August 15, 2023
When a ruthless queen attempts to banish a mysterious coterie of magic-wielding sisters, the youngest of them develops an intricate plan of revenge in this spin on "Cinderella." Each member of Entente has a distinct magical gift, but Farrow, the youngest member of the collective, has difficulty managing hers. "My magic was late, not absent altogether," something she reminds herself when her insecurities begin to simmer. The Entente is led by Les Soeurs, three sisters also known as the Fates--Past, Present, and Future--who guide the rulers of the Thirteen Queendoms. Entente members live apart from humans and even disguise themselves when visiting the royals they counsel. After the Burning (a public attack directed by Queen Magrit against magic) destroys the Entente, young Farrow, the sole survivor, is left alone in an orphanage. She's serendipitously plucked to accept a lowly position in the palace, where she longs to carry out her revenge. With plans of retribution, Farrow, who has light-brown skin and curly dark hair, finds refuge in the legendary Enchanted Forest, determined to regain her magic. Prolific, bestselling YA novelist Paige presents an original backstory in which Cinderella's fairy godmother becomes the brooding protagonist at the heart of her own story. The writing is lively, even as Farrow ruminates on morality and makes vengeance her purpose. This sprawling, action-packed origin story, layered in mystique, will pull readers into its fascinating world. (Fantasy. 12-17)
COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
September 11, 2023
Centering the sole survivor of a magical coven and using “Cinderella” as a foundation, Paige (the Ravens series) weaves a dark and mysterious telling that delves into the origins of the inspiration material’s fairy godmother. In the land of Hinter, Farrow lives among the Entente, a coven composed largely of female magic users. Led by Les Soeurs—the Fate sisters Past, Present, and Future—the community lives in secret among humans, using their powers to disguise themselves, advise royals, and manipulate the course of the queendom. After Hinter’s callous new ruler, Queen Magrit, bans magic and orders the Entente’s execution, Farrow is the only survivor. When, at 18, Farrow is offered an opportunity to work in the palace, she’s eager to put her years-refined revenge plans into motion. Her scheme is derailed, however, by the shocking truths she uncovers while living among the palace royals. Though Farrow’s tenacious first-person POV often reads as mature for the intended audience, Paige meticulously layers details from the original story amid this striking new series opener to effectively imbue the familiar tale with fresh vitality. Farrow has light brown skin. Ages 13–up.
Starred review from November 1, 2023
Grades 7-11 *Starred Review* Paige launches a gorgeously crafted new fantasy series inspired by the fairy godmother in ""Cinderella."" Farrow is part of the Entente, a magical sisterhood that lives isolated from humankind, though three of the group have historically aided the Hinter's queen as the Fates. This arrangement is ended, however, when the new queen orchestrates a deadly attack on the Entente, of which Farrow is the only survivor. When she's relegated to an orphanage, Farrow's past insecurities about her powers--now damaged from the attack--are replaced by a desire for revenge. When an opportunity arises to work at the palace, Farrow takes it, leading readers on her spirited quest through the Enchanted Forest and into the complex workings of the royal court. Paige upends traditional ideas of the fairy godmother as a benevolent wish-granter through Farrow's desires to buck servitude and be the master of her own magic in order to avenge the Entente. Readers will feel Farrow's pain, anger, and inner emotional battles and desperately hope that she is able to see the light that sparkles beyond her pitch-black feelings. This fresh fairy tale has a compelling bite that will hold readers in its thrall as if by magic.
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