Ash cover
Good Books rating 4.42

Technical:
  • ID: 1862
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9781444903713
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-09-16
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
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Ash is a captivating tale set in a world where fairies exist as an ancient race straddling the realms of life and death, reality and magic. Ash, an orphaned servant in her stepmother's home, begins to uncover her mother's deep connection to these otherworldly beings and her own ability to see them. Amidst the harshness of her stepmother's cruelty and ambition for her daughters, Ash forms a bond with a enigmatic fairy who grants her wishes, and with Kaisa, a huntress in the king's service, who ignites Ash's desires for love and self-respect. This story explores themes of possibility and transformation, showing how profound grief can lead to remarkable change./n/nASH is a beautifully crafted fairy tale that delves into the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the power of magic. As Ash navigates her newfound abilities and relationships, she learns to embrace her true self and the opportunities for growth that come from her experiences. The narrative is rich with magical realism and emotional depth, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy stories that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary.

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.

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.

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.