Monday, July 20, 2009

Book Review: Ash by Malinda Lo

After her mother’s death, Aisling (aka Ash) is devastated. And she’s inconsolable when her remarried father dies, leaving the family with debts that Aisling’s new stepmother forces her to pay off with servitude – so much so that she prays the fairies will take her from the human world. That is until she meets Kaisa, the King’s huntress. Because Kaisa teaches her to hunt and ride - and most importantly to value life and love again.

As my regular readers know by now, I am a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, especially when they follow the recognized formula but bring some sort of new twist to the story. In case you couldn’t tell, ASH is a retelling of Cinderella – with more dangerous fairies and a less over-the-top evil stepfamily than the Disney version.

The tale Debut Author Malinda Lo spins is haunting and powerful enough on its own, but she also weaves in various fascinating dark faerie tales that characters tell each other. Much will probably be made of the fact that Aisling falls for a woman instead of the prince, but in the world of ASH’s narrative, it feels like the most natural thing in the world and no one even bats an eye.

ASH comes out in hardcover on September 1st. Find out more at Malinda Lo’s website.

35 comments:

Ali said...

I've seen this title tossed around here and there, but had no idea what it was about. I'm intrigued!

Ana S. said...

The more I hear about this book, the better it sounds!

Memory said...

I love fairy tale retellings, and this sounds like a particularly good one.

Steph Su said...

I second what Nymeth said. I've been avoiding reading too many reviews for this, because it's a book I'm highly anticipating reading, but I'm going to have to read it soon. I can't wait much longer!

Cate said...

I heard bits and pieces about this book, but this is the first review I've seen of it. I can hardly wait!

Christina Farley said...

Interesting. I love Cinderella retellings and I'm amazed that even now, they still are coming out. I like the cover of this book and the story does sound interesting. Thanks for the review.

Color Online said...

I thouht most bloggers knew the storyline by now. Usually, I'm the last one to know what's going on. :-)

I have it listed on my reading list and I'm embarrassed to say I failed to indicated it's a book I'm looking forward to reading and not one that I have read. I missed out on a review copy.

Jessica B said...

That looks so good! Definitely on my Plan to Read list.

shutupimreading.blogdpot.com
Jessica

Diana Dang said...

Retells are awesome!

bermudaonion said...

Great review - I think my sister would love this book.

Kami Garcia said...

I'm reading it. The writing is also beautiful.

ReaderGirl said...

Gosh, I can't wait to read this one! It's going to be AMAZING!

xoxoxo

ReaderGirl

MARY IN SCOTLAND said...

This looks amazing! I'm seriously gonna have to buy it right now...I'm a HUGE fan of faerytales, and Cinderella is the best!!

I got your books!!!!! Thanks for sending them!!!!

Melody said...

I love fairy tale retellings! This book is a must-buy for me!

Anonymous said...

I really want to read this one. Thanks for the great review!

Staci said...

This sounds like one that I MUST read for sure!!

Amy said...

I pretty positive I will love this book.
-amy
great review!

Kelly said...

A book I'll keep an eye out for! Thanks for the great review!!

Anonymous said...

This is a pretty unique fairy tale retelling! Glad to see that you enjoyed it.

Lenore Appelhans said...

Kami - Agreed! Beautiful writing.

Anna said...

I haven't read any fairy tale retellings, but this one sounds really good. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Marie said...

I have this ARC waiting on my shelf. Great review!

Elizabeth said...

I'm also a HUGE fan of variations on fairy tales. Thanks for reviewing this one.

Michelle B. said...

Every time I see a review for this book, it makes me want to read it more and more!

Darlene said...

I've been seeing this one around and it sure sounds good. I love the cover.

carolyn @ Book Chick City said...

I love fairy tales....I may just have to buy this one!

Nicole (Linus's Blanket) said...

This looks great. I knew I should have snagged this one while we were at Hachette.

Doret said...

This is the first time I am hearing about Ash. I love the sound of beautiful writing.

Beth F said...

Just read what Nymeth wrote -- I totally agree with her.

Zibilee said...

I love fairy tale retellings as well, so this book looks like something I would love. The neat thing is that my daughter is getting into them now as well, so we have a bunch to share and talk about. I will be putting this one on my wish list, so thanks!

Melissa said...

I soooo want to read this one!

Joanne ♦ The Book Zombie said...

I want this!! I'm definitely going to pick this one up for a read.

Sheila DeChantal said...

This sounds good. I had not heard of it but I too like the retelling of some of the stories we gret up with.... Son of a Witch comes to mind by Gregory M________ (cant remember....lol)

But they are great reads.... Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister...

Serena said...

This sounds fascinating. I may have to add it to the TBR list on good reads. great review.

valentina said...

I can hardly wait to read this!!!