A Wicked Thing

Gr 7 Up—Feminist blogger Thomas's debut novel takes the happily-ever-after out of the "Sleeping Beauty" fairy tale, and explores the fallout that takes place after Aurora is brought out of her deep sleep. Awakened after her 100-year nap, her friends and family long-dead, Aurora is thrust into an engagement with the stranger whose kiss roused her, Prince Rodric, the only son in the royal family currently governing the kingdom of Alysse. Her home is by no means the peaceful place it was: angry factions combat against the cruel and totalitarian King John, and the country seems to be teetering on the brink of a civil war. Aurora's tale has been a symbol of hope for many, and the pressure to live up to the expectations that her awakening, and in turn, her intended marriage will bring about a change for the better, are immense. Uncomfortable with her new role, Aurora secretly makes nightly escapes to the city, where she meets Tristan, one of the rebels, to whom she forms an intense attraction, until the violence of his convictions drives her away. On the day her wedding is to take place, she makes a break for it, unsure of where she is headed, but content to be "nothing but herself." The book is welcome twist on the classic helpless-princess-saved-by-dashing-prince one expects from a fairy tale, and the lack of a consistent love interest is refreshing. Aurora is a relatable character and fairy tale and fantasy fans alike will breeze through this retelling and eagerly await her next chapter.—Joanna Sondheim, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City