Goodbye Marvel Universe, Hello Fairy Universe!

A review of Shards of the Glass Slipper by Roy A. Mauritsen

Not too long ago, Universal studios proposed making a series of movies based on classic monsters. The concept was called the Dark Universe, and it was supposed to be a major studio franchise with a similar concept to the Marvel Universe. However, the first film, ‘The Mummy’ staring Tom Cruise crashed and burned and pretty much derailed the concept.

Perhaps the mistake that Universal made was thinking they had to build, character by character, into the ‘End Game’ scenario. Maybe if they’d just jumped to the spectacular finale on their first go they would have piqued more interest? ‘Shards of the Glass Slipper’ by Roy A. Mauritsen makes the correct choice of launching the reader into a fairy universe right at the moment of peak conflict.

Into the woods

I like to think of ‘Shards of the Glass Slipper’ as similar to the Marvel shared universe concept with the exception that ‘Shards’ focuses not on monsters or super heroes, but on characters from fairy tales. This idea has gone through various iterations throughout the years.

One example is ‘Into the Woods,’ which is famous for the scene where two Prince Charmings randomly meet and are each just a little too delighted with the other’s company. The difference with ‘Shards of the Glass Slipper’ is that it trades the campy humor of ‘Into the Woods’ for something of the gritty realism of ‘Game of Thrones.’

As I was getting into this book, I kept nodding to myself in admiration of Mauritsen’s choices. It’s amazing how well all the characters from classic fairy tales can be brought together for a single adventure. Mauritsen noticed that there are a multitude of overlapping elements between the tales of Cinderella, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and many more, and that they can be blended seamlessly like a chalk mural for a result that is really quite stunning.

The glass slippers

In this novel, the shards of Cinderella’s glass slipper are a potent relic imbued with the powers of the fae. We all remember the Disney version of ‘Cinderella,’ and of course it makes complete sense that magical shoes of fairy crystal would have supernatural powers.

Cinderella herself has succumbed to the evil influence of her witch stepmother. She’s even gone so far as to make witch hunting illegal, much to the chagrin of Hansel and Gretel. However, there are forces that oppose Cinderella, specifically General White and her army of rugged battle dwarves.

Really, it’s quite impossible to bear witness to a clever set up like that and not be enticed to hear the rest of the story.

The audiobook

I listed to this novel on audiobook, and I have to say that it has a superior production quality. It’s read by Christopher Crosby Morris who brings the characters to life and is capable of casting a potent spell with the tones and inflections of his voice. This is one of those audiobooks that can only be called a performance, and it’s enhanced with music and sound effects that truly bring the story to life.

The verdict

Fairy tales make up a fundamental component of the fabric of our literary concept. Whether you were raised on the Disney movies, or you took the time to read the other various incarnations of the tales throughout the years you’ll find yourself well prepared for this novel. ‘Shards of the Glass Slipper’ pays respectful homage to the place fairy tales occupy in the literary tradition, while simultaneously adapting and enhancing the concept to the expectations of a modern audience.

I would say that this is a perfect book for the Young Adult crowd that isn’t quite ready for book 4 of the Harry Potter series. Fairy tales have always been more brutal than the cartoons would suggest, and ‘Shards of the Glass Slipper’ has some serious moments, but does not descend into excess.

I think most readers will be delighted at this new take on the fairy universe. I know that I’d like to see the movie. Frankly, the way that Mauritsen put this novel together just feels right and leaves you wanting more. It’s a perfect blending of beloved, familiar characters, with modern storytelling flair.

Get your copy of ‘Shards of the Glass Slipper here!