Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs)

The Princess Swap #2

by Kim Bussing

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • What would happen if Sleeping Beauty had to create a poisoned apple, and Snow White faced off against a dragon? Fairy tales meet Freaky Friday in this series, where there’s a magical mix-up for every princess!

As a baby, Rose was cursed to meet a mysterious fate on her thirteenth birthday, but no one bothered to tell Rose that until now . . . a week before she turns thirteen. And a week’s not nearly enough time to figure out what to do when she’s suddenly whisked from her Dreamwood cottage to a strange palace—trapped with an evil queen who hands her an apple . . .

Princess Snow is preparing for the ceremony that will prove she’s fit to rule her kingdom. The problem? Her wicked stepmother. The other problem? Without warning, she finds herself in the middle of the Dreamwood, where, on top of all her other problems, she has to worry about . . . a sleeping curse.

Happily-ever-after couldn’t feel farther away. Can Rose escape the curse that’s followed her since birth? And can Snow save her kingdom from her stepmother?

For other Princess Swaps, don't miss Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper)!

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fairy Tales, Retellings, Childrens, Fairy Tale Retellings, Magic

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Kim Bussing is an award-winning author of fairy tales for adults and children. Books in her middle-grade series, THE PRINCESS SWAP, have been selected as Amazon Editor's Picks, featured as both Barnes & Noble and Publisher's Weekly New & Notable picks, and have been included on the Kids Indie Next List by the American Booksellers Association.

When she's not writing, you can find her at a bookstore (unsurprisingly), attempting to bake macarons, or listening to Broadway soundtracks.

You can find her online at her website or on Instagram.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway, so I wanted to make sure to provide a review. It definitely fell into the category of something to read to expand my reading palate. I would not ordinarily have picked this up, except for having won it.

Admittedly, I don't think I've ever read a version of these common Disney/Grimm princesses quite like this. Nicely done. Fun. Intricate. Imaginative. Makes me want to read the original Grimm fairytales, but every time I think about it, I chicken out! Who among my friends have read them? Are they really scary? In my mind, they are really, really, really scary...

I used to have to force my face to stay neutral, all the while scowling in my head, whenever one of my goddaughters wanted to read a Disney princess book or put on one of those dresses. I never wanted them to think stepmothers were all evil or that a prince was a necessary element to their happily-ever-afters. Thankfully, they've all outgrown the books and dresses and are smart enough to know they have the power to make their own destinies. However, should they decide to have children and should those children want to read these patriarchal, misogynistic, fairytales, then this is the version I'd want them to read, especially because this one even has a fairy godfather. Though useless as he is, he did provide me some good laughter and felt like it balanced out the scales from years of women being portrayed as greedy gold diggers, perpetuating the social structure that women are our competition and should not be considered as friends (how many times I've heard women say they can't be friends with women or they prefer to be friends with men, oh! what they are missing out on - a good girlfriend is THE BEST!!).

I have to wonder, this theme of a sleeping epidemic as a curse - seems pretty pertinent to the US these days. Lots of people asleep, wanting to close their eyes to the havoc that is our government, in denial of our current circumstances, refusing to see the President as the greedy little antichrist that he is, etc. So for all those people who are anti-woke or make fun of us for being woke or can't define what it means to be woke, ask yourselves why if we are woke, what that makes the rest of the people????

This was actually the second book in this series. I'll go back and read the first one at some point. It's in my library queue, but I've got a couple others almost expiring that need to be read first. Looking forward to getting to it though - it's a mashup of Cinderella and the Beast this time!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Snow White and the Dragon,or Sleeping Beauty and The Seven Dwarfs, by Kim Bussing, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 of 2 in The Princess Swap Series. Rose has a curse on her and Princess Snow, has a truly evil step mother. Rose and Princess Snow do not know who to trust anymore. This was a really good read, I really enjoyed it.

[Heather Bixby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

I read this book aloud to my 6-year-old daughter and she really enjoyed it. I also thought it was a fun book to read out loud, so Kim Bussing gets bonus points for that.

This installment in the series follows Snow and Rose as they swap places and work in different ways to break a curse that has plagued the city of Apfel.

I think I enjoyed the first book a bit more, but I still liked reading about the adventures of Snow and Rose. I will say that the twists in this story are more complex than in the Belle/Ella story.

If you enjoy princess stories, particularly ones where men aren’t the ones constantly saving the day, I think you would enjoy this series. My daughter and I can’t wait for the next one!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an advanced copy of this book.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I didn’t like this nearly as much as the first one. It was a fairly good middle grade fantasy overall, but a Snow White/Sleeping Beauty retelling? Nope. The whole point of the story is to have Snow White and Sleeping Beauty switch fairytales and they just…didn’t. There wasn’t a dragon for 95% of the book. There were not seven dwarfs (there were like two and they showed up in maybe two scenes). The first book was clearly Belle and Cinderella switching fairytales so I’m confused why this one was pitched to follow the same format but in reality was completely different. Also, York could have been removed from the story entirely without it changing anything.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun series! The original tales are loosely reimagined with a lot of new and creative ideas. The book includes little hints to the previous instalment as well as its sequel, which is why I highly recommend to read them in the right order (although you won't get spoiled if you do not). I especially loved the witchy/plant-based magic parts surrounding Rose, and that there is no romance involved.

[Christina Close · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔︎ If you love fairytales
✔︎ If you love a twist to your fairytales
✔︎ If you liked Snow White or Sleeping Beauty
✔︎ If you like curses or dragons

I enjoyed reading this book because it took one of my favorite Disney Princesses (Snow White) and one of my least favorites (Sleeping Beauty) and mixed them up. Snow tries her hardest to not be caught by the huntsmen and Rose help find a cure for the curse for the Queen Consort.

Snow starts out in the castle but magically gets transported outside the walls of the castle into the forest when Rose was raised and Rose gets transported to the castle.

It wouldn't be a fairytale if their wasn't:

1. a wicked stepmother ✔︎
2. a curse ✔︎
3. dwarfs ✔︎
4. magic ✔︎

Will the princesses be able to solve these problems or will the sleeping curse fully take over the kingdom? These princesses have help along the way from friends, some foes and looking within themselves.

I received an advance reader copy for free. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this folktale mashup! The Princess Swap series is based on the premise of a story which has an evil curse and not one but two princess protagonists. When Snow is pushed through a magic mirror, she finds herself miles from home and needs to find her way back home before the crowning ceremony or lose her kingdom. At the same time that she is transported, Rose finds herself suddenly in the city instead of her cozy cottage where she lives with a fairy who took her in when she was a baby. Even if readers only know sleeping Beauty as Aroura, from Disney, instead of Briar Rose from Grimm's folktales, they will recognize the character. The story alternates between the two princesses as Snow tries to get home and Rose tries to cure the sleeping curse that is overtaking the country. The characters are interesting, the plot is well thought out and the fast pace makes for a compelling read. Although this was the second book in the series, it is a stand-alone novel. You don’t have to know the first story to read the second one. The first book is referred to in passing a few times but there are no spoilers. I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher. I liked this book so much that I just grabbed a copy of Cinderella and the Beast and I can’t wait to read it.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0 stars

The Princess Swap series continues to deliver with Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs), once again plunging familiar fairy tales into the imaginative realm of Reverie. Much like its predecessor, this installment is a masterclass in creative re-envisioning.

In this adventure, we meet Snow, the princess of Apfel, whose stepmother's machinations and a spreading sleeping curse have cast a shadow over her destiny. Meanwhile, Rose, a gifted alchemist living quietly in the Dreamwood with the Fairy of Flora, finds herself unexpectedly embroiled in this same curse and forced to confront her own hidden heritage.

What truly sets Snow White and the Dragon apart, even from its already strong first book, is its relentless pacing and an even deeper sense of urgency. The alternating perspectives are employed here to maximum effect, creating a real page-turner. The author’s distinctive writing style is perfectly pitched for its middle-grade audience while offering resonant insights for all ages. I found myself pausing at several instances to appreciate the thoughtful observations on self-doubt and courage, echoing the thematic strength of the first book.

The clever subversion of classic fairy tale tropes is, as expected, a delight. The magic mirror, for instance, is less a source of vanity and more a gossipy, slightly unhelpful confidante. The Huntsmen are not gruff woodsmen but a band of tracking fairies, and the identity of the Night Witch is revealed with ingenious twists that keep you guessing until the very end.

As a well-read connoisseur of Reverie's inhabitants, it was particularly satisfying to encounter characters from the first book again. The fleeting mention of Marie, the surprisingly perceptive step-sister from Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper), who apparently stayed with the Huntsmen for a time, hints at ongoing adventures and character growth that one hopes will continue. It's a nice touch that deepens the series' continuity and offers a comforting sense of familiarity.

While the ultimate resolution could have benefited from a touch more finesse, for a middle-grade novel, it delivers a deeply satisfying conclusion. The blend of wit, heart, and imaginative storytelling makes Snow White and the Dragon a truly enchanting read. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good fairy tale with a twist!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) by Kim Bussing is a third person multi-POV Middle Grade fantasy mash-up of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. When Snow White’s stepmother plots against Snow White while the king is away, Snow is pushed from the castle and sets in motion a curse that was cast at her birth. Meanwhile, Rose wants to go school to learn more about magic and is at risk of missing her chance, but her adoptive family isn’t as supportive as they could be.

I requested this one at the same time I requested the ARC for the first book in the series because I absolutely adore fairy tale mash-ups and I love that cover. I love how Rose’s hair blends into the thorns and the bold pink and blues that are a bit darker than the previous book. The other thing that had me excited is that Snow White and Rose Red is a more obscure iteration of Snow White that makes the two sisters and I was hoping that would come into play along with the more popular versions of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. I am beyond happy with how Kim Bussing utilized these traditional stories and also made something new while valuing female relationships.

Of the two halves, I have to say Sleeping Beauty’s was my favorite. Rose was raised in the Dreamwood her whole life and a curse is going to befall her in a week when she turns thirteen, which she was completely unaware was even a possibility for her future. The poor girl is just trying to explore her interests further and her entire life is upended by an evil queen trying to give her a poisoned apple. Talk about a terrible thirteenth birthday.

I didn’t see anything in this book that made me feel it was necessary to read the first one if a young reader is less interested in Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. There are a handful of callbacks, but nothing I would say that drastically affects the plot where a reader will be lost or confused if they pick this one up first. The goal right now is try to keep as many young people as readers as possible because it’s so hard to get someone back into reading if it’s been too long, so I appreciate that this book can operate as a standalone for those kids who are focusing on what is grabbing them the most.

I would recommend this to fans of the first book in the Princess Swap series, readers who want a mash-up of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, and those looking for a Middle Grade that can work as a standalone or a series

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars!

I didn't like this one as much as Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) , but I'll admit that I'm not 100% on why...

Overall, like the last one, I liked the way the author took the fairy tales and kind of flipped them on their heads. And included bits from others as well. There were elements from both Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, but they didn't always show up in the way you expected, or even for the princess you expected.

Snow and Rose were decent but they felt a little...whinier(?) than Belle and Ella did. In the end, they did both step up and do what needed to be done, but it took a minute and sometimes I found myself rolling my eyes and considering walking away instead of cheering them on. That being said, I did like that once they both figured out what they wanted, they did their best to use what they had. Snow with the cockatrice, Rose with the apple, etc.

The reveals on the Night Witch and what Elora had done was surprising. Although I'll admit to thinking the Night Witch was the Night Witch and the original suspect was...maybe not as Night Witchy as people seemed to think. I was definitely surprised at why the original Night Witch suspect turned out to not be and I'll admit that I'm curious to see if that person shows back up like they mentioned.

Overall, not a bad follow up and I'm still intrigued with this series! Definitely want to read the next one to see how the author manages to flip Rapunzel and The Little Mermaid!

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow is all set to take the throne and finally experience the magic that will allow her to meet the mother who died in childbirth. But with only a week to her coronation, her advisor pushes her through a magic mirror, and Snow finds herself deep in the fairy-ridden Enchanted Forest. Meanwhile, Rosemary is going about her day, practicing to become a healer's apprentice, when she suddenly finds herself in the palace, asked to find a cure for the sleeping curse that has cropped up again. Everyone is quick to blame Snow for the curse, but Rosemary is hiding a curse of her own ...

This was a fun read with quirky characters and emotional character arcs. I found it a bit predictable after book 1. While the concept is novel, this book doesn't take a lot of risks with its plot of character development. It has a fun ending and some humorous moments along the way, and it was exactly what I needed as a taste break from all the serious adult books I've been stuck reading lately.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason that this is a four-star is because I loved the first book in this series so much!

I really love that the author has taken characters that we know and love and kept some tropes but changed others to give these characters new stories and whole personalities. I loved that we got to see some cameos and hear a bit about the characters from the first book.

I did think that the swap wasn't as individual as in the first book, and I do think that I had a slight expectation for this book because of the first book. But I really sped through this and enjoyed my time. I'm so excited for the next book in the series!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love what Kim did to these two fairy tales. Like her, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are my two least favorite fairy tales (of the common fairy tales that is). It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I will say, I didn't love Snow's character, but I thought she was written truthfully as someone who grew up pampered in a palace. Also, she had decent character growth and my guess is she was written for the growth purpose.

Enjoyed it even more than the first in the series!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ RTC

[Skye Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually really, really good.
It was suspenseful, intriguing, plot twisting, and so much more!
If you haven’t read this yet, you should. It’s that good.🙂‍↕️

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a part I saw coming a mile off, but there was still a surprise in there for me!
Loved the character of Rose, and you warm up to Snow White as the story goes along.

[HF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than the first! I just love what Kim Bussing did with these 2 stories. She mashed them together perfectly. I hope she continues to write more Princess Swap stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one even more than the last one I read in this series.
Once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down.
It a really unique plot and I love how they mixed the 2 fairy tales.
There was adventure, humor and a little bit of romance too.
The ending was great but I was really sad to have it end.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this one better than the first book. This book also has the sprayed edges. This one started off a little slow for me but towards the end I could not put it down. Rose is in the castle with Snow White's evil stepmother and Snow White is in Rose's cottage in the woods. Snow White needs to get back to the castle before the crowning ceremony or else she forfeits the crown and her stepmom will be queen instead of her. She finds a group of people to take her back only to realize they are looking for her. Her stepmom has made everyone believe that Snow White has cursed the village. As in the first book I enjoyed the twists on the original tale and the nods to it. I liked Rose and Snow and I liked how it all ended.

[Larissa]

I really enjoyed the first book that I read in this series. I feel like this book, just didn’t quite tie together as seamlessly as the first one did. It was interesting to finish the book and hear that the author wasn’t a fan of either Sleeping Beauty or Snow Whites fairytale. It kind of showed. There are some fun twists and turns in this book that readers might enjoy, but out of the two books I would recommend Cinderella and the Beast way before I ever recommend this one.
Thank you to Random House Children and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Myria Zhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

solid 4, maybe 4.25. rounding up because it deserves it even though it could be improved

almost done with it, so I can give a preliminary review as I finish up the last couple chapters.

Also, reading this an adult, I do have to take frequent breaks to get into the right mentality to enjoy this. The theming is good enough that I am able to come back to it repeatedly.

I like it, and it technically does everything it needs to but it does end up a bit too simple. What it does well: the fairy tale common-magic vibes, the short and concise descriptions, both leads being fairly assertive early on.

What it does that could be improved: the leads don't interact until basically the end of the story, and the leads don't end up doing a whole lot of their own volition.

Early chapters I really liked the almost rebellious nature of Snow—it really reminded me of Agatha in Book 1 of School for Good and Evil. And interesting contrast with Rose, who's an alchemist/apothecary raised among magic folk. But as you read further, you get the sense they don't actively do a whole lot. Things happen to them, and the story is able to carry its momentum forward, but it does feel a bit of a miss that they haven't actively done something.

I wanted to see more scenes of Snow doing stuff that make her grow into a more well-rounded protagonist. She gets a scene that's intended to be her turning point where she grows, and it's done well but it doesn't feel like it's enough.

I liked that Rose did some alchemy and minor ingredient-based spells. I wish there were more scenes of that. Rose's character doesn't really change throughout the book and that's fine I guess but it's not the most satisfying.

Neither characters' background play a big enough role in how they approach things. Snow isn't benefitted by her 13 years of living as princess and applying that. Rose has alchemy and simple spellcrafting, but her adopted family of Edel and other folk don't really show up and do anything. Snow and Rose also don't meet until halfway into the book, and only for a brief moment. They really only meet up towards the ending.

All the setup is pretty much done by halfway into the book and you're waiting for it to resolve; it's resolving pretty much how you'd expect. Which is good in that it fits the genre, but also bad in that there's no new information to learn as you read further into the book. It's hinted at pretty early that the stepmother Lucille is the Night Witch; and that is indeed the case. It fits the trope, but also kinda boring; I wish there was maybe a twist there like if the damafrau Amalia was the real villain all along.

edit: okay nevermind, the author did actually do a bait-and-switch, Amalia is actually the Night Witch, and Lucille is Snow's Fairy Godmother. props, that's cool.

The Rose being a princess reveal is obvious because she's supposed to be Princess Aurora. The sister reveal is somewhat unexpected but also doesn't feel that big of a reveal because they didn't know each other enough to recontextualize their relationship with each other. Drawing a comparison with School for Good and Evil where the sister reveal was significant because they had adventured as allies and enemies for three books before they and we the audience learned that they were sisters.

bit confused on how the ending works. what exactly lifted the sleeping curse? was it incapacitating Amalia or destroying the crown?

P.S. Chapter 42: Rose is blank? I don't know if that's intentional. It's a one-page header with no text outside of the chapter number and the POV.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers return to the kingdom of Reverie for the second book of this clever series in which well-known fairy tales are twisted together to create a new and exciting adventure.  Princess Snow White has grown up in a castle in the city of Apfel, under the watchful eye of the lady-in-waiting, Amalia, and, more recently, her unkind stepmother the queen consort, Lucille.  Lucille seems to have designs on the matrilineal monarchy that is Snow’s birthright, and with Amalia’s help is trying to keep Snow from assuming the crown on her upcoming 13th birthday as is tradition.  Since her mother died shortly after childbirth, and her father is often absent, Snow relies on the counsel of a group of dwarves as she tries to figure out how to best resist Lucille and the sleeping curse she has long been told will impact the entire kingdom when she turns 13.  

Meanwhile, in the Dreamwood surrounding the city, a girl named Rose has been raised by Edel, a powerful fairy who uses plants to grant wishes and claims to have found baby Rose in a basket at the edge of the forest.  Rose’s 13th birthday is also approaching, and some of Edel’s forest friends hint that she should expect a sleeping curse on that day.  Unsure who to believe, but desperately wanting to avoid the curse and find out who she really is, Rose runs off to the city at the same time that Snow is sent through a mirror to the woods. Snow, in disguise, is taken in by a caravan of Huntsmen who are actually looking for her (by order of Lucille), while Rose is befriended by a courtier named York, who tries to help her solve the mystery of her origins as well as find a potion to stop the curse.  The two girls’ stories intertwine throughout the book until they eventually meet, and discover that they share more than a birthday and a curse - but does this revelation arrive too late to save themselves, and the kingdom?

The magical adventures of these two well-known heroines make for an entertaining and fast-paced read for fairy tale fans.  The author uses a lot of familiar details, which help young readers get comfortable: the fairies who blessed the baby princess at birth with a variety of gifts, a poison apple, a magic mirror, and a spindle that seems to be the source of the curse.  There is also a definite connection to the lesser-known Grimm story of Snow White and Rose Red. But even with those recognizable elements, there are a number of surprising and innovative elements, especially the ominous threat of the Night Witch and the introduction of a mythical cockatrice.  Short chapters alternate between the two girls’ perspectives; this helps build suspense and enables the audience to make easy connections and predictions.  It is intriguing to follow the character development of each of the girls throughout the book as they call on their very different upbringings to help them learn the truth about their identity and that of the various adults in their lives.  The forest and city settings are well-defined, as are the many magical creatures and objects that are essential to the plot.  Clever dialogue, rich vocabulary, and a terrific cast of secondary characters - friends and villains alike - greatly enhance the narrative. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Bella H · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This review contains references to the ending and other spoilers) This book was so preeminent! The two girls stories were so fun-filled and exciting throughout all of the chapters! Rose’s story in particular made me cry a little bit! I’ll start off with the characters. Snow White had been a spoiled princess her whole life, and was extremely nervous to take the crown. All she ever wanted was to see her mother, the past queen, who had unfortunately passed away. Snow’s character was cute on the outside but tough on the inside. She wasn’t shallow like the average fairy tale princess, which enriched the story. Rose had an amazing character. She was smart, creative, adventurous, curious, and strong. She had grew up in the forest raised by the fairy of flora. All Rose wanted was a family that loved her and made her feel like she belonged. Lucille, the “godmother” was a little strange. The whole book I believed she was the night witch because how she had a snake tattoo and wore all black fancy clothing. She was also the queen consort and seemed like she would do anything she could to be the queen, even if it meant killing Snow. In the end though, she was Snow’s “fairy godmother” and was trying to protect her from the night witch. She was a hard character to comprehend. I didn’t really like any of the Huntsmen’s personalities or characters, nor did I like York’s. They honestly just seemed shallow a little bit. Amalia, who really was the night witch had always seemed a little off to me. I never thought she was or could be the night witch, but she always seemed mad or depressed about something. She also acted just plain creepy! The fact Snow and Rose were really sisters warmed my heart. The part that made me cry was when Rose found out she wasn’t going back to the forest, and would be the queen alongside Snow. It teared me up a lot! The book is so wonderfully written though and this may be my new favorite series! I’m so excited for Kim Bussing to release the Princess Swap #3!!!!

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun retelling, and I liked it more than the previous book!

This one was a combined retelling of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, where Snow White was in Sleeping Beauty’s story and vice versa.

This one was a little more developed and connected than the first one, in my opinion. The world and magic was still amazing, but it was more thought out.

I liked the two main characters, Snow and Rose, but Rose was definitely my favorite, though that may be because I love Sleeping Beauty in general.

Snow seemed a little arrogant for my tastes. I don’t know why it grated on me so much, but I found her a little irritating. And, despite being a dual POV, I felt like most of the story followed her. She wasn’t horrible and I liked her well enough, and I did enjoy her side of the story. It was very adventurous and dramatic.

Rose’s part of the story was a little slower, while still being adventurous. I liked her chapters a little more, though I can’t pinpoint an exact reason. Her story took place more in a city, while Snow’s took place in the Dreamwood.

I liked the way that other aspects of the original tales were included. I especially enjoyed how the apple and spindle were used. They came in in such unexpected ways that I thoroughly enjoyed! I also liked how the dwarfs were included and how they were different, though I wished they were in the story more. I have to share that I loved the Huntsman. I hope in the next book they make a reappearance, especially with their train!

I loved, loved, loved the twist on the Evil Queen and, stepmother role, in general. I won’t give anything else away, but I loved it!

There was a lovely twist in the story that doesn’t come to light until the end, but I really liked it. I wish there was more time for this to be developed, but I still really liked it.

The protagonists had more friends than the protagonists from the first book. I enjoyed this addition, and how we got a little of their perspectives. However, romance was hinted at again! It wasn’t inappropriate and it was more so hinted at, but I wish it could have just focused on friendships.

Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs) was a fun, cute retelling perfect for middle grade readers. It was wonderfully developed, with interesting twists on the classics!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Random House Books for Young Readers, and Kim Bussing for the opportunity to read Snow White and the Dragon (or Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarves) in exchange for an honest review.

Snow White and the Dragon (or Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarves) is the second installment of The Princess Swap series, featuring the titles princesses. As one might suspect, the two start off similarly to their traditional tales, only to swap places through the power of a magic mirror.

Rose, having lived in the forest her whole life and who wants to work with plant alchemy, ends up in a castle. It's convenient, as the group she wants to join is located there. Rather than join, she is tasked specially by the Queen Regent, Lucille, and her assistant to find a cure for the sleeping curse that plagues the land.

Snow, pushed from her castle home to the middle of the Dreamwood finds herself joining a band of huntsman in hopes of returning to her home. Luckily, she is clever enough not to share her true name and identity, as the huntsman group is looking for Snow, thinking she is the one responsible for the sleeping curse!

The two princesses must find a way to stop the curse and ultimately work together for the betterment of their kingdom.

Another fun swap story that brings some interesting twists to the classic tales (whether that is Disney or the rothers Grimm). The characters are twelve and deal with a bit more than any twelve year old should, but it is a fantasy after all! The twists this swapping tale offers were fun and fresh. This is a great read for middle grade, geared a bit more towards a female demographic, though any lover of these princesses may find enjoyment within.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After really enjoying the first book in the Princess Swap series, I was eager to read the sequel “Snow White and the Dragon” (or “Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs”). I was completely blown away by this second book! Unlike the first book, I absolutely loved both of the main characters and was equally cheering them both on. I was initially a little surprised by this particular swap, but the author wove a tale that was so well thought out and executed that I already pre-ordered the book for my daughter to own once it’s released in March – it’s really THAT good!

Both princesses are nearing their 13 birthdays in this story, so unlike the classic fairy tales where the girls are older, this story’s focus is less on romance and more on solving mysteries and conquering evil themselves. The story is fast-paced, and I literally could not put it down, because I had to know what would happen next! The plot twists were so unexpected and seeing Snow and Rose develop throughout the story made me like them more than the Disney and Grimm versions!

I highly recommend this book to older children, middle grade children, and young adults who love a fresh spin on classic fairy tales. I absolutely can’t wait for the third book in the series to come out this November, because it features two of my favorite princesses – The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Random House Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Princess Swap series. This one features Snow White and Sleeping Beauty as they must find a way to stop a sleeping curse and the evil stepmother who will stop at nothing to be queen.

I loved Kim Bussing's first book in this series about Belle and Cinderella, so I was excited to dive into this one. I never cared much for these two fairytale characters while growing up; the author mentions she felt the same way. However, she was still able to create an intricate narrative filled with intrigue that takes a whole new look at the princesses' stories.

Snow's story focuses on her journey to learn about her kingdom and her efforts to prove to herself that she is worthy of the crown. She befriends a group of huntsmen who she must keep secret. Among them, she grows close to a boy around her age. I wish Snow had more time with the huntsmen, as it would have made the revelation of her secret feel more like a betrayal. I wanted that gasp-inducing moment I experienced in the first book, where I felt the connection with Belle and Cinderella's stepsister.

I appreciated Rose's passion for magic and her upbringing. However, I believe her storyline could have benefited from the development of more meaningful relationships. She was such an intriguing character that I wanted to spend more time with her. I also admired her problem-solving abilities, which were often underestimated.

It's obvious how Rose and Snow are connected, and I loved that interpretation. I think it was a perfect way to tell their story. I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty I wished for more friendships to be explored. Nevertheless, the adventure, magic, and unexpected twists are sure to keep readers hooked. I am thrilled to learn that a third book is set to be released in November, featuring Rapunzel and The Little Mermaid. I can't wait to see how their stories are reimagined. I hope this series continues for as long as possible!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Multiple POV YA Action/Adventure take on two fairytales mashed together into one. This book retells the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves along with Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty).

Admittedly Snow White is one of my least favorite fairytales, and Sleeping Beauty was one of my favorites growing up to the point that we had to buy a new VHS because I broke the first one from too many watches/rewinds. However, when it comes to this retelling, I absolutely adored the strength and power they gave to Snow White and the independence. As one of the earliest fairytales Snow White wasn't written as strong and independent, she was very much so a damsel that needed saving, and in this book, she is given the ability to think and fight for herself, and in turn, save herself. The Huntsmen are given a better name, and the correct person chokes on the poisoned apple. Briar Rose is a genius and works with plants to do magic/alchemy and has impressive knowledge from her fairy godmother who protected her in her forest cottage. She was smart, cunning, and a planner. I feel like her story was dwarfed a little bit by Snow's, but I would LOVE an offshoot detailing her time at the RAA.

The truly only critique I have of the book is that the dwarves deserved more screen time if you will.

I truly enjoyed the little connections from this book to the first one and I truly cannot wait for book #3 to SWIM my way as Ariel is my current favorite Disney Princess.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for feedback

Snow White has an evil stepmother, Rose is living in a woods with her adopted fairy parents, with an impending sleeping curse. But, also, the sleeping curse is taking over the rest of the kingdom first. Oh, and Snow gets pushed into the magic mirror, and suddenly finds herself in the fairy household, while Rose finds herself in Snow's castle.

Rose follows the path of alchemy to try and cure the sleeping curse, while Snow tries to make her way home, with people hunting her as she's being blamed for the curse. Shenanigans ensue.

This is the second iteration of the princesses swapping places, and though I would argue it was less of a swap and in the end more a teamwork deal, it was still a lot of fun. I enjoyed watching these girls struggle and explore, I thought it was funny as heck that both boys that liked them got taken out by the sleeping curse-girls saving the day themselves is always fun- and the ending provided a twist I wasn't expecting, on par with the first story. Overall, I recommend it if you enjoy some fun fairytales.

Snow did take a bit to grow on me, I found myself having to remind myself that she is in fact, twelve, but dang was that princess life showing in the most annoying way. But, she grows, and that's always nice to see.