Review: The Golden Slipper

One of my favorite things about Valia Lind is how well she develops romance in her fairy tale books. The Skazka Fairy Tales take place in a unique fantasy world built on Russian folklore that's split between the magical realm and the human realm. The Golden Slipper is a "Cinderella" retelling from this series that provides a slow-burn romance where a prince and a hard-working peasant girl fall in love over time. It does a great job of providing both perspectives and building them into realistic, fleshed-out characters. There are also a lot of great supporting characters that give the protagonist someone to turn to when she feels overwhelmed by her stepfamily. The story is brimming with magic and romance.


Mira is a hard worker who is skilled in many areas. She runs a flower shop and also helps her best friend, Oksana, with her bakery. Her least favorite duty is tending to her stepmother and stepsisters, who seem to be out to get her. When a clumsy young man shows up disturbing her flowers, it only makes her already difficult life even harder. Oksana helps Mira get a job at the palace to prepare for the upcoming season of balls, and Mira learns the clumsy man she insulted is none other than Prince Luca. Fortunately for her, Luca is enamored by Mira and how she doesn't treat him differently due to his royal status. When Mira's friends notice that a romance could be blossoming, they begin scheming to get her to the upcoming royal ball.

In this version of the story, Mira has several fairy godmothers helping her sneak into the ball. Her supportive friends root for her as they help her acquire the perfect gown. She received a pair of enchanted golden slippers that make her unrecognizable when she wears them, a common theme in "Cinderella" retellings. Since Luca is already in love with Mira, the magic creates an existential crisis for him because he has a hard time accepting that the mysterious princess from the ball is a different person from the prickly peasant girl who likes to speak her mind. However, this problem is easily resolved.

The final portion of the book brings back the Baba Yaga lore that is an ongoing theme in this Russian-inspired fantasy world. It creates a thrilling climax for an otherwise cozy read, but there is very little buildup to it. The burst of excitement at the end gives the book just the right push to reach a satisfying conclusion. There was also some great worldbuilding throughout the story where characters reference the human realm, showing that our world is a real place in the Skazka universe. Luca struggles with not having magic like his mother, adding depth to his personality. While Mira fits the "Cinderella" archetype, there is more to her than a mere abuse victim. She has friends and hobbies and feels like a real person.

The Golden Slipper by Valia Lind is a charming retelling of "Cinderella" that shines with its well-developed romance, relatable characters, and rich worldbuilding. The slow-burn romance between Mira and Prince Luca is a highlight, and the supporting cast adds depth and warmth to the story. While the climax feels somewhat abrupt, the book's cozy tone and satisfying conclusion make it a delightful read. Lind's unique blend of Russian folklore and fairy tale elements creates a rich and enchanting world that's worth exploring further in the Skazka series. If you're a fan of fairy tale retellings with a touch of magic and romance, The Golden Slipper is a must-read.
I have always dreamed of being a writer and creating the next great fairy tale princess heroine. Princesses inspire us to be our best selves. While you're here, feel free to follow my page on Facebook, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and check out my books. I'm also on Instagram and Twitter.

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