Traitor's Masque: A Reimagining of Cinderella

Written by Kenley Davidson

Narrated by Esther Wane

What would you be willing to betray in exchange for your freedom?



Trystan was once the pampered daughter of a wealthy aristocrat, but since his death, she's considered a social pariah. Trapped by her stepmother's malicious web of lies, Trystan is willing to do just about anything to escape—even play a part in a devious plot to disinherit the kingdom's incompetent heir, Prince Ramsey.



But what should have been a simple task proves to have sinister implications. The consequences for Trystan's actions become clear in the midst of the glittering royal masque, where two very different princes compete for the hearts of their people. Trystan must decide where her loyalties lie—with the man who may be able to save her kingdom, or the man who has stolen her heart.



It's a lot of responsibility for a girl with no godmother in sight, but with so much at stake, Trystan can't afford to give up. Will she betray her kingdom to make her dreams come true? Or will she sacrifice her own happily ever after for the sake of the man she loves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Mar 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781977373878

Reviews for Traitor's Masque

[funstm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This reminded me of the Cinderella live action movie. After the Prince appears, not before - before was boring. I pretty much loved all of the characters. Trystan and Ramsey were adorable together, Kyril was a great supportive friend and Lizbet was fierce. This knocked me out of nowhere - I really wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did - but I did. It was a great read. The action was slow and steady but I never felt bored at any point in the narrative. All the characters were fleshed out and given feelings and motives for their behaviour - even the supporting characters were three dimensional. And the humour is wicked good. I'm very excited to read the rest of the series.

[constant2m · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the more complicated versions of Cinderella I've ever read. A girl who would rather be in the forest alone than go to a ball. A prince taking the throne because his brother is an incompetent imbecile rather than for ambition. A scheming fairy godmother who takes advantage of a girl who only wants her freedom to overthrow the monarchy. And poor decisions made right because of noble individuals risking everything for the good of another. It was very different than I had expected, but made me think a lot more deeply than many fairy tales do. What if I had to sacrifice everything I ever wanted for the sake of truth and honor and love?

This book was recommended to me by my friend Jessica who has very good taste in books. And Kenley Davidson has just earned a place on my list of favorite fairy tale retellers.

[shaunesay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is not just a Cinderella re-telling. The traditional fairy tale plot line is the driver for Trystan's big decision, but there is so much more to this story than that. Our heroine must grapple with putting what she knows is right, not just over what she wants, but ultimately over her own freedom from an oppressive life, no small thing. She becomes a changed person in the process, but once decided, never wavers.

The main characters are fully fleshed out and likable, their banter together is fun, further rounding their personalities. I definitely rooted for them, and enjoyed the supporting characters as well. As a debut novel I think this was great, and I'm looking forward to more from Kenley Davidson!