Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas

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When the glass slipper just doesn’t fit…

The tale of Cinderella has been retold countless times. But what you know is not the true story.

Pin has no recollection of who she is or how she got to the Godmother’s fortress. She only knows that she is a Seamstress, working day in and out to make ball gowns fit for fairy tales. But she longs to forsake her backbreaking servitude and dares to escape with the brave young Shoemaker.

Pin isn’t free for long before she’s captured again and forced to live the new life the Godmother chooses for her—a fairy tale story, complete with a charming prince—instead of finding her own happily ever after.

Sarah Prineas’s bold fairy tale retelling is a dark and captivating world where swords are more fitting than slippers, young shoemakers are just as striking as princes, and a heroine is more than ready to rescue herself before the clock strikes midnight.

Pin wakes up one day as a seamstress in the Godmother’s fortress.  She has no recollection of her previous life or how she got there.  When she realizes that something isn’t right and the people are treated poorly, she decides to escape.  With the help of a shoemaker and some other “prisoners” she is able to leave. . . only to get caught again by the Godmother.  But this time, her fate is far worse than a Seamstress.

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Ash & Bramble is the retelling of Cinderella. I have to admit that I struggled with the begging of the story.  It was entertaining but slow to get into.  As the chapters flew by I found myself more and more immersed in Pin and Shoe’s story. 

Pin is a refreshing character to read about.  She’s determined and strong.  She trusts her heart and is able to stand strong no matter what forces are at work. 

I have to say that there were elements of Ash & Bramble that had me looking at every single fairy tale I’ve read and reevaluating it.  The concept of an evil Godmother is fascinating and truly makes me think about the fairy tales we all know and love. 

I’m not going to say too much more because of the plot twists, and I don’t want to spoil the story.  But I did enjoy the second half of Ash & Bramble a lot.  If you struggle like me at the beginning keep pushing through,  the ending is worth it! 

3/5 FANGS