I just finished 'Ella Enchanted' and honestly, it's way more clever than I expected. It’s not exactly new, but I picked it up after a re-read of the original tale left me cold. The curse as a literal interpretation of 'obedience' adds a whole layer of tension—it’s not about magic pumpkins, it's about agency. The political subplot with the elves and giants feels a bit dated now, but Ella's stubbornness makes her a protagonist you root for, not just pity.
I've seen some readers call it middle-grade and dismiss it, but the emotional core holds up. If you want a retelling that re-centers the conflict as an internal one, it's still a solid pick. The romance is sweet but secondary, which I appreciated.