I received this ARC from Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay Published by Random House Children's Books on December 9th 2014
Pages: 400
Source: ARC from Publisher
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads
Game of Thrones meets the Grimm's fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty's daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.
Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora's throne ten years ago.
Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it's too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?
My Thoughts:
Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow, oh wow. What a great read! I mean, the summary had me interested but I was not prepared for how totally amazing it was!! I just adored it.
First of all, a story about the daughter of Sleeping Beauty? Yes, please! Bonus points because she’s a warrior princess!!! I love fairy tale retellings and this “after the tale” story is so, so, so up my ally!
There were so many things I liked about the way Stacey Jay spins the Sleeping Beauty story. (I don’t want to get too spoilery here so I’ll try to keep it general.) First, I may be a terrible person but I love it when “happily ever after” turns out to be not so great. That is certainly the case here! (Note to self: dudes who go around kissing sleeping ladies are not to be trusted!)
Also, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty’s daughter) witnessed her mother’s death (not actually a spoiler) and has grown up preparing to avenge her. She is tough and certainly not your typical fairy tale princess!
THE OGRE QUEEN!!! You have no idea what I’m talking about until you read the book but trust me, such a cool aspect of the story. I loved seeing this character progress the most.
And then Niklaas! Oy! I loved how the Swan Brothers tale was worked in. I could go on and on but I think what I loved most was seeing how fairy tales would possibly affect those living them from their point of view (as opposed to a narrator!) It was just so cool.
There were so many other great things… a girl disguised as a boy, interesting secondary characters (especially one inspired by Little Red Riding Hood!), sibling’s who look out for each other, political intrigue, and kissing to name a few!
Basically, Princess of Thorns was the perfect mix of action, adventure, magic, and romance! It was exactly what I look for in a fairy tale continuation. Actually, it was what I look for in any kind of book!
Giveaway:
And now for a giveaway! Thanks to Random House I have a copy of Princess of Thorns for one lucky winner. Just use the rafflecopter to enter. US only. Must be 13 or older to win.
Carissa Bookworm @ The Bookworm Insider
I just finished reading it and I agree with EVERYTHING! I should have a review up soon.
Great review!
Carissa Bookworm @ The Bookworm Insider
http://thebookworminsider.blogspot.com/
Ashley
Normally, I wouldn’t pay a lot of attention to this book, but after seeing your review and seeing Anya at On Starships and Dragon Wings gushing about it on twitter a few weeks ago, I’ve decided I MUST read it! Thanks!
carolyn
I don’t think I can wait to get this book, possibly, via the givewaway. If I am lucky enough to win. I just finished what I was reading and am aching to snag this so… Meep. 🙂
carolyn
Okay I had to do it, I read the excerpt. Take me off if you can!