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Twisted Pages #3
Of Glass and Ashes
They say a dream is a wish your heart makes, but what happens when you’re trapped in nightmares?
Aika is playing a dangerous game.
Torn between the loyalties she thought she had and revelations she wishes she didn’t, she will burn the city down to get the answers she needs.
To get the vengeance she craves.
But when the boy from her past starts asking questions that could get them both killed, she is forced to choose between the people she needs to die and those she wants to save.
Even if it costs her the only thing true in a lifetime of lies.
Even if it costs her him.
A Cinderella retelling unlike any you’ve read before, where the stroke of midnight is just the beginning.
*The Twisted Pages Series continues with Aika's story for books three and four, but don't worry, Zaina and Einar have their scenes as well! This series does need to be read in order, beginning with Of Thorns and Beauty.
**Please note: This is book three in a series of six books. This story will take you right up to the edge of a cliff, but we promise not to leave you there for long!
Aika is playing a dangerous game.
Torn between the loyalties she thought she had and revelations she wishes she didn’t, she will burn the city down to get the answers she needs.
To get the vengeance she craves.
But when the boy from her past starts asking questions that could get them both killed, she is forced to choose between the people she needs to die and those she wants to save.
Even if it costs her the only thing true in a lifetime of lies.
Even if it costs her him.
A Cinderella retelling unlike any you’ve read before, where the stroke of midnight is just the beginning.
*The Twisted Pages Series continues with Aika's story for books three and four, but don't worry, Zaina and Einar have their scenes as well! This series does need to be read in order, beginning with Of Thorns and Beauty.
**Please note: This is book three in a series of six books. This story will take you right up to the edge of a cliff, but we promise not to leave you there for long!
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2021
219 people are currently reading
2029 people want to read
About the author
Elle Madison
32 books680 followersElle Madison is a faerie disguising herself as an author in the human world.
When she isn't wrestling her children, she's busy baking cookies for her husband and becoming a regular at every taco shop she comes across.
After hours, when she puts the kiddos to bed, you can usually find Elle working on creating new fantastical worlds, reading about them or playing Stardew Valley like the child she is.
Elle enjoys watching the sunset, trying new wines, the occasional raccoon or two, and being with people who make her laugh.
When she isn't wrestling her children, she's busy baking cookies for her husband and becoming a regular at every taco shop she comes across.
After hours, when she puts the kiddos to bed, you can usually find Elle working on creating new fantastical worlds, reading about them or playing Stardew Valley like the child she is.
Elle enjoys watching the sunset, trying new wines, the occasional raccoon or two, and being with people who make her laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
April 14, 2022
Aika (This version of Cinderella) would set her stepmother's ass on fire if she ever dared to turn her into a maid or treat her like shit. Like literally lit her on FIRE. And I'm here for it.
If you are looking for a weak, damsel in distress Cinderella, then look elsewhere. Aika is powerful and fierce and would burn you to ashes. 💙
Zaina and Einar were still very present in this story and we get alot of insights on their relationship and struggles. It feels like a whole show. Like they're not forgotten once they got together and their main story wrapped up. That was a nice change and rarely happens in series of fantasy stand-alones/ duologys.
Compelling, bewitching, wholesome, and lit are some of the words I'd use to describe Aika and Remy's story.
I think the best is yet to come. And I'm looking forward to read the next book. 💙
If you are looking for a weak, damsel in distress Cinderella, then look elsewhere. Aika is powerful and fierce and would burn you to ashes. 💙
Zaina and Einar were still very present in this story and we get alot of insights on their relationship and struggles. It feels like a whole show. Like they're not forgotten once they got together and their main story wrapped up. That was a nice change and rarely happens in series of fantasy stand-alones/ duologys.
Compelling, bewitching, wholesome, and lit are some of the words I'd use to describe Aika and Remy's story.
I think the best is yet to come. And I'm looking forward to read the next book. 💙
Want to read
February 8, 2021omg the beautiful cover, the two line blurb with Cinderella references. I need this, please and thank you.
October 22, 2025
This third book in the Twisted Pages series focuses on Aika, one of Zaina's sisters, and it's a retelling of Cinderella. We still follow Zaina and Einar from the two first books, but now we finally get to know Aika as well. We are in a different part of the world that the authors built and we also get to meet Madame, the sisters "mother". We see how she treats her children and manipulates everyone. Zaina and Einar want to end her rule for good, but they need Aika's help and they're not sure which side she will choose. Aika believes that Zaina is dead and she doesn't trust Einar.
Here we have three point of views and I like that. Since Aika is the main character here it's mostly told through her POV, but we also get Zaina's and Einar's. I continue to be fascinated by both the world and the characters, and I would love to jump into the next book right away, but unfortunatly I have some other books I need to prioritize first!
(I've been listening to the audiobook and the narrators - Shiromi Arserio & Grant Cartwright - are really good!)
Here we have three point of views and I like that. Since Aika is the main character here it's mostly told through her POV, but we also get Zaina's and Einar's. I continue to be fascinated by both the world and the characters, and I would love to jump into the next book right away, but unfortunatly I have some other books I need to prioritize first!
(I've been listening to the audiobook and the narrators - Shiromi Arserio & Grant Cartwright - are really good!)
August 28, 2024
I don't know, this just felt like a slog to me. It was like how Tower of Dawn was slapped before the conclusion of Throne of Glass and where it might have been a decent read, it was anticlimactic where I was expecting something else.
For me, I think it would have been better to have a few chapters intermingled with the rest of the story rather than a whole book dedicated to Aika. I also feel as though Aika and Zaina's characters are too similar for me to care about two separate stories.
I did, however, like Remy and I enjoyed the last couple of chapters.
For me, I think it would have been better to have a few chapters intermingled with the rest of the story rather than a whole book dedicated to Aika. I also feel as though Aika and Zaina's characters are too similar for me to care about two separate stories.
I did, however, like Remy and I enjoyed the last couple of chapters.
September 12, 2023
The beginning was a little slower but by the end I couldn’t put it down. It’s predictable but such a fun easy read. And it’s good. I am fully invested.
May 8, 2023
4.5⭐
TW: brutality, blood
"Of Glass and Ashes" is a new look at Cinderella - Aika - a girl trained from an early age by her adoptive mother to bring death and play dangerous games. However, after the "death" of her older sister, new ideas awaken in her emotions and torn between loyalty and a newfound truth, she will burn the city down to get the answers she needs.
I love reading retellings, especially these which draw reader's interest from the very first page, keep the reader in suspense and offer fantastic plot twists. And despite us knowing that the story is based on a commonly known fairy tale, it still shows signs of originality and presents something new. And I fully admit that both volumes are such books!
The book is conducted from the perspective of Aika, but we also have flashes of characters from previous volumes (Beauty and the Beast). This makes the beginning of the book a little chaotic and made it rather difficult to get into the story. Fortunately it changes quite quickly and we have the opportunity to calmly (if you say that) follow the development of events and internal dilemmas of characters. Especially since characters themselves are colorful, complicated and have many dark secrets. We also have the case of a person who idealizes their abuser and is unable to see abuser's flaws. Instead they smooth them out and try to think about only "good" things - which is an important aspect, because a person deprived of love can cling to its fiction and tell themselves that it's a real feeling.
Authors also tried to present a "second chance" relationship here, which turned out to be very interesting! Although I admit that I missed chapters where characters get slowly to know each other or where you can see at least scraps of their former lives, because I felt like something was missing in their relationship - but I'm not complaining!
I frankly admit this retelling of Cinderella is one of the most interesting ones and with a claw. The plot is sometimes saturated with brutality and intricate relationships what keeps the reader in a suspense - it makes us afraid for characters whose we can understand and sympathize with... And at the same time we are aware of the path they have chosen and where it may lead them. I earnestly recommend
TW: brutality, blood
"Of Glass and Ashes" is a new look at Cinderella - Aika - a girl trained from an early age by her adoptive mother to bring death and play dangerous games. However, after the "death" of her older sister, new ideas awaken in her emotions and torn between loyalty and a newfound truth, she will burn the city down to get the answers she needs.
I love reading retellings, especially these which draw reader's interest from the very first page, keep the reader in suspense and offer fantastic plot twists. And despite us knowing that the story is based on a commonly known fairy tale, it still shows signs of originality and presents something new. And I fully admit that both volumes are such books!
The book is conducted from the perspective of Aika, but we also have flashes of characters from previous volumes (Beauty and the Beast). This makes the beginning of the book a little chaotic and made it rather difficult to get into the story. Fortunately it changes quite quickly and we have the opportunity to calmly (if you say that) follow the development of events and internal dilemmas of characters. Especially since characters themselves are colorful, complicated and have many dark secrets. We also have the case of a person who idealizes their abuser and is unable to see abuser's flaws. Instead they smooth them out and try to think about only "good" things - which is an important aspect, because a person deprived of love can cling to its fiction and tell themselves that it's a real feeling.
Authors also tried to present a "second chance" relationship here, which turned out to be very interesting! Although I admit that I missed chapters where characters get slowly to know each other or where you can see at least scraps of their former lives, because I felt like something was missing in their relationship - but I'm not complaining!
I frankly admit this retelling of Cinderella is one of the most interesting ones and with a claw. The plot is sometimes saturated with brutality and intricate relationships what keeps the reader in a suspense - it makes us afraid for characters whose we can understand and sympathize with... And at the same time we are aware of the path they have chosen and where it may lead them. I earnestly recommend
on-hold
October 30, 2022I had better not forget this book - I just was no longer in the mood for it.
October 12, 2021
Review 1 of 2: So, so good!
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader and will leave a detailed review after I've received and read an ARC so my opinions fully reflect the final version of the story. But, for now, know that these two authors are such an incredible pair who weave amazing stories together!
Review 2 of 2: So, so good still!!
I received my ARC and the story is just fantastic. Aika is a fierce protagonist, Remy provides such an interesting balance to her, and we get more Khijhana!!
We have chapters from Zaina and Einar, but most of the story is told from Aika's POV. She is reeling from news of Zaina's death and is desperately trying to make sense of the story being told because things don't add up. Madame has some lofty goals for Aika that throw her for a bit of a loop because Aika is Madame's enforcer and rarely plays the part of her step-daughter.
The snowy world that we had in the first two books collides with the gritty city and we get to see the sheet strength of Madame on display, hear her plotting, and catch glimpses of her many faces. We also get more insight on how she "trained" her daughters...woah.
And...more Khijhana 💜 I love that cat. She's fabulous. And I love the conversations that Einar gets to have with Aika and even Madame. He gets to shine as the king while playing a vital role in their mission - he has never just sat around, but seeing him be actively involved in Zaina's plans is a testament to how their relationship has grown.
Zaina is still a complex character with flaws and new scars that she's working through. But she is just as determined to save her sisters and take down Madame for good.
Back to Aika... Fierce is really the best word to describe her. She goes after what she wants while desperately guarding her heart. She is ridiculously skilled in fighting. She holds such loyalty to her sisters and her grief quickly turns to rage. Her relationship with Remy is filled with chemistry and his patience with her (mercy isn't a finite resource...) is such a beautiful thing because he also has zero issue calling her out. Their banter is spot-on and their quiet moments are tender.
Without spoilers, that last chapter was ah-mazing! I cannot wait for book 4!!!
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader and will leave a detailed review after I've received and read an ARC so my opinions fully reflect the final version of the story. But, for now, know that these two authors are such an incredible pair who weave amazing stories together!
Review 2 of 2: So, so good still!!
I received my ARC and the story is just fantastic. Aika is a fierce protagonist, Remy provides such an interesting balance to her, and we get more Khijhana!!
We have chapters from Zaina and Einar, but most of the story is told from Aika's POV. She is reeling from news of Zaina's death and is desperately trying to make sense of the story being told because things don't add up. Madame has some lofty goals for Aika that throw her for a bit of a loop because Aika is Madame's enforcer and rarely plays the part of her step-daughter.
The snowy world that we had in the first two books collides with the gritty city and we get to see the sheet strength of Madame on display, hear her plotting, and catch glimpses of her many faces. We also get more insight on how she "trained" her daughters...woah.
And...more Khijhana 💜 I love that cat. She's fabulous. And I love the conversations that Einar gets to have with Aika and even Madame. He gets to shine as the king while playing a vital role in their mission - he has never just sat around, but seeing him be actively involved in Zaina's plans is a testament to how their relationship has grown.
Zaina is still a complex character with flaws and new scars that she's working through. But she is just as determined to save her sisters and take down Madame for good.
Back to Aika... Fierce is really the best word to describe her. She goes after what she wants while desperately guarding her heart. She is ridiculously skilled in fighting. She holds such loyalty to her sisters and her grief quickly turns to rage. Her relationship with Remy is filled with chemistry and his patience with her (mercy isn't a finite resource...) is such a beautiful thing because he also has zero issue calling her out. Their banter is spot-on and their quiet moments are tender.
Without spoilers, that last chapter was ah-mazing! I cannot wait for book 4!!!
June 12, 2023
I loved reading about Aika and her story. How she bacame the vigilante and the things she's doing to rebel against Madame due to Zaina's untimely passing. Burning down the Aika and Remy are definitely opposites of one another even though they both epically fail at being truthful with one another. Aika longed for Remy but never truly knew who he was until the Masquerade Ball and learned that he was who she's meant to marry. Will the plan play out as it should now that Remy and Aika know the truth of one another and that Zaina isn't dead? Will their marriahe be fulfilled? Will Einar and Zania's plan to rid the world of Madame work out?
July 29, 2021
You had me at pyromaniac Cinderella. These ladies continue to produce superior fantasy. This is a Cinderella like you've never seen before. Madame is a perfectly evil stepmother. Aika slaves away for her, but not by scrubbing the floors. She is not a soft-spoken, dreamer. There are no cute mice making ball gowns. The prince has more depth than just "charming". The continuation of the Twisted Pages series is a fantastically dark version of the Cinderella we grew up with. March cannot come fast enough.
September 20, 2022
This is going to sound cliché but Aika is not your standard Cinderella.
She's rough and fragile and enchanting and slightly mad. She and the ML are both right and wrong and I am so looking forward to all the growing they are going to need to do to come together.
If you liked Zaina and Einar (Of Thorns and Beauty - definitely read that first) you will love this one.
Desperate for the next book.
She's rough and fragile and enchanting and slightly mad. She and the ML are both right and wrong and I am so looking forward to all the growing they are going to need to do to come together.
If you liked Zaina and Einar (Of Thorns and Beauty - definitely read that first) you will love this one.
Desperate for the next book.
April 27, 2024
This book took me much longer to get through as I didn’t enjoy nearly as much as I did the first two. The ending complete garbage. I wish I would have skipped this book. I stuck through it so I could complete the series. I didn’t find this book as captivating as the first two. The story of Aika and Remey wasn’t that great. Hopefully the next book is better.
August 26, 2022
This. Book.
Every time I read a book by this author duo, I think, “Wow, this is their best book.” And then, I read another one and am equally blown away.
This is the third book in the Twisted Pages series, but it’s the first of Aika’s portion of the story. AKA the Cinderella portion! I am a sucker for a Cinderella retelling, and I’ve read/watched so many that I’ve lost track. Yet, this one felt like an all new story.
It truly amazes me how these two can take such a well-known tale and twist it (no pun intended) into something so original.
This book is dark and gritty, full of emotions, and somehow also beautiful and moving. The characters are well developed and intriguing to the point where they might be my new favorites, though I say that with all of their books. Aika is unlike any character they’ve ever written. She’s grieving and in a really bad place, which leads her to becoming a vigilante of sorts. And then, there’s Remy… the new love of my life. He’s a royal guard with his own secrets, and the two have such an undeniable connection. Well, undeniable to readers. The characters themselves, especially Aika, refuses to acknowledge it.
As always, the world building is incredible. There is such a good balance with the amount of descriptions; it’s enough to paint a vivid image but not too much to make it drag. The writing just flows so well. It’s fast paced with short-ish chapters, but it doesn’t feel rushed at all. It just makes it impossible to stop reading because you’re constantly thinking, “one more chapter.”
In conclusion, this book blew me away. I loved the first two and wasn’t sure about it switching main characters, but it was completely fine. This whole series has been incredible, and I cannot wait for more!
I will say, I’m super glad I procrastinated this book because the next one releases in September, so I won’t have to suffer from that cliffhanger for a long time!
If you haven’t already started this series, I highly recommend it!
Every time I read a book by this author duo, I think, “Wow, this is their best book.” And then, I read another one and am equally blown away.
This is the third book in the Twisted Pages series, but it’s the first of Aika’s portion of the story. AKA the Cinderella portion! I am a sucker for a Cinderella retelling, and I’ve read/watched so many that I’ve lost track. Yet, this one felt like an all new story.
It truly amazes me how these two can take such a well-known tale and twist it (no pun intended) into something so original.
This book is dark and gritty, full of emotions, and somehow also beautiful and moving. The characters are well developed and intriguing to the point where they might be my new favorites, though I say that with all of their books. Aika is unlike any character they’ve ever written. She’s grieving and in a really bad place, which leads her to becoming a vigilante of sorts. And then, there’s Remy… the new love of my life. He’s a royal guard with his own secrets, and the two have such an undeniable connection. Well, undeniable to readers. The characters themselves, especially Aika, refuses to acknowledge it.
As always, the world building is incredible. There is such a good balance with the amount of descriptions; it’s enough to paint a vivid image but not too much to make it drag. The writing just flows so well. It’s fast paced with short-ish chapters, but it doesn’t feel rushed at all. It just makes it impossible to stop reading because you’re constantly thinking, “one more chapter.”
In conclusion, this book blew me away. I loved the first two and wasn’t sure about it switching main characters, but it was completely fine. This whole series has been incredible, and I cannot wait for more!
I will say, I’m super glad I procrastinated this book because the next one releases in September, so I won’t have to suffer from that cliffhanger for a long time!
If you haven’t already started this series, I highly recommend it!
August 25, 2021
This is a fantastic continuation of this amazing fairytale series. We go from beauty and the beast to Cinderella as you have never seen her before. Told from multiple pov’s we finally meet Aika one of Zaina’s sisters and her story will have you shedding more then a few tears. She is totally kick ass and strong but we get to see her reaction to Zaina’s death and how devastating it is. In true fairytale fashion there is a handsome young man but all is not what it seems and his twist i really should have seen coming, we also meet Madame the evil evil stepmother and Damian the twisted brother. It’s intense, it’s a little dark in places, it’s gripping, it’s got twists and turns and a few surprises and that ending , well that left me gasping!
Einar and Zaina from books one and two are also still here and they just add more depth to this well written tale. Oh and stay away from the glass slippers!!
Einar and Zaina from books one and two are also still here and they just add more depth to this well written tale. Oh and stay away from the glass slippers!!
July 25, 2021
Wow - this was so good. I adored the first two books, but I think I might have loved this even more.
We have some pov of Einar and Zaina, but mostly of Aika, who I thought was an amazing character. Her trauma, rage and grief was so real.
I am a bit incoherent right now, but this is an amazing book in an amazing series and yiu absolutely must read it!
We have some pov of Einar and Zaina, but mostly of Aika, who I thought was an amazing character. Her trauma, rage and grief was so real.
I am a bit incoherent right now, but this is an amazing book in an amazing series and yiu absolutely must read it!
December 12, 2021
I fell in love with Aika the moment I met her and she did not disappoint in the book. I adored her bantering and steamy chemistry with Remy and that twist at the end has got me itching for the next book’s release!!
January 6, 2025
4.5 stars
PEOPLE FAINTED
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH
THIS BOOK IS even BETTER than the first two. Remy and Gemma>>> I love themmmmmm.
Or shall I say
Fake Identities does it for me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Running for the next book 🏃♀️💨
PEOPLE FAINTED
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH
THIS BOOK IS even BETTER than the first two. Remy and Gemma>>> I love themmmmmm.
Or shall I say
Fake Identities does it for me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Running for the next book 🏃♀️💨
April 16, 2024
That ending? I am SCREAMING!
September 29, 2022
This is the third book and I would not pick up any of these until the 4th book is out. They all flow together as one story. Cliff hangers on all of them. SO be wary of that. I have the 4th one all ready to read so I am not angry like I would have been if I had read this when it came out. I am not a patient. This is the story of Aika. She has just found out her sister has died. She doesn't handle it well. These are not sweet fairy tale retellings. These are more Grim tales. Lots of violence. More the the last two books. I love that this one addresses child slavery and if we really wanted to stop it as a collective we could. Deeper meaning in this one. Aika is a hard character to love but man I did. We do still get chapters of Einar and Zaina.
This is for older teens to read. Drinking, sex before marriage (fade to black make out scenes) and lots of violence.
This is for older teens to read. Drinking, sex before marriage (fade to black make out scenes) and lots of violence.
August 1, 2023
good read
I give this book 4 1/2 ⭐️this book just kept a fast pace great plot , fun good twists and turn
I give this book 4 1/2 ⭐️this book just kept a fast pace great plot , fun good twists and turn
November 12, 2022
I preferred Aika’s story then Zaina. Zika is a great character and I loved her relationship with Remy.
I only rated it 3 stars becomes I feel like this story is too short. The characters and the story had great potential but the book didn’t make it work. It’s too short.
I only rated it 3 stars becomes I feel like this story is too short. The characters and the story had great potential but the book didn’t make it work. It’s too short.
July 24, 2021
A "Must Read" Book!
The Elbin writing team strikes again! Book 3 in the Twisted Pages world is a delicious turn on the tale of Cinderella. Told from multiple points-of-view, including Einar and Zaina, Of Glass and Ashes fills in the gap between the last chapter and epilogue of book 2 (Of Beasts and Vengeance). We officially meet Aika.
What I loved about this book was how raw and real Aika is. She's a fiercely emotional wreck, but given her life, she should be. Enter Remy, an enigmatic charmer, who seems to bring an interesting balance to Aika's fire. The emotions and characters in this book feel natural, not contrived or forced. I've said it before about this series and I will repeat, I like that the main characters are not the often used "imperfectly perfect", but actually flawed, emotional, learning, and changing.
I have a couple of warnings to give. First, this book definitely has some violent moments. Aika is walking a dark path, and the authors do not shy away from her story. And the kingdom she lives in has fallen into dark times where trafficking in drugs and people abounds. This is book 3, and while we have a new main character and it's not absolutely necessary, I'd still recommend starting at book one (what are you waiting for??). Additionally, in this book, the pacing feels faster, but I liked it. I think the pacing worked well with the emotional content and helped build the story, but it may be jarring for others. And finally, holy cliffhanger people!
Overall, the book is well edited, and this author team has created co-authoring perfection. The story is seamless between the two. The multiple points-of-view are written well, easy to follow, and add to the storyline. Characters from the previous books continue developing alongside the new characters as the story arc continues. There are enough twists and turns to this story that you may see some coming, but you will not see them all.
I highly recommend reading this series. And I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
The Elbin writing team strikes again! Book 3 in the Twisted Pages world is a delicious turn on the tale of Cinderella. Told from multiple points-of-view, including Einar and Zaina, Of Glass and Ashes fills in the gap between the last chapter and epilogue of book 2 (Of Beasts and Vengeance). We officially meet Aika.
What I loved about this book was how raw and real Aika is. She's a fiercely emotional wreck, but given her life, she should be. Enter Remy, an enigmatic charmer, who seems to bring an interesting balance to Aika's fire. The emotions and characters in this book feel natural, not contrived or forced. I've said it before about this series and I will repeat, I like that the main characters are not the often used "imperfectly perfect", but actually flawed, emotional, learning, and changing.
I have a couple of warnings to give. First, this book definitely has some violent moments. Aika is walking a dark path, and the authors do not shy away from her story. And the kingdom she lives in has fallen into dark times where trafficking in drugs and people abounds. This is book 3, and while we have a new main character and it's not absolutely necessary, I'd still recommend starting at book one (what are you waiting for??). Additionally, in this book, the pacing feels faster, but I liked it. I think the pacing worked well with the emotional content and helped build the story, but it may be jarring for others. And finally, holy cliffhanger people!
Overall, the book is well edited, and this author team has created co-authoring perfection. The story is seamless between the two. The multiple points-of-view are written well, easy to follow, and add to the storyline. Characters from the previous books continue developing alongside the new characters as the story arc continues. There are enough twists and turns to this story that you may see some coming, but you will not see them all.
I highly recommend reading this series. And I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
July 28, 2021
Of Glass and Ashes is the third in the Twisted Pages series and the first time we meet Aika, the sister of Zaina from Of Thorns and Beauty and Of Beasts and Vengeance.
Despite being a Cinderella retelling, Aika is a fiesty, unpredictable protagonist. Whereas Zaina kept her walls built high and analysed every move she made, her sister fights hard to compartmentalise her emotions and, every so often, her control slips: Aika is literally the fire to Zaina’s ice.
Thankfully we do not lose Zaina and Einar just yet as they still have a couple of POV chapters in order to continue their mission. I loved the little insights into their dynamic and how this has progressed since we left them in Of Beasts and Vengeance.
Aika is wholeheartedly the star of the show though. Fiery and morally grey, Aika is used to acting upon her Mother’s orders and adopting different identities. However, when grief causes her to act with her heart rather than her head, events are put into motion that put our gutsy heroine in the worst danger of her life.
As with all of Madame’s daughters, Aika is a tortured soul and the reader gains glimpses of her previous life and how she came to be with Madame. Maybe this is why we forgive Aika’s questionable actions: we can clearly see the effect that her upbringing has had on her priorities and the trauma that she feels when she can’t save someone is palpable.
The beauty of Elle and Robin is that they never fail to provide an amazing love interest for their main characters. Spiky, closed off Zaina had an enemies to lovers relationship with the muscly giant Einar and spirited Aika introduces the reader to her ex-lover Remy. Remy is a confident, sarcastic member of the Guard and he sure keeps Aika on her toes but is it only Aika keeping secrets or does Remy also have something to hide?
Suspenseful, secretive and with some seriously deadly glass slippers, Of Glass and Ashes is a page turner which I devoured in less than 24 hours. I can’t wait for March 2022 to see what lies in store for Aika and Zaina in the next installment, Of Thieves and Shadows.
Despite being a Cinderella retelling, Aika is a fiesty, unpredictable protagonist. Whereas Zaina kept her walls built high and analysed every move she made, her sister fights hard to compartmentalise her emotions and, every so often, her control slips: Aika is literally the fire to Zaina’s ice.
Thankfully we do not lose Zaina and Einar just yet as they still have a couple of POV chapters in order to continue their mission. I loved the little insights into their dynamic and how this has progressed since we left them in Of Beasts and Vengeance.
Aika is wholeheartedly the star of the show though. Fiery and morally grey, Aika is used to acting upon her Mother’s orders and adopting different identities. However, when grief causes her to act with her heart rather than her head, events are put into motion that put our gutsy heroine in the worst danger of her life.
As with all of Madame’s daughters, Aika is a tortured soul and the reader gains glimpses of her previous life and how she came to be with Madame. Maybe this is why we forgive Aika’s questionable actions: we can clearly see the effect that her upbringing has had on her priorities and the trauma that she feels when she can’t save someone is palpable.
The beauty of Elle and Robin is that they never fail to provide an amazing love interest for their main characters. Spiky, closed off Zaina had an enemies to lovers relationship with the muscly giant Einar and spirited Aika introduces the reader to her ex-lover Remy. Remy is a confident, sarcastic member of the Guard and he sure keeps Aika on her toes but is it only Aika keeping secrets or does Remy also have something to hide?
Suspenseful, secretive and with some seriously deadly glass slippers, Of Glass and Ashes is a page turner which I devoured in less than 24 hours. I can’t wait for March 2022 to see what lies in store for Aika and Zaina in the next installment, Of Thieves and Shadows.
May 14, 2023
After already having read several books by Robin and Elle, including the first two in this series, my expectations were high. After reading this book I can say that they did not disappoint. A worthy sequel in the twisted pages series.
The story has a strong beginning with enough room for both action and emotions. Aika's character is portrayed from the start in such a way that you want to get to know her better. Throughout her adventure, you get to know her better and you gain insight into her character traits and struggles, which are recognisable. She is sassy, confident, witty, but also very human. Just like in the previous two books, there are flashbacks that are a great added value to the construction of the story. Also Zaina, Einar, Remy, Damian, Madame and several side characters get their deserved place in the story and get some space for development.
The book is a bit slow in getting started, but nevertheless never boring. The writing style is fluent and pleasant, taking you right into the story. The plot twists are also well worked out, not too predictable but also not entirely unexpected. The Cinderella retelling-elements are clearly present, yet not too obvious, making them really nicely entwined with the rest of the story.
I'm going to hold back and not go into the story in any detail, you'll have to find that out for yourself. But it really is a series worth reading. It also deals with many different themes such as loyalty, betrayal, blackmail, but also friendship, family, standing up for yourself, moral grey feelings and thoughts.
Just like Of Beasts and Vengeance, I would also like to give Of Glass and Ashes a score of 4.5 out of 5. I enjoyed the story, discovering the intrigues together with Aika, seeing Zaina and Einar's plan develop further. I can't wait for the next part in this series.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
The story has a strong beginning with enough room for both action and emotions. Aika's character is portrayed from the start in such a way that you want to get to know her better. Throughout her adventure, you get to know her better and you gain insight into her character traits and struggles, which are recognisable. She is sassy, confident, witty, but also very human. Just like in the previous two books, there are flashbacks that are a great added value to the construction of the story. Also Zaina, Einar, Remy, Damian, Madame and several side characters get their deserved place in the story and get some space for development.
The book is a bit slow in getting started, but nevertheless never boring. The writing style is fluent and pleasant, taking you right into the story. The plot twists are also well worked out, not too predictable but also not entirely unexpected. The Cinderella retelling-elements are clearly present, yet not too obvious, making them really nicely entwined with the rest of the story.
I'm going to hold back and not go into the story in any detail, you'll have to find that out for yourself. But it really is a series worth reading. It also deals with many different themes such as loyalty, betrayal, blackmail, but also friendship, family, standing up for yourself, moral grey feelings and thoughts.
Just like Of Beasts and Vengeance, I would also like to give Of Glass and Ashes a score of 4.5 out of 5. I enjoyed the story, discovering the intrigues together with Aika, seeing Zaina and Einar's plan develop further. I can't wait for the next part in this series.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
July 27, 2021
Aika is not your average Cinderella. And the glass slippers she wears to the ball are very different from your fairytale. There is one word to describe Zaina's sister, Fierce. But she's also an emotional wreck, as her backstory will tell you she should be. As the theme of the series tells you, this book is full of twists. Some of them I guessed, knowing these authors so well, but there were definitely a few surprises. Especially that last one. I can't wait for book four.
The story is told mostly from Aika's point of view, though we do have chapters from Einar or Zaina. Remy is a new character that you want to love but are supposed to hate. I loved having a closer look at Madame, she's a very intriguing villain. This series is so hard to review because I read so fast I forget to jot down notes or highlight quotes and I'm terrible at keeping things in order without them. These two authors make a fantastic team.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review
The story is told mostly from Aika's point of view, though we do have chapters from Einar or Zaina. Remy is a new character that you want to love but are supposed to hate. I loved having a closer look at Madame, she's a very intriguing villain. This series is so hard to review because I read so fast I forget to jot down notes or highlight quotes and I'm terrible at keeping things in order without them. These two authors make a fantastic team.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review
June 27, 2024
I just cannot get enough of this series or the incredible writing Elbin puts out. Every new book is such an amazing addition to their repertoire!
Of Glass and Ashes was an absolutely amazing read, and Aika one of my favorite leading ladies I've ever bwen introduced to. Book 4 needa to be in my hands ASAP😍😍
Of Glass and Ashes was an absolutely amazing read, and Aika one of my favorite leading ladies I've ever bwen introduced to. Book 4 needa to be in my hands ASAP😍😍
November 21, 2023
Unfortunately, this book marks a downturn in the series for me. I simply don't like Aika as much as a character compared to her sister Zaina from the previous books. I'll give credit that she is at least distinct from her, but that is about where it ends.
Where Zaina felt completely justified in her actions, even if not especially the bad ones, Aika is doing morally questionable things on a grand scale for reasons that are hard to empathize with. She metes out fiery vigilante justice unto child-kidnapping slavers as a regular occurrence. This is arguably a good thing but, as her love interest rightfully points out, she is not an administration of the law and for all she knows she set fire to innocents while trying to punish wrongdoers.
I don't have a problem with characters doing bad/morally gray things (I'm an insert-every-white-haired-anime-boy-villain-here stan) but I wish her motivation at least made sense. Ostensibly she's doing it to avenge the children who were sold into slavery/prevent it from happening in the future, but in practice it doesn't actually stop the problem from continuing to happen with other people. Furthermore, it comes out that she is more or less doing the vigilante-ing as a way of lashing out about her sister Zaina dying, which... what? There was a whole angry monologue about it and characters baldly stating it and this still doesn't make sense to me.
The antagonist, Madame/Mother, who heretofore has been only hinted at and probably built up too much in the first two books, finally appears, and... eh. She's somewhat intimidating, but there's a sense that she has a lot of chinks in her armor right now with the appearance of Einar catching her off-guard. I think I overall just wanted more from her. Speaking of motivations, I don't know what this woman wants. Power..? Or something? Money? Influence? She wants her "daughter" Aika to marry the prince for information that is currently opaque to both the POV characters and the reader, which made for a frustrating experience.
Some things I liked:
I continue to enjoy Damien for all of the wrong reasons--he's just such a self-serving, sycophantic slimeball. Love that guy. His motivations to kiss up to his mommy, be a sadist, and screw over his sisters in whatever ways he can are blessedly straightforward. Damien spinoff novel when? (Although that would probably require making him more sympathetic which is not something I think the author is interested in doing, haha, but hey, he's lived this long...)
While Zaina and Einar's page time was sorely missed, I do have to admit that it wouldn't have made sense to tell the bulk of this story from either of their points of view--it has too little to do with them.
Finally, the Cinderella-isms actually felt more integrated into this story than the BAtB elements in the first two books. While it was still a far cry from the source material, I felt more like we were leaning into the themes and imagery with deception, abusive family, the ball, the ashes, the glass shoes, etc., etc.
I might pick this series back up when the last three books are out--I have come to expect the giant cliffhangers at the end of each one, but that doesn't mean I like them. It feels less like the main plot threads have been resolved and we are teasing what is to come and more like I have been stopped while midway on a rollercoaster drop.
Where Zaina felt completely justified in her actions, even if not especially the bad ones, Aika is doing morally questionable things on a grand scale for reasons that are hard to empathize with. She metes out fiery vigilante justice unto child-kidnapping slavers as a regular occurrence. This is arguably a good thing but, as her love interest rightfully points out, she is not an administration of the law and for all she knows she set fire to innocents while trying to punish wrongdoers.
I don't have a problem with characters doing bad/morally gray things (I'm an insert-every-white-haired-anime-boy-villain-here stan) but I wish her motivation at least made sense. Ostensibly she's doing it to avenge the children who were sold into slavery/prevent it from happening in the future, but in practice it doesn't actually stop the problem from continuing to happen with other people. Furthermore, it comes out that she is more or less doing the vigilante-ing as a way of lashing out about her sister Zaina dying, which... what? There was a whole angry monologue about it and characters baldly stating it and this still doesn't make sense to me.
The antagonist, Madame/Mother, who heretofore has been only hinted at and probably built up too much in the first two books, finally appears, and... eh. She's somewhat intimidating, but there's a sense that she has a lot of chinks in her armor right now with the appearance of Einar catching her off-guard. I think I overall just wanted more from her. Speaking of motivations, I don't know what this woman wants. Power..? Or something? Money? Influence? She wants her "daughter" Aika to marry the prince for information that is currently opaque to both the POV characters and the reader, which made for a frustrating experience.
Some things I liked:
I continue to enjoy Damien for all of the wrong reasons--he's just such a self-serving, sycophantic slimeball. Love that guy. His motivations to kiss up to his mommy, be a sadist, and screw over his sisters in whatever ways he can are blessedly straightforward. Damien spinoff novel when? (Although that would probably require making him more sympathetic which is not something I think the author is interested in doing, haha, but hey, he's lived this long...)
While Zaina and Einar's page time was sorely missed, I do have to admit that it wouldn't have made sense to tell the bulk of this story from either of their points of view--it has too little to do with them.
Finally, the Cinderella-isms actually felt more integrated into this story than the BAtB elements in the first two books. While it was still a far cry from the source material, I felt more like we were leaning into the themes and imagery with deception, abusive family, the ball, the ashes, the glass shoes, etc., etc.
I might pick this series back up when the last three books are out--I have come to expect the giant cliffhangers at the end of each one, but that doesn't mean I like them. It feels less like the main plot threads have been resolved and we are teasing what is to come and more like I have been stopped while midway on a rollercoaster drop.
December 5, 2023
This is book...
I will admit, I was so eager to continue the series from Of Beasts and Vengeance, that I didn't even read the summary of Glass and Ashes. I was taken aback to start the story of our strong-willed Aika.
I will say, there are some stubborn characters in this series, which as a reader, we've grown a bit bored of. There definitely were some tropes amongst these pages. However, I did enjoy the overall read.
And a bonus, I loved that we still continued on with Einar and Zaina. And I also enjoyed the character development continues for all of these cast members and it's not all riding-off-into-the-sunset.
Aika is an interesting young lady. She's independent, sensitive, arrogant and perhaps argumentative? You do find some endearing qualities in there, but it's tough to see past the other not so endearing qualities. I am hopeful to see her character development in the Of Thieves and Shadows.
The plot of the books is one you might have suspected if you've read the other books, which I hope you have done if you're reading this. We are after the one, the only, Mother/Madame. The villians main objective is still unclear and I kind of like that. Keeps us guess until the end. I hope she's as good at strategizing evil as these two sisters have made her out to be. If not, I will be sorely disappointed. BACK TO THE PLOT! Zai and Einear arrive at Bonde with two objectives. Find the sister(s) and plot to take down Mother without being caught first. From there we switch over to our main lady, Aika. She's on an entirely different mission without any awareness that Zai may be alive. On that mission, it looks like she's become a bit reckless on said mission. Which is really to mourn her (not) dead sister. We meet her ex lover along the way, charming Remy. He seems like a nice folk for the most part.
Mother provides Aika with her next mission, and while she doesn't love it, she doesn't hate it and goes along for the ride. And that ride, unknowingly, should put her in direct collision with none other than our beauty and the beast - but will it?
And if you've read this far, I suppose I can give you my gripes. Lots of tropes. Like lots. But I'm still a sucker for some of them. The misunderstanding one; the hesitation one, the secret identity one etc.
But I'm this far in and I'm going to finish this (probably happily too! but just to note the above)
I will admit, I was so eager to continue the series from Of Beasts and Vengeance, that I didn't even read the summary of Glass and Ashes. I was taken aback to start the story of our strong-willed Aika.
I will say, there are some stubborn characters in this series, which as a reader, we've grown a bit bored of. There definitely were some tropes amongst these pages. However, I did enjoy the overall read.
And a bonus, I loved that we still continued on with Einar and Zaina. And I also enjoyed the character development continues for all of these cast members and it's not all riding-off-into-the-sunset.
Aika is an interesting young lady. She's independent, sensitive, arrogant and perhaps argumentative? You do find some endearing qualities in there, but it's tough to see past the other not so endearing qualities. I am hopeful to see her character development in the Of Thieves and Shadows.
The plot of the books is one you might have suspected if you've read the other books, which I hope you have done if you're reading this. We are after the one, the only, Mother/Madame. The villians main objective is still unclear and I kind of like that. Keeps us guess until the end. I hope she's as good at strategizing evil as these two sisters have made her out to be. If not, I will be sorely disappointed. BACK TO THE PLOT! Zai and Einear arrive at Bonde with two objectives. Find the sister(s) and plot to take down Mother without being caught first. From there we switch over to our main lady, Aika. She's on an entirely different mission without any awareness that Zai may be alive. On that mission, it looks like she's become a bit reckless on said mission. Which is really to mourn her (not) dead sister. We meet her ex lover along the way, charming Remy. He seems like a nice folk for the most part.
Mother provides Aika with her next mission, and while she doesn't love it, she doesn't hate it and goes along for the ride. And that ride, unknowingly, should put her in direct collision with none other than our beauty and the beast - but will it?
And if you've read this far, I suppose I can give you my gripes. Lots of tropes. Like lots. But I'm still a sucker for some of them. The misunderstanding one; the hesitation one, the secret identity one etc.
But I'm this far in and I'm going to finish this (probably happily too! but just to note the above)
August 24, 2021
I can’t put into words how glad I was that the series is keeping up to the expectation of the first and second books! I was scared to be disappointed, like I am with every series, that the quality would just decrease. BUT it didn’t, and I am so proud of that!
To say the least, the main character is very complicated. She is a very complex character, so I guess can how difficult it would have been to write her. However, I can say that the authors handled that challenge quite well! I understood her character- her emotions, her actions, her motivations- even though she has so many different layers to her! So, I am extremely appreciative that the authors were talented enough to supply that to me- the reader.
I do have to admit that due to the mixture of the action-packed plot and the unraveling of the characters, I was a bit overwhelmed at times. It was a lot of handle, a lot to feel: I was stressed during the durations of them overcoming emotions, because it felt like it was just constantly rolling off the pages. I could truly feel for the characters because I was experiencing that overwhelming feeling as well: like when you’re already under the water and the waves keep crashing down on you.
I feel as though it is wrong of me to complain, when the ability to make your readers feel is a talent: but I have to be completely honest when I say it was too much to handle at times. I feel as though if things were revealed, and measures were taken at a slower pace- then the experience could have been more gentle and relaxing.
Despite the way the story makes me stressed at times, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would! This character’s story more difficult to fall into, but I accepted the challenge head on and I am grateful that I did. It was truly wonderful to receive a more in-depth backstory for the main characters. It was great to read about a character with such strong passion- with such strong determination. Difficult characters a such a gem to read about because you get such a more intimate look into the story: so I am extremely happy I was able to read that here!
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ebook advance reader copy for free- in exchange of me leaving a review both honestly and voluntarily.
To say the least, the main character is very complicated. She is a very complex character, so I guess can how difficult it would have been to write her. However, I can say that the authors handled that challenge quite well! I understood her character- her emotions, her actions, her motivations- even though she has so many different layers to her! So, I am extremely appreciative that the authors were talented enough to supply that to me- the reader.
I do have to admit that due to the mixture of the action-packed plot and the unraveling of the characters, I was a bit overwhelmed at times. It was a lot of handle, a lot to feel: I was stressed during the durations of them overcoming emotions, because it felt like it was just constantly rolling off the pages. I could truly feel for the characters because I was experiencing that overwhelming feeling as well: like when you’re already under the water and the waves keep crashing down on you.
I feel as though it is wrong of me to complain, when the ability to make your readers feel is a talent: but I have to be completely honest when I say it was too much to handle at times. I feel as though if things were revealed, and measures were taken at a slower pace- then the experience could have been more gentle and relaxing.
Despite the way the story makes me stressed at times, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would! This character’s story more difficult to fall into, but I accepted the challenge head on and I am grateful that I did. It was truly wonderful to receive a more in-depth backstory for the main characters. It was great to read about a character with such strong passion- with such strong determination. Difficult characters a such a gem to read about because you get such a more intimate look into the story: so I am extremely happy I was able to read that here!
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ebook advance reader copy for free- in exchange of me leaving a review both honestly and voluntarily.
August 25, 2021
And here I thought I loved Zaina's story...
To be honest, I didn't want this story to end. From the second I the third book was announced and I realized we were getting an Aika/Cinderella telling, I was on board. But then.. BUT. THEN. I opened the book and started reading and almost instantly I was hooked. The story starts out with Aika reeling from horrible news that leaves her unsure of not only herself but of her Mother/Madame. She becomes a little pyro and starts burning buildings of business who are associated with child trafficking and more. I was rooting for her from the second they started calling her a vigilante (LOVE ME SOME SUPEHERO-LIKE CHARACTERS!). Then we meet Remy, and oh my Remy, the chemistry between these two is literal fire. While this is going on, I was trying to read slowly to really savor the book since I knew the next one is a ways out yet but...I hit halfway and the rest was history. I don't think I have finished one of Elle & Robin's book so fast and I was even trying to savor it a bit. The bits with Einar and Aika and the Masquerade Ball.. all of it had me on the edge of my seat waiting for what was going to come next. AND THAT ENDING! I have to give credit where credit is due and these authors have given me a cliff hanger that I actually enjoyed! How is that even possible!?! LOL I am so excited for Of Thieves and Shadows!!
Overall, the books pacing was on point with not a single part feeling rushed. The character development was good and I really found myself rooting for Aika and her story. The part with the glass slippers was SO fantastic and I felt this was a way better retelling than the original. Highly recommend the Twisted Pages series if you love some good ole fairytale retellings. Kudos to Robin and Elle on a job well done!! :)
To be honest, I didn't want this story to end. From the second I the third book was announced and I realized we were getting an Aika/Cinderella telling, I was on board. But then.. BUT. THEN. I opened the book and started reading and almost instantly I was hooked. The story starts out with Aika reeling from horrible news that leaves her unsure of not only herself but of her Mother/Madame. She becomes a little pyro and starts burning buildings of business who are associated with child trafficking and more. I was rooting for her from the second they started calling her a vigilante (LOVE ME SOME SUPEHERO-LIKE CHARACTERS!). Then we meet Remy, and oh my Remy, the chemistry between these two is literal fire. While this is going on, I was trying to read slowly to really savor the book since I knew the next one is a ways out yet but...I hit halfway and the rest was history. I don't think I have finished one of Elle & Robin's book so fast and I was even trying to savor it a bit. The bits with Einar and Aika and the Masquerade Ball.. all of it had me on the edge of my seat waiting for what was going to come next. AND THAT ENDING! I have to give credit where credit is due and these authors have given me a cliff hanger that I actually enjoyed! How is that even possible!?! LOL I am so excited for Of Thieves and Shadows!!
Overall, the books pacing was on point with not a single part feeling rushed. The character development was good and I really found myself rooting for Aika and her story. The part with the glass slippers was SO fantastic and I felt this was a way better retelling than the original. Highly recommend the Twisted Pages series if you love some good ole fairytale retellings. Kudos to Robin and Elle on a job well done!! :)
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