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We Kept Her in the Cellar
There are always two sides to a story. This dark and twisted reimagining of Cinderella, told from her stepsister's POV, is perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher and Naomi Novik.
Eunice lives her life by three simple rules: One, always refer to Cinderella as family. Two, never let Cinderella gain access to rats or mice. Three, never look upon Cinderella between the hours of twelve and three a.m.
Cinderella has dark and terrifying powers. As her stepsister, Eunice is expected to care for her and keep the family’s secret. For years, Eunice has faithfully done so. Her childhood flew by in a blur of nightmares, tears, and near-misses with the monster living in the cellar. But when she befriends the handsome Prince Credence and secures an invitation to the ball, Eunice is determined to break free.
When her younger sister, Hortense, steps up to care for Cinderella, Eunice grabs her chance to dance the night away—until Cinderella escapes. With her eldritch powers, Cinderella attends the ball and sweeps Prince Credence off his feet, leaving behind a trail of carnage and destruction as well as a single green glass slipper.
With Cinderella unleashed, Eunice must determine how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice in order to stop Cinderella. Unsettling and macabre at every turn, this page-turning horror will bewitch horror fans and leave its readers anxiously checking the locks on their cellar doors.
Eunice lives her life by three simple rules: One, always refer to Cinderella as family. Two, never let Cinderella gain access to rats or mice. Three, never look upon Cinderella between the hours of twelve and three a.m.
Cinderella has dark and terrifying powers. As her stepsister, Eunice is expected to care for her and keep the family’s secret. For years, Eunice has faithfully done so. Her childhood flew by in a blur of nightmares, tears, and near-misses with the monster living in the cellar. But when she befriends the handsome Prince Credence and secures an invitation to the ball, Eunice is determined to break free.
When her younger sister, Hortense, steps up to care for Cinderella, Eunice grabs her chance to dance the night away—until Cinderella escapes. With her eldritch powers, Cinderella attends the ball and sweeps Prince Credence off his feet, leaving behind a trail of carnage and destruction as well as a single green glass slipper.
With Cinderella unleashed, Eunice must determine how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice in order to stop Cinderella. Unsettling and macabre at every turn, this page-turning horror will bewitch horror fans and leave its readers anxiously checking the locks on their cellar doors.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2024
49 people are currently reading
19919 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
July 5, 2024
Cinderella meets H.P. Lovecraft. I really think the author missed an opportunity by not calling this book CinderCthulhu, because, I mean, c'mon … that title basically writes itself! But, anyway, this novel is weird and unhinged and gross and I think I probably liked it? It's not my usual type of read (I love horror but it doesn't usually involve tentacles) but overall it was pretty entertaining.
This book is a strange juxtaposition of fairy tale and cosmic horror. One moment you're reading about a ball thrown by a handsome prince, and the next … BAM! … tentacles all over the place. While the storyline does vaguely follow that of the original Cinderella (stepsisters, mice, ball, prince, etc.), it is overall a very different story. Really, if Cinderella had been named something else and glass slippers hadn't been involved, I don't know that I would have immediately recognized it as a retelling. It's certainly nothing like the Disney version – there are no cute cartoon mice or fairy godmothers to be found here.
But, yeah, it's dark. It's creepy. It's gross … so very, very gross. This book is not for the squeamish and not just because of the tentacles. There's rot and death and mutilation and gore and violence.
There were times when the story felt a little YA-ish, probably mostly due to the fact that it's narrated in the first person from a teenage girl's point of view. I don't mind a good YA read so it didn't really bother me, but it's something to be aware of if you're not into such things.
I'm honestly not sure what else to say about this book without spoilers. It's Cinderella, it's Lovecraftian, and it's completely demented. I wasn't particularly surprised by how the climax of the story played out but it was entertaining enough. And the very end? Completely unexpected (and kind of disgusting), but I can't say that there are many books that have left me shaking my head the way that this one did!
My overall rating: 3.65 stars, rounded up. If you like cosmic horror and/or fairy tale retellings, definitely consider giving this one a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is September 24, 2024.
This book is a strange juxtaposition of fairy tale and cosmic horror. One moment you're reading about a ball thrown by a handsome prince, and the next … BAM! … tentacles all over the place. While the storyline does vaguely follow that of the original Cinderella (stepsisters, mice, ball, prince, etc.), it is overall a very different story. Really, if Cinderella had been named something else and glass slippers hadn't been involved, I don't know that I would have immediately recognized it as a retelling. It's certainly nothing like the Disney version – there are no cute cartoon mice or fairy godmothers to be found here.
But, yeah, it's dark. It's creepy. It's gross … so very, very gross. This book is not for the squeamish and not just because of the tentacles. There's rot and death and mutilation and gore and violence.
There were times when the story felt a little YA-ish, probably mostly due to the fact that it's narrated in the first person from a teenage girl's point of view. I don't mind a good YA read so it didn't really bother me, but it's something to be aware of if you're not into such things.
I'm honestly not sure what else to say about this book without spoilers. It's Cinderella, it's Lovecraftian, and it's completely demented. I wasn't particularly surprised by how the climax of the story played out but it was entertaining enough. And the very end? Completely unexpected (and kind of disgusting), but I can't say that there are many books that have left me shaking my head the way that this one did!
My overall rating: 3.65 stars, rounded up. If you like cosmic horror and/or fairy tale retellings, definitely consider giving this one a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is September 24, 2024.
April 6, 2025
**4.5-stars**
We Kept Her In the Cellar is a wildly-imaginative and uber-dark Cinderella reimagining. As it turns out, it's also the Dark Fairy Tale of my slightly-disturbed dreams.
This story follows Eunice, who at the beginning of our tale is just 11-years old and her mother is about to be married to a man who has a daughter, Cinderella.
The blending of the families is rife with unsettling occurrences from the very start.
Eunice learns the rules for dealing with Cinderella, but it's not an easy life. She basically takes on the role of caregiver, even when she herself is a child.
Cinderella has dark and terrifying powers. It's almost impossible for her interact with the rest of the world. She needs to be handled at all times. Hence why the family keeps her mostly imprisoned in their cellar.
After Eunice, now 18, befriends charming Prince Credence, she begins to see the possibilities outside of their home. Why should she be shackled within like Cinderella? She's done nothing wrong and wants a life.
Eunice even receives an invitation to the Prince's Ball and is determined to go. This could be her chance to break free.
However, on the night she's set to go, it's actually Cinderella who breaks free with disastrous consequences. Using her vast eldritch powers, Cinderella ends up attending the Ball and enrapturing the Prince with her beauty and grace.
At midnight, she leaves behind a trail of destruction and a single green glass slipper. I think you know a bit of what happens from there, or do you?
I read the synopsis of this so long ago, that by the time I got around to picking it up, I had actually forgotten it was a Cinderella reimagining.
I was expecting Horror and I certainly got that, but I also got enough of my Dark Fairy Tale fix to last me a good long while. This one is going to stick in my brain, that's for sure.
By 5% in, W.R. Gorman had my jaw on the floor. This story waits no time to take off. It's 0-to-60 with this one.
I loved Eunice as a character and loved learning all about Cinderella along with her. To think, Eunice had a fairly normal life until her mother needed to remarry. That's the choice that changed her life forever.
Eunice's younger sister Hortense was only 5-years old when Cinderella arrived. Cinderella's needs required a lot of Eunice's time and I felt bad for poor Hortense, who didn't really understand why her beloved older sister, Eunice, no longer had the time to play with her.
It really did a number on this family. I liked Cinderella's father. I felt for him. It seemed like he was also doing the best he could, and he did really seem to care for Eunice, Hortense and their mother.
Cinderella was like nothing I had ever read before. She never ceased to surprise and amaze me with her powers and actions. When I say this, read it as, she's terrifying.
This story was so engaging. It sucked me in. I loved the choices Gorman made as far the connections with the original Cinderella story and how twisted they are here. It's incredibly clever and inspired.
The Body Horror is fantastic and there's a lot of it, which we love to see. I'm talking super cringe, toe-curling moments on the regular. Also, I did listen to the audiobook which was fabulous. It is narrated by EJ Lavery, whose voice work definitely added to the dark whimsy of this tale.
My only complaint is I felt it was resolved a little too easily. After this gloriously-grotesque and dark build-up, I was a wee surprised at how quickly it wrapped up.
I did like the delightful little tid-bit we learned at the end though, regarding the aftermath, or lingering result of it all. In a way though, you could just look at this as a compliment. It just means I wanted more.
Honestly, I could read another entire volume following this cast of characters and set within this world. C'mon, Gorman, how about a sequel!?
Thank you so much to the publishers, Crooked Lane Books and HighBridge Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review.
I would absolutely recommend this story to Horror Readers, and Dark Fairy Tale Readers, particularly if you love a lot of Body Horror. I can't wait for more from this author!
We Kept Her In the Cellar is a wildly-imaginative and uber-dark Cinderella reimagining. As it turns out, it's also the Dark Fairy Tale of my slightly-disturbed dreams.
This story follows Eunice, who at the beginning of our tale is just 11-years old and her mother is about to be married to a man who has a daughter, Cinderella.
The blending of the families is rife with unsettling occurrences from the very start.
Eunice learns the rules for dealing with Cinderella, but it's not an easy life. She basically takes on the role of caregiver, even when she herself is a child.
Cinderella has dark and terrifying powers. It's almost impossible for her interact with the rest of the world. She needs to be handled at all times. Hence why the family keeps her mostly imprisoned in their cellar.
After Eunice, now 18, befriends charming Prince Credence, she begins to see the possibilities outside of their home. Why should she be shackled within like Cinderella? She's done nothing wrong and wants a life.
Eunice even receives an invitation to the Prince's Ball and is determined to go. This could be her chance to break free.
However, on the night she's set to go, it's actually Cinderella who breaks free with disastrous consequences. Using her vast eldritch powers, Cinderella ends up attending the Ball and enrapturing the Prince with her beauty and grace.
At midnight, she leaves behind a trail of destruction and a single green glass slipper. I think you know a bit of what happens from there, or do you?
I read the synopsis of this so long ago, that by the time I got around to picking it up, I had actually forgotten it was a Cinderella reimagining.
I was expecting Horror and I certainly got that, but I also got enough of my Dark Fairy Tale fix to last me a good long while. This one is going to stick in my brain, that's for sure.
By 5% in, W.R. Gorman had my jaw on the floor. This story waits no time to take off. It's 0-to-60 with this one.
I loved Eunice as a character and loved learning all about Cinderella along with her. To think, Eunice had a fairly normal life until her mother needed to remarry. That's the choice that changed her life forever.
Eunice's younger sister Hortense was only 5-years old when Cinderella arrived. Cinderella's needs required a lot of Eunice's time and I felt bad for poor Hortense, who didn't really understand why her beloved older sister, Eunice, no longer had the time to play with her.
It really did a number on this family. I liked Cinderella's father. I felt for him. It seemed like he was also doing the best he could, and he did really seem to care for Eunice, Hortense and their mother.
Cinderella was like nothing I had ever read before. She never ceased to surprise and amaze me with her powers and actions. When I say this, read it as, she's terrifying.
This story was so engaging. It sucked me in. I loved the choices Gorman made as far the connections with the original Cinderella story and how twisted they are here. It's incredibly clever and inspired.
The Body Horror is fantastic and there's a lot of it, which we love to see. I'm talking super cringe, toe-curling moments on the regular. Also, I did listen to the audiobook which was fabulous. It is narrated by EJ Lavery, whose voice work definitely added to the dark whimsy of this tale.
My only complaint is I felt it was resolved a little too easily. After this gloriously-grotesque and dark build-up, I was a wee surprised at how quickly it wrapped up.
I did like the delightful little tid-bit we learned at the end though, regarding the aftermath, or lingering result of it all. In a way though, you could just look at this as a compliment. It just means I wanted more.
Honestly, I could read another entire volume following this cast of characters and set within this world. C'mon, Gorman, how about a sequel!?
Thank you so much to the publishers, Crooked Lane Books and HighBridge Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review.
I would absolutely recommend this story to Horror Readers, and Dark Fairy Tale Readers, particularly if you love a lot of Body Horror. I can't wait for more from this author!
October 7, 2024
The perfect book for the spooky season!
This retelling of Cinderella is absolutely captivating! The darker tone and creative twist make it an incredible story. I'm eagerly anticipating more works by this author! This is a must-read for anyone who loves Grimm's Fairy Tales or darker retellings.
***Thank you to NetGalley, W.R. Gorman, and HighBridge Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
This retelling of Cinderella is absolutely captivating! The darker tone and creative twist make it an incredible story. I'm eagerly anticipating more works by this author! This is a must-read for anyone who loves Grimm's Fairy Tales or darker retellings.
***Thank you to NetGalley, W.R. Gorman, and HighBridge Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
September 30, 2024
This one is grotesque and delightful!
Full review:
Regardless of the notes I share below, this is one of my favorite horror books of the year so far! Horror fans can't go wrong here.
The author's style in this one was not my favorite, but the story and monster are awesome. I enjoyed this very out of the box translation of my favorite fairy tale, but Gorman did not preserve much of the original story beyond the name and structure of the family. This book's monster, named Cinderella, bore no resemblance at all to the original character of the same name. So I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't feel any of the story I loved here.
However, considered as a horror story that has nothing to do with the original fairy tale, it fairly blew my mind. I loved the rats. I loved the monster. I really could not wait to see what happened next as I read.
And even though I did not like the florid style (so purple!) Gorman chose for this book, her handling of fiction elements and techniques is impressive. This is a well-built story with well developed characters. I appreciate deeply that she evolves the monster. Static monsters aren't scary!
Reading Notes:
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I love the rules for caring for Cinderella. This whole concept is a truly entertaining and mysterious reimagining of my favorite fairy tale. *edit the rules governing the monster get a little preposterous. We also never get any explanation about how this monster came to be or how Mr. Father figured out how to care for it.
2. Dang the monster in this is so creepy! The Thing meets The Exorcist!
3. I love that this little girl, the narrator, is terrified more of the workings of her own imagination than she is of her new sister. It really ratchets up the tension and complicates these already interesting characters.
4. The plot is awesome and so suspenseful! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Gorman utilizes foreshadowing brilliantly.
5. Whoa I did not see that turn coming, but it is well plotted!
6. This is a really good execution of first person POV. The narrating character is mindful and aware of herself and her surroundings, so she can provide a lot of details and share insights on the story.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. There's a great deal of unintended repetition. This should have been caught by editors, in my opinion.
2. The diction waffles back and forth between average contemporary and over proper high English, presumably to mimic original fairy tales. The effect is disjointed and inaccessible.
Rating: 🧌🧌🧌🧌🧌/5 monsters in the cellar
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Sep 28 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle
Read this book if you like:
👻 ghost stories
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 teenage girl friendships
💇♀️ women's coming of age
😵 curses
Thank you to the author W. R. Gorman, publishers HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of WE KEPT HER IN THE CELLAR. All views are mine.
Full review:
Regardless of the notes I share below, this is one of my favorite horror books of the year so far! Horror fans can't go wrong here.
The author's style in this one was not my favorite, but the story and monster are awesome. I enjoyed this very out of the box translation of my favorite fairy tale, but Gorman did not preserve much of the original story beyond the name and structure of the family. This book's monster, named Cinderella, bore no resemblance at all to the original character of the same name. So I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't feel any of the story I loved here.
However, considered as a horror story that has nothing to do with the original fairy tale, it fairly blew my mind. I loved the rats. I loved the monster. I really could not wait to see what happened next as I read.
And even though I did not like the florid style (so purple!) Gorman chose for this book, her handling of fiction elements and techniques is impressive. This is a well-built story with well developed characters. I appreciate deeply that she evolves the monster. Static monsters aren't scary!
Reading Notes:
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I love the rules for caring for Cinderella. This whole concept is a truly entertaining and mysterious reimagining of my favorite fairy tale. *edit the rules governing the monster get a little preposterous. We also never get any explanation about how this monster came to be or how Mr. Father figured out how to care for it.
2. Dang the monster in this is so creepy! The Thing meets The Exorcist!
3. I love that this little girl, the narrator, is terrified more of the workings of her own imagination than she is of her new sister. It really ratchets up the tension and complicates these already interesting characters.
4. The plot is awesome and so suspenseful! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Gorman utilizes foreshadowing brilliantly.
5. Whoa I did not see that turn coming, but it is well plotted!
6. This is a really good execution of first person POV. The narrating character is mindful and aware of herself and her surroundings, so she can provide a lot of details and share insights on the story.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. There's a great deal of unintended repetition. This should have been caught by editors, in my opinion.
2. The diction waffles back and forth between average contemporary and over proper high English, presumably to mimic original fairy tales. The effect is disjointed and inaccessible.
Rating: 🧌🧌🧌🧌🧌/5 monsters in the cellar
Recommend? Yes!
Finished: Sep 28 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle
Read this book if you like:
👻 ghost stories
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 teenage girl friendships
💇♀️ women's coming of age
😵 curses
Thank you to the author W. R. Gorman, publishers HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy of WE KEPT HER IN THE CELLAR. All views are mine.
September 23, 2024
Wow. I love fairy tale retellings, but I feel like this is almost its own genre. It’s a bit like Wicked meets H.P. Lovecraft a perfect blending of horror with just a touch of fantasy. This story is told from the perspective of Eunice, of of Cinderella’s two stepsisters but what if Cinderella wasn’t mistreated because of her new family’s cruelty but to contain the monstrous nature of Cinderella? Eunice is 11 when her new stepfather and stepsister arrive and she quickly needs to learn the rules. She lives her life to help keep the secret of Cinderella and keep everyone safe by following the rules. But nothing stays the same for everything and the night of the ball will change everything. This book was creepy and wonderfully horrific and I definitely will want to read more from this author. I hope they tackle more fairy tales, bringing even more horror than the original tales. I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed it.
September 26, 2024
*absolute chef's kiss*
You will never look at Cinderella the same way again after reading this. This is very much a gruesome, and twisted book that's out of my usual horror comfort zone but I absolutely LOVED it. The writing was excellent, the characters were all great and the plot was just *chef's kiss*. It will not be for everyone, I'm being so serious when I say this book is dark and beyond messed up in some parts but if you can stomach this kind of horror, I recommend it 5000x over.
Pure perfection of a horror honestly, I loved it so much! Can't wait to read more from this author!
audiobook was a 10/10
thank you Netgalley and the publishers for a copy if the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
You will never look at Cinderella the same way again after reading this. This is very much a gruesome, and twisted book that's out of my usual horror comfort zone but I absolutely LOVED it. The writing was excellent, the characters were all great and the plot was just *chef's kiss*. It will not be for everyone, I'm being so serious when I say this book is dark and beyond messed up in some parts but if you can stomach this kind of horror, I recommend it 5000x over.
Pure perfection of a horror honestly, I loved it so much! Can't wait to read more from this author!
audiobook was a 10/10
thank you Netgalley and the publishers for a copy if the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
May 31, 2024
This is a gruesome, bloody retelling of Cinderella. In this case, Cinderella is a cosmic monstrosity, appearing as a beautiful young woman in her human form but what lies beneath is horrific and terrifying.
Told from the perspective of Eunice, one of her stepsisters, this story pretty much follows the fairytale but we are privy to what's going on behind the scenes. Upon arrival, Cinderella must be locked in the cellar. Her father explains about the rules they all must follow so she cannot escape.
And we'll witness what happens when those rules aren't followed. There's going to be blood and a lot of it when Cinderella changes to her true eldritch form. Her thirst for pain and violence is unquenchable.
Everything you think you know about this child's fairytale will be forever changed after reading this novel.
It's beautifully written, has lots of body/cosmic horrors, and is absolutely frightening. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Told from the perspective of Eunice, one of her stepsisters, this story pretty much follows the fairytale but we are privy to what's going on behind the scenes. Upon arrival, Cinderella must be locked in the cellar. Her father explains about the rules they all must follow so she cannot escape.
And we'll witness what happens when those rules aren't followed. There's going to be blood and a lot of it when Cinderella changes to her true eldritch form. Her thirst for pain and violence is unquenchable.
Everything you think you know about this child's fairytale will be forever changed after reading this novel.
It's beautifully written, has lots of body/cosmic horrors, and is absolutely frightening. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
June 17, 2024
We Kept Her in the Cellar is an interesting retelling of Cinderella with a Lovecraftian spin. I was all in for a dark and twisted fairytale
The story is told theough the eldest sister Eunice whose mother marries a man with a daughter named Cinderella. But Cinderella wasn't a normal girl, she had evil powers, ravaged mice, and couldn’t be looked on between midnight and three. Eunice is in charge of caring for Cinderella as well as protecting the family from Cinderella. But when Cinderella is invited to the ball things go horribly wrong, and it is a battle for who will survive.
we kept her in the cellar
To me this story read like a YA book, aside from the graphic gore. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it in the end, but I can say it was memorable and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I really wish we were told more about Cinderellas power’s and what she actually was. If you are into fairytale retelling’s with a gory twist this may be what you are looking for. I would definitely read book 2.
The story is told theough the eldest sister Eunice whose mother marries a man with a daughter named Cinderella. But Cinderella wasn't a normal girl, she had evil powers, ravaged mice, and couldn’t be looked on between midnight and three. Eunice is in charge of caring for Cinderella as well as protecting the family from Cinderella. But when Cinderella is invited to the ball things go horribly wrong, and it is a battle for who will survive.
we kept her in the cellar
To me this story read like a YA book, aside from the graphic gore. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it in the end, but I can say it was memorable and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I really wish we were told more about Cinderellas power’s and what she actually was. If you are into fairytale retelling’s with a gory twist this may be what you are looking for. I would definitely read book 2.
September 26, 2024
A delightful and horrific Cinderella retelling was not something I expected in my life.
But here we are, and I'm tickled that I clicked "request" on my NetGalley page.
In this retelling there are just a few rules one must follow while being the caretaker for Cinderella:
One, always refer to Cinderella as family.
Two, never let Cinderella gain access to rats or mice.
Three, never look upon Cinderella between the hours of twelve and three a.m.
Eunice, her stepsister is the FMC and the lead caretaker. But when she has the opportunity to go to a ball, she shrugs off her responsibilities to another... and all fairytale hell breaks loose.
This is just one fun, twisted ride. If you are a fairytale fan, but would like a spooky twist (and don't mind some gore) give this a chance. It was just released on September 24th- just in time for the fall-halloween- season! I listened to the audio version and the narration was fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge audio for the opportunity to listen and review in exchange for my honest opinion.
But here we are, and I'm tickled that I clicked "request" on my NetGalley page.
In this retelling there are just a few rules one must follow while being the caretaker for Cinderella:
One, always refer to Cinderella as family.
Two, never let Cinderella gain access to rats or mice.
Three, never look upon Cinderella between the hours of twelve and three a.m.
Eunice, her stepsister is the FMC and the lead caretaker. But when she has the opportunity to go to a ball, she shrugs off her responsibilities to another... and all fairytale hell breaks loose.
This is just one fun, twisted ride. If you are a fairytale fan, but would like a spooky twist (and don't mind some gore) give this a chance. It was just released on September 24th- just in time for the fall-halloween- season! I listened to the audio version and the narration was fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge audio for the opportunity to listen and review in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 15, 2025
What if Cinderella was a horrific shapeshifter that could control and absorb the life force of others? What if the reason she was kept locked away like a slave was because it wasn't safe to be near her? What if she could get into your dreams and try to control you? What if her only loyalty was to her legal family?
I present to you: We Kept Her in the Cellar.
It's unique, a tad hilarious, and all told from the POV of a stepsister: Eunice, who tries really hard to find reasons to love Cinderella even though she is afraid of her and Cinderella is a threat to her little sister: Hortense.
3.5 I'm going to round up because I love that W.R. Gorman was adventurous enough to do this, but I do hate that it ends like it's a first book of the series, but everything I see shows that it's a standalone.
I present to you: We Kept Her in the Cellar.
It's unique, a tad hilarious, and all told from the POV of a stepsister: Eunice, who tries really hard to find reasons to love Cinderella even though she is afraid of her and Cinderella is a threat to her little sister: Hortense.
3.5 I'm going to round up because I love that W.R. Gorman was adventurous enough to do this, but I do hate that it ends like it's a first book of the series, but everything I see shows that it's a standalone.
June 17, 2024
What do you get when you mix Cinderella with Cosmic Horror? You get a gloriously gruesome fairy tale! What a story!
Oh, this is DARK. While there are a few touches of humor here and there, the author has given us Horror with a capital H.
I also love the fact that this is a decidedly non-Disney Cinderella – the author includes all the gruesome bits we love.
A wonderfully entertaining and very squirmy read!
• ARC via Publisher
Oh, this is DARK. While there are a few touches of humor here and there, the author has given us Horror with a capital H.
I also love the fact that this is a decidedly non-Disney Cinderella – the author includes all the gruesome bits we love.
A wonderfully entertaining and very squirmy read!
• ARC via Publisher
July 21, 2024
I had to go back and check after the first few chapters to make sure I was really reading a debut. I instantly thought that it had a distinct voice and perspective, but was also impressed with how quickly and seamlessly the book was able to set up the rules of the world and start seeding details for later plotbeats.
This story answers the question of 'wtf could be the explanation for the series of events in the original Cinderella story' if the stepsister was the hero and was actually behaving rationally. And I think it overall accomplishes its goal.
I did feel a little foolish that it took me so long to recognize the specific Disney Cinderella influences, vs the original Grimm ones. But I think that just speaks to how well integrated and natural they felt within this story.
While the story is fairly tame for the first 20-25% or so, the body horror and other horror elements goes straight to 11/10 pretty rapidly. There wasn't a trigger warning page in my arc but I sincerely hope there will be by the time this releases. Cause dear lord.
Does the ~dog die?:
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story answers the question of 'wtf could be the explanation for the series of events in the original Cinderella story' if the stepsister was the hero and was actually behaving rationally. And I think it overall accomplishes its goal.
I did feel a little foolish that it took me so long to recognize the specific Disney Cinderella influences, vs the original Grimm ones. But I think that just speaks to how well integrated and natural they felt within this story.
While the story is fairly tame for the first 20-25% or so, the body horror and other horror elements goes straight to 11/10 pretty rapidly. There wasn't a trigger warning page in my arc but I sincerely hope there will be by the time this releases. Cause dear lord.
Does the ~dog die?:
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 11, 2024
4.5
Picked this up on a whim but it’s one of the most entertaining insane gorey things i’ve read all year ‼️genuinely such a fun take on cinderella
Picked this up on a whim but it’s one of the most entertaining insane gorey things i’ve read all year ‼️genuinely such a fun take on cinderella
June 2, 2024
The writing in this book was technically correct but mediocre. The first third of this book had no action really, no plot, just the repetitive routine of Eunice taking care of her stepsister, Cinderella.
The gruesome parts of the story were indeed gruesome, and I love that Eunice maimed her foot as the stepsisters did in the original story, but we never learn anything of Cinderella’s origins or see her defeated. So the story seems to have no purpose or closure.
And why is her name Cinderella? She should be Cellarella.
Brilliant concept, disappointing in execution.
The gruesome parts of the story were indeed gruesome, and I love that Eunice maimed her foot as the stepsisters did in the original story, but we never learn anything of Cinderella’s origins or see her defeated. So the story seems to have no purpose or closure.
And why is her name Cinderella? She should be Cellarella.
Brilliant concept, disappointing in execution.
June 23, 2024
Overview
🦄 Horror fairy tale retelling
📖 Novella/easy read
🩸 Gore
👾 Lovecraftian monsters
💒 Minimal romance
We Kept Her in the Cellar is a weird little retelling with a simple premise. What if the entire Cinderella story was basically exactly the same beat for beat on paper, only theres something going on in the background. Imagine watching the Disney classic, but one of the ugly stepsisters ends up opening her mouth and saying "look, all of this happened because Cinderella is a monster beyond human comprehension"?
Eunice has lived her entire life knowing that Cinderella is a monster. That she can control rats and mice, bend reality to her will, and even eat people's minds. But Cinderella has rules. You must listen to family. Chores placate her. And don't you dare look upon her at midnight.
I was so impressed with how this book bended the plot points of the original legend to fit the books premise. It was all so skillfully done with quite a lot of attention to detail to thread every element of the story in and add horrific implications.
Eunice is a wonderful and incredibly likable heroine that is easy to get attached to in around 200 pages. I was also taken with the rest of Cinderella's so called "evil" family- W.R. Gorman has very charming prose that beckon the characters right off the page. Cinderella made my skin crawl, I truly was rooting against her at every angle.
Much like T Kingfisher, this fantasy horror has quite a few elements of both- It is not a strict horror and makes a strong attempt to build and play off of a fantasy world- but those moments of darkness rival even the most terrifying tradition horror story.
We Kept Her in the Cellar is a very short and easy read that will absolutely appeal to people who love villain origin stories and "villain side of the stories". This is probably my new favorite in a sea of really great Cinderella retellings I have read.
🦄 Horror fairy tale retelling
📖 Novella/easy read
🩸 Gore
👾 Lovecraftian monsters
💒 Minimal romance
We Kept Her in the Cellar is a weird little retelling with a simple premise. What if the entire Cinderella story was basically exactly the same beat for beat on paper, only theres something going on in the background. Imagine watching the Disney classic, but one of the ugly stepsisters ends up opening her mouth and saying "look, all of this happened because Cinderella is a monster beyond human comprehension"?
Eunice has lived her entire life knowing that Cinderella is a monster. That she can control rats and mice, bend reality to her will, and even eat people's minds. But Cinderella has rules. You must listen to family. Chores placate her. And don't you dare look upon her at midnight.
I was so impressed with how this book bended the plot points of the original legend to fit the books premise. It was all so skillfully done with quite a lot of attention to detail to thread every element of the story in and add horrific implications.
Eunice is a wonderful and incredibly likable heroine that is easy to get attached to in around 200 pages. I was also taken with the rest of Cinderella's so called "evil" family- W.R. Gorman has very charming prose that beckon the characters right off the page. Cinderella made my skin crawl, I truly was rooting against her at every angle.
Much like T Kingfisher, this fantasy horror has quite a few elements of both- It is not a strict horror and makes a strong attempt to build and play off of a fantasy world- but those moments of darkness rival even the most terrifying tradition horror story.
We Kept Her in the Cellar is a very short and easy read that will absolutely appeal to people who love villain origin stories and "villain side of the stories". This is probably my new favorite in a sea of really great Cinderella retellings I have read.
October 8, 2024
★4.51 stars★
everyone knows the story of a girl who escaped her cruel stepsisters to the ball and lived happily ever after... or do they?
in this horrifying, bloody tale, Gorman weaves a fresh and brilliant spin on a tired classic. i was hooked from page one and there were scenes that had me genuinely wanting to plug my ears (audiobook) because it was so gross. i loved it. highly recommend
everyone knows the story of a girl who escaped her cruel stepsisters to the ball and lived happily ever after... or do they?
in this horrifying, bloody tale, Gorman weaves a fresh and brilliant spin on a tired classic. i was hooked from page one and there were scenes that had me genuinely wanting to plug my ears (audiobook) because it was so gross. i loved it. highly recommend
January 28, 2025
You've heard the enchanting fairy tale about Cinderella. But there are TWO sides to each story. Forget what you thought you knew about beautiful Cinderella and prepare for a nightmarish retelling from the perspective of step-sister Eunice. There are three simple yet important rules for co-existing with the malevolent Cinderella, and Eunice follows them with skilled precision. Her childhood passes by in a torrent of tears, terror, and tumult caused by the monster in the cellar. When Eunice has a chance to attend the ball with Prince Credence, her younger sister, Hortense, volunteers to care for Cinderella. Unfortunately, Cinderella escapes, sweeping Prince Credence off his feet and leaving a swath of destruction and carnage. Eunice must decide how far she is willing to go to stop this malevolent monster.
I was immediately intrigued by this retelling of the classic fairy tale. At first, I thought Cinderella would simply be a mean, evil person, but nope. She's an outright monster. As a fan of H.P. Lovecraft, this book was satisfyingly gore-y. This creepy and oftentimes gross version is told in the first person by teenage Eunice, and can feel like a YA book. It's been a couple of weeks since I read this book, and I honestly can't stop thinking about it. So much so that whenever Cinderella is depicted or mentioned, I don't think of the original fairy tale; I find myself returning to the horrifically evil monster, the determined Eunice, and the bloody horror depicted by the author. This is absolutely a book I will return to. The creativity and well-executed writing lend to a truly frightening tale. I can't wait to listen to the audiobook version.
- Review by Lake Ridge Library Staff
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
I was immediately intrigued by this retelling of the classic fairy tale. At first, I thought Cinderella would simply be a mean, evil person, but nope. She's an outright monster. As a fan of H.P. Lovecraft, this book was satisfyingly gore-y. This creepy and oftentimes gross version is told in the first person by teenage Eunice, and can feel like a YA book. It's been a couple of weeks since I read this book, and I honestly can't stop thinking about it. So much so that whenever Cinderella is depicted or mentioned, I don't think of the original fairy tale; I find myself returning to the horrifically evil monster, the determined Eunice, and the bloody horror depicted by the author. This is absolutely a book I will return to. The creativity and well-executed writing lend to a truly frightening tale. I can't wait to listen to the audiobook version.
- Review by Lake Ridge Library Staff
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
October 25, 2024
What better way to bring in October and the week before Halloween with a gory, gruesome retelling of Cinderella from the older stepsister's perspective. I loved the subtle ways that the author shifted the storyline to demonize Cinderella and create a fun yet horrifying creature feature.
When Cinderella and her father come to live with the two stepsisters and their mother, she immediately takes a literal bite out of the younger stepsister, Hortense. The older stepsister, who is 11 at the time, learns that Cinderella must be kept under lock and key in the cellar. Never let her out. Never go down there alone. She also learns the three rules that must be followed at all times or become a victim of Cinderella's deadly games.
This frightening fairytale definitely had some hard-core gore scenes that readers, who gravitate towards splatterpunk, will probably quite enjoy. I loved the horror aspect.
The audiobook performance was fantastic and added a layer of depth and authenticity to the story. The narrator's voice was a great fit for the stepsister's perspective.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
When Cinderella and her father come to live with the two stepsisters and their mother, she immediately takes a literal bite out of the younger stepsister, Hortense. The older stepsister, who is 11 at the time, learns that Cinderella must be kept under lock and key in the cellar. Never let her out. Never go down there alone. She also learns the three rules that must be followed at all times or become a victim of Cinderella's deadly games.
This frightening fairytale definitely had some hard-core gore scenes that readers, who gravitate towards splatterpunk, will probably quite enjoy. I loved the horror aspect.
The audiobook performance was fantastic and added a layer of depth and authenticity to the story. The narrator's voice was a great fit for the stepsister's perspective.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2024
This was fantastic! I loved everything about this dark and unsettling, twisted Cinderella retelling. I loved the writing style; it was compelling and full of intrigue that had me hooked from the first page. The pacing was excellent and kept everything moving along at the perfect speed. The world-building was terrific. I loved how she used the original tale and built upon it. And the character development was absolutely superb. I highly recommend this to horror fans, and I think this is perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, more specifically their retellings.
June 22, 2024
5⭐️!!! Holy hell that was so good! A dark fairy tale horror retelling of Cinderella. This is a mix of horror and fantasy. But don’t be fooled if you’re only a fantasy reader, this is HEAVY on the horror!
I loved every second of this! This is an arc that comes out in September (got it on Netgalley) and it is a MUST read if you’re into fantasy retellings and are a horror reader. It’s compared to T. kingfisher, but I think this was sooo much better than the one I read by that author.
I will definitely read more by this author!!
I loved every second of this! This is an arc that comes out in September (got it on Netgalley) and it is a MUST read if you’re into fantasy retellings and are a horror reader. It’s compared to T. kingfisher, but I think this was sooo much better than the one I read by that author.
I will definitely read more by this author!!
March 21, 2025
I am a huge fan of fairytale retellings and this one did not disappoint! It is told from the perspective of one of Cinderella’s stepsister - Eunice. She is tasked with caring for her round the clock so when she receives an invitation to the ball she sees her chance to escape if only for a night. However, Cinderella possesses dark and powerful abilities and manages to crash the
ball and unleashes devastion. Eunice must decide once and for all how much she is willing to sacrifice to put an end to her sister’s terrorizing.
Fans of body horror, suspense, gore and Disney Princesses gone completely rogue will love this one!
Thank you to #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the #gifted ARC!
ball and unleashes devastion. Eunice must decide once and for all how much she is willing to sacrifice to put an end to her sister’s terrorizing.
Fans of body horror, suspense, gore and Disney Princesses gone completely rogue will love this one!
Thank you to #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for the #gifted ARC!
June 30, 2024
THis was such a great read, I loved the twist on the fairy tale, it was so good!
February 8, 2025
Awesomely gross. I'm not a huge horror reader but I thought this was great. Love these kinds of twisted tales.
September 24, 2024
I am skeptical about fairy tale retellings. There are so many, and I completely understand that oversaturation is a result of initial success of a trope/genre. So, I went into this one with some reservations.
The book, however, surprised and delighted me. It takes the Cinderella story and turns it inside out which is definitely the mark of a good retelling. But, what I liked most was that it was horror. It's gruesome and gory and Cinderella's unfathomable nature and tentacle affinity was a delight.
The story is full of frustration and devastation and really lets that horror sing. It's marketed as fantasy and Cinderella is presumably part fae but we can't ignore the cosmic nature of her design.
The book, however, surprised and delighted me. It takes the Cinderella story and turns it inside out which is definitely the mark of a good retelling. But, what I liked most was that it was horror. It's gruesome and gory and Cinderella's unfathomable nature and tentacle affinity was a delight.
The story is full of frustration and devastation and really lets that horror sing. It's marketed as fantasy and Cinderella is presumably part fae but we can't ignore the cosmic nature of her design.
October 19, 2024
В отличие от “Кто-то, в Ком Ты Можешь Свить Гнездо”, у меня не было каких-то особых ожиданий по поводу этой книги. Аннотация показалась любопытной, обьем был относительно небольшой, и мне хотелось почитать чего-то простого. В принципе, я получила, что хотела, но с оговорками. Даже с условием того, что “Мы Держали Ее на Чердаке” является авторским дебютом, тут есть много откровенно слабых моментов. Создавалось ощущение, словно автор была не до конца уверена в собственной способности вывести этот сюжет, если бы она сделала его более мрачным. Книгa балансирует между янг адалтом и миддл грейдом, иногда вклинивания откровенную жесть, словно канатаходец-недоучка, который в свой дебют решил еще и жонглировать горящими факелами при условии, что жонглировать он вообще не умеет. Из-за этого у книги довольно неровный тон, а вместе с тем и основная мысль становится неясной.
Сюжет начинается с того, что мать одиннадцатилетней Юнис и шестилетней Гортензии повторно выходит замуж за купца Мистера Фицуильяма. У будущего отчима тоже есть дочь от первого брака – двенадцатилетняя Золушка. Первое знакомство будущих сводных сестер прошло, мягко говоря, неудачно: Золушка вцепилась зубами в голову Гортензии и отгрызла довольно приличный кусок. Ребенок проваливается в кому и Мистеру Фицуильяму приходится открыть страшную тайну: его дочь не совсем человек. И их долг сторожить ее, дабы она никому не причинила вреда.
Ретеллингов про Золушку много. Ретеллингов, где Золушка – главная злодейка, а ее сводные сестры не такие плохие, тоже предостаточно. Ретеллинг, где Золушка является в прямом смысле лавкрафтианским монстром, – это что-то новенькое. Мне, во всяком случае, подобного читать не доводилось.
Первые 30%-ов по сути своей являются прологом, в котором Мистер Фицуильям обучает Юнис как управляться с Золушкой. Золушка обязана слушаться членов своей семьи (Юнис, Гортензия и их мать тоже туда теперь входят благодаря браку последней с Мистером Фицуильямом). Члены семьи обязаны давать Золушке поручения,чтобы ей было куда тратить энергию. Но есть подвох: надо четко проговаривать, что она должна сделать, не упуская деталей. Золушка у нас как ChatGPT в этом плане: нельзя просто сказать “Золушка, съешь пирожок”. Надо обязательно проговорить, что она должна взять пирожок в свои человеческие руки с пятью пальцами на каждой, откусить кусочек ртом и зубами, которые у нее на лице, прожевывать теми же зубами и проглотить. Иначе она может взять пирожок щупальцем и затолкать полностью в дырку где-то между лопаток. И как подобное людям объяснять потом?
В остальное время Золушка находится взаперти в клетке на чердаке. К ней ни в коем случае нельзя подпускать крыс и мышей, поэтому в доме появилось аж пять котов. А еще на нее ни в коем случае нельзя смотреть в течении трех часов после полуночи, так как в это время она принимает свой истинный облик. Как и у любого уважающего себя лавкрафтианского монстра, настоящее обличие нашей Ктулхулушки сводит человека с ума, так как разум хомо сапиенса обыкновенного слишком примитивен и не может его осмыслить.
Г-жа Горман бережно и тщательно создавала атмосферу напряжения в доме Юнис. Так бережно и долго, что в какой-то момент это начало утомплять. Но стоило ей совершить временной скачок в будущее к основным событиям, так ее словно укусила некая турбо-муха (а может просто все дедлайны горели), в результате чего она поставила себе цель пройтись по основным событиям сказки как можно быстрее. А может ей просто было неинтересно. Однако, из-за этого логика в некоторых местах начала откровенно хромать. Если вы крутились или продолжаете крутиться в сфере фанфикшна, то вы явно натыкались на определенный пласт работ. Они пишутся очень быстро, чаще всего по главе в один присест, а единственный акт редактуры представляет собой прогон текста через онлайн проверку орфографии. От этого страдает большинство сюжетных решений, которые со временем перестают стыковаться между собой. “Мы Держали Ее на Чердаке” по ощущениям именно такая.
Юнис и ее домочадцы были готовы к тому, что горожане будут косо на них смотреть из-за их обращения с Золушкой и какой удар по репутации это нанесет. Но то была осознанная жертва, ибо альтернатива еще хуже. Логично? Логично. Тогда зачем, спрашивается, они держат в доме прислугу? Чтобы вы понимали, Золушка откровенно палится, она не видит смысла скрывать свою натуру. В результате, слуги в доме в какой-то момент так или иначе все понимают. И никто из них до сих пор не разнес слух о том, что с третьей дочкой Фицуильямов что-то очень сильно не так. Они все как один договор о неразглашении подписывают, что ли?
Чем дальше, тем отчетливее становиться ясно, что Горман было лень прописывать детали и мотивации персонажей. Ей даже любовную линию между Юнис и принцем было прописывать лень, чтобы вы понимали. Они знакомятся где-то в самом начале основного сюжета и в следующую встречу уже целуются. Автор всего один раз невзначай упомянула, что у них после первой встречи была длительная переписка, но сами письма почитать читатель не имеет возможности. Можно было просто вырезать этот момент и книга бы ничего не потеряла. Ибо “Мы Держали Ее на Чердаке” писалась не ради любовной линии и даже не ради переиначивания всем известной сказки.
Нет, эта книга писалась ради двух конкретных моментов. И я даже могу с уверенностью указать каких, потому что, в отличие от всего остального, они как раз расписаны в мельчайших подробностях. Весьма кровавых подробностях. Первую спойлерить не буду, про вторую скажу: случилось тоже самое, что и в версии братьев Гримм во время примерки туфельки. Даже до инфекции дошло.
Однако, окончательно “Мы Держали Ее на Чердаке” треснула по швам, как ни странно, в финале. Если коротко, Юнис просто приказала Ктулхулушке уйти в лес и никогда не возвращаться. И это, черт возьми, сработал��! Нет, там, конечно, есть намек на то, что это еще не конец, и Ктулхулушка придет мстить, но у меня это вызвало такую же реакцию как во время сцены появления Дейви Джонсе в пятых “Пиратах Карибского Моря”.
Проблема не в том, что с Золушкой так быстро расправились, а в том насколько легко это случилось. Это было так просто, что невольно возникает вопрос: а раньше так сделать было нельзя? Ну знаете, до того, как ситуация вышла из под контроля, и Ктулхулушка перекромсала кучу людей. Что мешало-то? И чем дольше я над этим думала, тем больше вопросов возникало в моей голове. Если задуматься, то несмотря на монструозную природу Золушки и то, как Юнис распинается о своих страданиях под ее гнетом, в позиции силы находятся именно она (Юнис) и все остальные члены семьи. Ктулхулушка не имеет права ослушаться прямого приказа, так почему бы просто не велеть ей уйти? Им нет смысла держать ее подле себя, ее наличие в доме не несет никаких бонусов, ради которых можно было бы потерпеть все неудобства. К примеру, король готов был женить на ней принца, так как хотел использовать Золушку в военных целях. Про Фицуильямов такого сказать нельзя. Не похоже, чтобы Мистер Фицуильям питал к Ктулхулушке какую-то привязанность, чтобы держать ее рядом из сентиментальных чувств. Я понимаю, почему они никогда не пытались убить ее, например (хотя, они могли приказать ей не есть и таким образом заморить голодом). Трудно предсказать, как она бы отреагировала на столь радикальные меры. Но после такой резолюции как-то сложно поверить в то, что у героев вообще не было никаких вариантов избавиться от столь проблемной родственницы. Из-за этого и симпатизировать Юнис как-то не выходит. Можно еще сказать, что Золушка и сама могла попытаться сбежать, но в ее мотивацию и мысли Горман не погружается абсолютно, так что тут особого смысла гадать нет.
Первый блин вышел комом. Комом, который подгорел снаружи, а внутри остался сырым. Г-же Горман надо было либо нарастить мяса из деталей на это дело, либо сократить историю до формата рассказа или новеллы. А так получилось какое-то непонятное нечто, которое кроме пары кровавых сцен и интересного концепта ничего предложить не может.
Телеграм-канал "Яблоневый Сад Эвридики"
Сюжет начинается с того, что мать одиннадцатилетней Юнис и шестилетней Гортензии повторно выходит замуж за купца Мистера Фицуильяма. У будущего отчима тоже есть дочь от первого брака – двенадцатилетняя Золушка. Первое знакомство будущих сводных сестер прошло, мягко говоря, неудачно: Золушка вцепилась зубами в голову Гортензии и отгрызла довольно приличный кусок. Ребенок проваливается в кому и Мистеру Фицуильяму приходится открыть страшную тайну: его дочь не совсем человек. И их долг сторожить ее, дабы она никому не причинила вреда.
Ретеллингов про Золушку много. Ретеллингов, где Золушка – главная злодейка, а ее сводные сестры не такие плохие, тоже предостаточно. Ретеллинг, где Золушка является в прямом смысле лавкрафтианским монстром, – это что-то новенькое. Мне, во всяком случае, подобного читать не доводилось.
Первые 30%-ов по сути своей являются прологом, в котором Мистер Фицуильям обучает Юнис как управляться с Золушкой. Золушка обязана слушаться членов своей семьи (Юнис, Гортензия и их мать тоже туда теперь входят благодаря браку последней с Мистером Фицуильямом). Члены семьи обязаны давать Золушке поручения,чтобы ей было куда тратить энергию. Но есть подвох: надо четко проговаривать, что она должна сделать, не упуская деталей. Золушка у нас как ChatGPT в этом плане: нельзя просто сказать “Золушка, съешь пирожок”. Надо обязательно проговорить, что она должна взять пирожок в свои человеческие руки с пятью пальцами на каждой, откусить кусочек ртом и зубами, которые у нее на лице, прожевывать теми же зубами и проглотить. Иначе она может взять пирожок щупальцем и затолкать полностью в дырку где-то между лопаток. И как подобное людям объяснять потом?
В остальное время Золушка находится взаперти в клетке на чердаке. К ней ни в коем случае нельзя подпускать крыс и мышей, поэтому в доме появилось аж пять котов. А еще на нее ни в коем случае нельзя смотреть в течении трех часов после полуночи, так как в это время она принимает свой истинный облик. Как и у любого уважающего себя лавкрафтианского монстра, настоящее обличие нашей Ктулхулушки сводит человека с ума, так как разум хомо сапиенса обыкновенного слишком примитивен и не может его осмыслить.
Г-жа Горман бережно и тщательно создавала атмосферу напряжения в доме Юнис. Так бережно и долго, что в какой-то момент это начало утомплять. Но стоило ей совершить временной скачок в будущее к основным событиям, так ее словно укусила некая турбо-муха (а может просто все дедлайны горели), в результате чего она поставила себе цель пройтись по основным событиям сказки как можно быстрее. А может ей просто было неинтересно. Однако, из-за этого логика в некоторых местах начала откровенно хромать. Если вы крутились или продолжаете крутиться в сфере фанфикшна, то вы явно натыкались на определенный пласт работ. Они пишутся очень быстро, чаще всего по главе в один присест, а единственный акт редактуры представляет собой прогон текста через онлайн проверку орфографии. От этого страдает большинство сюжетных решений, которые со временем перестают стыковаться между собой. “Мы Держали Ее на Чердаке” по ощущениям именно такая.
Юнис и ее домочадцы были готовы к тому, что горожане будут косо на них смотреть из-за их обращения с Золушкой и какой удар по репутации это нанесет. Но то была осознанная жертва, ибо альтернатива еще хуже. Логично? Логично. Тогда зачем, спрашивается, они держат в доме прислугу? Чтобы вы понимали, Золушка откровенно палится, она не видит смысла скрывать свою натуру. В результате, слуги в доме в какой-то момент так или иначе все понимают. И никто из них до сих пор не разнес слух о том, что с третьей дочкой Фицуильямов что-то очень сильно не так. Они все как один договор о неразглашении подписывают, что ли?
Чем дальше, тем отчетливее становиться ясно, что Горман было лень прописывать детали и мотивации персонажей. Ей даже любовную линию между Юнис и принцем было прописывать лень, чтобы вы понимали. Они знакомятся где-то в самом начале основного сюжета и в следующую встречу уже целуются. Автор всего один раз невзначай упомянула, что у них после первой встречи была длительная переписка, но сами письма почитать читатель не имеет возможности. Можно было просто вырезать этот момент и книга бы ничего не потеряла. Ибо “Мы Держали Ее на Чердаке” писалась не ради любовной линии и даже не ради переиначивания всем известной сказки.
Нет, эта книга писалась ради двух конкретных моментов. И я даже могу с уверенностью указать каких, потому что, в отличие от всего остального, они как раз расписаны в мельчайших подробностях. Весьма кровавых подробностях. Первую спойлерить не буду, про вторую скажу: случилось тоже самое, что и в версии братьев Гримм во время примерки туфельки. Даже до инфекции дошло.
Однако, окончательно “Мы Держали Ее на Чердаке” треснула по швам, как ни странно, в финале. Если коротко, Юнис просто приказала Ктулхулушке уйти в лес и никогда не возвращаться. И это, черт возьми, сработал��! Нет, там, конечно, есть намек на то, что это еще не конец, и Ктулхулушка придет мстить, но у меня это вызвало такую же реакцию как во время сцены появления Дейви Джонсе в пятых “Пиратах Карибского Моря”.
Проблема не в том, что с Золушкой так быстро расправились, а в том насколько легко это случилось. Это было так просто, что невольно возникает вопрос: а раньше так сделать было нельзя? Ну знаете, до того, как ситуация вышла из под контроля, и Ктулхулушка перекромсала кучу людей. Что мешало-то? И чем дольше я над этим думала, тем больше вопросов возникало в моей голове. Если задуматься, то несмотря на монструозную природу Золушки и то, как Юнис распинается о своих страданиях под ее гнетом, в позиции силы находятся именно она (Юнис) и все остальные члены семьи. Ктулхулушка не имеет права ослушаться прямого приказа, так почему бы просто не велеть ей уйти? Им нет смысла держать ее подле себя, ее наличие в доме не несет никаких бонусов, ради которых можно было бы потерпеть все неудобства. К примеру, король готов был женить на ней принца, так как хотел использовать Золушку в военных целях. Про Фицуильямов такого сказать нельзя. Не похоже, чтобы Мистер Фицуильям питал к Ктулхулушке какую-то привязанность, чтобы держать ее рядом из сентиментальных чувств. Я понимаю, почему они никогда не пытались убить ее, например (хотя, они могли приказать ей не есть и таким образом заморить голодом). Трудно предсказать, как она бы отреагировала на столь радикальные меры. Но после такой резолюции как-то сложно поверить в то, что у героев вообще не было никаких вариантов избавиться от столь проблемной родственницы. Из-за этого и симпатизировать Юнис как-то не выходит. Можно еще сказать, что Золушка и сама могла попытаться сбежать, но в ее мотивацию и мысли Горман не погружается абсолютно, так что тут особого смысла гадать нет.
Первый блин вышел комом. Комом, который подгорел снаружи, а внутри остался сырым. Г-же Горман надо было либо нарастить мяса из деталей на это дело, либо сократить историю до формата рассказа или новеллы. А так получилось какое-то непонятное нечто, которое кроме пары кровавых сцен и интересного концепта ничего предложить не может.
Телеграм-канал "Яблоневый Сад Эвридики"
August 8, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
A eldritch, body horror retelling of Cinderella, you get exactly what you pay for. This is gnarly, no one is safe from Cinderella. I loved how the author fit each aspect of the story into her twisted world. A little slow at the start, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down.
A eldritch, body horror retelling of Cinderella, you get exactly what you pay for. This is gnarly, no one is safe from Cinderella. I loved how the author fit each aspect of the story into her twisted world. A little slow at the start, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down.
October 2, 2024
an excellent and gory retelling of Cinderella that i am ALL HERE FOR <3
the writing got a little repetitive and bland in some parts which is why i removed a star, but the main character was awesome and the story FLEW by in the best of ways :) totally recommend for a spooky october retelling!
the writing got a little repetitive and bland in some parts which is why i removed a star, but the main character was awesome and the story FLEW by in the best of ways :) totally recommend for a spooky october retelling!
October 9, 2024
WOW.
What an incredible twist and take on Cinderella!
It touches on all the best parts, why the sisters did what they did, and the ending isn’t cliche. I loved every second of this book!!
I’ve always hated Cinderella, and this book made it so so enjoyable!
What an incredible twist and take on Cinderella!
It touches on all the best parts, why the sisters did what they did, and the ending isn’t cliche. I loved every second of this book!!
I’ve always hated Cinderella, and this book made it so so enjoyable!
October 22, 2024
What a nice surprise! This is fascinating from start to finish. I was so into this Cinderella retelling from the POV of one of the step sisters. I went into this blind and was shook to my core from the very beginning. Turns out Cinderella is the monster. The story, the character development, and the body horror!!!! I freaking loved every second of it. When I say body horror, I mean it! I was squirming at times. An amazing twist on making the story we know and love into a horror read. Please pick it up!
July 31, 2025
A gorily ever after tale that flips the original on its head.
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