Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

 This book completely flipped the classic fairy tale on its head, turning it into a powerful feminist dystopian story that had me hooked from page one. It’s set 200 years after Cinderella’s death, in a world where girls are required to attend an annual ball where men choose their wives—or risk punishment, even death. The premise alone was enough to pull me in, but what really kept me turning the pages was the fierce main character, Sophia.

Sophia isn’t like the other girls in Lille—she doesn’t dream of being chosen by a man. In fact, she’s in love with her best friend, Erin, and wants nothing to do with the rigid, oppressive rules of her society. When things take a turn for the worse at the ball, she finds herself on the run and uncovering shocking truths about Cinderella’s story, the kingdom, and its cruel ruler. Along the way, she meets Constance, a bold and rebellious girl with her own reasons for wanting to take down the system. Their growing connection was one of my favorite parts of the book—it felt so raw and full of hope.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "I will not be weak or helpless again. I will not let them dictate my life. I will not bow down." This moment perfectly captures Sophia’s strength and determination, and it really stuck with me. The book is full of powerful moments like this, making it a story about resistance, courage, and rewriting the narratives we’re given.

While some parts of the plot felt a little rushed, I still loved every second of this book. It’s a fresh take on a classic tale with important themes about patriarchy, identity, and fighting for change. If you love dark fairy tale retellings with strong heroines and a bit of romance, you will love Cinderella Is Dead!

What made reading Cinderella Is Dead even more special for me was that I actually got to meet Kalynn Bayron at a local Barnes & Noble event! It was my first time meeting an author in person and getting a book signed, which made the experience unforgettable. When I told her how much I loved the way Sophia takes control of her own destiny, we ended up having a conversation about how important it is for women to save themselves in stories rather than waiting for a prince. She also talked about how vital it is for POC to finally be their own main characters in mainstream fairy tales, instead of just sidekicks or background figures. Hearing her speak about representation and storytelling made me appreciate the book even more. Now, every time I look at my signed copy, I’m reminded not just of an incredible story but of an amazing moment that reinforced why these kinds of books matter so much.

Find on Amazon on Audiobook/ Physical, and ebook here.

Bear Grips Tube Resistance Bands for Working Out Great for the office.

                   

FTC Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. However, all opinions expressed in this post are my own and based on my personal experience with the product. This post also contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

 In this video, we dive into a detailed review of the Bear Grips Tube Resistance Bands, the perfect addition to your home gym or on-the-go workout routine. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just starting your fitness journey, these resistance bands are designed to challenge your muscles and help you build strength without bulky equipment.

Purchase on Amazon here

Transform Your Medieval Fair Look With These Accessories. Hiifeuer Review Plus size

                

FTC Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. However, all opinions expressed in this post are my own and based on my personal experience with the product. This post also contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog! 

In today’s video, we're reviewing two amazing bags and a belt from Hiifeuer, designed specifically for Medieval Fair costumes! 🏰✨ Whether you're a knight, a rogue, or a noble, these accessories are perfect for completing your historical look. We’ll be taking a close look at the craftsmanship, design, and how well each piece complements various Medieval Fair outfits.

👜 Bags Reviewed: 

Medieval Faux Leather Pouch- Ideal for carrying your essentials with a touch of medieval charm. 

 Viking Embossed Crossbody Bag - A perfect blend of practicality and fantasy for your costume.

 

👗 Belt Reviewed:

 Medieval DIY Faux Leather Metal Chain Belt- A stylish and sturdy accessory that adds the perfect finishing touch to any medieval ensemble. 

 Watch as I try these pieces on and give you my honest thoughts on their quality, functionality, and how they can elevate your Medieval Fair experience. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay up to date with my content.

#Hiifeuer #MedievalFair #CostumeReview #MedievalStyle #LARP #HistoricalFashion

Why I’m Excited for the New Season of The Handmaid’s Tale

 I only just started watching The Handmaid’s Tale in 2025, and I can’t believe it took me this long to dive in. The adaptation is haunting, beautifully shot, and filled with performances that make every moment feel painfully real. Now that I’ve caught up, I’m beyond excited for the new season and eager to see how the story unfolds beyond what I already know from the books.

One of the most thrilling aspects of watching the show while also reading the books is seeing how the series expands the world of Gilead. The novel is powerful but contained, while the show takes us deep into the lives of characters like Serena Joy, Commander Lawrence, and Nick. The Testaments gave me a glimpse of where the story could be headed, and I’m eager to see how the show continues to build toward that future. Will the next season lean into Aunt Lydia’s evolving role, or will we see more of the resistance growing outside Gilead’s borders?

Even though I knew many of the major plot points from the books, watching the show has been a completely different experience. The emotional depth of June’s story, brought to life by Elisabeth Moss, makes every moment feel unpredictable, no matter how familiar the themes are. The show’s ability to capture fear, resilience, and power dynamics in such an immersive way is what keeps me hooked. Now, I’m left wondering how much further June will go, how Serena will navigate her shifting role, and what ultimate fate awaits Gilead.

What excites me most is knowing that the showrunners aren’t just adapting Atwood’s work but expanding on it in meaningful ways. Every season has added layers to the story, sometimes even surprising longtime fans of the books. Now, as I wait for the new season, I find myself theorizing about what’s next—how much of The Testaments will influence the show, and how it will all come to an end. Whatever happens, I know one thing for sure: I’m completely invested in this world, and I can’t wait to see where the story takes us next.

My Review of JLab Mini Earbuds – A Small-Eared Person’s Dream!

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate (or other relevant program), I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased this item with my own money, and all opinions expressed are my own. My review is based on my personal experience with the product and is not influenced by any affiliate partnerships. Thank you for supporting my blog!

 Finding earbuds that actually fit my ears has always been a struggle. Most earbuds, even the ones that claim to have "small" ear tips, start hurting after about ten minutes, making it impossible to enjoy music or podcasts for long periods. So when I saw the JLab Mini Earbuds, designed specifically for smaller ears, I knew I had to give them a shot. After using them for a few months, I can confidently say—these are a game-changer!

The first thing I noticed was how incredibly lightweight and comfortable they are. Unlike most earbuds that feel like they’re stretching out my ear canal, these actually sit snugly without causing any pain. JLab includes multiple ear tip sizes, and for once, the smallest size actually works for me. I was able to wear them for hours without discomfort, which is something I never thought I’d be able to say about wireless earbuds.

Sound quality-wise, I was pleasantly surprised. For such tiny earbuds, they pack a decent punch! The bass is solid, the mids and highs are clear, and they even block out a good amount of background noise. While they’re not audiophile-level, they’re more than good enough for everyday listening, whether I’m watching a show, taking calls, or just vibing to my playlist. Plus, the battery life is impressive, lasting several hours before needing a recharge.

If you have small ear holes like me and have struggled to find comfortable earbuds, the JLab Mini Earbuds are absolutely worth trying. They’re affordable, super comfy, and actually stay put without causing pain. For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to choose between listening to my favorite music and dealing with aching ears—finally, a pair of earbuds made for people like me!

The JLab minis can be purchased through my showcase on TikTok Check out 🎃🧶Mad Typer🧶🎃’s showcase on TikTok! Or on Amazon here