Ash by Malinda Lo

Title: Ash
Author: Malinda Lo
Published: September 2009
Pages: 264
ISBN: 9780316040099
Source: Library

Description:  In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.
The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

I knew about the difference in this story from the traditional Cinderella fairytale.  But, it was still hard for me to acknowledge the fact that she doesn't end up with the prince in this story.  And, I was very glad the biggest difference wasn't  thrown in your face.  Instead, what you have is a beautifully written story.  It is raw and emotional.  You can help but feel for Ash through every heartache and ordeal she goes through.  I also felt that fairies and their myths and tales were such an intricate part of the story.  Ash's belief and interactions with them made her such a different lead character.  This story was far different from anything else I read in 2009.  I would recommend it to anyone who likes fairy tales retold, and don't mind something different.