Where embers of forbidden magic meet the healing tide of destiny, one courageous love may be the spark that saves a kingdom from falling into eternal night.

In the enchanted kingdom of Elaria, destiny dances on the edge of magic and power. Cynthia Everwood—known as Cinders to those who whisper her name—is a humble servant with a hidden, ancient fire magic coursing through her veins. When she unearths her late mother’s spellbook and summons a tiny, wise phoenix named Flame, Cinders is thrust into a realm of mystical training and perilous secrets. Meanwhile, Prince Marius Rivenborn, whose latent water magic awakens amidst royal intrigues, struggles to reconcile his duty with a legacy steeped in elemental wonder.

As a forbidden ball draws the two together, a single glass slipper and an explosive magical resonance spark a love that defies convention. Bound by a prophecy that foretells the union of fire and water as the kingdom’s salvation, Cinders and Marius must join forces against the treacherous plots of Lady Belladonna, her dark ally Prince Casimir, and the looming threat of ancient rivalries. With the sentient forest Evergreen whispering secrets of old and an array of loyal mentors guiding them, their romance kindles the hope of restoring balance to a realm on the brink of darkness.

Tame Novella

  • Romance
  • fairytale retelling
  • fantasy romance
  • epic fantasy
  • opposites attract
  • Cinderella
  • closed door
  • clean
  • prophecy
  • redemption
  • elemental magic
Published
March 25, 2025
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Cursed Kingdoms

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9/10

This was an interesting Retelling of Cinderella and I liked that the stepsisters were not villains and had a chance to redeem themselves from previous mistreatment towards Cinders when they were younger. I enjoyed getting to know Cynthia "Cinders" Everwood and Prince Marius Rivenborn and thought they were a good couple and was glad to see how things worked out for them.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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