About the Author

Malinda Lo is the author of several young adult novels, including Ash, a retelling of the Cinderella story with a lesbian twist, which was a finalist for the William C. Morris YA Debut Award, the Andre Norton Award for YA Fantasy and Science Fiction, and the Lambda Literary Award. Before she became a novelist, she was an economics major, an editorial assistant, a graduate student, and an entertainment reporter. She lives in Northern California with her partner and their dog. Malinda invites you to visit her at www.malindalo.com.

Reviews

" This lyrically retold Cinderella tale is not just a beautifully updated fable, but an ode to the transformative power of love."--Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series

"A modern classic and a must-read for those seeking...the victory of transformation over the darkest grief."
--Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves

"A rich and darkly moving tale I couldn't put down."--Meg Cabot, bestselling author of The Princess Diaries series

"A Cinderella story with fresh blood and real yearning."
--Rainbow Rowell, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Carry On

"Cinderella, gorgeously reimagined, captivating and winsome. After you've fallen into the storytelling world of Malinda Lo, the truth of love will transcend the romantic ideal of fairy tales."
--Julie Anne Peters, author of Keeping You a Secret and National Book Award Finalist Luna

"I will forever hold this gorgeous novel close to my heart."
--Nina LaCour, author of the Michael L. Printz Award winner We Are Okay

"Lo is one of the greatest voices in YA fiction."
--Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of the And I Darken trilogy

"Lyrical and beautifully balanced...this Cinderella is flesh and blood in a whole new, breathtaking way."
--Kristin Cashore, New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm series and Jane, Unlimited

"With its beauty and bravery...Ash opened a world to girls like me."
--Anna-Marie McLemore, author of the Stonewall Honor Book When the Moon Was Ours and Blanca & Roja

Gr 8 Up-Described as "Cinderella.with a twist," Ash is in many ways the familiar fairy tale about a girl's move from comfort to despair to true love (with a little help from fairies and magic). Standard Cinderella images set up the story: after losing her mother and later her father, Ash is treated as a servant in the home of an unkind stepmother and two unfriendly stepsisters. She has ties to the fairy world, attends the royal ball in an enchanted dress, catches the eye of the prince, and finds love by the end of the story. However, while structural similarities exist, ideologically Lo's beautiful and dark tale takes the story to a new place. It is not about Ash being found and saved by a charming prince; instead, it is about her courtship with Kaisa, the King's huntress, a relationship that burgeons over time and is based on more than just initial attraction. Despite Ash's grief, oppressive guardianship, and dangerous flirtation with the fairy Sidhean, who promises to steal her away from her sadness, the protagonist finds her own salvation and chooses to live and love in the real world and on her own terms. Ash will appeal to readers looking for GLBTQ titles, but fans of romance, fantasy, and strong female protagonists will also embrace this fine debut novel.-Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

" This lyrically retold Cinderella tale is not just a beautifully updated fable, but an ode to the transformative power of love."--Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series
"A modern classic and a must-read for those seeking...the victory of transformation over the darkest grief."
--Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves
"A rich and darkly moving tale I couldn't put down."--Meg Cabot, bestselling author of The Princess Diaries series
"A Cinderella story with fresh blood and real yearning."
--Rainbow Rowell, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Carry On
"Cinderella, gorgeously reimagined, captivating and winsome. After you've fallen into the storytelling world of Malinda Lo, the truth of love will transcend the romantic ideal of fairy tales."
--Julie Anne Peters, author of Keeping You a Secret and National Book Award Finalist Luna
"I will forever hold this gorgeous novel close to my heart."
--Nina LaCour, author of the Michael L. Printz Award winner We Are Okay
"Lo is one of the greatest voices in YA fiction."
--Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of the And I Darken trilogy
"Lyrical and beautifully balanced...this Cinderella is flesh and blood in a whole new, breathtaking way."
--Kristin Cashore, New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm series and Jane, Unlimited
"With its beauty and bravery...Ash opened a world to girls like me."
--Anna-Marie McLemore, author of the Stonewall Honor Book When the Moon Was Ours and Blanca & Roja