I think this is an objectively good book! I would recommend it and I throughly enjoyed my time while reading it. It taps into so much of real life and there is also a ton of social commentary. Things like mental health, infertility, friendships, the wedding industry, infidelity, etc. So much that was brought to the page in a way that felt real and I can appreciate and respect it. Overall, its funny, witty, astute and has emotional depth while also leaning towards dark humor. It was right up my alley! That being said, I did have some issues with the pacing towards the second half of the book maybe after 70% or so AND the ending in regards to the bride and Phoebe. I won't elaborate too much because of spoilers but I felt that there wasn't enough emphasis or closure regarding their relationship after all was said and done. I also do think that although Phoebe was in such a dark place in the beginning of the book, the way she got out of it so to speak, could have involved more? Like in some way I think the mental health aspect of all this was maybe wrapped up too neatly? Either way, minor issues overall and still a great book.

Do you want to root for the stepmother or not!? Because if you don’t….. don’t read this lol I absolutely adored this book! I thought the pacing was great and the book just got better and better as you kept reading. I wouldn’t say this is a “retellling” because it makes it seem like the book should still center around Cinderella, the story we know and just give you the POV of the stepmother. I’d say this fits more as a “reimagining” or frankly something new altogether. It’s not the POV of the “evil” stepmother we have come to know from all Cinderella stories - it’s more a story of a mother, a stepmother, a provider, a matriarch and what she has done and needed to do for her family. The author did a great job at keeping it light at times while also discussing Mother/child relationships, the power of being a mother and the weight it carries and ugh so much more. Also the twist! Ugh great time overall. Definitely recommend this one. I legit couldn’t put it down.

5 fucking stars. This book ugh I don't know how to even begin. The ending alone just sent me to my death. It took me days to get over it. This was a perfect ending to the "trilogy" of the first installment but it did gut punch me HARD. Darrow is an incredible character and there are so many themes explored in this series and this book. What a journey this was!!!!!! The books were written well, the action was fantastic, the characters were everything and more. I have nothing bad to say. Please do this series with the dramatized audio because it just takes it to another level. WAKEY WAKEY GOBLIN!!!!!!!