Thief Liar Lady

A Novel

By: D. L. Soria

Narrated by: Zura Johnson

“Happily Ever After” is a total scam, but at least this time the princess is the one controlling the grift—until her true love arrives and threatens to ruin the whole scheme. Intrigue, magic, and wit abound in this Cinderella fairytale reimagining, perfect for fans of Heather Walter and Naomi Novik.

“A dazzlingly magical, thrilling, and inventive take on a beloved classic.”—Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Payback's a Witch

I’m not who you think I am.

My transformation from a poor, orphaned scullery maid into the enchantingly mysterious lady who snagged the heart of the prince did not happen—as the rumors insisted—in a magical metamorphosis of pumpkins and glass slippers. On the first evening of the ball, I didn’t meekly help my “evil” stepmother and stepsisters primp and preen or watch forlornly out the window as their carriage rolled off toward the palace. I had other preparations to make.

My stepsisters and I had been trained for this—to be the cleverest in the room, to be quick with our hands and quicker with our lies. We were taught how to get everything we wanted in this world, everything men always kept for themselves: power, wealth, and prestige. And with a touchingly tragic past and the help of some highly illegal spells, I would become a princess, secure our fortunes, and we would all live happily ever after.

But there’s always more to the story. With my magic running out, war looming, and a handsome hostage prince—the wrong prince—distracting me from my true purpose with his magnetic charm and forbidden flirtations, I’m in danger of losing control of the delicate balance I’ve created . . . and that could prove fatal.

There’s so much more riding on this than a crown.

©2023 D. L. Soria (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"With enunciation so sharp it could carve a glass slipper, Zura Johnson deftly navigates the twists and turns of this fractured fairy tale based loosely upon 'Cinderella'.... Johnson delivers an impressive array of male and female voices that enliven the colorful characters Ash encounters as she infiltrates the royal court through a political gambit cooked up by her stepmother and stepsisters.... Johnson's consistent characterizations and expert pacing cast a vocal spell, keeping listeners engaged throughout." (AudioFile)

“This amazing retelling of Cinderella presents varied magics, a new view of old enemies and royal rule, magical enchantment, and battles between oppressors and the conquered. What a breathtaking view!” —Tamora Pierce

“Thief Liar Lady is not your mother’s Cinderella story! In D. L. Soria’s delightful novel, Cinderella takes charge of her own destiny and lets nothing—not her stepmother nor her stepsisters nor even her charming prince—stand in her way. This is a most satisfying read!” —Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches

“A fairy tale with a delightful con-artist twist, Thief Liar Lady is Cinderella as you’ve never seen her before—sly, subversive, and not at all demure.” —Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of Damsel

Love💕

It’s a great twist/ retelling of a well known fairytale. I loved the narration as well!

Seamless voicing of characters brought the story to life!

I loved the unique voice and feelings of each character and how the narrator moved seamlessly from one to the other. It made me feel present. The story kept my attention even when my hands were busy with other tasks. And in gripping moments I had to stop and just listen.

Too wordy

It was a good story but WAY too wordy for my liking. I almost didn’t finish.