How to Summon a Fairy Godmother

In debut author Mayo’s insightful reimagining of Cinderella, a “wicked stepsister” gets the chance to step into the spotlight. After pretty, perfect Beatrice wins the heart of Prince Duncan with help from a fairy godmother, her stepsisters, Florentia and Theodosia (“Theo”) Balfour, and their mother are all painted as wicked and abusive—not entirely falsely. As the family slides further into debt and misfortune, Lady Balfour arranges a marriage between Theo and the aging and deeply unpleasant Duke of Snowbell. Determined to get out of the arrangement, Theo summons Beatrice’s fairy godmother, Cecily of the Ash Fairies, who agrees to help, but only if Theo first proves she’s a good person by completing three tasks for her. With the aid of Cecily’s familiars, including the handsome fox shifter Kasra, Theo ventures into the fairy realm, risking life and limb, and in the process discovers what she’s really made of. Mayo explores themes of self-image and self-worth, toxic femininity, false narratives, and the different paths to happily ever after. Her characters are flawed, fractious, and unreliable, but Theo’s quest to seize control of her destiny and break free of her mother allows her to grow into a sympathetic heroine. With touches of humor and romance to keep things lively, this complex retelling delights. (Oct.)