Resisting a fairytale is impossible so when I saw Thornwood was available, I jumped at the chance to read it. Leah Cypess gives us a terrific twist on the Sleeping Beauty story that readers won’t soon forget. The tale is told from the point of view of Briony, the sister of Rosalin (Sleeping Beauty) as we’re given a new perspective on a classic. While recognizable, Cypess gives the story her own details, villains, and challenges. Additionally, she pops in some surprises that add to the depth of the plot. We also get to meet a few new characters besides Briony, who enhance the quirkiness and humor of the novel. This is book one of the Sisters Ever After series so readers can look forward to more like this from Leah. Those who love a fairytale, especially a spin on one, will love Thornwood.
Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Random House Children’s Books
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Many (28) brief incidents including character worried about others and self being hurt or killed; character wanting to hurt another; implied abuse; character could fall off a roof and get hurt; character will prick finger; characters will fight; character must die to save others; references to characters getting hurt; references to characters having died; second-hand report of character pricking finger; characters running into each other and falling down; characters getting small injuries from thorns; characters getting attacked by plants and life threatened. One extended incident of characters getting attacked by a plant that tries to kill them (might be a bit intense for younger audiences).
Sex/Nudity: Several (19) brief incidents including kissing; arm around; holding hands; characters verbally expressing their love for each other; characters dancing; reference to character getting courted; hugging; a simile given of a character dancing in his underwear.
Mature Subject Matter:
A few references to animal droppings and human bodily functions.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
A few references to wine; reference to characters needing ale; reference to characters getting drunk.
