Link to video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar0YQRCldik ( )

I appreciate many things about this story -- especially that our poor Aurora learns some strenth of will and finally acts. That Sleeping Beauty is well reimagined, especially the somewhat horrible consquences of time. Ultimately, though, it didn't really sweep me away, or pull me into the story. It's a good read, but not a great one.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )

I loved this! I've always loved the idea of retold fairytales, but this is the first one that really delivers. I feel that the story isn't done, but I guess this is supposed to be a series. It wasn't totally perfect, but I think it's because this is the writer's first novel. What I really wanted was some depth on the social unrest and a bit more character development at parts. Also the king is a bit too black a villain for my taste. I like when things are not black and white and when the villains are conflicting characters.

But I loved that Aurora was not just someone who knew instantly what to do. For most part of the book she's just utterly confused and doesn't know what she's doing. Which rings really true to me for someone in her situation. I also love that the "evil queen" is not really an evil queen. A mature woman who actually understands Aurora's position. And even though there are 3 possible love interests, this is not made as a conflict and main part of the book. I'm curious to see what happens.

This was a quick read and I just couldn't put it down and I will definitely look forward to the next installment of the series. ( )

An interesting take on the Sleeping Beauty story. What did happen after she woke up? I can definitely see parts of this happening. She probably would be a basket case as she deals with all of the changes and faces the grief of losing everything she had ever known. I can see how she would be more of a follower as she had always been kept in her tower to keep her safe, so it did make sense that she would just go with whatever she was told, even if she didn't like it. Then when she does finally get fed up and try to make her own decisions, it would be hard for her to make good choices as she has never had to trust her own instincts about people before.

It will be interesting where the next installment takes this story. It is leaving the fairytale behind, and becoming more of a revolutionary tale. I wasn't completely happy with the way this one ended, but it was still a decent read, esecially for those who like retold tales. ( )

I still really like the premise of this, but a hundred-odd pages in, there's not a lot of the political foes or fiery danger promised. There has been a lot of hanging out with boys. I can see the edges of the pointy stuff, but I just want more.

(But I'm very willing to give the author another shot, cos this looks pretty spiffy.)