Posts

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Brandy Rymer

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris is a fantastic story of curses, magic, and a great twist on the classic Cinderella. I loved the character development, as I got to know Benjamin (Ben) Grimm and Eleanor (Ellie) Banneker starting in their childhood. These two were an inseparable pair, hiding out in Ellie’s attic, and constantly getting up to mischief, until the day that Ben’s mom got fired by Ellie’s terrible stepmother for no known reason. Several years later Ben happens to see Ellie, both all grown up, in a theatre that his Dad ran and employed Ben in, amongst other jobs Ben had, all dressed in a beautiful gown and accompanied by her stepmother, Olivia, and her stepsister, Rebecca. As the two reconnect, without the knowledge of Olivia and Rebecca, Ellie is shocked that Ben recognizes her, which she will explain upon their subsequent encounter. Ben is unbelieving of Ellie’s story that her stepmother has cursed her and her father, believing more in the mechanics of things, that he can physically see or touch. As the story progresses, Ben comes to the realization that Ellie is correct, now will they be able to work together to break the curse that Olivia has cast upon Ellie and her father before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, or will they be bound in their fates forever? I absolutely loved this steampunk version of Cinderella, the geniusness of making Ben a mechanical genius who has a knack for the illusionary just adds to the mysteriousness of this amazing story. This book had me reading straight through from beginning to end, excited to see who would persevere, the evil stepmother Olivia, or our wonderful heroine Ellie.

@Brandy Rymer 05/2023

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Whisper Hymer

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris is a modern-day retelling of Cinderella. It contains a little magic, a dash of steam punk, and a while lot of friendship to create a fun new version of a beloved classic. Ellie has spent seven years unable to say her name due to a curse. Ripped from the life she knew and the people she loved, Ellie has been a servant in her home to her sick father, merciless stepmother, and reserved stepsister. If you enjoy fairy-tale retelling then this is sure to pique your interest and hold you from the start. Enjoy!

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Desiree Ottinger

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eleanor Banneker and Benjamin Grimm basically grew up together, they were best friends. A tragic accident changes everything for them both and for years they are separated. Much to both of their surprise, they run into each other ten years later at the theater that Ben’s dad manages. While they fall right back into their close friendship, Eleanor confides in Ben that she needs help breaking a spell her stepmother has placed on her and her father. Ben is not sure if he truly believes in magic, but he would do anything for his best friend. As they work together to break the spell, new feelings arise in both of them. Are they destined to be more than just friends? Can Ben help Eleanor break the spell that has been placed on her? Or is it too little too late?

This is a Cinderella retelling set in Philadelphia 1876. The author did an excellent job of pulling in historical events and weaving them into this story. I truly enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the characters. It was easy to envision what was happening around and to the characters. I felt immersed in their time. Perfect YA book!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Benjamin Grimm is a young man with a big dream, but the day he was dragged away from his best friend was the worst of his life, but time has passed and he still thinks of her, but between his working multiple jobs, including in his fathers theatre, he knows that the upper echelons of society are full of masks, just like the trade he works in. Eleanor Banneker is a young lady in the prime of life and someone who should be living the high society life in Philadelphia to which her name gives her access, however, she has an evil stepmother who will do anything to keep her below her station while raising her own and this is slowly crushing her spirit and that of her father.

One day, Benjamin is working behind the scenes at the theatre when he spots someone familiar in the audience and when he realises that it is his best friend, he throws most of his caution to the wind and tries to catch her eye, so when he does, it brings back all the familiarity of their past relationship. When Eleanor realises that Ben has seen through her invisibility, she makes an excuse to speak to him, this is when her hopes reignite and she can finally see the end of the tunnel, but when Ben agrees to meet her, she hopes that he will help her.

A couple of days later, they meet and this is where Benjamin learns of the spell which has been enacted upon Eleanor and her father, he believes that it is all an illusion and that magic can’t be real, but nevertheless, he agrees to help her in any way that he can, but when they find out that they have a limited time to break this bewitchment, they have to come up with a plan. Seven years ago, Benjamin made a promise to and he never forgot that promise, or to whom it was made, but can he overcome his misgivings and save someone who is desperate to be free from the secrets and lies surrounding them? This is a fantastical tale with a fairy tale like twist as secrets, lies, magic and theatre combine to create an enchanting race against time set on the streets of Philadelphia where nothing is as it seems behind the masks of high society.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this retelling of a Cinderella type story. The author does an amazing job of making a familiar and classic tale into something new and refreshing.
This story is a story of a curse keeping 2 people prisoner, and 1 man desperately trying to break this spell. This story also has a historical element and the author doesn’t an amazing job of making the reader really feel part of that era.

When Ben meets his old school friend Eleanor after not seeing her for years he is shocked to discover that her and her father are trapped in a curse placed on them by her evil stepmother. Now it is a race against time as they need to break the curse before midnight on New Year’s eve else Eleanor and her father will be cursed and bound to her step mother for ever.

This is a story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat wondering if they will or won’t break the spell. I was hooked and had to read it in one sitting just to find out what happens. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Netania Lim

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A relatively quick, easy read, as I would say this is more YA and I didn’t enjoy it as much. But I was pulled in by the idea of a Cinderella retelling with a steampunk twist, and since I don’t read much steampunk, I thought it added to the story and enjoyed this element. The magical elements are very much a part of the Cinderella fairytale already in my opinion, but I did appreciate this as well. The thing I loved most though was the historical details given the 19th Century Philadelphia setting. Generally, a fun read.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Devon Pulliam

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First off I love all versions of Cinderella. If you don’t then this may not be a good read for you.

Ellie loses her mom to a tragic accident. Then loses her best friend, Ben when her stepmother Olivia fires his mother and kicks them out. They promise to always be friends and be there for each other.

Years pass and of course that promise hasn’t been kept. However Ben spots Ellie at a theatre show where he is working. Unbeknownst to him her identity has been hidden from everyone for years, all in the face of magic.

When he and Ellie reunite there is no stopping them to get down to the bottom of why Ellie can’t say her name and why people don’t see the real her. Will she be able to break the spell not only on her self but on her father as well? Will everyone see the stepmother for who she really is? Can Ellie survive this challenging task? You must read to find out and find out all the details of the spells that were cast!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron is an imaginative and intriguing retelling of the classic Cinderella story and is geared towards young adults. It takes place in 1876 during the time when steam machines are becoming invented and has a bit of a steampunk element to it. The story is told from two different POV’s, Ellie and Ben’s.

When Ellie’s mom dies her father remarries and she becomes a stepsister to Rebecca who, unlike the classic fairytale, is not mean at all. The stepmother is cruel, mean, cold and puts Ellie and her father both under a spell. The spell must be broken before midnight on New Year’s Eve, or it can never be undone. Enter Ben, who is Ellie’s childhood best friend who has not seen her in years. When he realizes that Ellie is under a spell, he knows that he must be the one to save her. Will Ben have what it takes to be a hero and save Ellie and her dad from the spell before it is too late?

This was a creative retelling of the classic fairytale that I really enjoyed. The twists that the author put on it were interesting and fun. The characters are ones that you can love and hate at the same time. The stepmother is the typical, wicked, and evil stepmother that you naturally loathe. Ben wants to be a hero for Ellie’s sake, if he can stop swooning over her long enough. He is smart, kind, and cares for Ellie a great deal. Ellie seems to be a bit naïve, but I felt that was probably because of the spell the evil stepmother cast on her. A great story full of magic, historical elements, fantasy, romance, suspense, drama, and a steampunk element.

View all my reviews@tarab

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleanor Banneker and her father have been placed under a spell by her stepmother. No one seems to recognize her anymore, not even her father. But when Elllie is reunited with her childhood friend, Benjamin Grimm, he sees her where no one else does and recognizes her. Ellie begins to have hope that Ben can help her, but will he believe her? This book was a quick read, with a few unexpected twists.
Review by Terri Jo McAllister

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Michelle Collier

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love retellings of fairy tales, especially when it is a take I have yet to see. This is a wonderful Cinderella story set in the 1800’s. You get all those normal things like the slipper and wicked stepmother, but there is just so much more to this story. Ellie is under a curse that hides her true identity from the world. Can she figure out how to break it? Who holds the key to her heart?

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Jennifer Reimer

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really impressed with how this story turned out. I really wasn’t expecting the little things that made this story so different then the fairy tale. I love when authors write their own thoughts on different aspects in their own words when it comes to fairy tales and fantasy. I enjoyed how the author took this a spin it into a steam punk Philadelphia in 1876. I felt like I was really in the story along side these characters, and how each one was woven into the story to make it magical. This book was filled with magic, fantasy, steam punk, realism, and historical facts. This story caught me and wouldn’t let me go till I was done reading it. I couldn’t get enough of the story and kept me on my toes because I kept thinking I was going to know what was going to happen next, but it wasn’t like that, and it really captivated me. This was an amazing read.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron is an exciting gaslamp fantasy book that draws on fairytales and illusions to build a vibrant and magical world. Ellie and Ben are enjoyable leads!

Ben is skeptical about the magic that has Ellie trapped in a curse. He has devoted himself to studying magic tricks and illusions, dreaming of being a performer, and believes there is a practical explanation for everything. But he is also loyal to Ellie and keen to help her in spite of his reservations. This perspective balances the story as he is wary and critical at every turn.

I love the setting of the Centennial Exposition! It’s such a fun, rich space to explore along with the characters, marvelling with them at the wonders on display. The author describes all settings well, it’s really an immersive read!

For me, this is a five star read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to all gaslamp fantasy fans, as well as fans of other historical fantasy looking for something new.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron By Christine Norris – Review by Kat Mellon

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved A Curse of Ash and Iron, by Christine Norris! She takes a classic (and at times, really overtold) Cinderella/evil stepmother plot and gives it a totally unique twist! I was really captivated by the story line, the characters were amazing, and the happy ending was unique. Would definitely recommend!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris. This is such a fun retelling of Cinderella with a touch of Steampunk thrown in. Its the story of Ellie who has had a spell cast on her by her evil step mother. She and her dad have different spells and her spell causes her to have to live like a servant at her own home. She is friends with her stepsister which made me happy because she had one ally in her home. Her best friend that she hasn’t seen in years, Benjamin, has come back and been reunited with her. Now this story takes place in the late 1800’s so there are strict rules as far as men and women go. Now Benjamin sets out to try to get this curse reversed and he will do everything he can to help Ellie. Now if this spell is not broken by midnight she will forever be a servant in her own home and have no hopes of love or happiness. This is such a fun retelling and I’m sure young adults and even older adults like me will enjoy it!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Beverly Finnie

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was different but I enjoyed it. The main reason I decided to read A Curse of Ash and Iron was because it’s a period piece based in Philadelphia. I do enjoy period pieces time and again, but the close to home aspect sold me. The rich history of Philadelphia is well known so I was curious on how the author was going to tap into that while telling this story.
Ellie has been cast as an essential version of Cinderella. However it’s with a twist. Nobody recognizes her and her father is still alive. The rest fall in grace with a stepmother who makes her life miserable. A step sister who is kinder than previous versions. She enlists the help of her best friend Ben to break the spell holding her hostage. Funny thing Ben hasn’t seen her in 7 years but he can see her for her true self.
Why is Ben the only one who can see who she really is?
Why did her stepmother treat her in this way?
Ben never thought he’d see Ellie again. But there she was one night at the Walnut Street Theater all grown up. What he didn’t understand was why nobody addressed her for who she was. Once Ellie broke it down for him, he didn’t believe her. Though it was so far-fetched, it wasn’t true.
Who believes in magic? Yet at the same time he wanted to believe in his illusions.
Does Ellie succeed?
Does Ben truly help her?
So many questions and so many answers. If you like period pieces, definitely a book you should be checking out.

@placexba
View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by La Toya Lewis

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris is a retelling of Cinderella. In Philadelphia 1876 Benjamin Grimm reunites with his friend Eleanor Banneker. He is saddened when he realizes that she has been living under a spell as a servant in her own home. This was such a fun take on Cinderella. The story balances magic and realism very well. It was nice to see old story beats mixed with new elements. The relationship between Benjamin and Eleanor is sweet. This was a very engaging story. A fun retelling with nice historical facts woven in. Very enjoyable.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

/0 Comments/in /by

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122838218-a-curse-of-ash-and-iron” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Curse of Ash and Iron” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677260675l/122838218._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122838218-a-curse-of-ash-and-iron”>A Curse of Ash and Iron</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33465.Christine_Norris”>Christine Norris</a><br/>

My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5543707555″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />

If you enjoyed the story of Cinderella you will also enjoy this retelling set in the 1800s. Our main character, Eleanor Banneker, has been under a spell for the better part of a decade that was cast by her stepmother. She has been desperately wishing for someone to help her, but all seemed helpless until her childhood friend Benjamin Grimm rekindles their friendship. He seems to be the only one immune to the curse as even her own father has been unable to recognize her all these years. Ben has come just in time it seems, but time is almost out. They have until midnight to break the curse or Eleanor and her father will be bound to their current roles for the rest of their lives. Will they be at to break the curse in time? I enjoyed this take on the retelling of a classic tale. I’m unsure if the author purposely did so, but I’d like to think that perhaps the last name of the character Benjamin is a nod to the brothers Grimm? Whether that is the case or not this was still an enjoyable book and I do hope to read more books by this author.

<br/><br/>

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>

 

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Trista Priest

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great Cinderella retelling! I love the steampunk spin the author put on this story. Childhood friends driven apart to come back together. Ben helps Ellie break the curse upon her and her father. I enjoyed the book for the most part, just a little slower-paced at times.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Chrissy Spulak

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is not only an intriguing fairy tale, but the historical aspects make it that much better. A Cinderella-esque tale set in 1876 Philadelphia, we see Benjamin’s and Ellie’s worlds collide, and he helps her to unveil the truth that has plagued her and her father for seven years. This action-packed story will have you hooked until the very end and wanting more. On their adventures, Ben and Ellie encounter 19th century United States, and the reader is along for quite a ride. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I appreciate the thoroughly-researched setting and landmarks. I will absolutely be looking for more from this author, and I recommend this book to anyone who wants a cozy, action-packed, can’t-put-down read!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Crystal Jimmo

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I first read this book I had Cinderella vibes from it. You had the daughter Ella whose father has remarried an evil stepmother and has bespelled her and her father and Ella is spelled into servitude, and the spell must be broken by midnight on New Year’s Eve. While it does has the same similarities that is where they stop. Benjamin is a character every girl would love to fall in love with. He would do anything for his best friend to help her break the spell that is placed on her and her father. I love the steampunk treats that are thrown in here and there and it is based in the 19th century. You can tell that a lot of research was done into this era because the knowledge absolutely shines. I loved reading this book, and hope there will be more to come by this fantastic author!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new kind of Cinderella story. There is an evil stepmother, and a nearly-comatose father. There is a step-sister (only one, though), but she seems kind of …nice? There are rats, and there is a ball. The author has thoroughly captivated my attention, and now I can’t wait to read more of her works! The characters in this story- the somewhat familiar ones, as the unique ones- have run away with the storyline, and readers will enjoy being dragged along for this!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You absolutely can’t go wrong with a historical fiction with a steampunk fairy tale twist, a retelling of Cinderella, set in 1876 Philadelphia. Benjamin Grimm and Eleanor Banneker make the perfect team together. I did enjoy though that the author definitely created some additional obstacles for them, outside of just trying to break the curse. She did an amazing amount of research and you really do feel like you are in that time period with some added magical aspects. This was a wonderful young adult book that readers of all ages will be delighted to enjoy. This was my first novel from this author, but I can’t wait to check out the rest of her books!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Rebecca Hill

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction; while this book was a bit different from your normal historical fiction, it was a lot of fun to read! The book takes place in 1876 and is like a reimagined CInderella story, complete with a wicked stepmother. Ellie’s mom died, then her dad married Olivia. Olivia has somehow made everyone forget who Ellie is, even her dad doesn’t know who she is. Ellie is forced to live as a maid taking care of her stepmother and stepsister. She sees her childhood friend, Ben, and he knows who she is. Ellie is relieved to have someone in her court. Ellie and Ben go on several adventures as they try to break the curse and hold over Ellie. One of my favorite parts was them seeing the arm of the Statue of Liberty before she was built. I really enjoyed the historical aspects that were thrown in. Overall a great book worth the time and money!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Julie Johnson

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a Cinderella meets steampunk in the 1800’s setting. At first, it’s not easy to pick up the fairy-tale vibe but it eventually plays out.

Benjamin Grimm is a stagehand and an inspiring inventor. He also works in his mom’s bookshop along with the rest of the family. He’s never known wealth but has big dreams of one day inventing something that will change everything for his family.

Eleanor Banneker grew up in a life of priviledge. At a young age, she lost her mother and all of a sudden, her governess is becoming her step-mother. Everything changes and Eleanor loses her social standing and the life she once knew. That’s not all she lost though.

I enjoyed this story even though it’s a retelling of the popular fairy tale. I love the steampunk elements thrown in throughout. I found it to be a very enjoyable read on a rainy afternoon!

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Donya Pedigo

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You can tell there was a lot of historical research that went into writing this 19th century realistic retelling of Cinderella with some added twists. Unlike Cinderella here, you have a curse that needs to be broken by midnight which holds more urgency than just someone seeing your ball gown disappear and your coach turn back into a pumpkin. Another difference that I enjoyed was the idea of multiple love interests. Though I’m typically not a fan of love triangles, I really enjoyed the way Christine Norris utilized the love triangle to help us understand the characters and how their histories affected them and their lives. This is a fun, clean-cut young adult fantasy read. Do I wish it had included more steampunk aspects? Yes, but it’s a nice read nonetheless.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Erin DeRoma

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Steampunk retelling of Cinderella. This was not my typical read at all but it was certainly intriguing. I’m not disappointed I chose to read it. This was for sure a re-telling like no other. I truly enjoyed the historical fiction pieces to it. I enjoyed the characters. Certainly would recommend for a younger reader (Middle School/High School).

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Rachel Moss

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read! The synopsis sounded really interesting to me so I thought I would give it try. While I enjoyed some aspects of this book, a lot of it fell short for me. I was expecting a more Disney Cinderella retelling and this felt like a mixture of different things to me. I enjoyed the steam punk aspect as well but I struggled a lot with actually getting through this one. Maybe it was just an off reading day but the story didn’t grab me as much as the synopsis did. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I hope to read more in the future!

View all my reviews“>

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris

A Curse of Ash and Iron is a Steampunk/ YA with hints of fantasy and is a wonderful retelling of the children’s classic Cinderella but with a different kind of twist. I truly enjoyed this retelling of a classic more than I thought I would. I loved being pulled in from the beginning and the twists and turns had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen in this version. Let me tell you what I wasn’t disappointed in the least in fact I loved it. Ellie has spent several long years under her stepmother’s watchful eye since her mother’s death. She was hidden in plain sight yet Ellie wondered if she’d ever escape. Then there’s Ben who seems to be immune to the magic . Time is quickly running out and New Year’s Eve is approaching fast and they still need to find a way to break the curse before midnight if they don’t her and her father will be bound forever . I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Angela Hayes

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris is a YA steampunk retelling of the classic fairytale: Cinderella. Set in 1876 the story is full of historical details, some sci-fi elements, magic, fantasy, curses, secrets, romance, high stakes, a bit of a love triangle, angst, and drama.
From the blurb and the cover, I really expected this to be a full-blown steampunk story, in a steampunk world- but it is more of an historical Cinderella retelling, with steampunk elements. So, I don’t know if my expectations are why I didn’t fully connect with this story, or not. I just didn’t ‘feel’ it like I was wanting to. As I really wanted to FLOVE this book, but it just didn’t live up to my expectations. The characters really frustrated me to no end. So, I found it so hard to ‘care’ about them and what was happening in the story. And as a result, I was left feeling disappointed. I might have to revisit this book in the future to see if I still feel the same way, or if perhaps I was having an ‘off’ reading day…
If you love steampunk elements added to a classic fairytale, clean romance, and YA fantasy, then this might just be the book for you.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Christine Norris!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

/0 Comments/in /by

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a steampunk twist on the classic Cinderella tale set in America. I thought it an interesting twist on both the classic story, and for the steampunk genre. It has everything you’d expect: automatons, magic and mystery.
I enjoyed how the prose was written, it flowed well and made the narrative easier to follow. I really liked the idea for the storyline where the friends reunite to break the spell Ellie is under and the journey the pair go on in an attempt to accomplish this task.
My heart broke for Ellie’s situation and he trying to get through to her father and save him just broke me. I got emotionally invested in her situation and was rooting for her from the beginning.
I have mixed feeling about Ben. He’s relatable in that he’s not perfect and there are times I wanted to yell at him for his lack of urgency, but honestly I think these smaller moments are what make his character, and make him more relatable as a person.
The step-sisters on the other hand, I enjoyed because of their differences. It reminded me of my sister and I (one of us isn’t ‘evil’) and our differences in personality and interests.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this and thought it a great take on the classic tale.

View all my reviews