Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 368 pages
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Release Date: October 28th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Not all fairy tales end happily ever after in this Cinderella-inspired fantasy by the bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess—for fans of Renée Ahdieh, Tahereh Mafi, and Stephanie Garber.

Life in the Iron Mountains is harsh and unforgiving. After the death of her beloved uncle, Yining has survived by becoming a skilled thief and an even better liar. When she acquires an enchanted ring that holds the key to a brighter future, it is stolen by her step-aunt, and Yining must venture into the imperial heart of the kingdom to seize it back.

Amid the grandeur of the palace, Yining catches the eye of the ruthless and ambitious prince, who tempts her with a world she’s never imagined. But nothing is as it seems, for she’s soon trapped in a tangle of power, treachery, and greed—her only ally the cunning advisor from a rival court who keeps dangerous secrets of his own. To break free, she must unravel the mystery of her past and fight for a future that both frightens and calls to her.

This sweeping fantasy romance inspired by Cinderella and a Chinese fairy tale is the first in a breathtaking new series by the acclaimed author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ALC.

GIMME BOOK TWO.

I enjoyed this one so much! Honestly, Sue Lynn Tan never disappoints and I have been anxious to get my hands (and headphones) on this book. It felt very classic to her style of story telling and I thought the young adult world was executed well.

I loved Yining as the FMC. She’s ambitious in her own right and learns to stand firmly on her boundaries. I loved the push and pull in the romantic love triangle (it’s giving Daughter of the Moon Goddess…maybe…or maybe I have that all wrong BUT MAYBE). SLT is one of the few author’s who I don’t mind reading love triangles from.

I’m not sure I caught many Cinderella nods but that could be that I haven’t watched that movie in 20+ years? So if you’re worried about that aspect I can’t really comment on it.

There were some beautifully crafted reveals and I thought the audiobook narrator did an amazing job. I love the enchanting vibes of Tan’s stories and am begging to get my hands on book two ASAP.

Overall audience notes:

• YA Fantasy Romance
• Language: low
• Romance: kisses
• Violence: mild

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