Gr 7 Up--Bestselling author de la Cruz remarkably has two 2022 Cinderella adaptations: The Stolen Slippers, introducing not-evil stepsisters, and this, in which "Cendrillon" is a Lady in King Louis XIV's Versailles Court. So much of de la Cruz's exceptional retelling--with even a nod to 17th-century French storyteller Charles Perrault--is historically accurate, seamlessly intertwined with a familiar tale made cleverly new. Yes, Cendrillon is orphaned, forced to serve her evil stepmother and stepsisters, loses a shoe fleeing a royal ball, is chosen by the crown prince (the Dauphin here--because it's French). But de la Cruz is magnificently unpredictable, setting up a 25-way The Bachelor-esque competition, including a gay romance, adding a real-life illegitimate royal. Prolific narrator Lauren Ezzo is an ideal complement, smoothly manifesting vivacious (sometimes resigned) Cendrillon, cunning Lady Catherine, spoiled Severine, nervous Alexandre, loyal Elodie, besotted Auguste. VERDICT A perfectly matched pair deliver a rewarding happily ever after.

The ethereal fairy tale of "Cinderella" takes center stage in this book, where winning a crown does not necessarily mean happily ever after. Set in 1682 France, the story opens as the king issues an invitation to all the maidens in the area, asking them to events and balls where Prince Louis will select a bride. Word of the royal festivities even reaches Cendrillon, known as Cinder, who lives in servitude to her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. But with the introduction of Louis' younger brother, Auguste, de la Cruz deviates from the traditional tale. Though the two are immediately drawn to each other, Cinder still chooses to join the competition for Louis' hand in order to escape her cruel family. Here, the story picks up with romance and intrigue, as Cinder fights with her inner voice, which tells her that she truly might be happier with Auguste, the boy whom she has come to love. Lovers of royal drama and fairy tales with a twist will happily sink into this new "Cinderella" rendition. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: It's de la Cruz! You know her. They love her.

Set in 1682 France, this progressive "Cinderella" reimagining from de la Cruz (the Queen's Assassin duology) takes inspiration from stories about Louis XIV's court. When le Marquis de Louvois and his 15-year-old daughter, Cendrillon, move from the country to a chateau near Versailles, Cendrillon hopes to follow in her late mother's footsteps and become a lady-in-waiting to royalty. Those dreams are dashed, however, when her father dies unexpectedly after marrying a virtual stranger. Cendrillon's new stepmother, Lady Catherine Monvoisin, fires every servant but seamstress Elodie, 15, and forces Cendrillon to cook and clean for her and her daughters. Desperate to improve her own situation as well as Elodie's, Cendrillon (posing as "Lady Cinder") accompanies her godmother to a ball thrown to find Prince Louis a bride. Louis chooses Cendrillon, while her stepsisters and 22 others vie for his heart in a The Bachelor--style competition, but Cendrillon's feelings for Louis's illegitimate half brother, Auguste, make concentrating on it difficult. De la Cruz offsets a slow start and slight plot with bold, self-empowered female characters, rich historical detail, and tender queer and straight romances. All characters cue as white. Ages 14--up. Agent: Richard Abate, 3Arts Entertainment. (Mar.)

Trapped in a life of servitude to her cruel stepfamily, Cendrillon enters a competition to win the prince's heart even though she truly loves his brother. It's 1682, and 15-year-old Cendrillon de Louvois has moved to Versailles with her father. It is a dream come true, but becoming a courtier is more complicated than she imagined. Cendrillon struggles to fit in until she befriends Auguste, the king's illegitimate son. When her father dies soon after remarrying, her new stepmother and stepsisters make Cendrillon do household chores, ending her dream of court life and her relationship with Auguste. When the king announces that his son, the grand dauphin, will choose 25 girls to woo before selecting one as his bride, Cendrillon joins the competition; despite her dislike of the prince, she is desperate to escape her stepmother. Joining the ranks of possible brides--against her stepmother's wishes--brings her back into contact with Auguste, and their mutual attraction is reignited, forcing Cendrillon to choose between love and freedom. Featuring characters based on actual historical figures from King Louis XIV's reign, this is an entertaining retelling of "Cinderella." Between her move to Versailles and courtship by the prince, readers get a good look inside the French court through Cendrillon's story. Characters read as White. An intriguing historical twist on a beloved fairy tale. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.