Thornwood
(Sisters Ever After #1)

In her middle grade debut, Cypess (the Death Sworn series) reframes "Sleeping Beauty," retelling the classic from the viewpoint of an overlooked but determined little sister. Resourceful narrator Princess Briony, 11, "who never even got a blessing from a fairy godmother," is well aware of the fairy curse set to befall her older sibling, Rosalin, on her 16th year, and would like to think that she'd be brave enough to help her sister, if it came to it. When Briony wakes up a century after Rosalin's birthday, alone in a room housing a "very large, very illegal spinning wheel," she has a good feel for what happened. But the end of the curse seems off, somehow: Rosalin is initially nowhere to be found, savior Prince Varian is acting suspiciously, a mysterious fairy godmother is lurking in the shadows, and the castle remains enveloped by aggressive vines. As the sisters, who are white, attempt to free their home, they realize they're caught up in a magical scheme of epic proportions, and the only solution may require an unthinkable sacrifice. Incorporating surprising twists and subverting tropes to emphasize sibling bonds over romance, Cypess creates a fun tale with a strong heroine whose happily ever after isn't set in stone. Ages 9-12. Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger. (Apr.)

Gr 4 Up-Everyone— knows about Rosalin, aka Sleeping Beauty, but almost no one knows about Briony, her younger sister, who wakes up to find herself in the castle tower with no memory of how she got there or how she seems to be awake before anyone else. Briony shows up just in time to see the prince kiss her sister and wake her from the curse. But the prince isn't exactly who he said he was, and the thorns aren't retreating from the castle, keeping everyone trapped inside. Briony might just be able to figure out the answer—but no one ever listens to the little sister! This retelling adds an original twist to a beloved classic and gives a younger sister a chance to earn a little of the spotlight. All the main characters—the sisters, the prince, and Briony's new friend Edwin—appear to be light-skinned. VERDICT A fun, compelling story that will keep readers engaged; recommended for younger siblings, fans of princess stories, and fantasy lovers.—Amanda Toth, Lane Lib., Hamilton, OH