What do you think?
Rate this book
Romance a Medieval Fairytale #6
Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
A sleeping beauty. A kingdom frozen in time. Only one can save them all.
Once upon a time...
Lord Siward intended to go hunting, but when he stumbles upon a ruined castle and accidentally wakes the mysterious maiden sleeping inside, he knows his holiday is over.
With the kingdom in trouble, Siward should be protecting the realm, but every time Rosamond looks at him, he gets lost in the girl's green eyes. Who is the mysterious beauty, and why does he feel she holds the key to the kingdom's deliverance?
Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold
Once upon a time...
Lord Siward intended to go hunting, but when he stumbles upon a ruined castle and accidentally wakes the mysterious maiden sleeping inside, he knows his holiday is over.
With the kingdom in trouble, Siward should be protecting the realm, but every time Rosamond looks at him, he gets lost in the girl's green eyes. Who is the mysterious beauty, and why does he feel she holds the key to the kingdom's deliverance?
Romance a Medieval Fairytale series:
Each book is a standalone, so they can be read in any order:
(#1) Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold
(#2) Dance: Cinderella Retold
(#3) Fly: Goose Girl Retold
(#4) Revel: Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold
(#5) Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
(#6) Awaken: Sleeping Beauty Retold
(#7) Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
(#8) Appease: Princess and the Pea Retold
(#9) Blow: Three Little Pigs Retold
(#10) Return: Hansel and Gretel Retold
(#11) Wish: Aladdin Retold
(#12) Melt: Snow Queen Retold
(#13) Spin: Rumpelstiltskin Retold
(#14) Kiss: Frog Prince Retold
(#15) Hunt: Red Riding Hood Retold
(#16) Reflect: Snow White Retold
(#17) Roar: Goldilocks Retold
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2018
484 people are currently reading
1256 people want to read
About the author
Demelza Carlton
935 books3,879 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
February 5, 2017
Awaken is a DNF for me. I couldn't get into the story and I really didn't like Rosamond. The first bit of the book was fine, she was a kind princess who healed others with a cost to her. Then the princess fell asleep after healing her knight and maid, which again was fine. But then she woke up and turned into this sex crazed, rude and snobby princess. I just couldn't bring myself to care at all what happened to her. I was also really annoyed that she basically commanded this poor guy to have sex with her and then accused him of being dishonorable because she made a mistake about who he was.
Nope, nope, I couldn't read anymore after that. The princess is very stupid and the story was not good.
1 out of 5 stars, DNF at 70%.
Nope, nope, I couldn't read anymore after that. The princess is very stupid and the story was not good.
1 out of 5 stars, DNF at 70%.
August 25, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I wasn't certain what to expect when I picked this up. What I found was a book that adds a lot of convolution and interesting twists to the familiar Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. There are no dragons, but Princess Rosamond (the title character) is a witch who can communicate with plants to protect her kingdom and to heal. Use of her powers drains her, though, and she falls into a deep sleep, not expecting to survive herself, after having exhausted herself with her healing efforts. Lord Siward discovers her after 50 years have passed and she has become a legend among her people, who believe she is dead. When Princess Rosamond awakens, she finds a nobleman lying beside her (Siward) that she believes is Sir Warin, a knight she loved who had been her bodyguard. She eagerly kisses him, one thing leads to another, and the next thing you know…
But Princess Rosamond’s kingdom is now in crisis. The hedges that benignly marked the territory boundaries grew into impenetrable walls when she first fell asleep. They protect all within from attack but also prevent trade with outside kingdoms or exchange of new ideas. In addition, there’s a power struggle. Rosamond’s parents have both died, and no proven heir has claimed the throne. Siward was named Lord Protector by the king just before his death. The noblemen have been arguing among themselves as to who should be crowned the next king. Siward has a lot of backing but Lord Vamos leads the strongest opposition.
The discovery that Princess Rosamond is very much alive and is able to bring the walls back under control ought to resolve any dispute, but no one believes her, not even Siward. Naturally, being the hero and heroine, they misunderstand each other from the beginning and take most of the book to get these misconceptions straightened out.
I love that this isn’t an ethereal princess just laying around waiting for a prince to rescue her. Princess Rosamond is just as complex a character as Lord Siward, and the book spends a great deal of time to establish that long before she goes into her coma. Siward is a worthy Lord Protector who’s doing his best with the country in disarray. It becomes obvious that they share the desire to SERVE their people rather than simply thirsting for power and that they’re well matched.
The writing is excellent, and the plot really keeps you guessing. This isn’t your mother’s Sleeping Beauty!
I wasn't certain what to expect when I picked this up. What I found was a book that adds a lot of convolution and interesting twists to the familiar Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. There are no dragons, but Princess Rosamond (the title character) is a witch who can communicate with plants to protect her kingdom and to heal. Use of her powers drains her, though, and she falls into a deep sleep, not expecting to survive herself, after having exhausted herself with her healing efforts. Lord Siward discovers her after 50 years have passed and she has become a legend among her people, who believe she is dead. When Princess Rosamond awakens, she finds a nobleman lying beside her (Siward) that she believes is Sir Warin, a knight she loved who had been her bodyguard. She eagerly kisses him, one thing leads to another, and the next thing you know…
But Princess Rosamond’s kingdom is now in crisis. The hedges that benignly marked the territory boundaries grew into impenetrable walls when she first fell asleep. They protect all within from attack but also prevent trade with outside kingdoms or exchange of new ideas. In addition, there’s a power struggle. Rosamond’s parents have both died, and no proven heir has claimed the throne. Siward was named Lord Protector by the king just before his death. The noblemen have been arguing among themselves as to who should be crowned the next king. Siward has a lot of backing but Lord Vamos leads the strongest opposition.
The discovery that Princess Rosamond is very much alive and is able to bring the walls back under control ought to resolve any dispute, but no one believes her, not even Siward. Naturally, being the hero and heroine, they misunderstand each other from the beginning and take most of the book to get these misconceptions straightened out.
I love that this isn’t an ethereal princess just laying around waiting for a prince to rescue her. Princess Rosamond is just as complex a character as Lord Siward, and the book spends a great deal of time to establish that long before she goes into her coma. Siward is a worthy Lord Protector who’s doing his best with the country in disarray. It becomes obvious that they share the desire to SERVE their people rather than simply thirsting for power and that they’re well matched.
The writing is excellent, and the plot really keeps you guessing. This isn’t your mother’s Sleeping Beauty!
Want to read
September 22, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/22/2020)! 🎁
August 27, 2022
Well, the cover is super cute. The story is okayish. It had its moments and was funny at a couple of places. But nothing stood out. It's a light read I could finish in a couple of hours (in total). The parts describing Rosamond's magic and her communication with plants were well written. I enjoyed those the most in the book. The hero failed to make an impact, though.
If you are looking for a carefree read to pass time, this book will work.
If you are looking for a carefree read to pass time, this book will work.
February 28, 2017
This was another cute book in this series. It was an entertaining twist on the sleeping beauty fairy tale. The only little issue I might've had is the heroine's ditzyness at times. Before she got sick, at the tourney still, she was rather naive and innocent. After she had a bit of hero worship for her protector she made her decision on who to marry right then and there.
That is all fine and dandy, but after she got sick I think stewing in her own mind juices messed with her head because she woke up as a mostly different person and well ... you should really read the book to find out what she did after that.
All in all I enjoyed this little fairy tale.
That is all fine and dandy, but after she got sick I think stewing in her own mind juices messed with her head because she woke up as a mostly different person and well ... you should really read the book to find out what she did after that.
All in all I enjoyed this little fairy tale.
May 19, 2017
If you were looking for something with lots of smut, you came to the right place. If you were looking for romance, I would look elsewhere. I didn't find this story very romantic. Honestly, it was very cheesy. Good thing it was free when I got it.
So, I may get into spoilers from here on out...
Rosamond starts out as this extremely naive girl, who is supposed to be finding a husband. She's honestly kind of stupid. She's also a plant witch. She spends her time worried about dresses and what her mother thinks and really boring stuff like that.
And suddenly she decides she's in love with her guard. *sigh*
On their way back home, she kisses him, and he does the, "you can't do that cause you're the princess and I'm just a lowly guard" cliche.
And then everyone gets sick and the princess saves everyone but herself. Sure. The sacrifice would have felt more selfless if we'd had more time to get to know the characters better.
Anyway, 50 years passes and she wakes up to a young man, who she thinks is the guard she "loved" and basically demand that he sleep with her, which he obliges, cause what young man would refuse a demand like that from a beautiful girl. My biggest problem with this is that when she fell asleep, she was so naive and she literally knew nothing. One 50 year nap later, she's got the sexual prowess of a goddess. Like what? No build up. She's so obviously a virgin from the way it was described.
I was amused by Siward's reaction after he wakes up from his night of passion with the strange young woman he just met. He freaks out a little and then vows not to touch her until they are married. Which works out fine, until she sneaks into his room later and he just can't resist her.
And Rosamond has turned into a snobby high born girl. She commands everyone around her. How does a 50 year nap change someone so drastically?
I won't give away the rest of the story, but it wasn't very good. I only read it because it was fairly interesting and I couldn't sleep.
So, I may get into spoilers from here on out...
Rosamond starts out as this extremely naive girl, who is supposed to be finding a husband. She's honestly kind of stupid. She's also a plant witch. She spends her time worried about dresses and what her mother thinks and really boring stuff like that.
And suddenly she decides she's in love with her guard. *sigh*
On their way back home, she kisses him, and he does the, "you can't do that cause you're the princess and I'm just a lowly guard" cliche.
And then everyone gets sick and the princess saves everyone but herself. Sure. The sacrifice would have felt more selfless if we'd had more time to get to know the characters better.
Anyway, 50 years passes and she wakes up to a young man, who she thinks is the guard she "loved" and basically demand that he sleep with her, which he obliges, cause what young man would refuse a demand like that from a beautiful girl. My biggest problem with this is that when she fell asleep, she was so naive and she literally knew nothing. One 50 year nap later, she's got the sexual prowess of a goddess. Like what? No build up. She's so obviously a virgin from the way it was described.
I was amused by Siward's reaction after he wakes up from his night of passion with the strange young woman he just met. He freaks out a little and then vows not to touch her until they are married. Which works out fine, until she sneaks into his room later and he just can't resist her.
And Rosamond has turned into a snobby high born girl. She commands everyone around her. How does a 50 year nap change someone so drastically?
I won't give away the rest of the story, but it wasn't very good. I only read it because it was fairly interesting and I couldn't sleep.
January 28, 2017
Rosamond was the princess and heir to the throne. Her parents sent her to a tournament in a neighboring kingdom to scout for prospective husbands. Rosamond had some magic which she always thought was weak and useless, an ability to communicate and grow plants. While she is in the neighboring kingdom, she heals a sick little girl with her magic. She doesn't realize that she and her servants are exposed to the disease. She makes it back to her kingdom before she becomes deathly sick. She is afraid for her kingdom and ask the plants to help protect her people before she falls unconscious in a bed of roses.
About 100 years later, Lord Siward is out patrolling the boundaries of the kingdom. Since the princess's disappearance, the borders arebehind a huge, thick wall of thorns. He runs across the rose bed where Rosamond was laying and woke her up. Rosamond thinks just a few days have passed and Lord Siward has no idea she is the missing princess. This is an amazing twist on Sleeping beauty where the princess is a lot stronger than she thinks.
About 100 years later, Lord Siward is out patrolling the boundaries of the kingdom. Since the princess's disappearance, the borders arebehind a huge, thick wall of thorns. He runs across the rose bed where Rosamond was laying and woke her up. Rosamond thinks just a few days have passed and Lord Siward has no idea she is the missing princess. This is an amazing twist on Sleeping beauty where the princess is a lot stronger than she thinks.
February 4, 2017
Firstly, the cover is staggeringly beautiful and eye-catching. I am so glad I saw it! This is hands down the best fairytale retelling I have read to date. Demelza is a master craftsman of character, setting and plot. Each character is so vivid and individual, each setting is so rich and lifelike, and the story is so well plotted and written I raced through this in one sitting. This is a brilliant original take on 'Sleeping Beauty'. Glad to see Carlton has many more books - I have a new favourite author!
February 1, 2017
A great read, thoroughly enjoyed it. A wonderful version of Sleeping Beauty with some interesting twists. And I love the cover; it is gorgeous. Just that would tempt me to buy the book. I was given an advanced copy of this book and am freely and voluntarily writing this review.
January 29, 2017
Wonderfully retold
If you like the original story you will love this twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty Fairytale. Wonderfully romantic with the right amount of adventure. I'm truly enjoying these medieval fairytales.
If you like the original story you will love this twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty Fairytale. Wonderfully romantic with the right amount of adventure. I'm truly enjoying these medieval fairytales.
July 25, 2017
I love fairytale retellings and this author does a wonderful job with this one. The world building and characters are outstanding! A great read, thoroughly enjoyed it
January 28, 2017
Very good book, easy to ready it and time pass nice..!
January 29, 2017
Storybook telling has been going on forever. A new twist with an old tale. Well wrote, enjoyable tale. I received a complimentary copy of this book for voluntary review consideration.
February 5, 2017
one of the weirdest stories of sleeping beauty i have ever read...though it was funny in places..btw its not for children to read some of it is very adult based....
April 23, 2017
Loved It!
This is a super sweet and magical love story. I especially loved the princess' connection to the plants. Definitely a HEA ending. ❤
This is a super sweet and magical love story. I especially loved the princess' connection to the plants. Definitely a HEA ending. ❤
March 7, 2023
The couple: Siward and Rosamond
Romance trope: fairy tale retelling
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale
Length: 206 pages
Plot: Rosamond was certain she didn't want to marry but she was also not averse to spending time with Sir Warin. But on the way home, she, along with Warin and her maid Monika, fall prey to a curse that sends them to sleep. She's able to heal her companions but not herself and doesn't awaken until .
Commentary: This was the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed the story. I did think that Rosamond was a bit of a brat. She was definitely immature, which was to be expected given her age and stage, but she was also bratty by virtue of being a spoiled princess. Once she woke up, she was even brattier. But for who she was, it was a cute story.
Previous book in the series: Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
Next book in the series: Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
Romance trope: fairy tale retelling
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale
Length: 206 pages
Plot: Rosamond was certain she didn't want to marry but she was also not averse to spending time with Sir Warin. But on the way home, she, along with Warin and her maid Monika, fall prey to a curse that sends them to sleep. She's able to heal her companions but not herself and doesn't awaken until .
Commentary: This was the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed the story. I did think that Rosamond was a bit of a brat. She was definitely immature, which was to be expected given her age and stage, but she was also bratty by virtue of being a spoiled princess. Once she woke up, she was even brattier. But for who she was, it was a cute story.
Previous book in the series: Silence: Little Mermaid Retold
Next book in the series: Embellish: Brave Little Tailor Retold
December 20, 2020
A timeless fairy tale told with flare that only Demelza can give. This particular timeless story was more of what I have come to expect from this author from the previous additions to this series have provided. I was a little of a lot of things; scared, intrigued, lured, anxious, and a bit excited to see what was coming next. Not your grandma's fairy tale. One way different and entertaining all on its own.
Narrator Mary Sarah has a very beautiful voice that transcends the fairytale realm. She has the ethereal quality of fantasy. I do warn those that choose to listen that my views of this audio my be skewed by the fact that I do not listen under normal speed, too slow. I do speed up my audio and find that the speed can match that of the story being told and lend a different light to the immersion in to the story.
****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Demelza Carlton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Narrator Mary Sarah has a very beautiful voice that transcends the fairytale realm. She has the ethereal quality of fantasy. I do warn those that choose to listen that my views of this audio my be skewed by the fact that I do not listen under normal speed, too slow. I do speed up my audio and find that the speed can match that of the story being told and lend a different light to the immersion in to the story.
****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Demelza Carlton. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
September 21, 2020
This is book 6 in Carlton's Romance a Medieval Fairytale and I have to say that so far, this one has been my favorite. While I know that Rosamond was the heroine she was a complex character for me. At times I loved her sweet innocence but later found that she came across uppity and presumptuous which I found off putting - I think that's one of the reasons I loved this read so much was it's complexity as well as the twist in how Rosamond and Siward found their HEA. Beautifully narrated - this narrator does a perfect job. Smooth, soft voice that flows and is perfect for fairytale reads. I loved it!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
February 21, 2021
The Beauty 💃💋of Roses🌹🌹🌹🌹
ADULT Historical Medieval Fairy Tale Romance💕
This is an ADULT retelling of Sleeping Beauty with Rosamund💃💋 sleeping in a garden of Roses🌹🌹🌹🌹. She is able to heal others with the help of briars, but cannot heal herself when she is cursed by an evil 👑queen👺.
This is a short novella that can be read in about an hour. Not suitable for children.
ADULT Historical Medieval Fairy Tale Romance💕
This is an ADULT retelling of Sleeping Beauty with Rosamund💃💋 sleeping in a garden of Roses🌹🌹🌹🌹. She is able to heal others with the help of briars, but cannot heal herself when she is cursed by an evil 👑queen👺.
This is a short novella that can be read in about an hour. Not suitable for children.
September 23, 2020
A very imaginative take on sleeping beauty. The inspiration is clear, but this is truly original, and very engaging. Wonderful characters and storyline. I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
MY TAKE ON AWAKEN
General Overview
I am a little biased when it comes to fairytale retellings. If anyone would have asked me to choose between books, I would have most likely preferred fairytale retelling, until I read this book…
Plot
Princess Rosamond is gifted with healing and plant magic. She and her two companions are plagued by a disease while returning to their kingdom, from the coronation of King Erik and Queen Margareta. Rosamond heals others but succumbs to the disease. Lord Siward finds her after she regains consciousness. Whilst she was asleep, the time moved on and so did her kingdom. Will Rosamond succeed in adapting herself to the time gap and regain her true place? The story is about the life of sleeping beauty after she awakens.
Cast
Rosamond was a character with qualities befitting a princess. She knew when to be polite, firm, bold or outrightly rude. She also knew how to rein in her emotions and maintain her composure. She readily helps those who are in need with her magic. I felt her personality was in sync with her magic. When her magic was in a budding stage she was meek and obedient, but as it grew powerful she became bold and demanding.
Lord Siward didn’t impress me much. He was a normal guy who is kind and good hearted.
Monika was a suspicious character from the beginning of the story but I couldn’t fathom any reasons behind her actions.
Pros
Beautiful cover.
The story line with interesting first half. Small pieces of humor kept the interest intact.
Cons
The gist says – A kingdom frozen in time. But in the book, the kingdom was never frozen in time… It was only the princess who was frozen in time. Wrong synopsis.
There were certain loopholes in the story which didn’t allow me to enjoy the story as I wanted to. These loopholes or mistakes (whatever you want to call them) were so evident that I was wondering how they escaped from the author’s eye –
*There were slight references where Queen Margareta was referred as evil or the plague was done by her, but this issue wasn’t closed till the end. It just remained as a hypothesis throughout.
*Addition to this, Monika’s behavior (as I have mentioned above) was difficult to comprehend. Her inability to recognize the princess afterward, whom she was always so close to and who hasn’t changed at all, was beyond my understanding.
*Many scenes related to the mistaken identity of Lord Siward by Rosamond are so silly that they ruined the essence of the book.
"Do you come here often?" he asked her. She stared at him as if he had made a joke. "No, this was my first visit." "Do you live nearby?" he persisted. If she did, he could ride by her parents' cottage to ask for her hand today. It would ease his conscience immeasurably. "Of course not. I lived with my parents in the castle.”
If she mistakes him to be a known person, why will he ask such foolish questions to a princess? Shouldn’t she get immediately suspicious about it and clarify?
Of course! In his eagerness, how could he have forgotten? "I will speak to him. I will ask for your hand and all will be well." No father in the kingdom would refuse him, Siward knew. "What is his name? I shall summon him, and we shall have his answer before nightfall." This did not please Rosamond, who shook her head violently. "You cannot summon him. Not my father. I must speak to him, and only then can you ask him for anything."
This whole dialogue exchange is illogical. If Siward is a known person to Rosamond, will he not know about her father? When he is speaking of summoning her father, why is Rosamond not stating the complete reason? She shook her head violently and just said that you can’t call him… how absurd can the whole conversation be?
The ending phase of the story was rushed. It looked as if every character is rushing to finish his or her part. In a spur of a moment, antagonists take over. They almost succeed but fail at the last moment and are found dead the next day. Nobody knows how they ended up dead.
Everything falls into place within a couple of pages and story ends up with many questions unanswered-
- How did Fodor’s sister ended up with the royalty?
- What happened to the other characters who sided with the main antagonists? Were they punished or just forgiven.
CONCLUSION
The story could have really been interesting if there were more twists and turns. Not only this, various scenes could have been detailed. For eg: -The scenes of antagonists plotting against the royals could have been described in detail adding to the suspense factor of the book. The author could have been more creative with Rosamond’s magic with plants and how they bid to her commands and wishes, by creating few action scenes.
The book is one- time read, only if you want to pass your time.
General Overview
I am a little biased when it comes to fairytale retellings. If anyone would have asked me to choose between books, I would have most likely preferred fairytale retelling, until I read this book…
Plot
Princess Rosamond is gifted with healing and plant magic. She and her two companions are plagued by a disease while returning to their kingdom, from the coronation of King Erik and Queen Margareta. Rosamond heals others but succumbs to the disease. Lord Siward finds her after she regains consciousness. Whilst she was asleep, the time moved on and so did her kingdom. Will Rosamond succeed in adapting herself to the time gap and regain her true place? The story is about the life of sleeping beauty after she awakens.
Cast
Rosamond was a character with qualities befitting a princess. She knew when to be polite, firm, bold or outrightly rude. She also knew how to rein in her emotions and maintain her composure. She readily helps those who are in need with her magic. I felt her personality was in sync with her magic. When her magic was in a budding stage she was meek and obedient, but as it grew powerful she became bold and demanding.
Lord Siward didn’t impress me much. He was a normal guy who is kind and good hearted.
Monika was a suspicious character from the beginning of the story but I couldn’t fathom any reasons behind her actions.
Pros
Beautiful cover.
The story line with interesting first half. Small pieces of humor kept the interest intact.
Cons
The gist says – A kingdom frozen in time. But in the book, the kingdom was never frozen in time… It was only the princess who was frozen in time. Wrong synopsis.
There were certain loopholes in the story which didn’t allow me to enjoy the story as I wanted to. These loopholes or mistakes (whatever you want to call them) were so evident that I was wondering how they escaped from the author’s eye –
*There were slight references where Queen Margareta was referred as evil or the plague was done by her, but this issue wasn’t closed till the end. It just remained as a hypothesis throughout.
*Addition to this, Monika’s behavior (as I have mentioned above) was difficult to comprehend. Her inability to recognize the princess afterward, whom she was always so close to and who hasn’t changed at all, was beyond my understanding.
*Many scenes related to the mistaken identity of Lord Siward by Rosamond are so silly that they ruined the essence of the book.
"Do you come here often?" he asked her. She stared at him as if he had made a joke. "No, this was my first visit." "Do you live nearby?" he persisted. If she did, he could ride by her parents' cottage to ask for her hand today. It would ease his conscience immeasurably. "Of course not. I lived with my parents in the castle.”
If she mistakes him to be a known person, why will he ask such foolish questions to a princess? Shouldn’t she get immediately suspicious about it and clarify?
Of course! In his eagerness, how could he have forgotten? "I will speak to him. I will ask for your hand and all will be well." No father in the kingdom would refuse him, Siward knew. "What is his name? I shall summon him, and we shall have his answer before nightfall." This did not please Rosamond, who shook her head violently. "You cannot summon him. Not my father. I must speak to him, and only then can you ask him for anything."
This whole dialogue exchange is illogical. If Siward is a known person to Rosamond, will he not know about her father? When he is speaking of summoning her father, why is Rosamond not stating the complete reason? She shook her head violently and just said that you can’t call him… how absurd can the whole conversation be?
The ending phase of the story was rushed. It looked as if every character is rushing to finish his or her part. In a spur of a moment, antagonists take over. They almost succeed but fail at the last moment and are found dead the next day. Nobody knows how they ended up dead.
Everything falls into place within a couple of pages and story ends up with many questions unanswered-
- How did Fodor’s sister ended up with the royalty?
- What happened to the other characters who sided with the main antagonists? Were they punished or just forgiven.
CONCLUSION
The story could have really been interesting if there were more twists and turns. Not only this, various scenes could have been detailed. For eg: -The scenes of antagonists plotting against the royals could have been described in detail adding to the suspense factor of the book. The author could have been more creative with Rosamond’s magic with plants and how they bid to her commands and wishes, by creating few action scenes.
The book is one- time read, only if you want to pass your time.
September 18, 2020
This was a very exciting take on a fairy tale that is older than I am. She sleeps for 50 years and all the people she knew and her parents are all dead. She thinks the man who wakes her is her love but it is his grandson. She learns of all that has happened and there is miscommunication all around, but it all works out in the. I loved it! The narrator did a good job with the story using just the right tone of voice for all the characters.
I received a copy of this audio book for free from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
I received a copy of this audio book for free from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
September 19, 2020
I’ve listened to two of the books in this series so far and I love it. I’d love to listen to the rest. The stories are quick and well composed. I enjoyed the storyline and the author’s writing.
September 16, 2020
Loved the remix of sleeping beauty it was a very touching.I always love the happy ending.
February 3, 2017
AWAKEN is the second book in the Romance a Medieval Fairytale series. Each will stand alone as a complete retelling of our childhood favorites. AWAKEN is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
I was so excited to get this book and absolutely was not disappointed. Demelza Carlton has done it again! AWAKEN is a perfect re-telling of Sleeping Beauty with wonderfully imaginative additions that give the tale more life than it ever had before. Let’s face it; Sleeping Beauty has probably always been one of the most vapid of the princesses, a pretty shell waiting for her prince to make his entrance. Now she has heart, personality, and she is allowed to grow in this fantastic re-telling of the classic love fantasy. She even has a little magic!
The first chapter of DANCE, a retelling of Cinderella, was at the end of the file for AWAKEN and I loved it as well. I’m looking forward to many more fairy-tales retold by the talented Demelza Carlton.
Title: AWAKEN
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale #2
Category /Genre: Paranormal romance, Fairytale Retelling
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Received from: Amazon purchase
I was so excited to get this book and absolutely was not disappointed. Demelza Carlton has done it again! AWAKEN is a perfect re-telling of Sleeping Beauty with wonderfully imaginative additions that give the tale more life than it ever had before. Let’s face it; Sleeping Beauty has probably always been one of the most vapid of the princesses, a pretty shell waiting for her prince to make his entrance. Now she has heart, personality, and she is allowed to grow in this fantastic re-telling of the classic love fantasy. She even has a little magic!
The first chapter of DANCE, a retelling of Cinderella, was at the end of the file for AWAKEN and I loved it as well. I’m looking forward to many more fairy-tales retold by the talented Demelza Carlton.
Title: AWAKEN
Series: Romance a Medieval Fairytale #2
Category /Genre: Paranormal romance, Fairytale Retelling
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: B – a few small errors
Received from: Amazon purchase
August 25, 2017
First, this is no sleeping beauty waiting for her prince. This is a tale about a princes who has the ability to talk to plants and heal others. When she overuses her healing abilities, she goes into a deep sleep. She carries a sickness back from visiting another kingdom, where she healed a sick girl. When her people begin get sick as they travel back, she stops at her kingdom's borders and heals them. She falls into a deep sleep believing she is dying and asks the plants to protect her little kingdom. Rosemund is not your typical princess. She was raised to rule, and the author keeps that principle in mind as the story progresses. The story kept my interest, because it is not your typical fairy tale. Although, Rosemund was not a particularly likeable character for me. I connected more with Siward later on in the book. If you like fairytales or retellings, this one is a keeper. I received an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my honest review.
January 7, 2018
While this is an excellent read and a great retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story, there are elements of it that I found a bit disturbing, which is why it lost a * for me - the fact that the first sexual scene for Beauty is essentially a rape scene, and the way that Beauty nearly gets burnt alive. While they can be seen as part of the story arc, I found them quite disturbing and a little unnecessary - there are other ways to approach the same things.
But please don't let me put you off reading this book. It is a good read and, for adults who like fairytale retellings, especially who are following this series, you will enjoy it - just be prepared for a slightly more adult story than usual. But it's still a great fantasy story with a twist of romance, plenty of magic, and a "happy ever after"!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
But please don't let me put you off reading this book. It is a good read and, for adults who like fairytale retellings, especially who are following this series, you will enjoy it - just be prepared for a slightly more adult story than usual. But it's still a great fantasy story with a twist of romance, plenty of magic, and a "happy ever after"!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
February 4, 2017
Rosamond and some of her entourage are struck down with a mystery sickness after attending a wedding at a neighbouring kingdom. She cures her companions but has no knowledge as to how to help herself.
Lord Siward goes hunting but stumbles upon a ruined building and accidentally wakes a beautiful woman within it. He then and realises his holiday has ended. He has a kingdom in trouble but keeps getting lost in her mesmerising green eyes. He also suspects she holds the key to solve the kingdom's problems.
I really liked this story. It was a clever retelling of Sleeping Beauty which had enough of a twist that although I knew it would have a HEA it was still nice to see how they got to there and how the kingdom would be saved. As usual it was well written and carefully thought out.
Lord Siward goes hunting but stumbles upon a ruined building and accidentally wakes a beautiful woman within it. He then and realises his holiday has ended. He has a kingdom in trouble but keeps getting lost in her mesmerising green eyes. He also suspects she holds the key to solve the kingdom's problems.
I really liked this story. It was a clever retelling of Sleeping Beauty which had enough of a twist that although I knew it would have a HEA it was still nice to see how they got to there and how the kingdom would be saved. As usual it was well written and carefully thought out.
June 1, 2017
I had thoroughly enjoyed the first book Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold. This retelling of Sleeping Beauty, one of my all-time favorite Fairy Tales was simply Amazing!
Call me crazy but the little girl that apparently still lives inside me love's a Fairy Tale. When the hero is a strong woman, I love it even more.
I adored Rosamond from the beginning and so wanted her & Sir Warin to become the ruling pair.
Her power is Intriguing as an avid gardener myself and to watch her do what she did broke my heart. The twist was worth continuing the book!
I look forward to checking out the next fairy tale once I work through my literal list of books to read. Thank you to Kindle Unlimited for allowing me to read this for free!
Call me crazy but the little girl that apparently still lives inside me love's a Fairy Tale. When the hero is a strong woman, I love it even more.
I adored Rosamond from the beginning and so wanted her & Sir Warin to become the ruling pair.
Her power is Intriguing as an avid gardener myself and to watch her do what she did broke my heart. The twist was worth continuing the book!
I look forward to checking out the next fairy tale once I work through my literal list of books to read. Thank you to Kindle Unlimited for allowing me to read this for free!
February 3, 2017
This was a nice retelling/adaptation of Sleeping Beauty. While I generally don't read books of different eras or abilities, this one grabbed my attention. I didn't realize she would be sleeping nearly as long as she did. When she awoke, it wasn't by a simple kiss. It wasn't even by the man she believed him to be. It takes quite some time before she realizes the truth. There is one heck of an argument when that arises. The characters were honorable - as the time period warrants. It was an interesting and enjoyable read. While it was outside of my normal reading time period, I was glad that I took a chance on it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews