Thank you NetGalley and R.L. Perez for the ARC of Crown of Slumber! I loved this book!! It had all the trophes I love: Dragons, Enemies to Lovers, Fairytale Retelling, you name it!! I can’t wait to read more of R.L. Perez!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5

Thank you so much R.L Perez for letting me read the ARC for this book from Netgalley!

I absolutely adored this book! It was such a great romantasy read, it had all the elements I love

✅Dragons
✅Enemies to Lovers
✅Fairytale Retelling


Im a big Disney/Fairytale fan, so when I saw this was a sleeping beauty retelling I requested it straight away and it did not disappoint !!! I need my own dragon like Mal now 🥹! Thank you again for letting me read this ARC 🖤

Fantasy
Sleeping Beauty Retelling
Spicy
Strong FMC
Dragons


This is truly a great twist on a classic fairy tale. The author really did this one justice and I loved all the new elements.

Princess Aurelia loves her dragons so much that she refuses to part with any of them. The other courts try their best to acquire them through any means possible but Aurelia’s special bond with the dragons has her holding on to them at all costs.

When a strange curse befalls her Kingdom leaving everyone in a deep sleep except for Aurelia and a handsome stranger, Aurelia has to make a blood bargain in order to save her Kingdom.

If you enjoy adult versions of children’s fairy tales then this a very good place to start.
I really enjoyed this quick read and recommend it to anyone who loves a good action packed romantasy.

Please note that this book does contain trigger warnings so please read those before reading the book.



I voluntarily read and reviewed a free advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this e-arc.

I like the retellings where the there are elements that remind me of the original story (little details, not the main storyline), but the events are different. This book managed to capture exactly that, using Sleeping Beauty as an inspiration.

Now, this story is filled with many many things people love: fae, magic, dragons, handsome guys and so on, but it's not only a mix of troupes, the characters are actually well written and I like the way they interact and how their decisions (individually taken or together) affect everybody else. Not to talk about her past and how she delt with everything. There is also a plot twist and it's quite unexpected, but not non-sensical.

Personally I enjoyed the book, I can't way it was mind-blowing, but it was something I'm sure many people would enjoy and also something that could (if it isn't already) be easily found on booktok as a recommendation. So, that's a strong 4.5/5 stars for me, rounded up

This book is an absolute masterpiece, offering a refreshing and bold take on magic and human emotion. It goes far beyond the typical fairy tale, diving into the complexities of power, pain, and identity without relying on the usual tropes. The story delivers depth and richness, focusing on personal transformation and resilience in a way that feels raw and real.

What truly sets this apart is its ability to explore dark themes without losing hope, weaving magic into the narrative as a force of nature rather than a whimsical element. The characters and their struggles felt so vivid that I wasn’t just reading, I was living every moment alongside them.

This isn't just a story, it's an experience. An extraordinary, unforgettable read that I’d easily give five stars! Thank you Willow Haven Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

Sleeping Beauty retelling. This book was a good read… I just felt like it wasn’t for me… slow, repetitive, very lacking of emotions… and felt a bit idk rushed maybe that’s not the right term for it. I just couldn’t get into this one. There was a lack of character development and I felt like Fennick and Aurelia was an attempt at enemies-lovers but it just wasn’t really that. At least that’s not what I would consider it as when compared to other enemies-lovers tropes I have read before.

I do believe others will enjoy this book but it was not for me. It took me awhile to get into this book. I did put it down for a few days then picked it back up to finish.

This is an ARC read via NetGalley 🤍—Reviews/Opinions are honest and my own. I will review on TIKTOK after release date- @abbi.dawn2

Release Date- September 15, 2024

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC.

Crown of Slumber has a well-thought-out plot, and I appreciated the realistic emotions and motivations of the characters. The Sleeping Beauty retelling was enjoyable, though I wish the plot twist had been better foreshadowed. While the emotional depth could have been explored more by "showing" rather than "telling," the romance, including the spicy moments, was beautifully written and a definite highlight. Overall, a solid read & very entertaining, with room for more depth. (3.75/5)

I love a good retelling, and was excited to see this one was Sleeping Beauty! I loved the take on it! Dragons! There were elements I definitely wasn’t expecting, and I truly enjoyed them. The banter was definitely bantering! The world building really worked for me, and it was easy to imagine myself there. The FMC was strong yet still vulnerable. I can't recommend this book to enough people. The romance and the entire book really is well written. I really like the alternating POVs. The whole story wasn't spicy, but hoo boy, that spice was hot when it was there.

Rating : 5/5
Spice Level: 3/5

Enemies to lovers meets sleeping beauty meets fake dating in this royal fae romance. Princess Aurelia must find a husband to become Queen and align herself with another kingdom to provide strength and safety to her people. However, every suitor just wants to mansplains politics and see her dragons. Aurelia simply wants a betrothed that will respect and protect both her people and dragons. Then Prince Fenn from her kingdom's enemy shows up and Aurelia's kingdom has fallen under a sleeping curse. The only way to break the curse is obtaining stardust, a rare substance produced in Prince Fenn's kingdom. Aurelia is suspicious but desperate and strikes a deal with Prince Fenn. They will pretend to be engaged and he will help her break her kingdom's curse.

I absolutely love this book and that is coming from a person who hates sleeping beauty retellings. This book was exciting and kept my attention throughout with every twist and turn. And I loved the main characters. Princess Aurelia is wild and strong. She is fiercely protective of her kingdom and I loved how even as the relationship between her and the MMC started forming she reminded herself of her people. I get so frustrated in some romantasy novels when their world is falling apart and they are just playing footsie with their new love. The MMC is what I would call a good bad boy which are honestly my favorite type. He has his flaws but he defends the FMC ferociously and reminds her of her strength. Their banter is amazing. Their relationship feels realistic as it builds over time with many setbacks. I enjoyed every part of this book and highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this arc! All thoughts in this review are my own.

Who doesn't love a fairytale retelling! I think sleeping beauty is one of my favorites. While overall I enjoyed this read, it was a quick read. We have dragons, witches, fae, a good plot and a strong FMC. Lots of banter between MMC and FMC in this one. World building throughout gives you a chance to step into the courts and their world. The points I didn't like were at times the writing felt choppy, unfinished...and there is a spicy scene that just doesn't sit well with the book.

So if you like enemies to lovers, fake relationships, unique magic system, secrets, and more-- check it out!

➳ 2.75 stars

Special thanks to netgalley, publishers, and R.L. Perez for providing me with an eARC. As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.

Growing up Sleeping Beauty was one of my favorite Disney fairytales so going into this I was very excited. To say I was disappointed would unfortunately be an understatement 😔.

To start off this book didn’t have the initial intrigue that the original fairytale had. While the vibes intrigued me a bit it just had a bit of a messy feel to it. The world building was one of the things that this book lacked. Plus there wasn’t much background and character development to go off of the world building.

Then the writing was both repetitive and cringey. Some of it I was going to look past but it just kept on happening. And for a book that’s five hundred pages it just stuck out.

I did enjoy some of our main couples banter and romance but I just wasn’t obsessed. I also wasn’t crazy about the plot. At the beginning I was intrigued but it eventually fell flat. Overall I was pretty bored and just didn’t connect much with the characters and the story sadly.

Princess Aurelia is the crown princess of the summer court. Her fae kingdom is special within all other courts as they are the only ones with dragons. Her connection and love for these is so strong that she is fighting for their rights to live in peace, not be imprisoned and used by the other courts.
One day when she is coming back from a ride she is meeting a handsome unknown fae male in her woods and really enjoys the encounter. When she returns in her castle her whole world is shuttered. A sleeping spell has befallen the whole castle as well as their army. The unknown guys shows up Aurelia first thinks he might be responsible for all of this but then it turns out he is Prince Fenn and wanted to strike a bargain with her as his country need urgently dragon fire to keep his people save from the onslaught of unseemly beast which hunt and kill them. As he can offer start dust, the substance needed to break this curse, both agree to work together for the good of their countries.
During their journey both learn more and more about each other and also start to see behind the masks they wear in front of others but both have secrets which could destroy their starting trust in each other.

Wow, I really enjoyed this book!
The writing is fluid and right from the start I was directly in the story. What really impressed me is how the author used the well know story of Sleeping Beauty and turned it into a stunning new version of it. I mean using fae, magic and dragons in it I never thought it would work out and I am totally impressed how much I like it. Using the sleeping spell on the court and having the princess being the only who has to break the spell is a really good idea. Also that she is a strong character and has help here in form a her favourite dragon and the crown prince is well done. I don´t want to spoiler here but that also the spinning wheel shows up here was for me brilliantly worked into the story.
Aurelia and her love for her dragons is very well written. Also her affection for her family and that she is willing to fight for her country. We learn about her dark secrets which makes her in my eyes even more special.
Fenn is for me the perfect counterpart here. He is good looking, likes to have fun and enjoys the company of willing females to entertain him. This is the mask he shows the world. To see what is underneath this mask, his believes, for what he is fighting and risking all was well written.
Also for me the chemistry between these two is believable and I really like the erotic encounter we read here.
I really like that both of them have their own strength, different weaknesses but both discover so much in this not only about themselves but also about secrets about them, what is really important for them and for what they are willing to risk all.

So who likes story re telling, who likes fantasy and who likes strong female characters should check this out.

I’m obsessed with any time of retelling books so as soon as I started reading i was immediately hooked. I like how the book was fast paced but nothing was confusing and I was still able to understand the world building and everything else that was going on. I’m a sucker for dual povs as well, it really gives us a glimpse of how both Fenn and Aurelia think.
The plot twist at the end really threw me for a loop. This book was very entertaining and fun to read. I will definitely be adding this to my reread list

This book was something, I enjoyed the twisted on the sleeping beauty retelling and the inclusion of dragons. This story was well written, and the banter was great. The pull and supply was chefs kiss. Aurelia spent most her life trying to live up to being something someone her parents wanted to be only for them to be put under a sleeping spell! Conveniently this happens when a prince from a enemy kingdom is visiting her to ask for help because his own kingdom is in danger. This story is a little bit side questy but not overly so so I found it enjoyable instead of irritating.

This book was a great time!
I always love a good retelling and this being sleeping beauty did not disappoint

The novel is part of the Night Queen series, and while it builds on prior installments, it stands strong as its own unique narrative.

The book centers around a complex and multifaceted protagonist, who is caught between her desires, her duty, and a looming threat that promises to unravel her world. The tension throughout the story is palpable, as Perez masterfully intertwines themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and identity. The story’s dream-based magic system is another highlight, lending the novel a surreal, almost ethereal quality that adds layers of complexity to both the world and its characters.

Perez’s writing is fluid and immersive, with descriptive language that paints rich, sensory-filled scenes. The pacing is well-balanced, seamlessly alternating between fast-paced action and quieter, introspective moments. The characters are diverse and relatable, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Perhaps one of the novel’s strongest suits is its exploration of power dynamics, both external and internal. The protagonist’s journey of self-discovery is rife with challenges, and the emotional stakes feel real and grounded, despite the fantastical setting. Fans of strong female leads will find much to admire in the heroine’s arc, which is empowering without being overly idealized.

While Crown of Slumber does follow some familiar fantasy tropes—such as the chosen one narrative and royal intrigue—Perez’s unique world-building and character development keep it from feeling predictable. There are plenty of twists, turns, and emotional beats that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next book.

In *Crown of Slumber*, the enchanting yet treacherous world of fae magic comes to life in a captivating retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale. Princess Aurelia finds herself at the heart of a deadly curse that has engulfed her family, and her only chance for salvation rests with the wicked Prince Fenn, whose kingdom holds the key to breaking the spell: stardust.

From the very beginning, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. Aurelia's determination to save her loved ones is admirable, but it’s her reluctant alliance with Prince Fenn that drives the narrative forward. The dynamic between these two characters is electric; what starts as a transactional relationship evolves into a complicated web of emotions, secrets, and unexpected revelations.

The author expertly crafts a world filled with dark fae magic and court intrigues, immersing readers in a realm where deception and danger lurk around every corner. Fenn’s character is particularly compelling; beneath his charming exterior lies a depth that Aurelia begins to uncover. Their banter is witty and sharp, but it’s the moments of vulnerability that truly resonate, making their budding romance feel authentic and layered.

As Aurelia delves deeper into Fenn’s court, the secrets she discovers add a thrilling edge to the story. The tension builds as she grapples with her growing feelings for Fenn while questioning whether she can truly trust him. The stakes rise not only for her family but also for her very soul, leading to a gripping climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

*Crown of Slumber* masterfully balances romance and suspense, weaving in elements of dark magic and political intrigue that elevate the traditional fairy tale into something fresh and engaging. It’s a tale of love, sacrifice, and the complexity of human emotions, all wrapped in a beautifully crafted fantasy setting.

For fans of fairy tale retellings and those who enjoy intricate plots with a touch of romance, this book is a must-read. *Crown of Slumber* is a spellbinding journey that leaves you longing for more, perfectly setting the stage for the next installment in the Crowns of the Fae series.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I was enamored
with this book.
Sleeping Beauty has always been one of my
favorites and this retelling did not disappoint!
Princess Aurelia and Prince Fenn's
story started
enemies from
opposing kingdoms.
Both dealing with difficulties that brought
them together in order to save their kingdoms.
Their witty banter and heated glances
are enough to keep you on your toes
as their romance slowely burns
to life
but once the spark is ignited their
in no quelling the flames that
ignite between them.
There are many twists
and turns
through the book to keep you on
the edge of you seat but oh are they
delectable.
Highly reccomend!

I was captivated by this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, it really drew me in and i finished it within a few hours.
I loved the characters and how they developed as themselves and with each other.
I loved how each chapter was their own points of view.
It was dramatic, magical, romantic, spicy, exciting and adventurous.
I loved the slow burn of their romance and the exchanges the main characters had between each other i was routing for them from the beginning.
I am looking forward to more from this author.