What do you think?
Rate this book
Woken Kingdom #1
Woken Kingdom
A hundred years ago, a dark fairy cursed an innocent princess, forcing a kingdom to sleep until a brave prince would save them.
Maya is fueled by spite towards the royal family and fairies, who trapped ordinary people like her in a curse they didn’t deserve. Now poverty-stricken, the seventeen-year-old bookmaker has one goal: rob her grandmother’s faraway grave and use the riches within to save her family from starvation.
As she enters a world she doesn’t recognise, Maya meets the charismatic but mysterious Teddy. He agrees to help her, and it’s only a matter of time before romantic feelings emerge. But when Teddy’s secret is revealed, it doesn’t only change their friendship - it changes Maya’s entire world.
To reach the enchanted treasure she seeks, Maya will need blessings from each of the seven fairies. She and Teddy journey across each of the fairies' distinct territories, experiencing mystical powers, stunning cities, and lush landscapes. Even with a deadly rival close behind, Maya won't be stopped. But she is yet to learn the true cost of her treasure.
When Maya must choose between saving her family or stopping a lurking evil, who will she betray?
Maya is fueled by spite towards the royal family and fairies, who trapped ordinary people like her in a curse they didn’t deserve. Now poverty-stricken, the seventeen-year-old bookmaker has one goal: rob her grandmother’s faraway grave and use the riches within to save her family from starvation.
As she enters a world she doesn’t recognise, Maya meets the charismatic but mysterious Teddy. He agrees to help her, and it’s only a matter of time before romantic feelings emerge. But when Teddy’s secret is revealed, it doesn’t only change their friendship - it changes Maya’s entire world.
To reach the enchanted treasure she seeks, Maya will need blessings from each of the seven fairies. She and Teddy journey across each of the fairies' distinct territories, experiencing mystical powers, stunning cities, and lush landscapes. Even with a deadly rival close behind, Maya won't be stopped. But she is yet to learn the true cost of her treasure.
When Maya must choose between saving her family or stopping a lurking evil, who will she betray?
- GenresYoung Adult
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2023
3 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Rose Solomon
5 books41 followersPoppy Rose Solomon’s creative pursuits are a manifestation of her passion for the whimsical and magical. Evoking inspiration and escapism is the goal of her storytelling. From her home in Lutruwita/Tasmania, she freelances as a YA editor and coach through her business Poppy’s Pages. Woken Kingdom is her first series, with plenty more novels to come, and in 2025 she published How to Edit Your Own Novel, a nonfiction guidebook to help other authors cultivate their voices and tell their stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 23, 2023
Potentially very slightly biased since I'm the author, but I think this novel is quite the masterpiece <3
March 28, 2023
"Family is worth risking everything for."
First of all, I am so happy to have been able to read an ARC of Woken Kingdom! Thank you so much Poppy! I'm especially happy to have gotten to read this book before it's release date because I really enjoyed it and can't wait to recommend it to everyone. The vibes I got while reading this include: the Barbie princess movies, Little Women, and Cinderella is Dead, so really what more is there to say? Go read this book!
"And it feels so good too long for something real in the future after so long of only wanting to preserve my past."
This book has all the light, mystical fantasy vibes you could ask for. I was never a die-hard fan of Sleeping Beauty, but this retelling is so elegant and genuine. The world and characters were crafted so wonderfully. Maya and the rest of Bearra being asleep for a hundred years and waking to an entirely new world with new politics was cool. Maya's newness to this world outside her homeland's borders makes for some pretty seamless world building for the readers. The plot was entertaining and heartfelt, I was happy to be along for the ride. The pacing was well done, with action and emotional scenes expertly interluded with travel or flashbacks. I thought the chapters with points of view from Sierra and Dawn were perfectly placed within the novel and very enjoyable.
"Either we write our own lines, or the world forces our hand and writes our story for us. You're a soul who needs to be in control of her own fate."
The characters of Woken Kingdom are very compelling. Maya is so Jo March coded it made me want to cry (and she's a fellow book lover). Teddy is a redheaded sunshine boy so naturally I love him to death. I really enjoyed Maya and Teddy's summer boy x winter girl dynamic. And I am SUCKER for secrets, betrayal, and forgiveness so I loved their arc together. I also really enjoyed Sierra's character and look forward to reading more about her in the next book. Sierra, Teddy, and Maya's friendship was so wonderful.
"Sometimes we must learn to let old things go if we want to let in all the good the world has in store for us. You cannot start a new chapter without turning the page."
I found myself really enjoying the overall themes of the novel. Family obligation, friendship, finding your own path in the world, corruption and poverty, and more. They were very present on the page and in the character's lives, and it was rewarding to read along as they learned, struggled, and grew. Also, kind of random, but Maya mentions her period at some point and I was so shocked because menstruation is hardly ever talked about within genres like fantasy. So I thought that was really cool. All in all, Woken Kingdom is seriously impressive for a debut novel. You can tell how much love and craftsmanship went into it. I am so excited to read the rest of this series and all of Poppy's future work!! She is such a star!!!
First of all, I am so happy to have been able to read an ARC of Woken Kingdom! Thank you so much Poppy! I'm especially happy to have gotten to read this book before it's release date because I really enjoyed it and can't wait to recommend it to everyone. The vibes I got while reading this include: the Barbie princess movies, Little Women, and Cinderella is Dead, so really what more is there to say? Go read this book!
"And it feels so good too long for something real in the future after so long of only wanting to preserve my past."
This book has all the light, mystical fantasy vibes you could ask for. I was never a die-hard fan of Sleeping Beauty, but this retelling is so elegant and genuine. The world and characters were crafted so wonderfully. Maya and the rest of Bearra being asleep for a hundred years and waking to an entirely new world with new politics was cool. Maya's newness to this world outside her homeland's borders makes for some pretty seamless world building for the readers. The plot was entertaining and heartfelt, I was happy to be along for the ride. The pacing was well done, with action and emotional scenes expertly interluded with travel or flashbacks. I thought the chapters with points of view from Sierra and Dawn were perfectly placed within the novel and very enjoyable.
"Either we write our own lines, or the world forces our hand and writes our story for us. You're a soul who needs to be in control of her own fate."
The characters of Woken Kingdom are very compelling. Maya is so Jo March coded it made me want to cry (and she's a fellow book lover). Teddy is a redheaded sunshine boy so naturally I love him to death. I really enjoyed Maya and Teddy's summer boy x winter girl dynamic. And I am SUCKER for secrets, betrayal, and forgiveness so I loved their arc together. I also really enjoyed Sierra's character and look forward to reading more about her in the next book. Sierra, Teddy, and Maya's friendship was so wonderful.
"Sometimes we must learn to let old things go if we want to let in all the good the world has in store for us. You cannot start a new chapter without turning the page."
I found myself really enjoying the overall themes of the novel. Family obligation, friendship, finding your own path in the world, corruption and poverty, and more. They were very present on the page and in the character's lives, and it was rewarding to read along as they learned, struggled, and grew. Also, kind of random, but Maya mentions her period at some point and I was so shocked because menstruation is hardly ever talked about within genres like fantasy. So I thought that was really cool. All in all, Woken Kingdom is seriously impressive for a debut novel. You can tell how much love and craftsmanship went into it. I am so excited to read the rest of this series and all of Poppy's future work!! She is such a star!!!
March 30, 2023
Woken Kingdom is the ultimate grumpy x sunshine, coming of age (not in a teen way but in a maturing, morally conscious way?), enchanting story you could binge in a day or two.
This book felt like a big fairytale hug: it was classical but not cheesy, followed clear tropes without becoming boring, and had fully developed characters with realistic flaws and inner-turmoil.
It felt a bit rushed at first but the fast pace became easy to acclimate to and didn't hold me back from getting to know the characters' personalities and banter I found myself smiling along with. Landscapes are rich and the cities feel so realistic I wanted to visit them all for their own reasons.
An easy and enchanting read where just one more page quickly turns into just one more chapter.
This book felt like a big fairytale hug: it was classical but not cheesy, followed clear tropes without becoming boring, and had fully developed characters with realistic flaws and inner-turmoil.
It felt a bit rushed at first but the fast pace became easy to acclimate to and didn't hold me back from getting to know the characters' personalities and banter I found myself smiling along with. Landscapes are rich and the cities feel so realistic I wanted to visit them all for their own reasons.
An easy and enchanting read where just one more page quickly turns into just one more chapter.
March 22, 2023
What an amazing retelling! So many twists and turns a very enjoyable read.
I highly recommend, I couldn't put it down from the first page.
Excellent world building and character development throughout the book. You genuinely like the characters as you are reading, bring on book 2!
I highly recommend, I couldn't put it down from the first page.
Excellent world building and character development throughout the book. You genuinely like the characters as you are reading, bring on book 2!
April 6, 2023
Woken Kingdom was a wonderfully unique Sleeping Beauty inspired tale!
The kingdom of Bearra has just woken up from its 100-year sleep, which means great struggles for all its citizens. But no matter as the Princess has woken up from her long sleep. That's the opinion of all of the townsfolk apart from our protagonist Maya. Maya hates the royal family and the attention they get as her family sinks further into poverty.
I loved every second of this book. There was plenty of magic, fairies and mystical elements, but I loved that it focused on real-life issues, such as poverty, estranged family and corrupt leaders. I found myself never wanting to leave this enchanting world with all its dangers.
Sleeping Beauty is one of my favourite fairytales. Poppy has done a superb job at weaving something different, but also paying homage to a tale we all know and love.
I highly recommend this book to those who love Sleeping Beauty and retellings.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The kingdom of Bearra has just woken up from its 100-year sleep, which means great struggles for all its citizens. But no matter as the Princess has woken up from her long sleep. That's the opinion of all of the townsfolk apart from our protagonist Maya. Maya hates the royal family and the attention they get as her family sinks further into poverty.
I loved every second of this book. There was plenty of magic, fairies and mystical elements, but I loved that it focused on real-life issues, such as poverty, estranged family and corrupt leaders. I found myself never wanting to leave this enchanting world with all its dangers.
Sleeping Beauty is one of my favourite fairytales. Poppy has done a superb job at weaving something different, but also paying homage to a tale we all know and love.
I highly recommend this book to those who love Sleeping Beauty and retellings.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
December 22, 2025dnf @ 20%. Writing seemed a bit too young. Intriguing premise but already I really do not like the main character.
April 4, 2023
Firstly, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pre-read this story! Spoilers ahead :)
Woken Kingdom is a great world to escape to... The different territories of the fairies are so well described and immersive it is so easy to get lost in each one! Maya is an amazing main character and her development and overall arc was a joy to read. Teddy's betrayal close to the end broke my heart and his redemption at the end brought me so much happiness and made me re-fall in love with his character. Sierra is my main girl I love her and cannot wait to read more about her in the next book!
Overall this was a great read. It was easy to read while still drawing you into the world was a rollercoaster of emotions and sets up so many possibilities for the next woken kingdom books!
Woken Kingdom is a great world to escape to... The different territories of the fairies are so well described and immersive it is so easy to get lost in each one! Maya is an amazing main character and her development and overall arc was a joy to read. Teddy's betrayal close to the end broke my heart and his redemption at the end brought me so much happiness and made me re-fall in love with his character. Sierra is my main girl I love her and cannot wait to read more about her in the next book!
Overall this was a great read. It was easy to read while still drawing you into the world was a rollercoaster of emotions and sets up so many possibilities for the next woken kingdom books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
Woken Kingdom is such a creative take of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. Wildly imaginative and such a page turner. This story is full of clever twists and loveable characters. So keen to read book #2
March 30, 2023
I received an ARC of Woken Kingdom through Poppy's Pages.
As a debut novel, Woken Kingdom is a magical YA fantasy, complete with slow burn romance, an epic quest, reluctant alliances, and a new take on a classic fairytale. This new take on Sleeping Beauty follows a subject of the sleeping kingdom, Maya, as she wakes and struggles to readjust to life a century later.
I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed Woken Kingdom. It kept me invested in the story and the characters and the fast paced story had me wanting to read more. Maya's character had depth, with her stubbornness being both a strength and a weakness, and her growth over the story was defined and realistic. There are both good and bad decisions made throughout the novel by all characters, highlighting their flaws and later, their development in a way that also is level with their ages and experiences, something that is often uncommon in YA novels.
It was refreshing to have a new POV in a sleeping beauty retelling, where the kingdom and its people are predominantly glossed over and the focus remains on the princess. The snippets throughout the novel from the perspective of Princess Dawn were intriguing, and provided insight into a complex and layered character who I would happily read about in a later novel. It was also interesting that the author portrayed her waking as a trauma, keeping true to this element of the original story as collected by the Brothers Grimm. Something that is usually romanticised by authors and ignored.
Overall I really enjoyed the novel, the story had a great premise, defined and complex characters and moved at a good pace. My only critique would be that the writing style sometimes struggled to move from telling into showing, but considering that it is a. debut novel, and the age of the author this is something that I have no doubt will improve and refine over her writing career.
I will certainly be reading the sequel when it becomes available.
As a debut novel, Woken Kingdom is a magical YA fantasy, complete with slow burn romance, an epic quest, reluctant alliances, and a new take on a classic fairytale. This new take on Sleeping Beauty follows a subject of the sleeping kingdom, Maya, as she wakes and struggles to readjust to life a century later.
I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed Woken Kingdom. It kept me invested in the story and the characters and the fast paced story had me wanting to read more. Maya's character had depth, with her stubbornness being both a strength and a weakness, and her growth over the story was defined and realistic. There are both good and bad decisions made throughout the novel by all characters, highlighting their flaws and later, their development in a way that also is level with their ages and experiences, something that is often uncommon in YA novels.
It was refreshing to have a new POV in a sleeping beauty retelling, where the kingdom and its people are predominantly glossed over and the focus remains on the princess. The snippets throughout the novel from the perspective of Princess Dawn were intriguing, and provided insight into a complex and layered character who I would happily read about in a later novel. It was also interesting that the author portrayed her waking as a trauma, keeping true to this element of the original story as collected by the Brothers Grimm. Something that is usually romanticised by authors and ignored.
Overall I really enjoyed the novel, the story had a great premise, defined and complex characters and moved at a good pace. My only critique would be that the writing style sometimes struggled to move from telling into showing, but considering that it is a. debut novel, and the age of the author this is something that I have no doubt will improve and refine over her writing career.
I will certainly be reading the sequel when it becomes available.
April 17, 2023
I devoured this novel! Absolutely loved it. For anyone who is a fan of fairytale retellings, secrets, adventures, fierce female protagonists and lots of fun, grab a coffee and settle with a comfy blanket because you’re going to love this.
Woken Kingdom starts with such a fascinating premise: that not only is Sleeping Beauty cursed to sleep until her Prince Charming kisses her awake, but her whole kingdom has to go through it too. Meanwhile, the rest of the world goes on, developing and growing and when Sleeping Beauty and our main girl Maya awake an entire century later, everything outside their kingdom has changed. Maya, fierce and determined, risks everything to venture out into the world beyond her kingdom to recover a treasure that will help her family out of poverty. We follow Maya and her friends and enemies around the world, exploring new lands and uncovering different sides of themselves.
I especially love all the details, like Maya’s awe at the horseless carriages and carefully closing a door made of glass because it might break if she slams it! Solomon does such a great job of world building, not only in the development of all the unique kingdoms and the fairies that rule them but in these little details. For me, as a reader, it’s these details that really make the story feel real.
Check it out!!!
Woken Kingdom starts with such a fascinating premise: that not only is Sleeping Beauty cursed to sleep until her Prince Charming kisses her awake, but her whole kingdom has to go through it too. Meanwhile, the rest of the world goes on, developing and growing and when Sleeping Beauty and our main girl Maya awake an entire century later, everything outside their kingdom has changed. Maya, fierce and determined, risks everything to venture out into the world beyond her kingdom to recover a treasure that will help her family out of poverty. We follow Maya and her friends and enemies around the world, exploring new lands and uncovering different sides of themselves.
I especially love all the details, like Maya’s awe at the horseless carriages and carefully closing a door made of glass because it might break if she slams it! Solomon does such a great job of world building, not only in the development of all the unique kingdoms and the fairies that rule them but in these little details. For me, as a reader, it’s these details that really make the story feel real.
Check it out!!!
July 25, 2025
The most magical story! Poppy was inspired by the original Barbie movies, and that perfectly encapsulates the magical and whimsical vibes of this story and its fairytale setting.
While this is a take on Sleeping Beauty, this story follows Maya who was also a victim of the Princess's curse, as she and the rest of the town were also cursed to sleep until the Princess's true love kissed her awake, and so now the town is suffering from not farming for 100 years. Maya truly finds herself in this story, starting off as someone who will protect her family at all odds and ending as someone who will protect not just her family but her entire village at all odds.
I loved the quest element of this, with Maya discovering how the world has changed in 100 years while traveling all over the world on a mission to meet with all seven fairies. It was so fun getting to see the different parts of this fantasy realm, and I loved the relationships that developed on her journey.
I highly recommend this series for anyone wanting a whimsical fantasy world with fairies who are just like the fairytales you read as a kid, but in a story for a YA audience.
While this is a take on Sleeping Beauty, this story follows Maya who was also a victim of the Princess's curse, as she and the rest of the town were also cursed to sleep until the Princess's true love kissed her awake, and so now the town is suffering from not farming for 100 years. Maya truly finds herself in this story, starting off as someone who will protect her family at all odds and ending as someone who will protect not just her family but her entire village at all odds.
I loved the quest element of this, with Maya discovering how the world has changed in 100 years while traveling all over the world on a mission to meet with all seven fairies. It was so fun getting to see the different parts of this fantasy realm, and I loved the relationships that developed on her journey.
I highly recommend this series for anyone wanting a whimsical fantasy world with fairies who are just like the fairytales you read as a kid, but in a story for a YA audience.
April 9, 2023
Oh, I LOVED this book! A romantic fantasy with an epic quest that feels like an instant classic while also being modern and fresh, with lots of page-turning twists. I adored Maya’s strong and stubborn character and her growth throughout the book, the slow-burn romance with gorgeous but flawed Teddy, the nuanced exploration of class, power, and loyalty, and the stunning descriptions of all the different realms and especially the fairies! Oh, the fairies! This book has so many beautifully-written lines that made me stop and read over so I could soak them in. All the characters are fully realised and the magic feels believable and so true to the incredible world Poppy has created. And I love some of the complex and vital questions at the burning heart of this novel, such as whether people are inherently good and what we should expect from our leaders. Aside from all this, Woken Kingdom is a total page-turner that I couldn’t put down. And that last chapter - you are not ready!! Read this book.
November 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! Woken Kingdom is a beautifully written rendition of “Sleeping Beauty” filled with magic, adventure, and heart. Who doesn’t love a headstrong FMC on a quest to save her family from poverty? What I loved most about this book was Solomon’s ability to create this immersive magical world with such real and relatable characters. On her journey through seven faerie territories, Maya meets the MMC, Teddy, a loveable “golden retriever” type with an edge of mystery. Their slow-burn romance grows amid danger, secrets, and enchantment. Solomon’s writing is rich and immersive, painting a kingdom so vivid you can almost step inside it. The story explores big ideas about class, power, and what it means to do the right thing despite the ever-present dangers and threats. With brilliant pacing, gorgeous prose, multi layered characters and a breathtaking finale, Woken Kingdom does not disappoint. I’m excited to read book 2!
October 16, 2024
As someone who grew up loving Barbie and never stopped watching the films, I was very excited to read this. It was fun trying to pinpoint connections between events/characters in Woken Kingdom to ones from the films - I personally loved the Swan Lake references.
I think that it could have done with another round of editing to make it a bit more sound but overall, there was a strong plot with interesting character arcs. Most of the third act was impossible to predict which was refreshing!
This is a great series for anyone looking for something whimsical and nostalgic - the vibes are just perfect.
I think that it could have done with another round of editing to make it a bit more sound but overall, there was a strong plot with interesting character arcs. Most of the third act was impossible to predict which was refreshing!
This is a great series for anyone looking for something whimsical and nostalgic - the vibes are just perfect.
March 20, 2025
First 5 star read of 2025!
I really liked this. All the characters were well rounded and had their own motives. The plot was so fun and engaging from start to finish, I honestly had no idea how we were going to fit it all in this book! Maya said it how I thought, "the parts of this I thought would be difficult have seemed so easy and the parts I thought would be easy have proved extremely difficult!"
The last chapter is the perfect combination of gut wrenching and jaw dropping, and I definitely shed a tear or two in the epilogue.
I seriously recommend this incredible book.
I really liked this. All the characters were well rounded and had their own motives. The plot was so fun and engaging from start to finish, I honestly had no idea how we were going to fit it all in this book! Maya said it how I thought, "the parts of this I thought would be difficult have seemed so easy and the parts I thought would be easy have proved extremely difficult!"
The last chapter is the perfect combination of gut wrenching and jaw dropping, and I definitely shed a tear or two in the epilogue.
I seriously recommend this incredible book.
January 14, 2025
I couldn't put this book down!!! Poppy has a remarkable talent for crafting flawed characters who somehow manage to capture your heart. The world she has imagined is truly unique, filled with intricate details and rich lore that draws you in and keeps you engaged. Her interpretation of the original story is unlike any I've encountered before. I can’t recommend this book enough, and I can’t wait to devour the rest of the series!
October 10, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, the concept of a sleeping beauty retelling after the curse isn’t one I’ve seen many times and I love me a good fairytale retelling but it fell a little short for me unfortunately. The pacing of the story felt very rushed and I wanted more details in many parts of the story. It really had potential but I also thought each ring quest went by so quickly that it was hard to really feel for the story and enjoy it.
April 10, 2023
A whimsical delight!
This novel is like fairy floss for the soul — fairy floss with a shot or two of vodka on the side.
Poppy has crafted an incredible world, both familiar and unique, with a fast-paced plot that will keep you turning pages. Maya and Teddy 4 Life!!
This novel is like fairy floss for the soul — fairy floss with a shot or two of vodka on the side.
Poppy has crafted an incredible world, both familiar and unique, with a fast-paced plot that will keep you turning pages. Maya and Teddy 4 Life!!
May 16, 2023
review coming soon 💃
Want to read
January 10, 2025the author said this book is like a classical barbie movie so i have very high expectations now
June 11, 2025
Naive writing style, but easy reading. Would definitely recommend for young teens, but maybe not for me. It moved along at a brisk pace and lacked depth, but was enjoyable nonetheless.
June 21, 2023
I had the chance to be gifted a copy by Poppy, and I was so happy! I already had planned to read her debut novel because it looked magical, and I wasn't disappointed. This book is the definition of fairytale and magic, just all arround a lovely story. The writting is beautiful and keeps you wanting to read more, the story was unique, and the romance was /swoon/.
I think that the characters were really well developped for such a quick read, and the fast paced story is really my jam!
The descriptions were amazing and I could picture most of the scenes/places which is something I do struggle with.
If you love romantazy that feels like a fairytale I highly HIGHLY recommend this book, plus you would be supporting a small author and an amazing person as well 💓🧚♀️
I think that the characters were really well developped for such a quick read, and the fast paced story is really my jam!
The descriptions were amazing and I could picture most of the scenes/places which is something I do struggle with.
If you love romantazy that feels like a fairytale I highly HIGHLY recommend this book, plus you would be supporting a small author and an amazing person as well 💓🧚♀️
September 26, 2025
Literally gorgeous writing and fantasy building plus a perfect romance, it was impossible for me to stop reading
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews