The Girl Who Broke the Dark

The Royal Mages Series #1

by Evelyn Puerto

Sometimes, breaking the curse is only the beginning…Princess Eliana of Ymittos has long anticipated the day she gets to make the rules — and use her magic without fear of penalty. But until she ascends the throne, Eliana’s days are devoted to practicing diplomacy on inconsiderate guests and weighing the merits of her latest string of suitors.Then, on her 18th birthday, Eliana’s parents reveal her true she alone must wake a sleeping prince from his hundred-year curse, deep in the monster-infested underworld of Malkh. Terrified, Eliana refuses. But the terms of the curse are only the heir of Ymittos can break its spell. If she fails, the entire continent will be easy prey for the evil sorcerer Cetus.Banished and stripped of his power a millennium ago, Cetus has lain dormant, rebuilding his strength and amassing his armies. Now, his carefully laid trap is about to spring destruction on the first realms in his path. Only Eliana stands in his way.A Sleeping Beauty retelling with a deadly twist, The Girl Who Broke the Dark is the first volume of the Royal Mages series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Retellings

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Evelyn Puerto reads just about anything and writes in multiple genres. When she married, she inherited three stepdaughters, a pair of step-grandsons, and a psychotic cat. Currently she writes from South Carolina. Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.evelynpuerto.com/ for news of new releases and book recommendations. Or follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/evely...

Reviews

[Yves V.H. [Slow reading] · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sleeping Beauty retelling with a deadly twist. In the classic Sleeping Beauty, it was the the prince who has to kiss the princess to wake her up from the curse but on this one, it was switched. Just knowing that already piqued my interest.

This book really made me feel a lot of things because for one, Eliana is or was in love with her 3rd cousin (idk but I kinda find that part a bit icky) but that guy is dead anyway and there wasn't any exploration of their romance in the book. Second, she falls in love quite quickly or at least she easily gets fluttered. Lastly, she is the queen of gaslighting herself so when people around her were warning her about the prince, she ignores them 🥴

I really liked the book though I find her father really...confusing. He knows her daughter have to break the curse but he won't let her learn more than basic magic (like...huh???) What I adore about Eliana is that she isn't easily controlled. She knows what she should do for her kingdom. I hope her and the prince really get together on the next book because I really love their chemistry.

🌸 Recieved a copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is the retelling of sleeping beauty, except sleeping Beauty is a prince who is woken by a princess. All the characters have some sort of magic ability, and although there is no evil queen, there is an evil sorcerer or water fae.

The story ends in a cliffhanger. Although the princess and prince break the curse, the war continues. I was a little surprised by how many four and five stars the story had until I realized not many people had reviewed it.

Like most readers, I was a little surprised that princess Elena‘s parents did not allow her to learn magic since magic was the only way to defeat the sorcerer. However, I was glad the princess and prince survived to live another day or fight.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half
Did you read Sleeping Beauty when you were young ? Well this is a male version with a Princess who has to awaken him . Princess Eliana is just turning eighteen and betrothed to Istvan when she’s told she has to wake up a sleeping Prince who lives in a sunken kingdom before a powerful and murderess Sorcerer can wreck havoc. She is not that keen on this sudden shift as Eliana has been very sheltered and honestly I don’t blame her because her parents have virtually lied to her and prevented her learning how to use magic . Yet she does descend to find the sleeping Prince meeting unconventional characters along the way and learning that those she innocently trusts have agendas of their own !
I particularly liked how this began with Eliana struggling to be the perfect Princess and making friends with a fellow Princess who I hope we see more of as this series continues . The writing had me feeling that it was a dark, uncomfortable world once the party went down into the sunken world with unpredictable characters who constantly surprised . Is this a romantic story ? Well not exactly as Eliana is very naive and easily flattered but without a doubt there’s a handsome and dangerous Prince to kiss back and life . I found this to be unique and easy to read even if at times I wanted to shake the female lead !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested

[Sofia Renner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cool book! Got it at a local author fair in SC. Support local authors if you can :)

[Melody Pakeeza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was able to read this book as an ARC.

I enjoyed the cunning fairytale retelling of sleeping beauty, it was a unique world inspired by Ancient Greece with a twist of fantasy.

It’s a cozy read. I did not end up finishing the book not because it was poorly written- the writing style was wonderful, greatly paced and excellently written. Just in my personal opinion, It lacked the essence of wanting me to read more, I prefer when something dramatic, something gut wrenching occurs in the first several chapters, to make me want to keep reading more.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Girl Who Broke the Dark” by Evelyn Puerto is a riveting fantasy novel that weaves a tale of destiny, courage, and the power of unity against the forces of evil. On the brink of adulthood, Princess Eliana of Ymittos is thrust into an ancient prophecy that demands she journey to the treacherous underworld of Malkh to break a century-old curse binding a sleeping prince. Faced with her fears and the prospect of her own death, Eliana’s initial refusal marks the beginning of a thrilling adventure that captivates from the first page to the last. Puerto crafts a vibrant world filled with danger, mythical creatures, and a looming sorcerer that threatens the very fabric of the continent. The journey to Malkh is fraught with challenges, but it is Eliana’s growth from a reluctant princess to a formidable heroine that stands at the heart of this story. Her evolution is mirrored in the relationships she forms along the way, particularly with her betrothed, Istvan, and the enigmatic prince cursed to be her undoing.

The narrative excels in its exploration of themes such as destiny versus choice and the strength found in unity. The revelation of a second, more sinister curse upon the prince adds layers of complexity to the tale, transforming a simple mission into a deadly game of survival. It is in their darkest moments that Eliana and the prince discover the potential of their combined magical abilities, leading to a climactic battle against darkness that is both exhilarating and emotionally charged.

Puerto’s storytelling is both elegant and accessible, making “The Girl Who Broke the Dark” a standout addition to the fantasy genre. The detailed world-building and character development are seamlessly interwoven with fast-paced action and heartfelt moments, ensuring that readers are engaged from start to finish.

In conclusion, “The Girl Who Broke the Dark” is a compelling tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the unyielding light within the darkness. Evelyn Puerto delivers a powerful message about facing one’s destiny with courage and the unbreakable bonds formed in the face of adversity. This novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy looking for a story that combines classic elements with fresh, innovative twists.

[MKat1214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. This was a very unique retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a unique magical system. Much of the twists were predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. It was fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time. The FMC was clever, but also very immature when it came to relationships. In her defense she is just 18 though. It is YA with no spice. I will read the next one when it comes out. I enjoyed it enough

[Torfinn Ingolfsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I could not put it down.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really interested in this book when I saw it was a gender- bent Sleeping Beauty retelling with and with a deadly twist. The story starts off strong enough with almost 18 year old Princess Eliana attempting to make an ally out of Princess Dreya. Both young women are heirs to their own thrones and the same age. We get to see how independent, devoted and strong these young women are which made me want to keep reading as I love when authors have strong female leads. On her 18th birthday she's informed of a hundred-year curse that only she can break, but in order to do that she must descend into the underworld of Malkh and find the sleeping prince. In order to protect her kingdom and it's people from the evil sorcerer Cetus, she has to make the journey with her betrothed and select few guards.

This was my first book by Evelyn Puerto and her writing style and descriptions are beautifully done. I found myself wanting to learn more about this world and know what happens next. Unlike other retellings that change one or two things from the original, she goes the opposite way and only keeps a few things from the original and creates a whole new experience. I wanted to love this book so much but there was thing that stopped me and I just couldn't get past. With giving grace to the fact that Princess Eliana is only 18 years old, I couldn't get over her instant love/infatuation with the prince. I understand she only knew Princess Dreya for a a short time and hence might not heed her warning of something being off with the prince, but when her oldest and most loyal guard and her supposed closest friend/handmaid also state their warning she completely disregards them. The prince shows so many of these warning signs to her and she even mentions to herself how it seems off but she gaslights herself throughout the majority of the story. I couldn't understand what the point was of creating this wonderful main character in the first few chapters only to have her turn into a typical male obsessed princess who completely losses her independence and brilliance. I also couldn't get past Eliana's parents thought process and how they treated her. Knowing for almost 18 years that she would be sent on this task they barely did anything to prepare her for it and then balked at the fact that she didn't feel confident in going on this task.

I do plan on continuing the series as I'd love to see what happens next and hopefully see the characters grow in a different direction.

[Blagica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enchanting Fantasy Book

Embarking on the fantastical journey presented by Evelyn Puerto in "The Girl Who Broke the Dark" was a delightful surprise for someone like me, whose reading comfort zone typically resides in the realms of true crime and thrillers. In a year like 2024, where I've found solace in cozy reads and fantasies, Puerto's novel proved to be a source of pure joy.

The story revolves around Princess Eliana of Ymittos, a character wrestling with the desire for autonomy within the confines of her royal lineage. Endowed with formidable magical abilities, Eliana faces the challenge of breaking a century-long curse in the perilous realm of Malkh. The consequences of failure are dire, with the looming threat of empowering Cetus, a formidable necromancer set on casting Ymittos into darkness.

Evelyn Puerto's narrative skillfully reimagines the classic tale of "Sleeping Beauty" within the shadows of dark fantasy. The story fearlessly delves into grim realities and complex character dynamics. While Eliana's struggle against societal constraints echoes familiar themes in fantasy literature, her journey becomes a unique exploration of personal growth and rebellion. The magical elements serve as symbols for broader narratives of self-discovery, resonating especially with younger audiences navigating their own paths.

The narrative's vitality is notably fueled by the compelling antagonist, Cetus, whose nuanced motivations provide a stark contrast to Eliana. While Eliana's character is relatable, there's room for deeper exploration. Cetus's multifaceted nature enriches the storyline and heightens the stakes of Eliana's mission.

Despite moments of rawness in its delivery, "The Girl Who Broke the Dark" is at its core a captivating blend of adventure, mystique, and the timeless battle between light and darkness. Readers will eagerly anticipate subsequent installments, hoping for further development in Eliana's character and the fantastical world of Ymittos. Puerto's novel promises a journey filled with enchantment, peril, and the enduring allure of discovering one's true power. Having received a copy for an honest opinion, I encourage you to delve into this enchanting tale and discover your own magic within its pages.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Girl Who Broke the Dark, Evelyn Puerto presents Princess Eliana of Ymittos, a character yearning for autonomy amidst the strictures imposed by her lineage and destiny. Born with the ability to wield potent magic, Eliana finds herself confined by the rigorous demands of her tutors and the expectations of her royal heritage. Her narrative begins to unfold as she approaches her 18th birthday, revealing a daunting quest set before her: to venture into the perilous realm of Malkh, confront its mythical denizens, and break a century-long curse binding a prince to slumber. The stakes are high; failure means empowering Cetus, a formidable necromancer poised to cast Ymittos into an era of darkness.

Puerto's novel is a creative reimagining of "Sleeping Beauty," steeped in the shadows of dark fantasy. It's a story unafraid to explore grim realities and the complexities of its characters. While Eliana's struggle against the constraints of her world mirrors familiar themes in fantasy literature, her journey is also a distinct exploration of personal growth and rebellion against societal norms. Her magical abilities symbolize a broader narrative of self-discovery and the quest for independence, resonating particularly with younger audiences who are navigating their own paths.

The narrative's vitality largely stems from its antagonist, Cetus. With a compelling presence and nuanced motivations, he provides a stark contrast to Eliana, whose character, while relatable, occasionally feels underexplored. Cetus's multifaceted nature not only enriches the story but also elevates the stakes of Eliana's mission.

Although The Girl Who Broke the Dark may exhibit moments of rawness in its delivery, its core is a captivating blend of adventure, mystique, and the timeless battle between light and darkness. Readers will find themselves eager for subsequent installments, anticipating further development in Eliana's character and the fantastical world of Ymittos. Puerto's novel promises a journey filled with enchantment, peril, and the enduring allure of discovering one's true power.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Puerto writes a fantastical tale with The Girl Who Broke the Dark

Think Sleeping Beauty's happily ever after is broken. I am a big fan of Evelyn Puerto and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Not only is the old fairy tale so different, the tables are turned, and Princess Eliana must be the one to find her destiny, and wake a sleeping prince. I love how Evelyn Puerto takes a fairy tale and puts her own spin on it, and though the story is so different, you get that sense of familiarity of what you may have read as a child. And another note is that fairy tales were dark when they were first written, and a certain Mouse-based company, changed them into being suitable for kids, and giving characters a happily ever after. This book, you don't know what's coming. It's a very intriguing story that keeps you glued to the page. With monsters and other beings being a part of the story, Eliana doesn't want to wake this prince, but she finds out more about this curse, and how villainous Cetus, a sorcerer, has his sights set on her. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. The author weaves a tangled web of story, and captures the reader. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. This is a magnificent plot that kept this reader turning the pages. Eliana is not your typical princess, and neither is her story. The Girl Who Broke the Dark is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[sonali| reads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Legends have a way of capturing kernels of truth.”
I'd start off by saying I became fan of Evelyn after I read this wonderful work of hers. A page turner that is beautifully written. Not only it serves a series of twists on the most loved fairytale, it also captured the strength, the struggle, the self-doubt and determination women experience in day to day life through ruling their own kingdoms, making their own decisions is phenomenal. The world building was detailed and immersing. There were towers, legends, myths, magic, magical mushrooms, ways to amplify magic, well-developed systems for food and water for people living in underground, a new language, there's depiction of seasons and weathers changing. The amazing set of characters were an awesome element in the book. The themes of reality such as hunger for power that maddens people to do their worse, desperation drives deadly decisions, are so beautifully expressed in the book. In fact, the book even shows the aspects of healthy relationship. The book lacks romance as an aspect but if didn't dampen my enthusiasm to read the book and it would be best for people looking for adventure. It’s a well written, exciting and thrilling adventure

(As I was reading about Istvan and Eliana in the book, my mind was wandering to the dynamics of Analia and Pryanth from The Kingdom Of Masks and Mourning by Abigail Erhardt).

Anyways, if I would have to select the best aspect of the book, it would be the way Evelyn weaved the fairytale and served it up to us with twists of her own which hooked me to finish the book.

P.s. I received a complimentary copy of the book via only Voracious Readers.

[DoneReadThat · Rating 4 out of 5]

📌 I received a complementary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only for my review. 📌

The Girl Who Broke the Dark by Evelyn Puerto
4.5⭐s

I loved this book. I've only recently delved into the fantasy genre and I am happily diving into dragons, elves, the Fae, and magic. I read the first half of the book in less than twelve hours, the second half took a day and a half because - kids. I've already recommended it to my book bestie who dragged me kicking and screaming into the fantasy genre.

One character, who (whom?🤷🏼‍♀️) I will not name, is a horrible human being and I wanted to stab them with a spoon. You will too. There are some sad bits but the story moves so fast that there's no time to grieve. There's parts where you get the same warm and squishy lovey feeling you get from a Hallmark mystery movie.

The big bad in the book is named Cetus. Every time I read it my brain would change it to Cletus. I'd snicker then reset my default southern language and try again.

This book has the spice level of a bell pepper. And for that I am grateful. If you remove the spice and there's not much left to the book it's less literature and more p*rn. Pass.

While reading I was getting notes of biblical themes. And after reading the author's about me section on her website it confirmed my thoughts. And after typing this I just realized another one. Love it!

I am beyond thrilled to find out that there are already plans for four books in this series (book 2 is already out and on my TBR). 🎉 Evelyn Puerto has other books as well so I've found a new author to add to my list of must read.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to Hidden Gems and the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I was certainly impressed by the world building and the strength of the characters in this twisted re-telling of sleeping beauty.

Eliana is about to turn eighteen and is the only child of Royalty set to inherit her kingdom and knows her duties. With her having to entertain a visiting princess they both end up making friends only after Eilana breaks the rules and uses her magic to help safe som of her people, much to the chagrin of her parents when they find out.

Eliana is pushed into making a marriage match the day she turns eighteen and things spiral from there.

Is the man who turns up as captivating and nice as he seems, or are her maid and her friend right that something does not add up with him.

Eliana also finds out that she has to break a curse soon after, but for a kingdom that was sent under the earth nearly one hundred years ago. She sets off with her fiancé, her maid and her body guard. Her friend also goes along with them as far as she can.

From there we get a bit of a split in the story. We mainly stay with Eliana and follow her as she enters the underground, meets new people, scary creatures and find that she is no longer sure if she can trust her fiancé. We also follow her friend, the other princess, as she makes her way back home, with trouble along the way.

The book does end not so much on a cliff hanger, but with a lot of questions unanswered and you looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.

[A.A. DuHern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evelyn Puerto’s The Girl Who Broke The Dark cleverly inverts the classic Sleeping Beauty trope—this time, the beauty is a man—subverting expectations from the first page. Although the opening unfolds at a measured pace, that lingering immersion in Princess Eliana’s everyday life pays off: once the adventure truly begins, it races forward without pause and the contrast of both experiences really enriches the experience.

Strengths:

Compelling Protagonists: Eliana is a vividly flawed heroine—impulsive, emotional, and utterly relatable—and her partnership with the equally nuanced Derya adds depth and camaraderie. The male characters, and Shirdona (one of my favorite characters!), remain enigmatically ambiguous, propelling the mystery.

Rich World-Building: Ardebil bursts to life through layered politics, ancient curses, and interwoven histories, all revealed organically through character-driven scenes rather than clunky exposition.

Thematic Depth: Self-sacrifice underpins every choice, large and small, inviting readers to ask, “What would I do?” without ever feeling preachy.

Puerto’s use of third-person limited point of view evokes a timeless fairy-tale atmosphere, while her deft handling of conflict—balancing a central villain with distracting undercurrents—keeps the tension taut. The Girl Who Broke The Dark is an immersive, thought-provoking fantasy that feels both fresh and classic—a journey well worth taking.

[Kandice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and Evelyn Puerto for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

To be fair, I’m not the target audience for this book. I read a lot of fantasy, including some YA. But in some YA books the main character is just too naive and inexperienced for me and that was the case here. I had a hard time getting into the book possibly for this reason.

I also found it a stretch to say that it is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. While the prince had been asleep for 100 years when awakened, there was nothing else similar to the original. I appreciate those retellings that have more elements drawn from the original and this didn’t.

However, if I was younger and just starting to find my way in the world, I think I’d have liked it quite a bit. Eliana has a good heart and is very loyal to those she cares for. Although often scared, she finds the courage to do the right thing. And her friendship with Derya is a sweet example of a friendship we’d all like to have. Plus there’s a budding romance and a hint of a sequel to keep you guessing.

So depending on your age and your preferred genres, this might just be the perfect book for you. Definitely give it a shot if it catches your interest!

[Destiny Soden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great 5 star read!

Thank you To Evelyn Puerto and Voracious Readers for the free copy!

The story is told mostly from the third person POV following our FMC, Eliana. We do switch for a few chapters to follow her friend, Princess Derya. This was a YA novel, although I don't know if the series will continue as YA or move to a spicier route for the remaining books. Either is fine for me!

This story had me from the beginning!! I was taken by the building friendship between Eliana and Derya and loved their commentary along with their maids when they were having fun. My gut feeling was right there with Derya at the new introductions that came along. The more the story progressed, the more I knew they were right. Shirdona is an absolute hoot and probably my favorite character in her bluntness that is still somehow usually positive!

After breaking the curse, I loved the banter between the two, even if Eliana was being targeted. That gave me vibes from The Princess Bride during the swordfight between Westley and Inigo. "You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you." That was totally how the two seemed to converse with fun flirting thrown in the mix!

I am definitely ready to dive into book 2 to find out what happens next for everyone!

[Emmeline Everdeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically epic story. As a huge fan of the outlawed myth series I was so excited to read this book. It was everything I’ve come to expect from this author and more. First, I absolutely LOVED reading a fairytale where the prince was saved by the brave princess. The plot was so intriguing and the story was well developed and creative. The world building was detailed and engrossing. But the characters stand alone as the best part. The ability to capture the strength, the struggle, the self-doubt and determination women experience in day to day life is phenomenal. While this story takes place in a fantasy realm the truth of the female experience in a male dominated society applies to real life too; The desire to be seen as an equal, to be valued, heard and allowed to achieve our own greatness. The strength and character of the women in this story is inspirational and a great reminder that we can do more than what the societal roles and restrictions tell us is acceptable.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy fairytale retellings, fantasy, strong female main characters and wonderful story telling.
I cannot wait to read the continuation of this adventure!!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. I liked the story and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. That being said the MC (can't recall correct name spelling at this time of night) is pretty immature for her age. She seems to understand duty well enough and has a bit of a rebellious streak but at the same time she's not really grasping the bigger picture about things. She also doesn't feel like a proper princess character, I would've stuck her as perhaps a courtier or a knight in training but she doesn't seem like a true VIP character until much later. I will say that the author does descriptions incredibly well. It was very easy to imagine the world and the things that the MC saw and felt and that's something that's not always appreciated as most readers seem to want spicy scenes or super witty banter and overlook the need for well fleshed out environments and understanding the characters vibe. With all that being said I have no idea when the next book will arrive and I'll definitely be needing a memory refresher so will eventually be rereading this story at a later date.

[John N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Puerto did an incredible job with the Outlawed Myth saga, and she's at it again with the beginning of another epic fantasy adventure in 'The Girl Who Broke the Dark.'

This time, she focuses on a princess, Eliana, who is tasked with the quest to find a long-lost prince, and wake him to aid her against the evil sorcerer Cetus.

Along the way, Eliana has several encounters with a diverse range of colorful characters - from a sassy but good-intentioned fellow princess, to a dashing prince who is far more than what he seems under the surface. Each character is a colorful tapastery of personality and quirks, and every conversation feels almost like a chess battle, as secrets must be kept safe and relationships can change with a single misplaced sentence.

With time and care put into each and every chapter, 'The Girl Who Broke The Dark' is a fun and investing journey that I would highly recommend to others. Thank you for sharing this book with us, Evelyn, and I will always look forward to more works of art from you.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and Evelyn Puerto for a free copy of this book to review.

I think this was actually a 2.5 star read for me, as I struggled to get into it. I think this was more a me thing than the book though.

The good:
The story was interesting and could've gone in so many different directions. I liked some of the world building and a lot of the plot direction.

What didn't grip me was the characters. I didn't feel invested in Eliana or Derya as I don't feel I got to know or understand them well enough.
I did dip in and out of this over a few weeks and couldn't truly get into it, maybe until the last 15%. Even then, it still felt like I'd come into the story halfway through and had missed something.
I really wanted to love this book. There was so much there and some good direction, but for me, it fell a bit short.
the good thing is everyone has a choice, and I'd still recommend you read it if it sounds like your kind of jam.

[MayaRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to VRO and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This had an interesting premise and the fact that it was a Sleeping Beauty retelling, helped me decide to read it. Definitely a YA novel as the protagonist is only 18, so I’m older than the target audience, but I enjoyed it. The plot was complicated enough to keep me interested and although I could see some of the twists coming, I didn’t see all of them. It was an easy read but enough plot to keep my interest. I liked Eliana, the main character, and the fact that she didn’t spend the entire book thinking about how attracted she was to the main male characters - definitely a bonus in my eyes as sometimes the ‘spice’ can detract from the story and can make the characters seem very shallow or irritating. Not a great deal of romance yet but I’m assuming that will happen in the next book.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and I seriously couldn’t put it down! Eliana’s transformation from a sheltered princess into someone forced to face a terrifying and unpredictable world was so well done. I was hooked right away.

The world building was so immersive, with layers of magic, danger, and mystery that I didn’t expect. The plot kept me on edge with so many twists I didn’t see coming. Tropes like reluctant hero, forbidden magic and high-stakes quests all played out in such an exciting way.

The stakes were always high, and I really felt the tension Eliana experienced as she faced impossible odds. There’s also a bit of that sword & sorcery vibe that added a lot of depth to the story. The way everything built up was perfect, if you love a good mix of magic, adventure, and high stakes drama, this one’s definitely worth the read!

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Eliana is heir to the throne of Ymittos and at age 17 is not allowed to use her magic, a rule she does not always follow. Eliana can't wait to become queen and change a few things. On her 18th birthday Eliana's parents reveal a secret that they had kept from her until now. There is a curse that will mean that all in her land and further afield will be killed or enslaved unless the curse is broken. Eliana is the only one who can break the curse and there is only a short time to break it. To break the curse she must go on a perilous journey without knowledge of exactly where to go or how to break the curse when she gets there. What follows is a great read, really well written with great characters a thrilling page turner - I can't wait for the next instalment.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique twist on the sleeping beauty fairytale, where the Princess must break the curse on a sleeping Prince.
When Princess Eliana turns 18 her parents reveal a shocking secret that sets her on a life changing adventure.
Helping guide her on this perilous journey is Istvan, a man she has been betrothed to and seems intent on helping her break the curse and stand by her side.
With little knowledge on where the Prince is or how to break the curse they must enlist the help of strangers and work together to survive a land brimming with dangers.
It has appealing characters, interesting magical abilities, and creative twists.
Interesting to see how this series develops with threats still on the horizon.

[Breana Sprinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen One
Royalty
Magic
Patriarchal Eye-rolling
A Trustworthy Mentor
A Curse
Reluctant Hero
Alliances of Uncertain Proportions
Deep Down Into A Dark Pit

These are things you'll find in this adventure full of friendship & uncertainty. Plot was built-up on twists,turns, betrayal, danger in every corner. It's a Good vs Evil masterpiece.

World-building gave me a magical princess traveling to an Atlantis mixed with sinister tones on the end of reverse role fairytale.

I'd recommend this book.
It met expectations that I had going into it.
Although there were so many good surprises.

I'm happy to have gotten to read an ARC copy.
As usual, all opinions are definitely my own.
I don't do dishonesty.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read anything like this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but I loved it!
Once you get past her issues, and I mean ISSUES, with loving Evander, it's stellar.
Ohhh, how I love how Derya's character is written; she's my absolute favorite!
The parents didn't really set their daughter up for success in a magical sense, which doesn't make sense considering the curse. But once they knew they had no other choice, their parents weren't secretive. They tell her.
It moves at a good pace, and I read it in two days. And I'm a super slow reader!
I just really love how it is written and how magic works in the story. Quite honestly, the best part is just how phenomenal the world-building is.
Definitely worth the read!

[Laura Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was slow to start, but once it caught my attention I found myself staying up late at night to "finish one more chapter." As that goes you know it's never that. I did struggle with pronouncing the Characters names but worked through a list of names and places could have helped. It was a breath of fresh air in the current fantasy genre. I am usually a romantacy reader. This fulfilled the fantasy part for sure. I can't wait to read subsequent novels to see how the Princesses fair in their epic journey! I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author through Voracious Readers. I am glad I did because I'm not sure that my reading lately would have popped the recommendation to me. I really enjoyed this book.