Rose, Awake

Foxwept Array #0.5

by A.W. Cross

Every rose has its thorns.

After years in hiding, Princess Rose is finally going home. Her entire life she's waited to return to her parents, her subjects, to the life that was taken from her. But when she arrives at the castle she was exiled from as a child, she discovers that nothing is as she believed--including her own existence.

Has Rose been living a fairy tale? Or a curse?

Rose, Awake is a standalone science fiction romance retelling of Sleeping Beauty and also a short story introduction to the Foxwept Array series--where the future is a fairy tale.

Genres: Romance, Retellings, Fantasy, Ebooks, Fiction, Fairy Tales, Science Fiction

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2019

About the author

A.W. Cross is made of 100% star stuff. She write social science-fiction and futuristic fairy tale retellings and lives in the gorgeous wilds of Canada with her family and a deep nostalgia for the 80s.

She also writes books about living with chronic illness and IBD, and blogs on her IBD website, screamingmeemie.com.

Follow her on Twitter (@aw_cross), Facebook, or visit her website or IBD blog: screamingmeemie.com

Reviews

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun short story, with a fantasy world and a science fiction world conjoined (not really blending, but they do make an interesting contrast). The fantasy world borrows not simply from the Sleeping Beauty tale, but specifically from the Disney movie, including the birthday party thrown together by the fairies and the waltz in the forest between Phillip and Rose. It is nicely romantic, and just as beautiful as the movie, but without the humor of the cartoon. I, personally, thought that it seemed a bit too dreamlike and vague once she gets back to the castle. And does have some very large twists in it (didn’t really come as a surprise to me since I’ve read other books using the same twist, but it’s still a fun twist all the same). The ending felt a bit abrupt and I would have liked a scene afterwards, but it at least is a good ending though bitter sweet, but in the end it didn’t really sell me on the series. Further reading, I would suggest Slumber by Christy Sloat. It has the same sort of twist, but in reverse.

[TamaraT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was wuch a unique take on Sleeping Beauty. Even though it was so short I feel like the characters were well fleshed out and it was a complete story. Yes the ending was kind of a cliffhanger, but I can live with that.

[OldBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! A short Sleeping Beauty retelling that blends the elements of the fairy tale with sci-fi in an enjoyable way. I liked that I didn't have to refresh my memory by re-reading the blurb - it does what it says on the tin, but you can just dive in without prior knowledge. The initial romance could be a bit clunky, probably because of being a short story it had to rush years worth of interactions into one tiny scene ("are you attracted to me" is an awkward question from a supposed romantic), but the twist at the end saved it nicely without going too twee.

[Ahnah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Retelling!!

LOVED this story! I was completely swept away to one of my favorite fairy tales, Sleeping Beauty but with a beautiful twist that gave me hope that not everyone in this world is as shallow as social media leads me to believe.

I cannot wait to read more from this author.

[Lu Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice short story of retelling fairytale of sleeping beauty.
Rose was placed in a coma because of a rare condition that hadn't been cured yet for 65 yrs and Philip her prince was her doctor for over 50 yrs! In her dream world he loved her and at the end of the story she chose the real world and they stayed together!

[Dua (in reading slump) ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing was nothing special but I really liked this unique take on a classic fairytale. Thematically, it reminded me of another short story I've read earlier this year, and they both share the same sentiment that it's never too late for love and life, which is nice to be reminded of every now and then.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I loved everything about this story and what a touching and surprising read it was! Short and sweet! I started without the intention of finishing but I couldn't put it down! Refreshing!

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose's life is nothing like it seems. Turmoil threatens. Philip awaits.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Page-turner. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Witty. Wonderful characters.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleeping Beauty

One , this is one of the first fairy tale remakes that I could not guess the ending as it has a major twist at least from my perspective. Great short story.

[Emma Que · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating perspective on a classic tale

A totally unique take on the sleeping beauty of yore that leads its readers to confront assumptions made about reality.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise ending, but it was clear thru out the story that something unusual was going on. Very well told story. I will definitely buy stories from this author in the future.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.