Ash

by Malinda Lo
Ash cover
Good Books rating 3.94
Fantasy
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Paperback • £9.99
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Format • £12.34
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Technical
  • ID: 1862
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9780316071338
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-09-01
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4

In the wake of her father's death, Ash finds solace in fairy tales and dreams of escape. When she meets the enigmatic fairy Sidhean, she believes her wish may come true. However, her life takes a different turn when she meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, who awakens her heart to new possibilities. Ash must navigate between the allure of fairy tale dreams and the reality of true love, all while grappling with grief and the choices that will define her future. Ash beautifully explores the themes of love, loss, and transformation, offering a fresh and empowering perspective on the classic Cinderella story. With its richly drawn characters and lush, atmospheric setting, this novel is a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and personal growth.

Reviews
Bookish Brews · 2021-02-13
enjoyable 4.50

The book is a delightful retelling of Cinderella that adds unique elements to the classic story. The reviewer adored these additions and found the book enjoyable.

The reviewer found Ash to be a fun and engaging retelling of the classic Cinderella story. They particularly enjoyed the unique elements that were added to the narrative, which made the book stand out. The reviewer's enthusiasm for these additions suggests a positive reception of the book's creativity and originality. The book's ability to captivate the reader with its fresh take on a familiar tale is highlighted as a major strength.

Quick quotes

    Ash was a fun retelling that added some elements to the classic story of Cinderella that I just adored.

    The book's unique elements made it stand out and captivate me.

    I found the retelling to be both enjoyable and refreshing.

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books · 2020-10-08
meaningful 4.00

The book is more about grief, healing, and empowerment than romance, despite including a lovely romance. Ash's journey through devastation and transformation is a key focus.

The reviewer notes that Ash is not just a romance but a deeper exploration of grief, healing, and empowerment. They appreciate the book's focus on Ash's emotional journey and her transformation from devastation to empowerment. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to delve into complex emotions and the process of healing, making it a rich and meaningful read. The inclusion of a lovely romance adds another layer to the narrative, but it is the deeper themes that truly resonate.

Quick quotes

    Despite including a lovely romance, this book has more to do with grief, healing, and empowerment than it does with romance.

    Ash is devastated and her journey through grief and healing is beautifully portrayed.

    The book's focus on empowerment and transformation makes it a standout read.

Reddit - r/YAlit · 2019-01-01
disappointing 2.50

The book was average and felt shallow, not living up to the high expectations set by recommendations. The story felt underdeveloped and lacked depth.

The reviewer found Ash to be average and somewhat shallow, feeling that it did not live up to the high expectations set by its recommendations. They noted that the story felt underdeveloped and lacked the depth and complexity they had hoped for. The reviewer appreciated some aspects of the book but ultimately felt that it fell short of being a truly memorable or impactful read. The story's inability to fully engage and captivate is highlighted, making it a disappointing read for the reviewer.

Quick quotes

    It was average. Rather shallow and didn't feel fully fleshed out.

    It gets recommended a lot so perhaps my expectations were too high.

    The story felt underdeveloped and lacked the depth and complexity they had hoped for.

Meg Cabot's Blog · 2009-10-07
exquisite 4.75

Publishers Weekly praises the book as establishing Malinda Lo as a gifted storyteller, while Kirkus calls it exquisite and pristine. The book is seen as a fascinating and insightful retelling with a refreshing twist.

The reviewer highlights the positive reception of Ash from notable sources like Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. Publishers Weekly commends the book for establishing Malinda Lo as a gifted storyteller, while Kirkus describes it as exquisite and pristine. The reviewer emphasizes the book's fascinating and insightful nature, with a refreshing twist that sets it apart from other retellings. The overall sentiment is one of high praise and admiration for the book's storytelling and unique perspective.

Quick quotes

    Publishers Weekly says Ash 'should establish Malinda Lo as a gifted storyteller.'

    Kirkus calls it 'exquisite and pristine.'

    The story is fascinating, insightful, and with a refreshing twist.

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