by StuntDouble

Malinda Lo's tale of a lesbian Cinderella comes out today

It's a big day for former AfterEllen.com editor — and current columnist and vlog star — Malinda Lo: her first novel, Ash hits stores (and Amazon) today.

Ash is a retelling of Cinderella, in which Aisling (Ash) is forced into servitude by her stepmother to make amends for her dead father's debts. There is no prince, no birds to help her dress as she Bibbidi-Bobbidi -Boos around her cottage. But there are fairies, one in particular who wishes to steal Ash away from human life. Ash almost decides to give into him, but then she meets Kaisa, a female Huntress of the King. She's beautiful, strong, independent — and best of all, she treats Ash as her equal.

I can't tell you the rest, except to say that as the story progresses, Ash is forced to choose between fairy tales and abiding love.

Praise for Malinda Lo's young adult debut has been effusive. Her book is sitting on four stars at Amazon and GoodReads:

"A rich and darkly moving tale I couldn't put down. Malinda Lo is an exciting and welcome new voice in YA." — Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries)

"This lyrically retold Cinderella tale is not just a beautifully updated fable, but an ode to the transformative power of love." — Cassandra Clare (Mortal Instruments series)

"Cinderella, gorgeously reimagined, captivating and winsome. After you've fallen into the storytelling world of Malinda Lo, the truth of love will transcend the romantic ideal of fairy tales." — Julie Anne Peters (Keeping You a Secret, Luna)

(Photo credit: Patty Nason)

The young adult book market is one of the most competitive in the publishing industry today, and Malinda's lush fairy tale has a Sapphic sensibility that is desperately needed. Noting is quite as powerful as seeing yourself reflected in a work of fiction, and Malinda has granted that privilege to countless young persons with her debut novel. It's not a story that hits you over the head with LGBT themes; it's a story about abiding love.

Malinda will be at the San Francisco LGBT Center on Sept. 10 for a book signing. (Also, she says she'll be giving away treats!) You can find more information about the book and about upcoming events on her site malindalo.com.

Join us in congratulating Malinda, and let us know what you think of Ash in the comments!

StuntDouble's blog

Submitted by

StuntDouble

on September 1, 2009 - 5:00pm.

TAGS ::

AHHHHHH!

Submitted by

I'm Always...... (936 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 5:07pm.

OhMyGod!!!!!!!!!!

I Need to buy that! I wanna read it soooo bad!

No way!!!!

Submitted by

Melissa Hsu (not verified)

on September 1, 2009 - 5:24pm.

I am so excited to buy this!!

Awesome

Submitted by

BAS (553 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 5:31pm.

Doubt it'll make it to a bookstore near me but I will definitely have to get this on Amazon!

I'm a bit old for YA but who cares!

Ash is awesome!

Submitted by

BAS (553 posts)

on September 18, 2009 - 8:42pm.

Finally got around to going to B&N to get Ash today (decided I definitely wanted to patronize an actual bookstore in the hopes that it helps them continue to sell books like this).

I just read it in one sitting. My only complaint - it's too short! I just wanted it to keep going!

Anyway, Malinda if you read this many congratulations, and I hope you're busy at work on another novel because you are a great writer.

Everyone else - get out and get Ash right now!

☼♪♫hell girl's sister♥♪●♫♀+♀=♥'s picture

OMG

Submitted by

☼♪♫hell girl's ... (2821 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 5:43pm.

i sooooooo want to read this book i always thought that fairy tales should be reamade with lesbian themes. yay i'm sooo happy about this book.

and the cover is totally pulling me in

True feelings can never be put into words.
therfore when you can't explain how you feel about someone that's when you know..

Congratulations, Malinda

Submitted by

Dorothy Snarker (1747 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 5:50pm.

I have my very own copy and so should you. Congratulations, Malinda on your first book. I know it won't be your last. Now everyone, go buy it.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why I Don't Sleep Much: Dorothy Surrenders. Also, I'm an utter twit.

Yes, ma'am.

Submitted by

Mags (582 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 12:27am.

Sounds like the kind of story I like to read.

Very occasionally, if you pay attention, life doesn't suck.
-Joss Whedon

i will buy the book if my

Submitted by

jdoggy (60 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 5:58pm.

i will buy the book if my local border stores will sell it if it gets released here in australia

Big W can get it (for Aussies)

Submitted by

base (51 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 7:29am.

http://www.bigwentertainment.com.au/product/ash_3897439_1771049.html

You can order it from the Big W website. I didn't even know you could order stuff from Big W.

And I just found it at Angus and Robertson too: http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/ash/6673634/

Oh Yay!

Submitted by

HedeHarlow (37 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 7:56am.

Thanks for the heads up base. I might be a bit old for fairy tales but I still love them and it's so cool that this one's been remade from a lesbian viewpoint. It's true, we do (or at least, I do) ache for representation. Also, the cover art is beautiful.

CONGRATS

Submitted by

chilaxing (296 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 6:01pm.

CONGRATULATIONS MS. LO! Would definitely like to give it a read.

I'm reading it on my iPhone

Submitted by

Saradove (21 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 6:25pm.

Yay Malinda ... Ash was downloaded to my iPhone by Amazon today & I'm loving it!

Congratulations! ... Saradove

Got it!

Submitted by

Megan Rose Gedris (105 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 7:37pm.

Going to the bookstore and buying this book was the highlight of my day. I told myself I wasn't going to buy any new books for a while, but I had to give in for this one.

Congratulations, Malinda!

Submitted by

shortypants (500 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 7:45pm.

I already ordered it from my local queer bookstore a week or so ago so hopefully it will come in soon.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

that sounds stupid!

Submitted by

technicolor (53 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 7:55pm.

just kiddin :]

the book should be at my house in like 5 days

cant wait

ever after

Submitted by

hilda (55 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 8:08pm.

Thanks, Malinda! This sounds like a lovely book. I always loved fairy tales, but wasn't particularly drawn to the happily ever after part with the prince.

(There's a neat Czech movie version of Cinderella, "Three Wishes for Cinderella", where she's a bit more independent than usual and dresses up as a huntsman.)

Woo!

Submitted by

jordan-writes (254 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 8:10pm.

Way to go Malinda! Congratulations! I will totally be on the lookout for it at my local bookstores when I get some moolah!

http://jordan-writes.blogspot.com/

Congratulations!

Submitted by

katy Gnosis (183 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 8:28pm.

Congratulations! I know Antigone Bookstore has at least preordered three to five copies...go and check it out Tucson ladies!

Yes I will But Her Book...

Submitted by

Lunakiss (2083 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 8:40pm.

I can't wait to order it this week. =).

Fantastic

Submitted by

Ash Happens (60 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 8:47pm.

I actually got it last week (Amazon mysteriously sent it to me the day after I pre-ordered it) and I read it twice already. Excellent book. I thought it was really great that there was no struggle with sexuality - Ash and Kaisa's feelings for each other didn't need to be analyzed and agonized over. It was just a story about love without any "is it okay for me to like another woman like this?" feelings. Kudos!

How exciting?

Submitted by

Alice Cullen's wife (58 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:05pm.

I'm going to order it from amazon straight away. Best of luck!

So excited!

Submitted by

ChavaAv (137 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:13pm.

So, there's a Borders and a Barns & Noble where I live. It's already sold out in Borders. Which surprises me because I live in a fairly conservative/red neck area. I must get my copy NOW.

אני קורא, אז אני פשוט צריך לשמוע אותך

I love reading YA novels,

Submitted by

keep on shinin' (34 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:13pm.

I love reading YA novels, and I am super excited about this!

Thank you!

Submitted by

Malinda Lo (1193 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:13pm.

Stuntdouble you are awesome, thank you so much for the blog post. :) And thanks to everybody for reading it!!

www.malindalo.com

Oh wow, how cool!

Submitted by

Psychopractor (83 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:18pm.

I'm for sure gonna have to pick this one up! If only there were more YA novels geared towards the LGBT community. There is a serious lacking for us in this particular genre. I love all your articles, so I can't wait to get my hands on it, I'm positive it will be a great read! Congrats!

http://psychopractor.blogspot.com/

I'm totally buying this

Submitted by

Luna (356 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:24pm.

I'm totally buying this book! I can't wait to read it!

finally!

Submitted by

kae (74 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:32pm.

yay!! i went to the borders in SF to get this. They didn't actually have it on the shelf yet and put some out after i asked for it :P

muahaha... i shall now read it

Congrats.

Submitted by

Jules (55 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:44pm.

Congratulations on the publication, Ms. Lo. I saw the article and that the book came out today so I headed off to my local Borders to go purchase it before the store closed. I can't wait to get started on it tonight. I love YA novels with LGBTQ themes; it's great to know that there's one more published author out there supporting all of us and our youth.

Cheers, Malinda!

Submitted by

the linster (1026 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:52pm.

Congratulations - what an exciting day! I look forward to it -- and many, many more!

Sounds awesome

Submitted by

polkadotwings (92 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 9:57pm.

I'll definitely have to check it out.

Oh, and the cover looks amazing.

I want it! NOW!!!

Submitted by

BunnyBabe (21 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 10:16pm.

I want to read it right now! It's gonna take FOREVER for the book to arrive here in Brazil.

*cries*

Well, it's not like I have another choice but to wait. :(

*goes to amazon to order it*

~.~.~

When I Was Fifteen All I Wanted Was To Be Wanted. I Wish I Could Go Back And Tell Myself What I Know Now.

Waaaaah!!!

Submitted by

Zee (304 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 10:18pm.

Totally excited for this! Ordering it on Amazon. :DD

Amazon

Submitted by

Harpy (9566 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 10:38pm.

Here's the Amazon link for anyone in the states who wants to order it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading it. Congratulations, Malinda!

__________________

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Join AfterEllen Fantasy Football.

I bought it a few days ago.

Submitted by

EndlessD (122 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 10:56pm.

I bought it a few days ago. ^^

--------

"For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

I saw the book in the store

Submitted by

sara-ann (12 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 11:22pm.

I saw the book in the store today. I almost convinced my friend to buy it. She's a super straight disney princess type. So it was quite a funny scene. But none of us have extra coin to spare at the moment.

Just ordered it!

Submitted by

Emmanescence (136 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 11:31pm.

I'm really looking forward to reading it, I'm a big lover of Malinda Lo! I'm in love with the cover art!

www.myspace.com/emmahuntermusic

can't wait to read this!

Submitted by

hybridstar (57 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 11:43pm.

finally a lesbian fairytale!!! awesome!!!

so exciting!

Submitted by

kuuleimomi (56 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 11:45pm.

I'm v excited that the book got such a praise, yay! Congratulations to Malinda!

I WANT TO GET ITTTT!!!!

Submitted by

MizEloise (252 posts)

on September 1, 2009 - 11:53pm.

I WANT TO GET ITTTT!!!!

and i love the cover. i totally judge books and movies by the cover!!!!

cant wait!!!!!

<i> i've said it once, i'll say it a million times... i'm mad at ilene!!! </i>

This is so great

Submitted by

RetroSweater (23 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 12:02am.

I've been wanting to read a book like this for years and now all I have to do is track down a copy! THANKS!

hysterical with joy

Submitted by

monkeyINshoes (161 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 12:31am.

Best. News. Ever. This book---I have to read it!!!! My book worm just went MAD! ARhh, not wanting to wait for it!! *deep breath* I'm gonna order it in. =))

Draco dormines nunquam titillandus

Coming to the UK?

Submitted by

bilong (55 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 1:13am.

I really want to get this book!

Any news of it coming to the UK?

UK sales.

Submitted by

Icarus (45 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 7:04am.

This is the UK amazon page for the book, it's actually much cheaper than i was expecting...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ash-Malinda-Lo/dp/0340988371/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&...

Unfortunately it doesn't come with the same great cover as the US version.

Nice avatar, btw.

Fail.

Submitted by

Icarus (45 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 7:05am.

Just noticed the "this title has not yet been released" bit.

Sorry. My bad.

Brilliant.

Submitted by

Jules (55 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 2:26am.

So, I've just spent the last three hours or so reading straight through the book, and I loved it. I usually don't read books all the way through in the first go, but I didn't want to put it down. The story's relation to the classic Cinderalla story is subtle but not unnoticed, and it's a wonderful read.

Go out and buy it!

Just finished reading it,

Submitted by

ElusiveJ (30 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 2:35am.

Just finished reading it, and all I can say is BRAVO!

I work in a bookstore and read lots of young adult literature, fantasy and otherwise, and this is one of the best new books I've read in a while. Ash is not a simplistic heroine, and the situations she gets in and out of are not basic. I always think that a good fantasy world is one I want to learn more about, and this one is rich and interesting, with its own folklore and traditions. The story was equal parts dark and sweet. Without giving away too much, I have to say that I loved watching a romance build in a way that did not focus the protagonist having to grapple with her gayness or on the rest of the world's reactions. And I kind of have a crush on Kaisa.

Thank you very much Ms. Lo!

Lovely story!

Submitted by

Shasta (89 posts)

on September 3, 2009 - 10:05am.

I agree. I almost read it straight through (finished this morning when I woke up half an hour before my alarm) and it's just lovely and dark and mysterious. I also appreciated that it was about love and not about homophobia angst. If we can't have happily ever after in fairy tales then damn!

Crushing on Kaisa? Um... yeah. heh. And you know those Huntress outfits would be darn sexy.

Okay, maybe this is more Princely than Huntressy, but hey... http://dorothysurrenders.blogspot.com/2009/06/gender-fuck-thursday.html

Congratulations Malinda (wow, the book is even physically gorgeous!) and thank you so much for a story that most of seem to have been wanting for a long time. And if I can sound a little greedy, more please!

Oh my - I need to get off

Submitted by

North (109 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 5:46am.

Oh my - I need to get off work early today to buy that! :D

Highs for Lo

Submitted by

Explorergal (531 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 6:47am.

Congratulations Malinda! If your writing in your columns is any indication, this book will be fantastic. I look forward to reading it. Hope you are going to have a NY book signing!

Wow. Pressure much?!

Submitted by

selenyx (17 posts)

on September 2, 2009 - 8:20am.

Has to be a huge pressure on Melinda. Seems like everybody expects this to be the new Bestseller (me, too, btw) ^^

Already ordered it (In Germany one can order it on Amazon, then u can get the UK Version in like, 15 days or so. With the nice cover!). Congrats Melinda Lo! If your other written stuff is any indication to the quality of this book, I'll absolutly love it.

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by StuntDouble

Malinda Lo's tale of a lesbian Cinderella comes out today