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EVERYTHING IS ABOUT TO BURN
We all know the story. Cinderella's father remarries. She gets a crappy new family. He dies in a tragic accident and she is forced into a life of servitude.
But what happens when Ella's father is brutally murdered and she's sold to the Romans? What happens when she meets a dark fae who tempts her to embrace the embers in her heart? When he shows her the fire she was born with and coaxes those powers to light? What happens when he tells her that she doesn't need a prince.
She needs a crown.
----

Climbing to her feet, Ella looked southeast to the lands of the dark fae. For years she'd contemplated venturing in to find the Dark One, but the stories all said he only took one type of payment - the selling of one's soul.
But Ella didn't care anymore. The gods could judge her in the afterlife because she was already living in hell.
Decision made, Ella headed for the hill. She came across a circle of stones, ten and three in number, most of which were taller than her. Wildflowers grew inside it, as did various mushrooms, including penny buns and many she'd never seen before.
Figuring this had to be the place, Ella stepped into the clearing and lifted her chin. "Hello?" she called out, but only the birds answered her. Frowning, she took another step forward. "I'm here to make a deal with the dark fae," she tried again.
Straining her ears, she tried to listen for a mystical voice, but all she heard were the birds and insects. Muttering, Ella shook her head. She was being foolish. There were no fae here. Everyone knew they had left this world long ago.
Placing her basket on the ground, she reached for the closest cluster of penny buns. She's just been about to pick them when a low voice echoed through the meadow.
"Remove them and I will do the same to you."
Jerking to her feet, Ella quickly turned her head. She peered all around her, but did not see the man who had spoken. "Who's there?" she demanded.
"You come into my home and dare ask who I am?"
She swallowed as a man stepped out from behind one of the stones. He was built to perfection. Broad shoulders. Strong jaw. Lean and fit and beautifully shirtless. His bare chest showed off a web of blue tattoos. But it was his eyes that held her. His eyes that were old and ancient. That spoke of horrors she could never imagine. That whispered of dangers she would not survive. Taking a step back, Ella wetted her lips. "Are...are ye the fae?"
He studied her with his dark eyes. They were as black as his hair, bottomless voids of chaos that led straight to the Otherworld. It was as if he was peering into her soul, weighing her worth and finding it too light to give a damn.
Digging her fingers into her thighs, Ella raised her chin. He smiled lazily, but it was far too feral to be nice.

115 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2020

15 people are currently reading
650 people want to read

About the author

Miranda Grant

25 books763 followers
Miranda Grant is not a serial killer.

As an author of fantasy and paranormal romance, she just needs to know some things, like how many dead babies can fit in a bathtub (34, 52.5 if blended), what human meat tastes like (dry pork), how to get away with murder (it’s really hard to tell the difference between a drowning accident and a drowning murder, just saying), etc.

This non-serial killer lady lives with her partner, who often drags her outside, claiming ‘sunlight is necessary’ and ‘social interactions are a good thing’. Given her questionable search history, she goes along with it, thinking it’ll be better to have less ‘aloof serial killer vibes’ should the police ever knock on her door…

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5 stars
28 (24%)
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32 (27%)
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22 (19%)
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23 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Gwen Carl!!.
251 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2023
Definitely one of the best Cinderella retelling I’ve ever read.
Profile Image for L.L. Meyer.
Author 10 books338 followers
August 25, 2021
A dark and dirty Cinderella re-telling? I just couldn't pass it up!

And it definitely delivered . . . I loved how unconventional the story was. If you're looking for . . .
✔a quick read
✔a dark fairy tale
✔historical fantasy
✔ménage scenarios
✔a twisty, unexpected HEA
. . . this one's for you!

CW: child abuse
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,604 reviews92 followers
July 4, 2021
This is an epic twist on the classic tale of Cinderella. Fionnghula, or Ella, was the daughter of a chieftain until he is murdered by the enemy and she is sold into slavery. Her life is even worse than the usual tale, and truly awful things happen to her. Desperate to escape, Ella makes a deal with a dark Fae who promises to save her from her abusers. But at what cost?

Grant completely stuns me with this novella. Ella was such a happy child, and she understandably becomes so full of hate and with an unquenchable thirst for vengeance. It’s nice to see a “Cinderella” not so reliant upon the prince. I really liked this novella, and I can’t wait to see more from Grant in the future
Profile Image for Liz (LoverOfBooks80).
911 reviews15 followers
August 25, 2020
What an epic twist on the Cinderella tale

Such tragedy and heartbreak, such love. So many fabulous twists I didn’t see coming.

Loved the woods scene 🔥🔥 Loved Ella getting her vengeance.

The childhood friend was adorable and the dark fae was a beautiful addition.

First read of Miranda Grant and I really really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Barbara.
426 reviews33 followers
August 31, 2021
Well if this wasn't one of the sexiest Cinderalla retellings ever! 😍

First of all, after three books I can for sure say I'm absolutely in love with Miranda Grant's writing style. Second this short story was so so intense and interesting from the start to the very finish. I loved that the ending was sort of open and promised more to come.

I'm absolutely in love with characters and... umm that threesome scene was everything I needed and wanted in my life. Jesus that was one of the hottest scenes I've ever read. 🌶🔥

If you're into a super spicy, super dark Cinderella retelling READ THIS SHORT STORY!
Profile Image for Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks).
910 reviews105 followers
July 20, 2021
Prepare for a Cinderella reimagining with lots of spice! I read this in one sitting and found it to be a fun and unique take on Cinderella. It's the first instalment in the Fairytales of the Myth series and the story begins by jumping straight into action, showing the events which lead the main protagonist Ella into slavery. As you would probably expect Ella is treated terribly during her life as a slave and she seeks help from a dark fae named Daman.

If you're in it for some hot and saucy action you won't be disappointed. There's one particular scene in the woods that is particularly steamy. The story also verges on some dark aspects at times too as Ella steps into her power. Little bits of pagan mythology were scattered throughout which was a fun bonus.

The novella did seem to finish somewhat on a cliff hanger so I am hoping these loose ends will be tied up in the next instalment.

Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,097 reviews118 followers
August 7, 2023
BURN BABY BURN is the first novella in the Fairytales of the Myth series and there is no easing gently into this series. Oh no! Instead, we jump straight into the action with children fighting, followed by 'real' fighting, slaves, abuse, you name it.

Ella has put up with more than any person should, but her childhood enemy turned friend, Cadeyrn, got her through. When she feels he has betrayed her though, all bets are off and she turns to a pact with the Dark Fae, Daman.

I thoroughly enjoyed being with Ella in this novella. Seeing things from her perspective, and feeling her pain, it was a brilliant read. The only thing I wasn't sure of was the ending with Delentia. I couldn't quite get my head around what she actually wanted.

Nevertheless, this was a brilliant read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 25, 2021
Profile Image for Anjali.
448 reviews24 followers
September 7, 2021
My favourite genre is YA Fantasy, which I have read a lot of... I have barely read any adult dark fantasy...

This book was definitely dark and wicked, a different reading experience... Ella does meet the prince, and he's as charming as can be... She does not fall in love with him though...

Her heart is torn between Cadeyrn, another slave from her village, who has always been there for her; and Daman, a dark fae, who can give her the power to exact the revenge she seeks, who has an agenda of his own...

When the book ended, with Ella discovering her true self and the power that came with it, I wanted more of the story...

The author shared an e-copy of the book with me in exchange for a candid review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sapphire Winters.
21 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2021
A great twist to a classic
Definitely not your average retelling, I didn't see a few things coming. I loved the twist & really looking forward to the next book 😃
This is definitely my new favorite retelling yet. Something you should know about me: I don’t like retellings usually.
I really get tired of the same exact story being told over & over with only the character & settings difference- it gets old fast.
This book really grabbed me in from the first chapter, didn’t see the darkness coming, especially so quick into a story. Disney has nothing on this one. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️
Wont spoil it for you, but I think you’ll like it!
16 reviews
August 25, 2020
Great story! I couldn't put it down and I read the whole thing in about two hours! Excellent character descriptions made it easy to picture them and root for the underdog. Highly recommend if you like historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural.
Profile Image for N.L. McFarlane.
Author 3 books13 followers
January 28, 2021
Firstly , I shall say that this is very much an adult read and not suitable for younger audiences and for anyone uncomfortable with the subjects, there are non consensual and underage themes within.
I must say that this was a rather different retelling of the Cinderella story, not at all what I had expected but a great, and fantasy filled novella. This is a much more action packed, retelling where our leading lady goes through all the bad like we would expect but comes out fighting. The storyline had me hooked from the start and the world building was fantastic with characters you both love and loathe, but that ending though... I was not expecting it and I really felt for the characters. I have been left wanting to know what happens next and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from the author.
96 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2021
Possible triggers with child abuse being alluded to (no graphic descriptions but you are aware that it happens)

This is a dark, very different retelling of the classic Cinderella.

You won't find a nice Fairy Godmother or glass slippers here......death, slavery, abuse, yeah, that's here and you know what? I like it. I like the darkness, the fight that Ella has within her, the fire that she shows. I do feel sorry for her though, from the beginning the odds of a happy, fortunate life were stacked against her and people seemed to just take advantage......big mistake!

Definitely not a sweet fairytale for children. This is for adults with a glass of something strong in hand and a free evening.
Profile Image for Beth Billings.
102 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2021
Ella and Cadeyrn have been captured by the enemy, Ella has promised to get her revenge for their capture and her fathers death whatever it takes or how long she will make them pay. This is fairytales of the myth #1  Miranda Grant claims it is a dark steamy retelling of Cinderella it certainly is that!




I was absolutely hooked with this book ,I actually was disappointed when i realised that id finished the book,  It felt that id only just started reading it! i find it very interesting some of the things learnt like i genuinely didn't know  that a slave master in roman times were actually known as Domina/Dominus.


    It certainly is steamy but i must say the sex scene of the threesome did actually bring tears to my eyes bloomin eck!  A rather rough session!

 I was fascinated with the growth of Ella and the discovery of her true self and the things she had hidden.


I cannot wait for the next book in this series deffinatly one i am going to continue to read, i am also going to look at some of Miranda's other series as they too look fantastic


4/5 stars an absolute recommendation by me!
Profile Image for Jean Wilde.
Author 5 books40 followers
June 13, 2021
A fun quick read

3.5 stars- I was in the mood for a short sexy read so this fit the bill quite nicely. It’s a novella so I felt that there was much more that could’ve been explored and events in the MC’s life were rather glossed over. I wasn’t quite sure who the main love interest was supposed to be which was slightly confusing. While I enjoyed the story as is I don’t see it as a re-telling of Cinderella to be honest. It was too dark for that, besides Ella didn’t end up with Felix (the equivalent of Prince Charming). A different tale but entertaining!
Profile Image for Charly.
65 reviews30 followers
September 20, 2021
Oh my!

I do love reading retellings of well loved story’s, especially when they are dark and have fae!

This read, had everything I was looking for;
- it’s short
- historical
- a retelling
- dark
- AND HAS FAE. Seriously my fae obsession is utterly satisfied.

Right from the get go, there’s action, children fighting turning into fighting and running for their lives. It made me feel all the feels, honestly I loved this version and I want more, I’d love for it to be longer, or extended or just well MORE.

Highly recommend!


(Check trigger warnings before you read!)
Profile Image for Marisa.
833 reviews32 followers
July 5, 2021
This was completely different than any other Cinderella retelling I have read and I loved it. It’s short but very well written and I was sad that it ended. So much more could have been added.

Heartbreak, action, love and a few twists and turns. There was a lot happening in this story and the ending had me craving more. The few last minute twists were a great addition.

I will be reading the rest of this series for sure.
Profile Image for Angie.
768 reviews21 followers
December 18, 2020
I loved this novella! It was a truly unique twist on the Cinderella fairy tale. So much so that if you didn't know that's what it was going for you wouldn't have seen it. This is a dark fairy tale so it deals with some really dark issues throughout the novella. But if that's what you are in the mood for there is no better book. I don't think I've ever had a book hangover from a novella before and this was caused one. I didn't know what to read after it. It was that good. I really wish that this was the first in a series solely about these characters because I would love to read more. As it is I cannot wait to get my hands on the next dark fairy tale from Miranda Grant.
Profile Image for Romantically Inclined Reviews.
716 reviews2,853 followers
February 7, 2021
A very interesting take on Cinderella's iconic story. Burn Baby Burn is not for the faint of heart. Intensely sexual, unapologetically violence, and mildly triggering: the story of poor Ella is not one you're likely to forget any time soon.

Looking forward to the rest of the series & finding out with author Grant is taking things with her twisted re-tellings.
Profile Image for Barbara.
18.8k reviews8 followers
November 30, 2020
A steamy dark retelling of Cinderella, it is well written short story that kept me turning pages. There is suspense, drama, danger, magic, and romance. I will be looking for more by this Author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
24 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
A retteling of Cinderella, with dark themes, steaming moments and so many unexpected plots and twists. I really enjoyed it! Definitely a different book from the classic fairy tales retellings. I recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria Wren.
Author 12 books42 followers
August 28, 2020
A very naughty retelling of Cinderella, I really enjoyed this and thought that the story and the characters were fab! I'll be watching this author and looking forward to reading more of her work!
Profile Image for Nithya Karantharaj.
11 reviews
September 7, 2020
One of the Best Books I've read this year. I've never imaged Cinderella as a Dark warrior and Fionnghula reminds me of Arya Stark when she fought with Cadeyrn.
4 reviews
October 3, 2020
I loved this story and struggled to put it down!

The mixture of real history and British fairy folklore help bring this story to life.

I'll definitely be reading more of this author's work.
2,402 reviews13 followers
November 28, 2020
A fae twist on a classic story full of action, plot, suspense mixed in with a dark romance. I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.
541 reviews
April 7, 2022
I really loved this! I loved the retelling, and with it being set in the same world as the War of the Myth series, I can see the tie-ins. I want to see more about these characters, I already fell in love.
5 reviews
September 19, 2021
Amazing

I would throughly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who loves an apologetical vengeful heroine and steamy romance!!! Absolutely perfect!!!
Profile Image for Jonathan Currinn.
243 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2022
I have read and watched a tonne of different stories based on Cinderella, I don't know what it is that attracts me to these types of stories, but I can't help but love a whole twist on a story we all know and love. Yet, Miranda Grant doesn't just twist up the story of Cinderella, she completely distorts it, knocks it out of the ballpark, sends it back centuries, and brings it to light in a whole new reality.

I adore the characterisation of this novel, I really became devoted to the characters and eagerly read every single page, excited to find out what happened next. While the opening prologue did confuse me a bit, which feels more of an after-thought now that I think about it after finishing the book, I'm kind of hoping that it connects better when I read the second book in the series - or maybe it's connected to other Miranda Grant series...? Definitely something I'm interested in finding out, and I'll be adding her books to my wishlist in the near future.

I loved the fae twist that appears halfway through the book, and this author manages to create the scenes brilliantly, to the extent that I'm actually interested in how she handles scenes in a whole novel, as opposed to this short novella. There are a few spelling and grammar mistakes throughout, which were somewhat annoying and distracting - making me question how many times this was looked through and edited before publication but this is definitely worth a read, and I cannot wait to read more from this great author.
Profile Image for Kara.
8 reviews
September 3, 2021
This was an amazing read! Miranda is so talented.

I love mythology. I love history. I love paranormal. I love romance. I love the dark and vengeance. This book has a great storyline and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I want to know more about Daman’s story and where Ella’s real family is now.

CW: child abuse
Profile Image for Beth Stephens.
3 reviews
September 1, 2021
Fantastic story, I couldn't put it down! The pages turned themselves, I've not read a book that flows this well in a long time. Steamy, ravishing brilliance!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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