A review by karissabubble
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


I really enjoyed this story! I especially loved how Sophia fights for what she wants, even though it isn't easy. 

I will say that I did not find her childhood friend and first love interest to be enjoyable as she seems envious of Sophia for fighting for what she wants and not falling for the misogynistic status quo. 
In terms of Sophia "moving on too fast," I do not think she moves on too fast...afterall, she is young and still experiencing new things and fighting for what she wants. Rather, she actually feels constant guilt for having to leave Erin behind and falling in love with Constance. Erin was pushing her away from the beginning, and Sophia just found someone more compatible and accepting of her.

Ultimately, you can't help those who don't want to be helped and don't believe in you or a better path. Sophia didn't rebel just because of her first love for Erin. It was because of all the other misogynistic rules in the Kingdom and encouragement from her grandmother. She wanted to be with a princess instead of a prince, but that does not mean that it had to only be Erin, her first love, and the only person she knew before she met Constance.

Overall, I loved how this was a thought piece on misogyny and how it is upheld by men and women...as well as some readers even. It's also an interesting take on parents/communities who fight for their children and those who are too afraid to.

I do wish we got to see what happens to Erin at the end of the book, as I am sympathetic towards her... and I would love to see what happens with Luke. However, I do like how the ending is left because resistance and reform are constant endeavors. 
It would have been even better if this was made into two books, but I see this singular book as a thought piece.