip on the pieces she’s been trying to hold together. The only things that gave her solace–the theatre, cheese fries, and her best friend, Grant–aren’t enough to save her from her pain this time.
While Imogen is enjoying her moment in the spotlight after the high school musical, the journal pages containing her darkest thoughts get put on display. Now, Imogen must resign herself to be crushed under the ever-increasing weight of her pain, or finally accept the starring role in her own life story.
And maybe even find herself a happily ever after.
Adorable. Heartfelt. Emotional. Genuine. Raw. Beautiful.
These are all words that I would use to describe this wonderful debut novel by Macke. She took a retelling, twisted it and made it absolutely her own so much so that you barely see the original story underneath.
Gen is not your average stepsister fairy tale villain and the princess of the story, is not a princess at all.
Macke tackles some pretty challenging, pretty tough emotional issues in this story and she does it with such finesse that it is all believable, all real, and all something you can't help but actually feel right along with the characters. You see their struggles and they become your own insecurities and issues. You feel their pain and you feel their heartache. Their triumphs are your triumphs and their happiness is something you want more than anything.
I loved Grant and Gen and Brice and Jonathan, how could I not feel for them all and love them all for their strength and their character? I don't think it is possible to not fall in love with this story, with their stories.
I absolutely loved every minute of this read and I can't wait to read more from this author.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
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I always prefer the original fairy tales over the Disney versions, so I like that this author chose the dark & twisted approach for her re-telling. Princesses are just so boring to read about, and an all star cast of characters is impossible to resist. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI really do too Carmel.
DeleteOh it sounds like a really beautiful story! It's the first time I hear about this one but it sounds so good! It's interesting when an author manages to use a story we know to change it in a good way.
ReplyDeleteIt is and it can be a lot of fun too. :)
DeleteI still can't get enough of re-tellings / re-imaginings. I NEED TO HAVE THEM ALL! I love the sound of this! And I love even more that it's got that sinister edge. I need darkness in my fairy tales!
ReplyDeleteYou will really like this one. ;)
DeleteYay! I'm so happy you loved this one, Ali. It was such a beautifully written book! :)
ReplyDeleteThe side characters were the BEST!
Lovely review!
They were fabulous I agree Nick! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
DeleteOh man, between you and Nick I must have this. I hadn't even heard of it. I blame the wedding..LOL
ReplyDeleteYou should and that was a pretty good reason to be out of the loop somewhat. ;)
DeleteI love fairytale re-tellings, especially ones that step out of the box a bit :) This one sounds really good, can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteIt really was a fun read.
DeleteI'm really excited to read this one! And it's one I have to have on my shelves since Jenny did the cover. :)
ReplyDeleteYes! That was the main reason I wanted to read it. :)
DeleteI am such a humbling idiot today... this reminds me of that fantasy story about Cinderella's stepsisters by the same dude who wrote Wicked! McGuire something but I guess the contemporary version? I like the firstljne, this is something j could cost up with on a weekend
ReplyDeleteDefinitely more contemporary.
DeleteNot my typical fare but you definitely have me wanting to give it a try! I love re-tellings and seeing how an author can manipulate them and make it their own. Yay!
ReplyDeleteI really do too and I am glad I at least got you curious Anna! :)
DeleteWell, this is different. :) I've never seen a retelling from that perspective. I'm glad you loved it!
ReplyDeleteI love retellings! so glad you loved this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lily, me too!
DeleteSo glad to hear you enjoyed this! I've been so curious about it since I saw the cover reveal and I'm thrilled to hear the story was so wonderful. Can't wait to check it out!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren!
DeleteThis sounds cute. Great review.
ReplyDelete