bookitalum's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️ This book absolutely deserves it’s 4.5 star rating.
I was simultaneously ecstatic and terrified when I saw the blurb for this book, because Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney fairy tale adaptation. And, when I say favorite I mean my first dance at my Disney wedding was to the song Once Upon a Dream. I was destined to either utterly love and adore this book or be devastated, disappointed, and hate it. I am delighted to report that I LOVED it!! This is a beautiful blend of … all the things. It’s got a strong “fairy tale” backbone, strong romance with limited spice, great modern fae fantasy elements, solid world building with an evocative writing style, good pacing, lovable/sympathetic characters in whom you can easily become invested, and the perfect amount of suspense/intrigue. I didn’t necessarily see *it* coming, most of the times there was an *it* to see, which is, quite frankly, so damn refreshing. And, for once, the third act intrigue feels like it made the story stronger rather than weaker.
I have the most minimal criticisms, but they seem worth noting. First, some of the language and references felt period/world inconsistent and really took me out of the story. E.g., phrases like “shit-eating grin,” “love language,” and references to a twenty-four hour chapel. Speaking of world building, given that the source material was published in the 16th/17th Century, I think the book would have benefitted from a little more overt attention early on to establishing the relative “technological timeline.” It led to a lot of repeated mental world re-building each time I got a piece of new information (e.g., cars, trains, department stores). Maybe that’s not the case for folks who have read other books in the series? This was my first.
Overall, freaking loved it. Exceeded my expectations! Definitely read this if you have any interest.
I was simultaneously ecstatic and terrified when I saw the blurb for this book, because Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney fairy tale adaptation. And, when I say favorite I mean my first dance at my Disney wedding was to the song Once Upon a Dream. I was destined to either utterly love and adore this book or be devastated, disappointed, and hate it. I am delighted to report that I LOVED it!! This is a beautiful blend of … all the things. It’s got a strong “fairy tale” backbone, strong romance with limited spice, great modern fae fantasy elements, solid world building with an evocative writing style, good pacing, lovable/sympathetic characters in whom you can easily become invested, and the perfect amount of suspense/intrigue. I didn’t necessarily see *it* coming, most of the times there was an *it* to see, which is, quite frankly, so damn refreshing. And, for once, the third act intrigue feels like it made the story stronger rather than weaker.
I have the most minimal criticisms, but they seem worth noting. First, some of the language and references felt period/world inconsistent and really took me out of the story. E.g., phrases like “shit-eating grin,” “love language,” and references to a twenty-four hour chapel. Speaking of world building, given that the source material was published in the 16th/17th Century, I think the book would have benefitted from a little more overt attention early on to establishing the relative “technological timeline.” It led to a lot of repeated mental world re-building each time I got a piece of new information (e.g., cars, trains, department stores). Maybe that’s not the case for folks who have read other books in the series? This was my first.
Overall, freaking loved it. Exceeded my expectations! Definitely read this if you have any interest.
rajg14's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
helen_the_grey's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
libraryofabibliotaph's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeous cover? Check ✅
Enjoyable romantasy? Check ✅
Strong FMC Check ✅
Villanous MMC? Check ✅
Enemies to lovers? Check ✅
Banter? Check ✅
HEA? Check ✅
This next instalment of the Entangled with the Fae interconnected standalones perfectly meets the expectations. The main characters are really interesting and relatable, there are multiple curses at play with high stakes, familiar characters make appearances in this book as well, … The story is an interesting take on the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty, unlike other retellings of this tale. Additionally it’s infused with some Romeo and Juliet vibes. The various layers to this story also add more depth to it. It was a really fun read (although a long one for this kind of story), so I definitely recommend this one, just like the other standalones (especially Heart of the Raven Prince. Ember and Franco remain my favourites, even after having read all the other Entangled books).
Thank you Tessonja for the eARC.
Enjoyable romantasy? Check ✅
Strong FMC Check ✅
Villanous MMC? Check ✅
Enemies to lovers? Check ✅
Banter? Check ✅
HEA? Check ✅
This next instalment of the Entangled with the Fae interconnected standalones perfectly meets the expectations. The main characters are really interesting and relatable, there are multiple curses at play with high stakes, familiar characters make appearances in this book as well, … The story is an interesting take on the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty, unlike other retellings of this tale. Additionally it’s infused with some Romeo and Juliet vibes. The various layers to this story also add more depth to it. It was a really fun read (although a long one for this kind of story), so I definitely recommend this one, just like the other standalones (especially Heart of the Raven Prince. Ember and Franco remain my favourites, even after having read all the other Entangled books).
Thank you Tessonja for the eARC.
maeilis's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katerina_rose's review against another edition
4.0
It was a little slow in parts but good! I like the dancing reference s
kenzied's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
chantellekitty's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
books_in_the_clouds's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kimiichanga's review against another edition
i felt like i was forced to read this book, sadly
i definitely wasnt in the headspace to read this especially bec it's 500 pages
even tho the plot was plotting, i still wasnt 100% into reading the rest of the plot
i definitely wasnt in the headspace to read this especially bec it's 500 pages
even tho the plot was plotting, i still wasnt 100% into reading the rest of the plot