What do you think?
Rate this book
Fairy-tale Inheritance #0.5
Cinderella's Legacy
Before the fairy tale.
Before Cinderella met her prince.
Before she ever put her foot into that glass slipper...
There was Esmerelda.
A fairy godmother living an isolated life in the mountains until a baby is left on her doorstep and changes everything.
This prequel novella answers fan questions from the novels Cinderella's Dress and Cinderella's Shoes. Since the prequel is filled with spoilers, you may want to read the other two books first, and then return to this one to read the backstory of how Cinderella's dress and shoes become a legacy.
Before Cinderella met her prince.
Before she ever put her foot into that glass slipper...
There was Esmerelda.
A fairy godmother living an isolated life in the mountains until a baby is left on her doorstep and changes everything.
This prequel novella answers fan questions from the novels Cinderella's Dress and Cinderella's Shoes. Since the prequel is filled with spoilers, you may want to read the other two books first, and then return to this one to read the backstory of how Cinderella's dress and shoes become a legacy.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2019
41 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Shonna Slayton
23 books522 followersSHONNA SLAYTON is the author of the Fairy-Tale Inheritance Series of young adult novels, beginning with Cinderella’s Dress.
She edited curriculum for an education company before homeschooling her own children using literature-based whole book learning. She’s taught writing using fairy tales in school classrooms and workshops, as well as in public libraries as a writer in residence. Instead of seeing her in person, you can get the Lessons from Grimm Series which includes a writer’s guide and workbooks for writers to learn fiction techniques through fairy tales.
Join her email list and receive a free story as a welcome gift. Be the first to learn of new books and get behind-the-scenes info you can't read anywhere else. Sign up on her website Shonna Slayton
She edited curriculum for an education company before homeschooling her own children using literature-based whole book learning. She’s taught writing using fairy tales in school classrooms and workshops, as well as in public libraries as a writer in residence. Instead of seeing her in person, you can get the Lessons from Grimm Series which includes a writer’s guide and workbooks for writers to learn fiction techniques through fairy tales.
Join her email list and receive a free story as a welcome gift. Be the first to learn of new books and get behind-the-scenes info you can't read anywhere else. Sign up on her website Shonna Slayton
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 23, 2021
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. It was such a good read that I tried to guess what would happen next and sometimes was wrong which I was surprised. But a good surprised. I would definitely recommend and love the series so far.
May 21, 2022
A wonderful re-imagining of the classic Cinderella fairytale.
April 9, 2025
3.5. This one was cute. Out of the 3 Cinderella stories this one was the best
May 28, 2025
4.5⭐️ 😄😍
June 20, 2022
I may have made the mistake of reading this book without reading the blurb/summary! The cover was just so beautiful that I couldn’t pass out on it and realized after that it contains spoilers for the next two books in the series.
Cinderella’s Legacy tells the story of how Cinderella’s Shoes and Cinderella’s Dress came about – really fitting for the title. Told in alternating perspectives of our original Cinderella, Petronela, her wardrobe keeper, Nadzia and our beloved fairy godmother, Esmeralda it depicts their growth, friendship, hardships with a bittersweet ending.
When I started reading this book I got confused with the alternating perspectives. It’s not consistent but as the story flows it’s expected as to which character will take over. Each perspective was mesmerizing and added to the story by either adding more details or adding to the suspense.
This book had a lot of twists and turns and what felt like real characters. With multiple short and long time skips, the story does not focus on the romance but uses it as a plot point to advance the story. I thoroughly enjoyed three fourths of the book until the story started time skipping consecutively and it was headed for a bittersweet ending.
The characters were great and each had their own story to tell. Petronela and Nadzia were my favorite. I loved their innocence yet strong willed decisions, their bravery and kindness. I liked how both were relatable and flawed and each made mistakes but tried to learn and move on.
Overall, this was an intriguing and interesting addition to the Cinderella fairytale. I loved the new elements introduced and each character’s personality. There were no unnecessary scenes with all the twists and turns but I wish there was still more to say near the ending. It was bittersweet and I almost cried but I’m hoping the next two books in this series will reveal the “why.”
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
Cinderella’s Legacy tells the story of how Cinderella’s Shoes and Cinderella’s Dress came about – really fitting for the title. Told in alternating perspectives of our original Cinderella, Petronela, her wardrobe keeper, Nadzia and our beloved fairy godmother, Esmeralda it depicts their growth, friendship, hardships with a bittersweet ending.
When I started reading this book I got confused with the alternating perspectives. It’s not consistent but as the story flows it’s expected as to which character will take over. Each perspective was mesmerizing and added to the story by either adding more details or adding to the suspense.
This book had a lot of twists and turns and what felt like real characters. With multiple short and long time skips, the story does not focus on the romance but uses it as a plot point to advance the story. I thoroughly enjoyed three fourths of the book until the story started time skipping consecutively and it was headed for a bittersweet ending.
The characters were great and each had their own story to tell. Petronela and Nadzia were my favorite. I loved their innocence yet strong willed decisions, their bravery and kindness. I liked how both were relatable and flawed and each made mistakes but tried to learn and move on.
Overall, this was an intriguing and interesting addition to the Cinderella fairytale. I loved the new elements introduced and each character’s personality. There were no unnecessary scenes with all the twists and turns but I wish there was still more to say near the ending. It was bittersweet and I almost cried but I’m hoping the next two books in this series will reveal the “why.”
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
March 3, 2023
I found this prequel to be the most satisfying of the Cinderella books. The story is closest to the original fairy-tale I read as a girl. The fairy-godmother is Esmeralda – a lady of indeterminate age who possesses magical powers yet she refrains from using them when a baby is left on her doorstep. The baby, Nadzia, grows up to be the original Keeper of the Wardrobe for Cinderella. Thanks to Esmeralda, the two girls, Nadzia and Cinderella, grow up knowing each other as well as the young prince who appears to have been smitten with Cinderella from a tender age.
We are treated to scenes that include the original castle nestled in a peaceful valley in the Tatra Mountains of Poland (this might be from Cinderella’s Shoes). It seems that the stepsisters end up marrying into the family from the other side of the mountain (enemies of the young prince’s family).
I know I’m not explaining this correctly, so you’ll just have to read the story for yourself. I read Cinderella’s Legacy last but I suggest you read it first. And yes, Esmeralda does turn a pumpkin into a coach!
This story hearkened back to my Polish ancestry, especially since my Polish ancestors came from villages in and near the Tatra Mountains. Who knows, perhaps I’m a distant cousin to Cinderella? Or her prince?
We are treated to scenes that include the original castle nestled in a peaceful valley in the Tatra Mountains of Poland (this might be from Cinderella’s Shoes). It seems that the stepsisters end up marrying into the family from the other side of the mountain (enemies of the young prince’s family).
I know I’m not explaining this correctly, so you’ll just have to read the story for yourself. I read Cinderella’s Legacy last but I suggest you read it first. And yes, Esmeralda does turn a pumpkin into a coach!
This story hearkened back to my Polish ancestry, especially since my Polish ancestors came from villages in and near the Tatra Mountains. Who knows, perhaps I’m a distant cousin to Cinderella? Or her prince?
December 31, 2019
This is the third book in the Inheritance series and I have to say I loved this series. I loved the first two books and how different they were for a retelling. Fairy tale retellings and historical fiction are my favorite things to read about so I was delighted to find a series that was both.
The first two books are set during world war 2 and follow the descendants of Nadzia. They are a fun fast read that takes you back in time with just small hints of magic here and there.
This book goes even further back in time to the beginning story of Cinderella. I loved how true this book stayed to fairy tale we have all grown to love (more Disney, less Grimm) but it really focused on Esmerelda and Nadzia. I could honestly read an entire series about Esmerelda.
I hope you guys take a chance on these stories and enjoy them just as much as I did. Will definitely be buying more Shona Slayton books.
The first two books are set during world war 2 and follow the descendants of Nadzia. They are a fun fast read that takes you back in time with just small hints of magic here and there.
This book goes even further back in time to the beginning story of Cinderella. I loved how true this book stayed to fairy tale we have all grown to love (more Disney, less Grimm) but it really focused on Esmerelda and Nadzia. I could honestly read an entire series about Esmerelda.
I hope you guys take a chance on these stories and enjoy them just as much as I did. Will definitely be buying more Shona Slayton books.
January 7, 2024
After being disappointed with the first two books in this series, I was hoping this origin story would make reading the previous two books worth it. It did not. There were a lot of eye-rolling moments that were very unbelievable but needed to happen to allow the plot to move forward.
While these books certainly weren't terrible, they were not very enjoyable for me, and I will not be continuing with the series.
While these books certainly weren't terrible, they were not very enjoyable for me, and I will not be continuing with the series.
December 17, 2022
Reading this felt a little bit like listening to my dad spin bedtime stories as a child. It felt like an oral tale put down on paper, with as many crazy and convenient twists as plot shifts. If you like fairy tales and plot driven stories and can suspend your disbelief for the entertainment, you will enjoy this.
March 30, 2023
This back story of the true Cinderella was WAY better than the first two books.
The only thing that drove me nuts was at like 64 percent in the book the main character sometimes went by a nickname and then her full name and back to a nickname, all on the same page sometimes. Pick a name and stick with it, geez!
The only thing that drove me nuts was at like 64 percent in the book the main character sometimes went by a nickname and then her full name and back to a nickname, all on the same page sometimes. Pick a name and stick with it, geez!
July 16, 2025
This was a little novella that starts a whole series. Maybe I should have read the series first but since this starts everything I thought it was fine. I don’t know, this wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great. There were time jumps and from two point of views that I did get lost on who was the one talking. Maybe the next book in this YA series is better.
April 4, 2021
A fun prequel showing the origins of the Cinderella story! I love Shonna Slayton's retellings, which seem so different from the other fairy tale retellings I have read, which have been many. I enjoyed this backstory of Esmerelda and Nadzia, and it was a nice complement to the main series.
July 22, 2022
LOVE
This book is exactly what it was promised to be. What a beautiful retelling of a classic fairy tale. I think I started in the wrong order though, because I read this one first in the series, but now I can't wait to read the rest!
This book is exactly what it was promised to be. What a beautiful retelling of a classic fairy tale. I think I started in the wrong order though, because I read this one first in the series, but now I can't wait to read the rest!
February 6, 2023
I'm glad I still believe in fairy tales.
What came between a once upon a time and the happy ever after was pure magic! If you still believe in fairytales you should read this book.
What came between a once upon a time and the happy ever after was pure magic! If you still believe in fairytales you should read this book.
March 29, 2024
An artistic and enjoyable account of the true story of Cinderella.
Slayton's well laid out tale and carefully constructed characters anticipates the desires of even the most devoted enthusiasts of this well-known fairy tale and satiates their hunger.
Slayton's well laid out tale and carefully constructed characters anticipates the desires of even the most devoted enthusiasts of this well-known fairy tale and satiates their hunger.
April 26, 2020
This is actually a backstory of how Cinderella came about and one of my favorite retellings of Cinderella. I read Cinderella’s Dress which is the first official book, and it was well done as well.
May 23, 2021
Prequel to the dress and shoes!!!
August 6, 2022
Boring and poorly written
This is so poorly written and a very dull read. A fairy tale with no magic in it at all.
This is so poorly written and a very dull read. A fairy tale with no magic in it at all.
September 19, 2022
I loved this retelling of Cinderella and it’s connection to the two books that follow. What fun!
November 22, 2022
I really liked the story behind the story concept in this book.
December 22, 2022
Not my favorite of the three but still a great read.
December 31, 2022
It was mostly good but slow to get through and so many time jumps it took a bit to follow. And why the granddaughter, not the daughter? So I have tons of questions. I plan on finishing the series
May 7, 2023
I liked the other Cinderella books in this series better but the backstory really explains a lot.
Read
August 15, 2023So fun!
November 24, 2023
I thought is was good. There is nothing wrong with the book it just wasn't my favorite. Its the polish version of cinderella. I thought the book was really interesting.
April 6, 2024
It was fine for what it was, but a little boring in between.
December 24, 2024
This was a great fairytale retelling with interesting characters, a colorful world, and a plot with enjoyable surprises and fantastic details. I will definitely be reading the series in this world.
July 27, 2022
This novella is a great little book to go with the first 2 books in the fairytale inheritance.
This helps explain how it all started with becoming the keeper of the dresses, right from when Petronela (Cinderella) and Nadzia met and the journey to their friendship and loyalty came about, as well as their backgrounds.
Getting to fall in love with the Cinderella story we know as well as other details.
Enjoyed it very much and highly recommend this series so far.
This helps explain how it all started with becoming the keeper of the dresses, right from when Petronela (Cinderella) and Nadzia met and the journey to their friendship and loyalty came about, as well as their backgrounds.
Getting to fall in love with the Cinderella story we know as well as other details.
Enjoyed it very much and highly recommend this series so far.
January 21, 2025
This prequel to Cinderella's Shoes and Cinderella's Dress offers a fresh perspective on the classic fairy tale. We begin with Esmerelda, a kindly woman whose life is unexpectedly turned upside down when a baby is left on her doorstep. Through her eyes, we witness the unfolding of Cinderella's story, from her early childhood to the cruelties of her stepmother and stepsisters.
While the retelling is engaging and offers a unique viewpoint, the narrative occasionally falters, becoming somewhat predictable and losing momentum. Despite this minor drawback, the story provides valuable context for the subsequent books, deepening our understanding of Cinderella's character and the challenges she faces.
This book is a worthwhile read for fans of the Cinderella's Shoes series and those who enjoy classic fairy tales with a modern twist. However, readers seeking a fast-paced and highly original narrative may find some parts of the story to be a bit slow.
While the retelling is engaging and offers a unique viewpoint, the narrative occasionally falters, becoming somewhat predictable and losing momentum. Despite this minor drawback, the story provides valuable context for the subsequent books, deepening our understanding of Cinderella's character and the challenges she faces.
This book is a worthwhile read for fans of the Cinderella's Shoes series and those who enjoy classic fairy tales with a modern twist. However, readers seeking a fast-paced and highly original narrative may find some parts of the story to be a bit slow.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews