Ash
Ash
Book Brief
Beta264
Novel • Fiction
Fairy-tale • Medieval Fantasy World
2009
14-18 years
1050L
Super Short Summary
In Ash by Malinda Lo, a young woman named Ash, grieving her parents' death, finds herself in a world where fairytales might be real. Navigating loss and love, Ash encounters fantastical beings and unexpected relationships, leading her to a transformative journey. The narrative reimagines Cinderella with a fresh perspective on romance and self-discovery.
Reviews & Readership
38,455 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Malinda Lo's Ash offers a fresh, LGBTQ+ retelling of Cinderella that captivates readers with its lush prose and evocative world-building. Praise often highlights its enchanting narrative and the tender, evolving romance. However, some critique its pacing and character development. Overall, Ash is a welcome addition to queer fairy tale retellings.
Who Should Read Ash?
Readers who enjoy Ash by Malinda Lo are typically teens and young adults who are fans of LGBTQ+ fiction, modern fairy tale retellings, or strong female protagonists. Comparable to works like Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron and Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan, these readers appreciate diverse and inclusive narratives.
38,455 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ash by Malinda Lo was a finalist for the William C. Morris YA Debut Award, which honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens.
The novel is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a unique twist, featuring elements of LGBTQ+ romance and fairy tales.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Malinda Lo drew inspiration from both Western fairy tales and Chinese folklore in creating the world and narrative of Ash.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
264
Novel • Fiction
Fairy-tale • Medieval Fantasy World
2009
14-18 years
1050L
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!