Synopsis
In the heart of the ruthless Jyosian Empire, men like Cedric Carr are born Quartz—destined to serve, endure, and obey. But Cedric isn’t content to simply survive. When the opportunity arises to join The Betrothal Games—a dazzling yet deadly competition for the hand of Princess Ysabelle—Cedric seizes it.
There’s only one problem: to compete, he must become someone else entirely. Through magic, Cedric transforms into a Diamond elite—beautiful, powerful, and untouchable. His mission isn’t to win Ysabelle’s heart… it’s to infiltrate her world and assassinate the emperor. But in the glittering court where alliances are forged in whispers and daggers hide behind smiles, falling in love is the most dangerous risk of all.
Detailed Review
Ashley Willingham’s Smoke and Glass Slippers takes the familiar bones of Cinderella and reconstructs them into a sharp, breath-stealing dystopian masterpiece.
From the first chapter, you’re dropped into a world divided by castes, dripping with luxury for the few and suffocating under oppression for the many. Cedric is not your typical fairy-tale hero. He’s flawed, calculating, and—most importantly—human. His journey from Quartz servant to glittering Diamond contender is an intricate balance of survival and rebellion, layered with moral dilemmas and unexpected tenderness.
The gender-flipped Cinderella dynamic is not just a clever gimmick—it reshapes the stakes entirely. Instead of a girl rising above her station through magic and marriage, we watch a man navigate treacherous political waters, risking his life for justice in a system designed to crush him. And Princess Ysabelle? She’s no helpless royal waiting to be rescued—she’s intelligent, dangerous in her own right, and burdened by the golden cage she lives in.
The worldbuilding is exquisite, with details that pull you into the empire’s opulence and its rot. The Betrothal Games add a layer of spectacle, mixing The Selection-style glamour with the cunning politics of Red Rising.
It’s thrilling, it’s romantic, and it’s a piercing commentary on power, identity, and the cost of rebellion.
About the Author
Ashley Willingham crafts immersive, character-driven fantasy worlds where danger and romance entwine. With a gift for weaving political intrigue into fast-paced narratives, she creates stories that feel both fantastical and deeply real. Smoke and Glass Slippers is a shining example of her ability to blend high stakes, swoon-worthy moments, and razor-sharp twists.
Books Similar to This One
If you loved Smoke and Glass Slippers, you might also enjoy:
- The Selection by Kiera Cass – court politics + romantic competition
- Red Rising by Pierce Brown – rebellion from within the elite
- The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller – morally gray romance with political intrigue
- Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron – a fresh, subversive take on the classic tale
Spice Rating 🌶️
Clean romance, but with emotionally charged tension that keeps you turning pages. Expect longing gazes, stolen touches, and deliciously loaded dialogue rather than explicit scenes.
Why You Should Get a Copy
Because Smoke and Glass Slippers doesn’t just retell Cinderella—it dismantles it, flips it upside down, and dresses it in diamonds and danger. It’s perfect for readers who love high-stakes fantasy, court intrigue, and romances where trust is as risky as betrayal.
Interactive Section: Quiz – Which Betrothal Games Role Would You Play?
Question 1:
At a royal ball, you…
A) Observe from the shadows, gathering intel.
B) Charm everyone in sight.
C) Keep to yourself but watch everything.
Question 2:
Your weapon of choice is…
A) Information – knowledge is power.
B) A well-hidden dagger.
C) Influence and alliances.
Question 3:
If offered a crown, you…
A) Take it, then change the system.
B) Politely decline – power is dangerous.
C) Accept it, but never let it own you.
Mostly A’s – The Strategist: You’d excel at pulling strings behind the scenes.
Mostly B’s – The Fighter: You’d risk everything to take down the system.
Mostly C’s – The Player: You’d survive by blending charm and cunning.
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