The Glass Gate: A Retelling of Cinderella

by Hanna Sandvig

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Sometimes all a girl needs is a good dress and some magic shoes.

Prince Charming is optional.

My goal was simple: create a killer fashion design portfolio, win the scholarship to the school of my dreams, and never have to clean my step-family’s house again. I just needed some inspiration. Something to set my portfolio apart from all the other up-and-coming designers. A little fashion magic.

I didn’t expect literal magic.

But then my friend dressed me up like a fae princess, and whisked me away to Faerie. The food! The dancing! The dresses! This was just the inspiration I needed, so when the crown prince asked me to stay and be his fake girlfriend, I jumped at the opportunity.

Prince Tiernan is gorgeous and charming, but I’m just a part of a plot to find his bride. That’s fine by me. I’m just here for the fashion. No messy feelings. On the other hand, it’s very hard to not have my head turned by a boy who gives me a dragon egg.

The longer I stay in Faerie with Tiernan, the more caught up I get in the magic of his kingdom, and I start to believe the stories we’re spinning for everyone. Stories of magic and sacrifice and maybe even true love.

I can’t lose sight of my goals. I need to win that scholarship. Putting my heart on the line for a prince and his kingdom is just too risky. Am I brave enough to try? Maybe if I find the right dress.

Where’s a fairy godmother when you need one?

**If you think Ever After is the best Cinderella retelling, because they actually get to know each other, or that Project Runway would be improved by having a baby dragon, try The Glass Gate! This is a sweet, stand-alone retelling of Cinderella, set in the Faerie Tale Romances world**

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Book Details

Genre

Fantasy/Science Fiction Romance

Subgenre

Fae / Elf, Fairytale, Mythology-Based (Greek, Norse, Celtic, etc.)

Series

Faerie Tale Romances

Audience

Upper YA

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

2 Mild

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

3 Moderate

Publication Date

June 30, 2022

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Depression or anxiety, Pregnancy/childbirth on-page

Representation

Adoption or foster-care representation, BIPOC main character / cast, Disability representation, Neurodivergent representation (e.g., Autism, ADHD)

Editorial Reviews

"Cozy, clever, and adorable! You are not going to want to miss this one!" - Valia Lind, author of Thunderbird Academy

A Delightful Read!

I just loved this sweet romance retelling of Cinderella. Although it can be read by a standalone, there are characters from The Rose Gate and the Lily Gate featured as well.Along with the main characters, Ella and Tiernan, I really like how the author developed the character of Amber, the youngest sister from The Rose Gate story. There was also some more world-building that helped expand this Faerie Tale Universe. I think I speak for all of us when I say we want to see Ella's sketch of topless Tiernan though...just curious about the tattoo, of course. That's all... (wink, wink)What I loved about Ella: she has been dealt a crap hand in life and she is holding up the best she can. But my biggest beef with many novels is that the characters live in terribly stressful environments for years and then either have no mental health problems or have a few issues that are easily solved when they finally have someone who believes in them. Don't get me wrong, it's so helpful to have someone who believes in you, but mental health issues do not just disappear once a person is removed from a toxic environment! I love how this author acknowledges that mental health issues can be ongoing, but that doesn't mean they're going to stop you from living a great life. Medication (or magical teas from Faerie), supportive human friends (and/or therapists) and lifestyle changes all help keep the symptoms from taking control.What I loved about Tiernan: Despite being also dealt a crap hand in life, Tiernan has a "found family" who helps him to live authentically, and who also help hold him accountable when his natural instincts choose fear over love. And since I'm a believer that the the opposite of love is not hate, but fear, I'm so glad Tiernan's friends won't let him succumb to it. Tiernan is my favourite of Hanna Sandvig's heroes (and not just because I married a redhead!) but because his fears seem so justified but he is able to face them and admit that he was wrong. Wouldn't the world be a more beautiful place if everyone felt safe enough to do that?Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!

Get ready to be sucked into a world of pure cute and whimsy characters

Just about the cutest book I have read. Everything about this story from the characters to the setting was just pure whimsy and fun. The romance was subtle, but still so engaging and rewarding to see these two characters grow into their love. And to top it off there were neverending surprises of cuteness with a baby dragon and other creatures of faerie. I also was pleasantly surprised to find that the paperback edition contained some character art done by the author. I will also admit to tearing up a little at the end as well. I am most definitely on the Hanna Sandvig bandwagon now!

Loved it

Super cute read. Not your typical fairytale

Sweet and swoony Cindarella retelling

This retelling of Cinderella by Hanna Sandvig is beautiful. It’s go so many fun characters, cosy romance and a mischievous tiny dragon. A must for anyone who loves fairytales, fantasy creatures and adventures.Ella lives with her stepmother and twin stepsisters in a tiny Canadian town. Her stepmother makes Ella work in her dress shop sewing all the clothes and taking all the credit for herself. The only upside is that Ella loves fashion and design.A chance meeting with the faerie Prince sets Ella up for a chance she can’t let slip her by. If she helps prince Tiernan by pretending to be his fiancé, Ella can stay in faerie and be inspired by all the unique and magical clothing the faerie wear. Guaranteed to make her portfolio stand out so she can win a scholarship to a prestigious design school and escape her evil stepmother. While Tiernan, can find a bride who he can safely not fall in love with.It’s a win-win until the king tries to kill her, twice.Hanna Sandvig has created a gorgeous series of retellings with characters who are more than they first appear.

Cosy, Cute AND a Baby Dragon!

The Glass Gate is a cute Cinderella retelling focussed on Ella, a seamstress which means this book has lots of emphasis on the dresses and outfits, the descriptions of the outfits are perfect and just so wonderful! The story focusses on the Prince of the Seelie fae and Ella who come to an agreement to fake date (amazing, yes please) and it shows them slowly growing closer. The wonderful and colourful cast of characters bring the story to life and the story also includes a baby dragon that absolutely steals the show (as well as the castle cutlery!)All in all it's a super sweet cosy story, one that I will read, and read again.