Scan barcode
adeanax's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
angelreadsfantasy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
I bought this book together with the Prince of the Song and Sea; and to be honest, i did not have high hopes for this one, because I didn't like the first book. However, all the things which I didn't like in Eric's tale, I found in Philips's tale.
It was written very cleverly and could be seen as canon; it creates a parallel with the film and even recreates scenes with their own twist, which I love. I really loved the whole Once Upon a Dream setting, and how Aurora and Philip get to know each other.I first was hesitant when Philip got magic because that part didn't totally fit within the sleeping beauty world, but I really liked how this was all a set-up.
Overall a good tale from the prince perspective, looking forward to other perspectives :D
It was written very cleverly and could be seen as canon; it creates a parallel with the film and even recreates scenes with their own twist, which I love. I really loved the whole Once Upon a Dream setting, and how Aurora and Philip get to know each other.
Overall a good tale from the prince perspective, looking forward to other perspectives :D
daniellem1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cyanide_latte's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I think this book genuinely gave me everything I could have hoped for and more from a Disney Press book seeking to do further character exploration. The writing was very nicely done, the character work was excellent while still both paying homage to and reimagining the source material, and everything here was just worth the read. I know I'm somewhat biased, as Phillip and Aurora/Briar Rose are big favorites of mine, but the way this novel really fleshed both of them out and added to the world of Sleeping Beauty without completely overwhelming the reader with new lore by the end was nothing short of phenomenal. This is already a big favorite and I'm so happy I got to read it!
captain_slippers's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
moobadtz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amberls23's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
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
speculativeshelves's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite Disney films and Prince Phillip has always been one of my favorite Disney Princes so I was very excited to see a book told from his perspective.
Prince of Thorns & Nightmares does an excellent job of expanding the film's story and the characters of both Phillip and Aurora who, despite being integral characters to the film's plot, never feel like the main characters (Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather have always felt like the film's protagonists to me). The story fits seamlessly into the plot of the film adding interesting layers and twists that will probably remain in the back of my mind the next time I rewatch Sleeping Beauty. In particular I loved the twist this book gives to Phillip/Aurora's romance and the song "Once Upon a Dream" (and the banter between the two of them was top notch).
My only issue with this book was I struggled a bit with the pacing in the first half. While I enjoyed the first half's plot (particularly in hindsight as there was a twist I enjoyed), I didn't find it as compelling as the second half outside of the scenes between Phillip and Briar Rose. It feels very much like a condensed quest story of its own (almost as if it's the first book in a duology) and while there were interesting elements there wasn't enough time in the story to have me truly invested in that part of the book.
Highly recommend this series to any Disney fans looking for new takes on their favorite stories and characters. Ultimately this one was a lot of fun and while I haven't read it, I'm sure the previous book in this series (centered on Prince Eric) is also great.
Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite Disney films and Prince Phillip has always been one of my favorite Disney Princes so I was very excited to see a book told from his perspective.
Prince of Thorns & Nightmares does an excellent job of expanding the film's story and the characters of both Phillip and Aurora who, despite being integral characters to the film's plot, never feel like the main characters (Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather have always felt like the film's protagonists to me). The story fits seamlessly into the plot of the film adding interesting layers and twists that will probably remain in the back of my mind the next time I rewatch Sleeping Beauty. In particular I loved the twist this book gives to Phillip/Aurora's romance and the song "Once Upon a Dream" (and the banter between the two of them was top notch).
My only issue with this book was I struggled a bit with the pacing in the first half. While I enjoyed the first half's plot (particularly in hindsight as there was a twist I enjoyed), I didn't find it as compelling as the second half outside of the scenes between Phillip and Briar Rose. It feels very much like a condensed quest story of its own (almost as if it's the first book in a duology) and while there were interesting elements there wasn't enough time in the story to have me truly invested in that part of the book.
Highly recommend this series to any Disney fans looking for new takes on their favorite stories and characters. Ultimately this one was a lot of fun and while I haven't read it, I'm sure the previous book in this series (centered on Prince Eric) is also great.
maabark's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so cute! It was a nice change of pace to read a story from Phillips perspective and his journey to defeating Maleficent.
I especially enjoyed the references to the movie (animated one.) I also enjoyed the banter between Briar Rose and Phillip! I felt like Briar Rose’s character got fleshed our more along with Phillip. I would recommend reading this book if you have a love for Disney, Maleficent, or you just enjoy feel-good stories.
I especially enjoyed the references to the movie (animated one.) I also enjoyed the banter between Briar Rose and Phillip! I felt like Briar Rose’s character got fleshed our more along with Phillip. I would recommend reading this book if you have a love for Disney, Maleficent, or you just enjoy feel-good stories.
pizzamyheart's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
1.75 is being generous. After Prince of Song and Sea i had hopes for this one to be good too. It wasnt. This book was a complete waste of time. Phillip is a horrid character. Whiny. Annoying. Horrid. Similar to book 1. The best friend is a female warrior who trains with the prince. She was a much better love interest than Aurora. In fact I wish Aurora told Phillip no and went odd with the friend.
The only reason it got .75 stars was the inventive way to tie in to the once upon a dream song. Aside from that this book is best used as kindling.
The only reason it got .75 stars was the inventive way to tie in to the once upon a dream song. Aside from that this book is best used as kindling.