In Ash, Malinda Lo has taken the familiar tale of Cinderella and retold it with the weight of its original intention as a cautionary tale and the added evocation of the grief of a young girl who loses her entire family and way of life. Ash’s loss, of both parents and her home, lays a logical groundwork for her dealings with the fairies, who demand so much for what they give in return.

A wonderfully atmospheric and grown-up fairytale.