Retellings of classic fairy tales have long captivated readers, but the horror adaptations have carved out a particularly intriguing niche, gaining popularity over the years. New titles in this genre continue to emerge, one of which is the chilling reinterpretation of Cinderella titled WE KEPT HER IN THE CELLAR, penned by W.R. Gorman and published by Crooked Lane Books.
The plot follows Eunice, a young woman bound by an unsettling family secret that hinges on three ominous rules. The first rule mandates that she must always refer to Cinderella not just as a fairy tale character, but as family. The second warns her to never allow Cinderella access to rats or mice—a strange and unnerving restriction. The most harrowing of all is the third rule: Eunice must never look upon Cinderella between midnight and three a.m. These stipulations stem from the dark and terrifying powers that Cinderella possesses—powers that cast a shadow over Eunice’s upbringing. As the stepsister, Eunice is tasked with the burden of caring for Cinderella and keeping the family's chilling secret discreet. For years, Eunice has dutifully adhered to these rules, her formative years marked by nightmares, tears, and narrow escapes from the formidable monster lurking in the depths of their cellar.
Eunice's world is irrevocably altered when she befriends the dashing Prince Credence and secures an invitation to the much-anticipated royal ball. As excitement builds, she becomes resolute in her desire to break free from the oppressive grip of her family's dark legacy. When her younger sister, Hortense, takes it upon herself to tend to Cinderella, Eunice seizes her opportunity to experience the ball and perhaps a taste of freedom. However, the unexpected occurs—Cinderella manages to escape her confines. With a surge of sinister power, she crashes the ball, enchanting Prince Credence and unleashing chaos and disaster that trails in her wake, culminating in a blood-soaked scene and leaving behind a single green glass slipper as evidence of her nocturnal rampage.
Once Cinderella is liberated from her confinement, Eunice gets challenged with a daunting dilemma: how far is she willing to go to stop this fearsome creature that was once her sister? The gripping tale unfolds at a pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, filled with unsettling and macabre moments that will undoubtedly enthrall horror enthusiasts. As the story progresses, Eunice's internal struggle intensifies, forcing her to confront just how much of herself she is prepared to sacrifice.
Despite delving into its horror elements, WE KEPT HER IN THE CELLAR feels more suited to a younger audience than the adult horror genre under which it has been categorized. While the book certainly delivers its share of visceral images and fear-inducing scenarios, it's worth noting that many young adult novels explore similar themes of bloodshed and terror. This classification raises questions about its target readership and whether it truly belongs in the adult section. The story is compellingly narrated from Eunice’s perspective, presenting a unique angle that adds depth to the narrative. Cinderella emerges as a vividly drawn antagonist, her transformation into a bloodthirsty villain executed with a degree of skill that works effectively throughout much of the tale. The prose is laced with vivid descriptions, energetic dialogue, and unexpected plot twists that will catch readers off guard.
Overall, WE KEPT HER IN THE CELLAR offers a captivating and horrific twist on the traditional Cinderella story. While it may not be flawless, it possesses enough engaging elements to keep readers turning the pages, making it a worthy addition to anyone's horror reading list, ideally encountered around Halloween rather than Christmas, yet still enjoyable regardless of the season. ╌★★★★✰
The plot follows Eunice, a young woman bound by an unsettling family secret that hinges on three ominous rules. The first rule mandates that she must always refer to Cinderella not just as a fairy tale character, but as family. The second warns her to never allow Cinderella access to rats or mice—a strange and unnerving restriction. The most harrowing of all is the third rule: Eunice must never look upon Cinderella between midnight and three a.m. These stipulations stem from the dark and terrifying powers that Cinderella possesses—powers that cast a shadow over Eunice’s upbringing. As the stepsister, Eunice is tasked with the burden of caring for Cinderella and keeping the family's chilling secret discreet. For years, Eunice has dutifully adhered to these rules, her formative years marked by nightmares, tears, and narrow escapes from the formidable monster lurking in the depths of their cellar.
Eunice's world is irrevocably altered when she befriends the dashing Prince Credence and secures an invitation to the much-anticipated royal ball. As excitement builds, she becomes resolute in her desire to break free from the oppressive grip of her family's dark legacy. When her younger sister, Hortense, takes it upon herself to tend to Cinderella, Eunice seizes her opportunity to experience the ball and perhaps a taste of freedom. However, the unexpected occurs—Cinderella manages to escape her confines. With a surge of sinister power, she crashes the ball, enchanting Prince Credence and unleashing chaos and disaster that trails in her wake, culminating in a blood-soaked scene and leaving behind a single green glass slipper as evidence of her nocturnal rampage.
Once Cinderella is liberated from her confinement, Eunice gets challenged with a daunting dilemma: how far is she willing to go to stop this fearsome creature that was once her sister? The gripping tale unfolds at a pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, filled with unsettling and macabre moments that will undoubtedly enthrall horror enthusiasts. As the story progresses, Eunice's internal struggle intensifies, forcing her to confront just how much of herself she is prepared to sacrifice.
Despite delving into its horror elements, WE KEPT HER IN THE CELLAR feels more suited to a younger audience than the adult horror genre under which it has been categorized. While the book certainly delivers its share of visceral images and fear-inducing scenarios, it's worth noting that many young adult novels explore similar themes of bloodshed and terror. This classification raises questions about its target readership and whether it truly belongs in the adult section. The story is compellingly narrated from Eunice’s perspective, presenting a unique angle that adds depth to the narrative. Cinderella emerges as a vividly drawn antagonist, her transformation into a bloodthirsty villain executed with a degree of skill that works effectively throughout much of the tale. The prose is laced with vivid descriptions, energetic dialogue, and unexpected plot twists that will catch readers off guard.
Overall, WE KEPT HER IN THE CELLAR offers a captivating and horrific twist on the traditional Cinderella story. While it may not be flawless, it possesses enough engaging elements to keep readers turning the pages, making it a worthy addition to anyone's horror reading list, ideally encountered around Halloween rather than Christmas, yet still enjoyable regardless of the season. ╌★★★★✰
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