About The Book
The only version of Lady Tremaine that Drizella and Anastasia know is a bitter and cruel head of house. Anastasia and Drizella have promised themselves―and each other―that they’ll be different. They’ll find love, see the world, and never let their hearts go cold. Robin Benway explores the complex sibling rivalry between the two wicked stepsisters from Cinderella that turned them into the characters we know today.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Yzd5n3

My Rating

I went into this thinking we were going to get a completely new twist on the ugly stepsisters from Cinderella. I thought that perhaps they’ll get a happy ending type story, so something along the lines of a Twisted Tales book. But, I hadn’t read the description full, and that was my mistake. Because in this book we follow Anastasia and Drizella and discover how they became the wicked stepsister we know today.

It was very interesting to be following two characters that aren’t very well liked or even talked about in the Disney Princess world. All most of us know about them is that they are stuck-up, self-centered and cruel to Cinderella. So, getting to know them was actually pretty fun. Anastasia is the young sister with a desire for romance. While Drizella has a passion for learning, especially love of science.

I was pretty shocked with how cruel Lady Tremaine was in the story. We all know she’s evil but she was outright manipulative and nasty to her own daughters. Her coldness was a big factor in the story, with Anastasia finding the love she longed for in a boy. While Drizella found a mother figure that encouraged her interest in science.

“Because after all, Anastasia and Drizella are just the two ugly stepsisters, nothing more.”

In the story, we do get the whole Prince’s ball aspect, which interesting. Since this is more like a prequel to Cinderella, I wouldn’t have expected the ball to be included. However, I guess we must just assume that the following year Prince Charming throws another ball to find a wife.

The writing style was wonderful, and it was a quick read. I couldn’t put it down, and felt like the author did a wonderful job bringing the story and characters to life. I liked the little nods she added to the original story, such as the origin behind Prince Charming’s name. And, even showing how Lucifer became the family’s beloved pet.

Overall, the book was very well-done, but if I had to describe it in one word, I would say it’s sad. There were so many times throughout the book that I cried my eyes out. Normally, I wouldn’t think a Disney retelling would make sob, but this one proved me wrong. However, she did a fantastic job getting me to feel bad for to characters that are known to be pretty wicked, making you wonder if maybe they aren’t so ugly on the inside.

In the comments, let me know if you are a fan of Disney retellings. Before you go, share this post with others, and give it a like. Also, make my day by giving my book blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny