This story of Sleeping Beauty picks up when Princess Aurora is awakened by her true love and thrust into the “care” of the current brutal monarchy.  The land has changed in 100 years and not for the better.  The commoners are planning rebellion and the king murders at will.  Prince Roderick, who awakens Aurora, is not like his father.  He is kind and thoughtful which is rather odd considering his cold mother the queen.  Tired of being confined again, Aurora slips out and meets Tristan at a local tavern and gets a fleeting feel of freedom only to find that perhaps Tristan plans to use her.

This is the first book in a series and very well executed.  Poor Aurora has led such an isolated and sheltered life and now she is being pulled in every direction.  The queen, first seemed so very proper and rather icy really is dealing with the reality the best she can and protecting her children.  I look forward to seeing what Aurora does as she comes into her power, literally.  Highly recommend

eGalley review       Publication date 02.24.15