I would say that this book is more “adult” than “young adult” as many heavier topics are discussed, but it is still a beautiful story. Fire focuses on a new protagonist in a new kingdom many years before the events of Graceling. At times, it feels as if this book is entirely unrelated to the original, but there are some small connections. While I would have enjoyed seeing more of the characters from Graceling, I love that Cashore has introduced an entirely new land with its own history to explore. She is truly a master of worldbuilding, and I look forward to the new kingdoms I’ll discover as I continue reading her work.

Cinderella is Dead is a wonderful story of love, hope, and rebellion, but it was limited by its author. The writing style was vague without much detail, which caused many of the action scenes to be difficult to follow. I found myself rereading paragraphs multiple times and having to piece together the events from my own interpretations. However, I still very much enjoyed this book and am glad to have read it. Cinderella is Dead is a dark and horrifying twist on a fairy tale that I adore, but not so dismal that it turns me away. The romance is quite lovely, albeit a bit rushed. This book is well worth a read, if you can forgive a few cluttered descriptions.

I Had That Same Dream Again was an absolutely incredible read. The story is beautiful and so much more intricate than you realize until you’re at the very end. I will definitely be rereading this manga sometime in the future, I enjoyed it that much. This story may take a bit of patience to truly understand, but once the pieces start falling into place, it will take your breath away.

The premise behind this book is promising, but the execution was very poor. The story is rushed and incredibly confusing. There is hardly any chemistry between the leading couple. Readers are told they are in love, but we do not see it or feel it. The science-fiction elements are not explained in the slightest, leaving the reader floundering for explanations that can’t be found. The time-traveling method is nonsensical, and the converging timelines are so tangled together that it is difficult to tell which characters are from the past/present/future and which time they are currently in. It’s a cute story, but it feels half-baked.

A beautiful—yet dark—story reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. The world-building is incredible; the fae creatures are dangerously magical and awe-inspiring. It may seem slow-paced in the beginning, but once it picks up, the story drives forward so swiftly that you will be unable to put the book down. Very much an adult read with steamy scenes that are wonderfully written.

This book is not meant for those who crave happy endings or find themselves tearing up at the suffering of others. The Shadow in the Glass is praised as “deliciously dark,” and this should not be taken lightly. There were many moments in this story that nauseated me and forced me to set the book aside. While the author’s writing style is wonderfully descriptive, I was frustrated by the tediously slow pacing. The big events were entertaining, but the moments between them dragged on and on. The ending leaves a lot to be desired, with many unexplained loose ends. If you enjoy Cinderella retellings where the kindhearted maiden wins her prince and retires to a life of bliss, I urge you to look elsewhere.

Dragon Slippers has been one of my very favorite books since I was ten years old. It’s so far back that I don’t remember how I got my hands on my original copy, but it had been read so many times that the pages were yellowed and the spine was falling apart in my hands. A few years ago, a family member gifted me new copies of the trilogy with their new cover designs, and I have finally decided to sit down and reread them. I am in my twenties now, and still this book fills me with the same wonder, enjoyment, and awe that it did the very first time. I adore the characters, the writing style, and the magic. When I am under the weather, this is the book that I turn to to lift my spirits. Dragon Slippers will always have a very special place in my heart.