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Creeping Beauty
From the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Misfit comes a subversive and feminist take on Sleeping Beauty, sure to appeal to fans of Damsel and To Kill a Kingdom.
Bitsy is no one’s ideal princess.
She’s heard it all: that it’s a shame she’s so plain, so lacking in grace. That the best thing for her to do is simply wait (and wait some more), and hope some prince will grant her a happy ending.
Then Bitsy pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down, down, down.
Into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. Where no one ages and everyone is beautiful. Where an inscrutable evil rests at its core.
A land where Bitsy’s fate and her future are solely in her own hands—and neither are what she expects.
The dark and deadly world of Heartless meets the empowering twist of Cruel Beauty in this thrilling, unpredictable, multigenre retelling of one of the most beloved fairy tales: where instead of falling asleep to await her prince, this sleeping beauty finally wakes up.
Bitsy is no one’s ideal princess.
She’s heard it all: that it’s a shame she’s so plain, so lacking in grace. That the best thing for her to do is simply wait (and wait some more), and hope some prince will grant her a happy ending.
Then Bitsy pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down, down, down.
Into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. Where no one ages and everyone is beautiful. Where an inscrutable evil rests at its core.
A land where Bitsy’s fate and her future are solely in her own hands—and neither are what she expects.
The dark and deadly world of Heartless meets the empowering twist of Cruel Beauty in this thrilling, unpredictable, multigenre retelling of one of the most beloved fairy tales: where instead of falling asleep to await her prince, this sleeping beauty finally wakes up.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2023
17 people are currently reading
5234 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Portes
10 books478 followersAndrea Portes is a bestselling American novelist.
Her novels include HICK, BURY THIS, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, and THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES. Portes is also the author of the upcoming LIBERTY book series and the upcoming HENRY & EVA book series. She also published the SUPER RAD graphic novel series for Dark Matter Comics.
Portes was raised in rural Nebraska, outside of Lincoln. She attended Bryn Mawr College on full scholarship and later received her MFA from University of California, San Diego. After graduation, Portes moved to the neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Portes published her debut novel HICK that was an instant bestseller. After the book's huge success, the movie adaptation of HICK went into production in 2011. The film, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis, and Blake Lively premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011.
Portes's second novel, BURY THIS, was published in January 2014 by Counterpoint Press's imprint Soft Skull Press to critical acclaim.
In 2012, she wrote SUPER RAD, a sci-fi series for Dark Matter Press.
Portes' third novel, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, was published in September 2014 by HarperCollins. In July 2014, the book was optioned in a pre-emptive deal by Paramount Pictures, with Allison Shearmur (THE HUNGER GAMES, CINDERELLA) producing.
In Winter 2015, Portes spy thriller series LIBERTY was bought in a three-book deal by HarperCollins. Twentieth Century Fox-Fox 2000 acquired the rights to LIBERTY and will be producing the series with Wyck Godfrey (TWILIGHT, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS).
Her fourth book, THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES will be out in May 2016 published by HarperCollins.
Portes also chose HarperCollins to publish HENRY & EVA AND THE CASTLE ON THE CLIFF, the first in a middle reader series of HENRY & EVA books. The second release in the series will be HENRY & EVA AND THE FAMOUS PEOPLE GHOSTS.
Portes is currently working on THEY WERE LIKE WOLVES, a work of literary fiction.
Her novels include HICK, BURY THIS, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, and THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES. Portes is also the author of the upcoming LIBERTY book series and the upcoming HENRY & EVA book series. She also published the SUPER RAD graphic novel series for Dark Matter Comics.
Portes was raised in rural Nebraska, outside of Lincoln. She attended Bryn Mawr College on full scholarship and later received her MFA from University of California, San Diego. After graduation, Portes moved to the neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Portes published her debut novel HICK that was an instant bestseller. After the book's huge success, the movie adaptation of HICK went into production in 2011. The film, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis, and Blake Lively premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011.
Portes's second novel, BURY THIS, was published in January 2014 by Counterpoint Press's imprint Soft Skull Press to critical acclaim.
In 2012, she wrote SUPER RAD, a sci-fi series for Dark Matter Press.
Portes' third novel, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, was published in September 2014 by HarperCollins. In July 2014, the book was optioned in a pre-emptive deal by Paramount Pictures, with Allison Shearmur (THE HUNGER GAMES, CINDERELLA) producing.
In Winter 2015, Portes spy thriller series LIBERTY was bought in a three-book deal by HarperCollins. Twentieth Century Fox-Fox 2000 acquired the rights to LIBERTY and will be producing the series with Wyck Godfrey (TWILIGHT, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS).
Her fourth book, THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES will be out in May 2016 published by HarperCollins.
Portes also chose HarperCollins to publish HENRY & EVA AND THE CASTLE ON THE CLIFF, the first in a middle reader series of HENRY & EVA books. The second release in the series will be HENRY & EVA AND THE FAMOUS PEOPLE GHOSTS.
Portes is currently working on THEY WERE LIKE WOLVES, a work of literary fiction.
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February 10, 2024
To put it succinctly, everything in this book from the writing to the characterisation to the plotting leaves much to be desired.
The plot of Sleeping Beauty being transported to an alternate world upon pricking her finger on the spindle should've been good, it's one of those "active" retellings of the tale that usually works wonderfully, but the writing in first person POV that breaks the fourth wall (Princess Bitsy talks to the reader like some sort of wannabe Jane Eyre) is grating, infantile, and ultimately doesn't match the plot contents, which are for an older audience. Ever read a book that is clearly for older teens and adults but is written in a way that reads like it's talking to children? This is such a book.
Who ever thought of calling a princess "Bitsy"? This cutesy princess is like some pet lamb with a baby-talk name that's thrown into a bloody world she can't navigate and has problems thrown at her that she barely handles enough to not be swept away by the mess. Bitsy is as lost in the world she's taken to as a naïve lamb would be and ridiculously mismatched to the "creepy" atmosphere of that world and its mad king. Not to mention the plotline is so haphazard that it ends on a major cliffhanger (and bear in mind this book doesn't have a continuation, "The End" is written right there at the end, like in some Looney Tunes skit), and it all leaves you dissatisfied and confused.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of Sleeping Beauty being transported to an alternate world upon pricking her finger on the spindle should've been good, it's one of those "active" retellings of the tale that usually works wonderfully, but the writing in first person POV that breaks the fourth wall (Princess Bitsy talks to the reader like some sort of wannabe Jane Eyre) is grating, infantile, and ultimately doesn't match the plot contents, which are for an older audience. Ever read a book that is clearly for older teens and adults but is written in a way that reads like it's talking to children? This is such a book.
Who ever thought of calling a princess "Bitsy"? This cutesy princess is like some pet lamb with a baby-talk name that's thrown into a bloody world she can't navigate and has problems thrown at her that she barely handles enough to not be swept away by the mess. Bitsy is as lost in the world she's taken to as a naïve lamb would be and ridiculously mismatched to the "creepy" atmosphere of that world and its mad king. Not to mention the plotline is so haphazard that it ends on a major cliffhanger (and bear in mind this book doesn't have a continuation, "The End" is written right there at the end, like in some Looney Tunes skit), and it all leaves you dissatisfied and confused.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
Review coming soon.
February 12, 2024
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Thank you Harper Teen for this book in exchange for an honest review
Creeping Beauty is one of those books that the more you read – the worse it gets.
While this is meant to be a retelling of Sleeping Beauty it seemed heavily inspired by Alice in Wonderland, where the more you go down the rabbit whole the less it makes sense. Prime example is a legendary city that everyone knows about, but no one goes there because everyone who sets foot in the city dies but this city exports and imports goods… Do aliens live in the city? Is it run by robots? If every human that goes or lives there dies – then what in the fired hell is going on in this city? Nothing is explained well or not at all. While the city aspect annoyed me the most – there were so may different plot, character and world building holes that legit nothing made sense! Not to mention that this is written in first POV but the character breaks the forth wall – why is Bitsy talking to us? What is she from an Austen book? This was no Sense or Sensibility. Also, Bitsy is the weirdest name for the main character – why? What a weird name? This child-minded character is supposed to be a teenager that’s thrown into a world that she just gets inundated with problem after problem AND while this is meant to be a YA book it reads almost like a child’s pop up book.
Not to mention the book ends on a cliff hanger followed by THE END. There is no sequel, there is no follow up book and no answers. WHY?!?! Is this logical for anyone?!? There was nothing about this book that made sense…
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Thank you Harper Teen for this book in exchange for an honest review
Creeping Beauty is one of those books that the more you read – the worse it gets.
While this is meant to be a retelling of Sleeping Beauty it seemed heavily inspired by Alice in Wonderland, where the more you go down the rabbit whole the less it makes sense. Prime example is a legendary city that everyone knows about, but no one goes there because everyone who sets foot in the city dies but this city exports and imports goods… Do aliens live in the city? Is it run by robots? If every human that goes or lives there dies – then what in the fired hell is going on in this city? Nothing is explained well or not at all. While the city aspect annoyed me the most – there were so may different plot, character and world building holes that legit nothing made sense! Not to mention that this is written in first POV but the character breaks the forth wall – why is Bitsy talking to us? What is she from an Austen book? This was no Sense or Sensibility. Also, Bitsy is the weirdest name for the main character – why? What a weird name? This child-minded character is supposed to be a teenager that’s thrown into a world that she just gets inundated with problem after problem AND while this is meant to be a YA book it reads almost like a child’s pop up book.
Not to mention the book ends on a cliff hanger followed by THE END. There is no sequel, there is no follow up book and no answers. WHY?!?! Is this logical for anyone?!? There was nothing about this book that made sense…
March 10, 2023
Source: Netgalley
Initial Thoughts: Hm. Wow. I thought at first I could give this book 3 stars. The beginning is extremely episodic, but there were things intriguing about the world building. However, the longer the book goes on, the less sense any of it makes. Things directly contradict each other. (Think: There's some legendary city that that apparently no one goes to because 100% of people who try die, yet also people have heard of this city and it seems to receive imports?) Important themes are not explored. (Like people being sold into slavery and not . . . holding that against the people who sold them?) I could write a very long list of things that are illogical, but I don't wish to be overly spoilery. I had hopes for this because I love books with fairy tale elements, but I just cannot recommend this. Very disappointing.
Initial Thoughts: Hm. Wow. I thought at first I could give this book 3 stars. The beginning is extremely episodic, but there were things intriguing about the world building. However, the longer the book goes on, the less sense any of it makes. Things directly contradict each other. (Think: There's some legendary city that that apparently no one goes to because 100% of people who try die, yet also people have heard of this city and it seems to receive imports?) Important themes are not explored. (Like people being sold into slavery and not . . . holding that against the people who sold them?) I could write a very long list of things that are illogical, but I don't wish to be overly spoilery. I had hopes for this because I love books with fairy tale elements, but I just cannot recommend this. Very disappointing.
May 20, 2023
This was pretty wild, and I'll say I enjoyed it a whole lot for the most part. This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling that transitions into a Through the Looking Glass retelling. I was on board. I was hooked! This was so offbeat and meandering, which fit for a vicious Wonderland Dreamworld.
Peregrine. Peregrine was so lovely, even if he was spineless, vain, and insecure. On the other hand there were so many seemingly important (?) characters who were never revisited or fleshed out.
But I was still with it...right up until the last couple of chapters where I felt the whole thing bottom out. It ended so suddenly with completely inadequate resolution. Honestly, I completely expected Prince Charming to be Peregrine. Shame on me.
All I can say is that I was invested in this story, only to be resentfully disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher, and Netgalley for sending me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Peregrine. Peregrine was so lovely, even if he was spineless, vain, and insecure. On the other hand there were so many seemingly important (?) characters who were never revisited or fleshed out.
But I was still with it...right up until the last couple of chapters where I felt the whole thing bottom out. It ended so suddenly with completely inadequate resolution. Honestly, I completely expected Prince Charming to be Peregrine. Shame on me.
All I can say is that I was invested in this story, only to be resentfully disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher, and Netgalley for sending me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2023
I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
Creeping Beauty is quite the interesting twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty. Our main character is Bitsy who falls the same fate as the original Sleeping Beauty.
With that said... the book wasn't all I hoped it would be. It was slow at times.. really slow.
The plot seemed to adventure all over the place, and sometimes the storyline felt like it was going out of order?
I finished it, I wanted to love it, but it was just... rough.
Creeping Beauty is quite the interesting twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty. Our main character is Bitsy who falls the same fate as the original Sleeping Beauty.
With that said... the book wasn't all I hoped it would be. It was slow at times.. really slow.
The plot seemed to adventure all over the place, and sometimes the storyline felt like it was going out of order?
I finished it, I wanted to love it, but it was just... rough.
April 13, 2023
I recieved an e-ARC via NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions remain my own
Creeping Beauty was mediocre, to put it mildly. From the second chapter, readers are told how different Bitsy (yes, that's the main character's name) is, how she isn't as pretty or as stupid as the other girls, and how she wants more from life because she's just so different. Sound familiar? Often, characters like her outgrow their not-like-other girls rhetoric, but Bisty only embraced it as the story went on. Within the span of pages, she magically becomes a fighter, and you'll never guess, but she's the Chosen One meant to save the poorly constructed world from nonexistence destruction. Yet despite having the opportunity---if not the necessity---to become a better person, she never developed beyond a stereotype. Archetypes are fun: audiences love to watch the enemies become lovers, the underdog triumph, and the rouge find a family. But archetypes only work when they are developed beyond stereotypes---you can't have a good character without any depth and Bitsy was about as deep as a puddle.
Beyond the failed characterization, the plot, worldbuilding, and writing left something to be desired. The plot was simple enough for a child to follow yet the aspects it deals with (poorly, I might add) are not. Human trafficking was a surprisingly big element of the story but it was treated without any care or seriousness, brushed off the moment the author got bored with it. Any conflict was too easily solved and there weren't any stakes because the main character was never allowed to fail. Concepts of civilization versus savagery were briefly dealt with, but when the main character doesn't understand the customs of a different culture, that culture was painted as childish and savage. Therefore, it was okay for the main character and her friends to use the other group because they were savages who wouldn't understand. Darker themes were hinted at throughout the novel yet their execution was so trivial and frankly insulting that it was hard to believe that the author had done any kind of due diligence before perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
The writing too was juvenile and unpolished; the author even broke the fourth wall at random times for no reason. I felt like I was reading someone's first draft pulled out of a middle school portfolio, not the published work of an established author. The worldbuilding was all over the place, the side characters barely existed and nothing important happened. There were times that I considered DNFing, but since Creeping Beauty has already gotten bad reviews, I wanted to keep going to give the author a chance to make the book better.
Honestly, I do not enjoy giving books low ratings, especially ARCs. I understand the time that goes into creating a novel and I wish this one had been given more drafts to become what it could have been: a feminist retelling rather than a childish miss.
Creeping Beauty was mediocre, to put it mildly. From the second chapter, readers are told how different Bitsy (yes, that's the main character's name) is, how she isn't as pretty or as stupid as the other girls, and how she wants more from life because she's just so different. Sound familiar? Often, characters like her outgrow their not-like-other girls rhetoric, but Bisty only embraced it as the story went on. Within the span of pages, she magically becomes a fighter, and you'll never guess, but she's the Chosen One meant to save the poorly constructed world from nonexistence destruction. Yet despite having the opportunity---if not the necessity---to become a better person, she never developed beyond a stereotype. Archetypes are fun: audiences love to watch the enemies become lovers, the underdog triumph, and the rouge find a family. But archetypes only work when they are developed beyond stereotypes---you can't have a good character without any depth and Bitsy was about as deep as a puddle.
Beyond the failed characterization, the plot, worldbuilding, and writing left something to be desired. The plot was simple enough for a child to follow yet the aspects it deals with (poorly, I might add) are not. Human trafficking was a surprisingly big element of the story but it was treated without any care or seriousness, brushed off the moment the author got bored with it. Any conflict was too easily solved and there weren't any stakes because the main character was never allowed to fail. Concepts of civilization versus savagery were briefly dealt with, but when the main character doesn't understand the customs of a different culture, that culture was painted as childish and savage. Therefore, it was okay for the main character and her friends to use the other group because they were savages who wouldn't understand. Darker themes were hinted at throughout the novel yet their execution was so trivial and frankly insulting that it was hard to believe that the author had done any kind of due diligence before perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
The writing too was juvenile and unpolished; the author even broke the fourth wall at random times for no reason. I felt like I was reading someone's first draft pulled out of a middle school portfolio, not the published work of an established author. The worldbuilding was all over the place, the side characters barely existed and nothing important happened. There were times that I considered DNFing, but since Creeping Beauty has already gotten bad reviews, I wanted to keep going to give the author a chance to make the book better.
Honestly, I do not enjoy giving books low ratings, especially ARCs. I understand the time that goes into creating a novel and I wish this one had been given more drafts to become what it could have been: a feminist retelling rather than a childish miss.
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August 4, 2023Thank you to Harper360YA for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bitsy is no one’s ideal princess. She’s heard it all: that it’s a shame she’s so plain, so lacking in grace. That the best thing for her to do is simply wait (and wait some more), and hope some prince will grant her a happy ending. Then Bitsy pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down, down, down. Into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. Where no one ages and everyone is beautiful. Where an inscrutable evil rests at its core. A land where Bitsy’s fate and her future are solely in her own hands—and neither are what she expects.
Bitsy is an incredibly annoying narrator. She’s pretty much a spoiled brat, complaining about everything she must do as princess to a kingdom. She constantly contradicts herself and feels incredibly immature. Her POV is unreliable to read from in my eyes because she’s incredibly contradictory of herself - “Oh I’ll do this for my kingdom” and then ten seconds later, “I won’t do it. Why should I?” I don’t entirely like the choice of name Bitsy. Considering her full name is Elizabeth, there are various other variations the author could have chosen but they decided Bitsy was the way forward. Sure, it’s unique but it’s also very childish sounding and I cannot imagine a king and queen calling their heir something so immature in front of supposed suitors.
I eventually DNF’d this story at 41%. I really pushed through hoping it would get better but I was simply disinterested and utterly baffled at what was going on. We kept jumping from event to event with no in between, the characters had no substance to them and the plot felt so all over the place that I was permanently lost. I know how hard writing a book is and I always feel guilty for not liking a book, and even more so when I can’t finish a book. But this story really does not do it for me. I needed world-building, I needed characters of substance, I needed a likeable MC so that reading through their eyes would not feel like a chore. This book sadly does not deliver.
Overall, Creeping Beauty is a book that I feel could use some more work to make it interesting.
0/5⭐️
Thank you again to Harper360YA for an advanced copy of this book.
Bitsy is no one’s ideal princess. She’s heard it all: that it’s a shame she’s so plain, so lacking in grace. That the best thing for her to do is simply wait (and wait some more), and hope some prince will grant her a happy ending. Then Bitsy pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down, down, down. Into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. Where no one ages and everyone is beautiful. Where an inscrutable evil rests at its core. A land where Bitsy’s fate and her future are solely in her own hands—and neither are what she expects.
Bitsy is an incredibly annoying narrator. She’s pretty much a spoiled brat, complaining about everything she must do as princess to a kingdom. She constantly contradicts herself and feels incredibly immature. Her POV is unreliable to read from in my eyes because she’s incredibly contradictory of herself - “Oh I’ll do this for my kingdom” and then ten seconds later, “I won’t do it. Why should I?” I don’t entirely like the choice of name Bitsy. Considering her full name is Elizabeth, there are various other variations the author could have chosen but they decided Bitsy was the way forward. Sure, it’s unique but it’s also very childish sounding and I cannot imagine a king and queen calling their heir something so immature in front of supposed suitors.
I eventually DNF’d this story at 41%. I really pushed through hoping it would get better but I was simply disinterested and utterly baffled at what was going on. We kept jumping from event to event with no in between, the characters had no substance to them and the plot felt so all over the place that I was permanently lost. I know how hard writing a book is and I always feel guilty for not liking a book, and even more so when I can’t finish a book. But this story really does not do it for me. I needed world-building, I needed characters of substance, I needed a likeable MC so that reading through their eyes would not feel like a chore. This book sadly does not deliver.
Overall, Creeping Beauty is a book that I feel could use some more work to make it interesting.
0/5⭐️
Thank you again to Harper360YA for an advanced copy of this book.
February 2, 2023
This book baffles me, and not in a good way. Creeping Beauty is retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but when Bitsy, our princess, touches the spindle, she is whisked away to another world. There, she is taken to a village, where everything from way of life to language is different. These strangers insist she fight in their wars, and that she might be the one the prophecy tells of.
I felt like I was reading a middle-school book was young adult content. I can 100% guarantee my mom would not have let me touch this book with a ten-foot pole when I was eleven. While it was not graphic, there was some violence, and a few kiss scenes, that would have ensured this book was used as kindling or ripped apart for art projects in my house. One of the main reasons the writing was cheesy was because Bitsy (I won't get into how weird of a name the author chose) talks directly to the reader. Using phrases like "Dear reader," and asking us about our surroundings is something I would have loved when I was younger, but it just felt incredibly juvenile here.
I could not connect with any of the characters. We strictly saw everyone from Bitsy's point of view, and her personality only assigned one characteristic to each character. In the beginning, she made some questionable remarks that might be construed as fatphobic. Everyone was either handsome, scary, adorable, or something along those lines. To be stuck only seeing everyone as she did meant I never had the opportunity to form opinions of them on my own. I did not care for being in Bitsy's head. Her name should have been ditzy for how incredibly dumb and lacking observational skills she was at times.
The plot did not stand out to me, I loved the idea of Sleeping Beauty being taken to a world so unlike her own. I am shocked that this was compared to Heartless, which had fantastic world-building and atmosphere. That is a disgrace to the set-up Marissa Meyer displayed. There was nothing descriptive or immersive about this world. It was the building blocks everyone starts out with within a YA novel. On top of that, the plot was not anything new. I have read at least a dozen variations of the author's plot twists in other retellings. It is hard to stand out in the fairytale retelling genre, but there has to be something that makes me pause and appreciate it. How else are you going to get people to love your book?
As always, a big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I felt like I was reading a middle-school book was young adult content. I can 100% guarantee my mom would not have let me touch this book with a ten-foot pole when I was eleven. While it was not graphic, there was some violence, and a few kiss scenes, that would have ensured this book was used as kindling or ripped apart for art projects in my house. One of the main reasons the writing was cheesy was because Bitsy (I won't get into how weird of a name the author chose) talks directly to the reader. Using phrases like "Dear reader," and asking us about our surroundings is something I would have loved when I was younger, but it just felt incredibly juvenile here.
I could not connect with any of the characters. We strictly saw everyone from Bitsy's point of view, and her personality only assigned one characteristic to each character. In the beginning, she made some questionable remarks that might be construed as fatphobic. Everyone was either handsome, scary, adorable, or something along those lines. To be stuck only seeing everyone as she did meant I never had the opportunity to form opinions of them on my own. I did not care for being in Bitsy's head. Her name should have been ditzy for how incredibly dumb and lacking observational skills she was at times.
The plot did not stand out to me, I loved the idea of Sleeping Beauty being taken to a world so unlike her own. I am shocked that this was compared to Heartless, which had fantastic world-building and atmosphere. That is a disgrace to the set-up Marissa Meyer displayed. There was nothing descriptive or immersive about this world. It was the building blocks everyone starts out with within a YA novel. On top of that, the plot was not anything new. I have read at least a dozen variations of the author's plot twists in other retellings. It is hard to stand out in the fairytale retelling genre, but there has to be something that makes me pause and appreciate it. How else are you going to get people to love your book?
As always, a big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Want to read
August 1, 2023Thank you HarperCollins for the ARC!
September 11, 2023
Rating: 3.5, rounded up
The description of the book instantly caught my attention. However, I thought it could have been executed better if there was more character development, some addition to the plot, and if it was targeted to middle grades rather than YA.
The description of the book instantly caught my attention. However, I thought it could have been executed better if there was more character development, some addition to the plot, and if it was targeted to middle grades rather than YA.
March 30, 2024
Okay I really loved this one. The ending was really cool.
August 11, 2025
…not gonna lie, I’m kind of confused. The ending was confusing. The cover is beauty though, soooo beautiful.
February 4, 2023
0.75/5 stars! I was really excited to read this because there are not nearly enough "Sleeping Beauty" retellings out there. I was really disappointed in how this turned out. It is truly unfortunate when the cover is the best, and only great, thing about a book. There was nothing redeeming about this story. The plot was all over the place, the main character wasn't well-defined or likable, and the writing style switched between children and young adult throughout the book. I think the author could benefit from really deciding what genre they want to write and getting some revisions.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 30, 2023
Sadly this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. I loved the concept of falling into a deep sleep and simultaneously into another world and the world building is the start of something great but the story and characters didn't quite connect for me.
The writing felt like it would fit better in the middle grade zone, however the content is defiantly YA/NA so the two didn't flow so well.
Bitsy feels very middle grade in her language and innocence, the way she creeps away from trouble and minds her manners but dealing with very adult situations such as slavery/trafficking felt a little off brand for her and the situations she ended up in felt misplaced for her character.
It makes for a great fairy tale but I think it would be better pitched with less adult themes and moved into the middle grade category to suit the nature of the writing and the characters.
Speaking of characters, I didn't manage to connect with anyone in the story given that I found it hard to relate to them within the storyline. That said the main character does go through an arc and develops in character, I just didn't connect well with that journey.
Im sure with some more editing and a way of this book 'finding itself' the concept could be great but as it is, I just couldn't invest in it.
Plus sides, the cover is gorgeous and the world building was creative and intriguing.
Massive thank you to Harper 360 for sending me this arc via Netgalley, as always I'm immensely grateful for including me in your mailing lists.
The writing felt like it would fit better in the middle grade zone, however the content is defiantly YA/NA so the two didn't flow so well.
Bitsy feels very middle grade in her language and innocence, the way she creeps away from trouble and minds her manners but dealing with very adult situations such as slavery/trafficking felt a little off brand for her and the situations she ended up in felt misplaced for her character.
It makes for a great fairy tale but I think it would be better pitched with less adult themes and moved into the middle grade category to suit the nature of the writing and the characters.
Speaking of characters, I didn't manage to connect with anyone in the story given that I found it hard to relate to them within the storyline. That said the main character does go through an arc and develops in character, I just didn't connect well with that journey.
Im sure with some more editing and a way of this book 'finding itself' the concept could be great but as it is, I just couldn't invest in it.
Plus sides, the cover is gorgeous and the world building was creative and intriguing.
Massive thank you to Harper 360 for sending me this arc via Netgalley, as always I'm immensely grateful for including me in your mailing lists.
August 27, 2023
The premise of this was more enjoyable than the book itself. A retelling of Sleeping Beauty crossed with Alice in Wonderland, this book promises a world-hopping adventure with a unique twist.
Bitsy, (WHY did the author choose that name? It reminds me of a tiny white purse dog - was that the intent?) far from the ideal princess, pricks her finger on a spindle and awakens but in a realm filled with danger. As she navigates this treacherous land, her fate and future rest solely in her hands.
While the concept of reimagining Sleeping Beauty in a darker, empowering light holds promise, "Creeping Beauty" stumbles in its execution. The narrative vacillates between feeling overly youthful and excessively dark. Multiple story arcs lack satisfying resolutions, leaving loose ends that detract from the overall experience. The romance, interestingly characterized by an unlikable love interest, concludes abruptly, leaving readers wanting more closure.
Although the premise hints at potential, the execution falls short of expectations. The book's oscillation between contrasting tones and unresolved storylines detracts from its overall impact. Despite its intentions, "Creeping Beauty" may struggle to engage readers consistently.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the eARC. This is an honest review.
Bitsy, (WHY did the author choose that name? It reminds me of a tiny white purse dog - was that the intent?) far from the ideal princess, pricks her finger on a spindle and awakens but in a realm filled with danger. As she navigates this treacherous land, her fate and future rest solely in her hands.
While the concept of reimagining Sleeping Beauty in a darker, empowering light holds promise, "Creeping Beauty" stumbles in its execution. The narrative vacillates between feeling overly youthful and excessively dark. Multiple story arcs lack satisfying resolutions, leaving loose ends that detract from the overall experience. The romance, interestingly characterized by an unlikable love interest, concludes abruptly, leaving readers wanting more closure.
Although the premise hints at potential, the execution falls short of expectations. The book's oscillation between contrasting tones and unresolved storylines detracts from its overall impact. Despite its intentions, "Creeping Beauty" may struggle to engage readers consistently.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the eARC. This is an honest review.
March 31, 2024
I wanted to love this book because the premise and plot were intriguing but the last third of the book was a bit of a mess with its pacing issues and ending Bitsy's story. I also felt the characters needed a bit more background because we mainly got names and the kingdoms they were associated with. The world-building could have been great and it starts off moving in that direction and feels like the writer ran out of steam to finish off describing this wonderful world, the kingdoms within, how they got to where they are, and Bitsy plus her army's ending.
The story did start off giving me high hopes but then it started to get confusing because of how it contradicted itself and meandered a bit before jumbling together for a supposedly "epic" ending. I really thought Bitsy was going to be more and have that epic ending but it just fell flat.
I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
The story did start off giving me high hopes but then it started to get confusing because of how it contradicted itself and meandered a bit before jumbling together for a supposedly "epic" ending. I really thought Bitsy was going to be more and have that epic ending but it just fell flat.
I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley and the publisher.
July 28, 2023
I'm not sure where to start with this review. I feel like I have a lot to say. Having read the synopsis of this book, I was excited for a fairytale retelling. For the most part, they've always proved to be fun. Unfortunately, this retelling was just not it for me.
Let's start with the characters. I don't feel any of them were fleshed out well. I wasn't able to connect with them. I wasn't a fan of the main character, Bitsy. I feel like there could have been so much more growth for her, but her story felt rushed. And her annoying way of speaking to the reader just did not work with the storyline. I feel fantasy books work much better in third person as you get so much more information about the characters. Her talking to the audience was almost childlike, having to explain everything to the reader rather than showing it to the reader. The kind and Queen, too simple, not enough background. Peregrine was probably the most interesting, but he, too needed more background.
The plot left something to be desired. I didn't feel like it truly went anywhere and at the same time had so many plot lines drawn into it, it was hard to understand why they were even there. Why did we travel through these different Kingdoms? What did they lend to the story. I really liked the idea of the Sleeping Beauty story transforming into an alternate universe but it just didn't work with the writing and first person retelling. And the world building was lacking. Having shown me all these kingdoms, I would have thought to be able to picture them in my mind, but I could not.
The pacing, pretty fast, I will say, but I think it may have been more me rushing through it to get to the end rather than because I wanted to see where the story would take me.
Overall, this book missed the mark from me. The writing, the characters, the plot, all of it. I feel like it needed a huge amount of editing and ideas revamped. It does not live up to its synopsis.
Let's start with the characters. I don't feel any of them were fleshed out well. I wasn't able to connect with them. I wasn't a fan of the main character, Bitsy. I feel like there could have been so much more growth for her, but her story felt rushed. And her annoying way of speaking to the reader just did not work with the storyline. I feel fantasy books work much better in third person as you get so much more information about the characters. Her talking to the audience was almost childlike, having to explain everything to the reader rather than showing it to the reader. The kind and Queen, too simple, not enough background. Peregrine was probably the most interesting, but he, too needed more background.
The plot left something to be desired. I didn't feel like it truly went anywhere and at the same time had so many plot lines drawn into it, it was hard to understand why they were even there. Why did we travel through these different Kingdoms? What did they lend to the story. I really liked the idea of the Sleeping Beauty story transforming into an alternate universe but it just didn't work with the writing and first person retelling. And the world building was lacking. Having shown me all these kingdoms, I would have thought to be able to picture them in my mind, but I could not.
The pacing, pretty fast, I will say, but I think it may have been more me rushing through it to get to the end rather than because I wanted to see where the story would take me.
Overall, this book missed the mark from me. The writing, the characters, the plot, all of it. I feel like it needed a huge amount of editing and ideas revamped. It does not live up to its synopsis.
August 19, 2023
What I liked about the book:
1. I typically don’t like first person point of view, but Bitsy made it work well. Furthermore, I love when characters break the fourth wall! It’s hilarious on TV, it’s hilarious in movies, and its hilarious in books. Sorry, that is just never going to be not funny to me.
I loved the crazy world she traveled to and that it DIDN’T make sense! It wasn’t supposed to! This is an alternate reality not dissimilar from Wonderland.
2. I liked all the big, cartoony characters and how different everyone was. You didn’t know who she could trust, and that kept it fascinating.
I especially loved Peregrine and wanted them to be endgame! He was so cunning and vicious, but gentle with her when it counted. I loved their back and forth and really thought they were the only ones who would be able to appreciate each other at their bests and handle each other at their worsts.
3. I loved the mythology running through this world about “the one who fell from the sky”. I also really liked her character development throughout most of this going from a princess who sneaks away from tough situations to a fighter.
What could have been better:
1. There was a lot of unnecessary filler. That made it drag at a lot of points which made it hard to keep going sometimes.
2. I hated that ending. It was anticlimactic, wiped away all character development for her, and was not what I wanted or what we DESERVED! It was terrible. The end.
3. Her father’s journal entries definitely served a purpose, but they also stagnated the flow anytime they showed up. I dreaded seeing that different font and knowing we had to sit through more of that.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, HarperTeen, and Andrea Portes for the ARC. The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
1. I typically don’t like first person point of view, but Bitsy made it work well. Furthermore, I love when characters break the fourth wall! It’s hilarious on TV, it’s hilarious in movies, and its hilarious in books. Sorry, that is just never going to be not funny to me.
I loved the crazy world she traveled to and that it DIDN’T make sense! It wasn’t supposed to! This is an alternate reality not dissimilar from Wonderland.
2. I liked all the big, cartoony characters and how different everyone was. You didn’t know who she could trust, and that kept it fascinating.
I especially loved Peregrine and wanted them to be endgame! He was so cunning and vicious, but gentle with her when it counted. I loved their back and forth and really thought they were the only ones who would be able to appreciate each other at their bests and handle each other at their worsts.
3. I loved the mythology running through this world about “the one who fell from the sky”. I also really liked her character development throughout most of this going from a princess who sneaks away from tough situations to a fighter.
What could have been better:
1. There was a lot of unnecessary filler. That made it drag at a lot of points which made it hard to keep going sometimes.
2. I hated that ending. It was anticlimactic, wiped away all character development for her, and was not what I wanted or what we DESERVED! It was terrible. The end.
3. Her father’s journal entries definitely served a purpose, but they also stagnated the flow anytime they showed up. I dreaded seeing that different font and knowing we had to sit through more of that.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, HarperTeen, and Andrea Portes for the ARC. The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Read
March 10, 2023DNF @30%
I think I gave this more than a fair chance. Usually if I'm not into a story by 20% I know I won't enjoy the rest of the book.
I received the "audio" of Creeping Beauty on Netgalley. Apparently, it's not an actual audiobook, it's a "mechanized synthesized voice recording". So essentially, it's a half-step up from having Siri read for you.
There really wasn't anything I enjoyed. The sentence structures, characters, even the world didn't draw me in and bothered me.
The cover is pretty, and maybe and very young adult may enjoy this as a starter fantasy/retelling but this one isn't for me. I struck out hard with this one.
I think I gave this more than a fair chance. Usually if I'm not into a story by 20% I know I won't enjoy the rest of the book.
I received the "audio" of Creeping Beauty on Netgalley. Apparently, it's not an actual audiobook, it's a "mechanized synthesized voice recording". So essentially, it's a half-step up from having Siri read for you.
There really wasn't anything I enjoyed. The sentence structures, characters, even the world didn't draw me in and bothered me.
The cover is pretty, and maybe and very young adult may enjoy this as a starter fantasy/retelling but this one isn't for me. I struck out hard with this one.
August 22, 2023
Creeping Beauty is as you may expect a Sleeping Beauty retelling by Andrea Portes. This book is said to be a mix between Heartless and Cruel Beauty. I always enjoy reading retellings and am curious about this one. What will this retelling bring to its readers?
This book is a really good retelling. It is unique, but it is a book you either love or hate. Which can explain the many low reviews of this book. I really feel like this book doesn't deserve all of the low reviews, however I always respect the honest reviews of others. In my opinion this book is really one to recommend.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
This book is a really good retelling. It is unique, but it is a book you either love or hate. Which can explain the many low reviews of this book. I really feel like this book doesn't deserve all of the low reviews, however I always respect the honest reviews of others. In my opinion this book is really one to recommend.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
March 13, 2024
This is what happens when your ghost writer is a five year old. Ask a five year old to retell Sleeping Beauty and you know there'll be a
Should have gone with the 12 year old
And then I woke up...
Should have gone with the 12 year old
August 26, 2023
Sleeping Beauty + Alice in Wonderland + feminism. I read it as a fantasy parable, not a romantasy. Loved it. Full review to come.
February 9, 2024
The idea of this story had a lot of potential I feel, but it was executed so poorly.
July 8, 2024
I was waiting for something, anything, to happen but it never did. There was a lot of scene setting that did not advance the plot, if there was a plot.
August 21, 2023
I have to say, after seeing some reviews I started reading this book with a VERY OPEN mind. And I was very tickled by this book.
Bitsy touches a spindle and is sent falling down to a land that she does not recognize. Bitsy wants to go home, but no one knows her land and cannot help her. She runs into a man who then takes her to his kingdom Alabastrine where they imbibe in a drink called Sapphire that makes everyone beautiful, and if you’re not beautiful or rich, you are sent to the Sapphire Mines to mine the Sapphire. Bitsy wants to help the people in this world and also to escape and go home and it seems the only way to do either is to defeat The Veist.
So Bitsy may have pricked her finger on a spindle and is asleep, but this sounds more like Alice in Wonderland with the witty repartee, odd places and odd and eccentric people and word choices and phrasing. I really thought I would maybe dislike this book, but I think I needed a book filled with ridiculousness like this one because my mood said yes to this book! I truly enjoyed the hilariousness and quirkiness of this book. I swear I never knew what I was going to get. The world is so jumbled and random and the people so different. It’s interesting too because it’s funny satire and then towards the end, it became rather dark.
This book touched on some subjects and ideas that I think many need to think about today, it gets dark on some of those ideals, such as beauty, specifically on the outside. They took this substance called Sapphire that makes everyone stunningly and unnervingly beautiful. And if you’re not beautiful or rich an could not afford Sapphire, you’re kicked out and sent to the mines to mine for this stuff. It was horrible and yet, many today I think focus too much on the outside and superficiality that I could totally see people today wanting this Sapphire. There were other subjects, but I really went into this book for the story, so I went go into more detail.
Bitsy I was unsure of until the book progressed and she grew as a person from this princess who just nodded and smiled and said yes to whatever her parents said to basically a warrior and focused more on natural beauty and helping those in need, not worrying about that she’s a princess and deserves everything. She after all was considered plain in her world and here she was viewed as beautiful, but she didn’t allow that to deter her desire to be a better person and help others and not focus on just herself.
We meet Count Peregrine, and the moment he came on the scene I loved him. He reminded me of Loki, charming, vain, handsome, a ball of sunshine, with some cunning ruthlessness thrown in there, thinking about himself, and yet there seems to be some insecurities there that make him the way he is. He is very endearing and relatable to a point. He was an absolute delight! An anti-hero if you will that was very happy, and yet cunning and looked out for himself, even with Bitsy and yet you could see how that ate at him. He surprised me, and I was rooting for him through the entire book, I was really hoping him and Bitsy would be endgame with their adorable banter, and his clear and obvious attraction and love for her.
Now, the reason this is 3.5 ⭐️, leaning more towards 3 ⭐️…two things….first, the romance. What on earth! There was a very good romance going on there and I just have no words for how that never really happened or ended, it just fizzled out and left me disappointed, severely disappointed. But the ending…the ending is an open ending, and I do enjoy open endings, but the implication of this ending makes no sense! Bitsy goes from listening to her parents all the time, to being her own person, to allowing another person to influence her and to do what!? I won’t say what it is, but it makes no sense! This was seriously going to be a solid 4 ⭐️ until that ending and how the romance just never played out. I cannot express my disappointment in both of these situations, and I have great ideas as to how that could have turned out differently!
Ah well, this was such an odd book and hilarious. If you need a good laugh and are in the mood for a fantasy that’s a bit odd, quirky, funny with a bit of darkness sprinkled in there, then read it, it won’t hurt you. I’m sure it’s supposed to be all over the place, I mean Alice in Wonderland was!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bitsy touches a spindle and is sent falling down to a land that she does not recognize. Bitsy wants to go home, but no one knows her land and cannot help her. She runs into a man who then takes her to his kingdom Alabastrine where they imbibe in a drink called Sapphire that makes everyone beautiful, and if you’re not beautiful or rich, you are sent to the Sapphire Mines to mine the Sapphire. Bitsy wants to help the people in this world and also to escape and go home and it seems the only way to do either is to defeat The Veist.
So Bitsy may have pricked her finger on a spindle and is asleep, but this sounds more like Alice in Wonderland with the witty repartee, odd places and odd and eccentric people and word choices and phrasing. I really thought I would maybe dislike this book, but I think I needed a book filled with ridiculousness like this one because my mood said yes to this book! I truly enjoyed the hilariousness and quirkiness of this book. I swear I never knew what I was going to get. The world is so jumbled and random and the people so different. It’s interesting too because it’s funny satire and then towards the end, it became rather dark.
This book touched on some subjects and ideas that I think many need to think about today, it gets dark on some of those ideals, such as beauty, specifically on the outside. They took this substance called Sapphire that makes everyone stunningly and unnervingly beautiful. And if you’re not beautiful or rich an could not afford Sapphire, you’re kicked out and sent to the mines to mine for this stuff. It was horrible and yet, many today I think focus too much on the outside and superficiality that I could totally see people today wanting this Sapphire. There were other subjects, but I really went into this book for the story, so I went go into more detail.
Bitsy I was unsure of until the book progressed and she grew as a person from this princess who just nodded and smiled and said yes to whatever her parents said to basically a warrior and focused more on natural beauty and helping those in need, not worrying about that she’s a princess and deserves everything. She after all was considered plain in her world and here she was viewed as beautiful, but she didn’t allow that to deter her desire to be a better person and help others and not focus on just herself.
We meet Count Peregrine, and the moment he came on the scene I loved him. He reminded me of Loki, charming, vain, handsome, a ball of sunshine, with some cunning ruthlessness thrown in there, thinking about himself, and yet there seems to be some insecurities there that make him the way he is. He is very endearing and relatable to a point. He was an absolute delight! An anti-hero if you will that was very happy, and yet cunning and looked out for himself, even with Bitsy and yet you could see how that ate at him. He surprised me, and I was rooting for him through the entire book, I was really hoping him and Bitsy would be endgame with their adorable banter, and his clear and obvious attraction and love for her.
Now, the reason this is 3.5 ⭐️, leaning more towards 3 ⭐️…two things….first, the romance. What on earth! There was a very good romance going on there and I just have no words for how that never really happened or ended, it just fizzled out and left me disappointed, severely disappointed. But the ending…the ending is an open ending, and I do enjoy open endings, but the implication of this ending makes no sense! Bitsy goes from listening to her parents all the time, to being her own person, to allowing another person to influence her and to do what!? I won’t say what it is, but it makes no sense! This was seriously going to be a solid 4 ⭐️ until that ending and how the romance just never played out. I cannot express my disappointment in both of these situations, and I have great ideas as to how that could have turned out differently!
Ah well, this was such an odd book and hilarious. If you need a good laugh and are in the mood for a fantasy that’s a bit odd, quirky, funny with a bit of darkness sprinkled in there, then read it, it won’t hurt you. I’m sure it’s supposed to be all over the place, I mean Alice in Wonderland was!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2023
Rating0.5 stars
I almost don't know what to say about this. Creepy Beauty was just painful to read. I can count on one hand the number of books I've DNF'd and still have fingers to spare, so when I say I wanted to put this down a couple chapters in, you know it's bad. Initially, I thought it was because I was reading it while I was sick and just not in the right mood or headspace, but I looked at the other reviews and saw that, for once, I'm not in the minority opinion. I honestly had to force myself to get through Creepy Beauty, and even then, it was one of the most painful reading experiences I've had. (And as someone who doesn't DNF books often, I've had my fair share.)
All I can say is Andrea Portes tried.
She tried to make it funny and edgy and original and progressive. Unfortunately, none of those things actually worked.
The book is broken up into sections that open with entries from the king's "diary," something he does begrudgingly because he's a Man and only writes about his feelings out of love for his wife who's forced him to do so. It's supposed to be humorous and a little "down with the patriarchy!", but it's just forced and cringe, it's like a really bad, prolonged dad joke.
Then we have Princess Elizabeth "Bitsy" Whatever her last name is, which really has to be some kind of bad joke because, Bitsy? Really? She is not like other princesses. She's plain and nerdy and has mastered the art of "creeping" (a word, that unfortunately, appears far too often in the book) so she can escape her dreadfully vain cousins to go read. She wants her servants to be her maids of honor and breaks the fourth wall because she's a modern woman trapped in a patriarchal society. I mean, Portes really tries to give Bitsy a distinct and unique voice. It just...doesn't work.
Bitsy is an extremely underdeveloped, one-dimensional character and just grating as a narrator. It's like that new Persuasion movie that I refuse to watch. There's a jarring disconnect of trying to be hip and trying to fit the tone of a period piece, and it just isn't handled with enough finesse to work successfully. Her character arc is so clumsily done. She goes from being a naïve, helpless girl to a clever and strong warrior in the span of a few pages. It's like reading a self-insert story by a thirteen-year-old. Like, we've all be there, but is that a story that needs to be shared with the rest of the world? Probably not.
Creeping Beauty wants to be a dark fairytale retelling, but the writing is too juvenile. The content makes it seem like it's geared toward an older audience, but the writing almost feels like it's written for a middle grade readers. One of the reasons it was so hard for me to get into the story is because the plot is barely there until things start to pick up around the 50% mark. (Even then, things don't improve significantly.) There's just no development. The chapters are incredibly short, so the storytelling feels super choppy. The worldbuilding is completely watered down, and there's no emotional pull from the story. The attempts to make Sleeping Beauty an empowered strong female character is sloppy and heavy-handed and hampered by the random bit of romance thrown in toward then end. (Not that they're mutually exclusive, but the romance really came out of left field and was abruptly dropped without any kind of resolution.) I honestly can't say whether the "twist" at the end makes sense or if I was just so distracted with trying to get through the book that I missed some important piece of information, but the climax and ending feels haphazardly thrown together.
I love fairytale retellings, but Creepy Beauty is unpolished mess of a story. I think Andrea Portes was trying to go for some kind of Sleeping Beauty x Through the Looking Glass dark fantasy mash-up, but it feels like she just took a bunch of random elements, threw it in a blender, and called it a day. Unfortunately, the only good this book was good for was trying to help me go to sleep.
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I almost don't know what to say about this. Creepy Beauty was just painful to read. I can count on one hand the number of books I've DNF'd and still have fingers to spare, so when I say I wanted to put this down a couple chapters in, you know it's bad. Initially, I thought it was because I was reading it while I was sick and just not in the right mood or headspace, but I looked at the other reviews and saw that, for once, I'm not in the minority opinion. I honestly had to force myself to get through Creepy Beauty, and even then, it was one of the most painful reading experiences I've had. (And as someone who doesn't DNF books often, I've had my fair share.)
All I can say is Andrea Portes tried.
She tried to make it funny and edgy and original and progressive. Unfortunately, none of those things actually worked.
The book is broken up into sections that open with entries from the king's "diary," something he does begrudgingly because he's a Man and only writes about his feelings out of love for his wife who's forced him to do so. It's supposed to be humorous and a little "down with the patriarchy!", but it's just forced and cringe, it's like a really bad, prolonged dad joke.
Then we have Princess Elizabeth "Bitsy" Whatever her last name is, which really has to be some kind of bad joke because, Bitsy? Really? She is not like other princesses. She's plain and nerdy and has mastered the art of "creeping" (a word, that unfortunately, appears far too often in the book) so she can escape her dreadfully vain cousins to go read. She wants her servants to be her maids of honor and breaks the fourth wall because she's a modern woman trapped in a patriarchal society. I mean, Portes really tries to give Bitsy a distinct and unique voice. It just...doesn't work.
Bitsy is an extremely underdeveloped, one-dimensional character and just grating as a narrator. It's like that new Persuasion movie that I refuse to watch. There's a jarring disconnect of trying to be hip and trying to fit the tone of a period piece, and it just isn't handled with enough finesse to work successfully. Her character arc is so clumsily done. She goes from being a naïve, helpless girl to a clever and strong warrior in the span of a few pages. It's like reading a self-insert story by a thirteen-year-old. Like, we've all be there, but is that a story that needs to be shared with the rest of the world? Probably not.
Creeping Beauty wants to be a dark fairytale retelling, but the writing is too juvenile. The content makes it seem like it's geared toward an older audience, but the writing almost feels like it's written for a middle grade readers. One of the reasons it was so hard for me to get into the story is because the plot is barely there until things start to pick up around the 50% mark. (Even then, things don't improve significantly.) There's just no development. The chapters are incredibly short, so the storytelling feels super choppy. The worldbuilding is completely watered down, and there's no emotional pull from the story. The attempts to make Sleeping Beauty an empowered strong female character is sloppy and heavy-handed and hampered by the random bit of romance thrown in toward then end. (Not that they're mutually exclusive, but the romance really came out of left field and was abruptly dropped without any kind of resolution.) I honestly can't say whether the "twist" at the end makes sense or if I was just so distracted with trying to get through the book that I missed some important piece of information, but the climax and ending feels haphazardly thrown together.
I love fairytale retellings, but Creepy Beauty is unpolished mess of a story. I think Andrea Portes was trying to go for some kind of Sleeping Beauty x Through the Looking Glass dark fantasy mash-up, but it feels like she just took a bunch of random elements, threw it in a blender, and called it a day. Unfortunately, the only good this book was good for was trying to help me go to sleep.
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2023
When I first came across Creeping Beauty on NetGalley my interest was piqued. A fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty where the princess isn't dependent on a prince to save her? Count me in! Sadly, this book was not what I was expecting. While there were a lot of things about this book that had me disappointed, there were also a lot of things I really enjoyed.
First of all, the atmosphere of the story was everything I'd expect from a fairytale retelling. While reading I really did feel like I was in a fairytale, and the descriptions were well done and gave me clear pictures of what the world looked like. However, the world-building could have been more well-done, and the world didn't make a lot of sense. The story had a vibe similar to Caraval, as you were never quite sure what was real, who you could trust, or what was happening. This is one of the things that kept me interested and ultimately made me finish the book. I wanted to learn how the story ended and why everything happened, as we weren't shown why she fell asleep, to begin with, and I couldn't quite piece it together on my own.
That being said, the plot kept hinting at a plot point that never saw the light of day. We were led to believe that Peregrine would be the Prince Charming that would wake her, but she ultimately saved herself, sort of. Although I'm normally all for the princess/heroine saving herself. However, as the book kept hinting at the feelings and tension between Bitsy and Peregrine I was left feeling deprived of their love story.
Although Bitsy and Peregrine were well-defined, three-dimensional characters with clear motives, all of the other characters were not. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional. I would've loved to see more growth and backstory to some of the secondary characters, especially Keela and her son, as well as Shakvi and the rest of the Azelle. As mentioned Bitsy and Peregrine were both well written and they both had well-developed arcs throughout the book.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the first 70% of the story but as we got towards the climax and the ending it started to feel rushed and everything that happened felt very convenient. When we finally met the villain of the story, they were defeated too easily and in the moment we had no idea how Bitsy knew what to do. The villain, as well as all the other characters, didn't really have a clear motive for their actions, and the motive was only revealed after the conflict was resolved. After the conflict was resolved we finally got to learn who the villain was and why she put Bitsy to sleep, but it didn't really make sense. After everything is revealed the story ends with Bitsy having a strong urge to prick her finger on the spindle again. It is only hinted at how the story ends, and we're left with an open ending.
Although I do really love the open ending and being able to kind of choose what happens next, the ending leaves much to be desired. The questions we had during the story were barely answered in the end, and it felt rushed and forced. I enjoyed the journey a whole lot more than I did the destination.
2.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, the atmosphere of the story was everything I'd expect from a fairytale retelling. While reading I really did feel like I was in a fairytale, and the descriptions were well done and gave me clear pictures of what the world looked like. However, the world-building could have been more well-done, and the world didn't make a lot of sense. The story had a vibe similar to Caraval, as you were never quite sure what was real, who you could trust, or what was happening. This is one of the things that kept me interested and ultimately made me finish the book. I wanted to learn how the story ended and why everything happened, as we weren't shown why she fell asleep, to begin with, and I couldn't quite piece it together on my own.
That being said, the plot kept hinting at a plot point that never saw the light of day. We were led to believe that Peregrine would be the Prince Charming that would wake her, but she ultimately saved herself, sort of. Although I'm normally all for the princess/heroine saving herself. However, as the book kept hinting at the feelings and tension between Bitsy and Peregrine I was left feeling deprived of their love story.
Although Bitsy and Peregrine were well-defined, three-dimensional characters with clear motives, all of the other characters were not. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional. I would've loved to see more growth and backstory to some of the secondary characters, especially Keela and her son, as well as Shakvi and the rest of the Azelle. As mentioned Bitsy and Peregrine were both well written and they both had well-developed arcs throughout the book.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the first 70% of the story but as we got towards the climax and the ending it started to feel rushed and everything that happened felt very convenient. When we finally met the villain of the story, they were defeated too easily and in the moment we had no idea how Bitsy knew what to do. The villain, as well as all the other characters, didn't really have a clear motive for their actions, and the motive was only revealed after the conflict was resolved. After the conflict was resolved we finally got to learn who the villain was and why she put Bitsy to sleep, but it didn't really make sense. After everything is revealed the story ends with Bitsy having a strong urge to prick her finger on the spindle again. It is only hinted at how the story ends, and we're left with an open ending.
Although I do really love the open ending and being able to kind of choose what happens next, the ending leaves much to be desired. The questions we had during the story were barely answered in the end, and it felt rushed and forced. I enjoyed the journey a whole lot more than I did the destination.
2.5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2023
Introduction
I was given an earc by Harper360ya. Reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. I will always try to avoid spoilers in all reviews as well. #CreepingBeauty #Harper360ya #AndreaPortes #AD #BookReview
Review
Creeping Beauty was a book that instantly caught my attention. A re-telling of Sleeping Beauty with elements of an almost Through the Looking Glass style. It was hard not be excited. While this wasn’t a full five stars, probably a 3.5 rounded to 4 for me it did have a good premise let down by a few pieces along the way.
Elizabeth ‘Bitsy’ is not an ideal princess, she’s heard it all. She’s so plain, she lacks grace, the best thing to do is wait for a prince to grant her an happy ending but then she pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. No one ages in this world and everyone is beautiful where an inscrutable evil rests at it’s core. In this land Bitsy’s fate and future are solely in her hands and neither are what she expects.
First of all, as I said I adored this was a bit of a mash up of Sleeping Beauty with elements of Through the Looking Glass and touches of Neverland/Peter Pan. I also enjoyed, although it was used a lot, the breaking of the fourth wall with Bitsy addressing the ‘dear reader’ throughout. It had elements of Jane Eyre. That said those elements I do think might have been executed a tad better.
The chapters and style were very short making it quick to read. Because the story is meant to be potentially a ‘dream’ of Bitsy I did find that the disjointed and episodic style while it might have normally been odd worked when I kept this in mind. I personally have never had a dream that flows perfectly and isn’t a bit fragmented but I can see why some readers may not like this. In terms of tone it would be lower end young adult, just past middle grade. While there were a few bits of action and a few kiss scenes etc there was nothing to make me feel, paired with the tone, that would make it aimed at higher end young adult or bordering new adult but I still did enjoy this.
I think because of the style of writing and tone some may not enjoy this one but for me it was certainly entertaining and one I did enjoy, especially with the elements of other fairy tales. I did like the unique style but admit a few times I had to remind myself this was meant to be a sort of dream/alternate world. if you keep that in mind I think you will enjoy this one!
Brilliant its very good
Hashtags
#CreepingBeauty #Harper360ya #HarperTeen #AndreaPortes #AD #BookReview #BookReview #BookReviewer #BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
I was given an earc by Harper360ya. Reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. I will always try to avoid spoilers in all reviews as well. #CreepingBeauty #Harper360ya #AndreaPortes #AD #BookReview
Review
Creeping Beauty was a book that instantly caught my attention. A re-telling of Sleeping Beauty with elements of an almost Through the Looking Glass style. It was hard not be excited. While this wasn’t a full five stars, probably a 3.5 rounded to 4 for me it did have a good premise let down by a few pieces along the way.
Elizabeth ‘Bitsy’ is not an ideal princess, she’s heard it all. She’s so plain, she lacks grace, the best thing to do is wait for a prince to grant her an happy ending but then she pricks her finger on a spindle and falls down into a world where cutthroats and con artists are more common than curtsies. No one ages in this world and everyone is beautiful where an inscrutable evil rests at it’s core. In this land Bitsy’s fate and future are solely in her hands and neither are what she expects.
First of all, as I said I adored this was a bit of a mash up of Sleeping Beauty with elements of Through the Looking Glass and touches of Neverland/Peter Pan. I also enjoyed, although it was used a lot, the breaking of the fourth wall with Bitsy addressing the ‘dear reader’ throughout. It had elements of Jane Eyre. That said those elements I do think might have been executed a tad better.
The chapters and style were very short making it quick to read. Because the story is meant to be potentially a ‘dream’ of Bitsy I did find that the disjointed and episodic style while it might have normally been odd worked when I kept this in mind. I personally have never had a dream that flows perfectly and isn’t a bit fragmented but I can see why some readers may not like this. In terms of tone it would be lower end young adult, just past middle grade. While there were a few bits of action and a few kiss scenes etc there was nothing to make me feel, paired with the tone, that would make it aimed at higher end young adult or bordering new adult but I still did enjoy this.
I think because of the style of writing and tone some may not enjoy this one but for me it was certainly entertaining and one I did enjoy, especially with the elements of other fairy tales. I did like the unique style but admit a few times I had to remind myself this was meant to be a sort of dream/alternate world. if you keep that in mind I think you will enjoy this one!
Brilliant its very good
Hashtags
#CreepingBeauty #Harper360ya #HarperTeen #AndreaPortes #AD #BookReview #BookReview #BookReviewer #BookBlogger #BookHoader #FantasticRead #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book
July 20, 2023
Thank you to Harper Collins Children’s Books, Harper 360, Harper Teen and NetGalley for the arc of Creeping Beauty by Andrea Portes in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. Prior to reading this fairy tale retelling, I had read several rather negative reviews, commenting on the style of prose and PoV of the story. However, I continued to read the arc as I am a lover of fairy tale retellings and from the original premise this appeared to be an intriguing perspective and story.
I would describe Creeping Beauty as a cross between Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz, with a definite splash of female empowerment and autonomy. There is no question, this book is more targeted at the younger end of YA but, despite that it still takes a firm stance on misogyny, cruelty, enslavement, colonialism and contains themes that could distress or trigger the very young, such as self-harm, suicide, parental neglect and other themes of cruelty.
The protagonist of the story Bitsy (Elizabeth,) is portrayed as a very innocent and childish character, cocooned within a world controlled by her parents, who display worryingly fixed and misogynistic views, that from their perspective determine Bitsy’s life, including marrying her off before she reaches the age of 18. These views are compounded by the intersection of her father, the King writing in his own diary throughout the story.
In the tradition of Sleeping Beauty, Bitsy falls into a slumber from which she cannot be awaken but, unbeknownst to her parents and all those around her she is living a new life in a new world, which involves facing numerous and significant challenges, including cannibalism, enslavement, and more. It is in this world that Bitsy goes on a journey of growth and there is a distinct journey that if you stay with the story is both moving and empowering. And as for the happy ending, well how I believe how you judge the story will tell you a lot about yourself.
This is a thought provoking read that despite the negative reviews, has a lot to say for itself. I won’t challenge that a little more editorial support would have made this a tighter and more enticing telling but, the plot and flow is nuanced and well managed, and it meets the requirements for a young YA story that challenges the reader about their own views and preconceptions.
I would describe Creeping Beauty as a cross between Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz, with a definite splash of female empowerment and autonomy. There is no question, this book is more targeted at the younger end of YA but, despite that it still takes a firm stance on misogyny, cruelty, enslavement, colonialism and contains themes that could distress or trigger the very young, such as self-harm, suicide, parental neglect and other themes of cruelty.
The protagonist of the story Bitsy (Elizabeth,) is portrayed as a very innocent and childish character, cocooned within a world controlled by her parents, who display worryingly fixed and misogynistic views, that from their perspective determine Bitsy’s life, including marrying her off before she reaches the age of 18. These views are compounded by the intersection of her father, the King writing in his own diary throughout the story.
In the tradition of Sleeping Beauty, Bitsy falls into a slumber from which she cannot be awaken but, unbeknownst to her parents and all those around her she is living a new life in a new world, which involves facing numerous and significant challenges, including cannibalism, enslavement, and more. It is in this world that Bitsy goes on a journey of growth and there is a distinct journey that if you stay with the story is both moving and empowering. And as for the happy ending, well how I believe how you judge the story will tell you a lot about yourself.
This is a thought provoking read that despite the negative reviews, has a lot to say for itself. I won’t challenge that a little more editorial support would have made this a tighter and more enticing telling but, the plot and flow is nuanced and well managed, and it meets the requirements for a young YA story that challenges the reader about their own views and preconceptions.
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