A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas (review)

Happily ever after is far from the reality that Aurora wakes up to after spending over a century in a curse-induced sleep and finding a stranger at the foot of her bed. The stranger, Prince Rodric, is apparently her true love, and her mother and father and anyone she knew are now all long dead. Aurora’s awakening offers hope to Alyssinia, a kingdom in crisis with a cruel despot for a ruler, rebels growing stronger everyday, and allies quickly becoming foes. Aurora’s not sure she’s any sort of savior, though, especially as she realizes that the dangerous political games being played by Rodric’s parents, the king and queen, are far beyond her skill. Thomas offers a compelling take on Sleeping Beauty, especially in her portrayal of Aurora as a grieving, isolated girl who finds herself so overwhelmed by her own loss that she’s initially unable to care that she’s being used as a political pawn. Her introspection and stumbling toward understanding makes the pace a bit halting, but it also offers authenticity to her development as a character. Several romantic leads are introduced besides Rodric, but, refreshingly, in the end Aurora chooses none of them, instead fleeing the kingdom with the hopes of returning one day, stronger and ready to rule. That decision, along with the reappearance of the cursing witch and the continued chaos of the kingdom, lays the groundwork for a sequel and ensures that readers will return to see if Aurora does indeed get her happy ending.