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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Once Upon a Dream by Liz Braswell
5.0
Sleeping Beauty has always been one of my favorite Disney Movies. It could be that prince Philip had something to do with it, as he is totally and absolutely my type and fits the boyish man kinda trope, but it was also Maleficent, who has always been a really remarkable villain. So, when I came across this book, I just had to have it!
And I'm so glad I bought it! This was such an amazing and thrilling read from start to finish. Let me start with the fact that the story of the book is woven perfectly into the original Disney Tale. The whole mythology and world building makes incredibly much sense and fits really well. But, the writer didn't shy away from the consequences, something I really loved, because that way the book avoided the "and then it was as if nothing ever happened"-trope that I actually really hate.
On top of that this story adds all those things that are missing from the original tale (which was written in another time and NOT something we can blame the tale for). It gives Philip and Aurora Rose some time to interact, get to know each other, get to see each other's ugly side and therefore gives them the chance to really choose each other, instead of it being true love at first glance. It also makes Aurora more than "just" graceful and beautiful and blessed with a beautiful voice. It makes her intelligent, compassionate, brave and lets her take part in her own rescue and her own happy ending. And not very surprisingly it also ads a little humanity to one of the biggest villains in Disney history.
All in all I really enjoyed this twist on the original tale from start to finish. Philip and Aurora Rose still felt like themselves, but then even better, and the tale kept its original Disney feel, but combined with the darker edge that actually is so important in fairytales.
I was not that interested in the other tales so far, but maybe...maybe they're worth a read too!
And I'm so glad I bought it! This was such an amazing and thrilling read from start to finish. Let me start with the fact that the story of the book is woven perfectly into the original Disney Tale. The whole mythology and world building makes incredibly much sense and fits really well. But, the writer didn't shy away from the consequences, something I really loved, because that way the book avoided the "and then it was as if nothing ever happened"-trope that I actually really hate.
On top of that this story adds all those things that are missing from the original tale (which was written in another time and NOT something we can blame the tale for). It gives Philip and Aurora Rose some time to interact, get to know each other, get to see each other's ugly side and therefore gives them the chance to really choose each other, instead of it being true love at first glance. It also makes Aurora more than "just" graceful and beautiful and blessed with a beautiful voice. It makes her intelligent, compassionate, brave and lets her take part in her own rescue and her own happy ending. And not very surprisingly it also ads a little humanity to one of the biggest villains in Disney history.
All in all I really enjoyed this twist on the original tale from start to finish. Philip and Aurora Rose still felt like themselves, but then even better, and the tale kept its original Disney feel, but combined with the darker edge that actually is so important in fairytales.
I was not that interested in the other tales so far, but maybe...maybe they're worth a read too!