3 Stars

Big thanks to the publisher and author for sending me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book didn’t let me catch my breath. It kept building tension on top of tension right up until the very end. Just when I thought I had the twist all figured out, it totally blindsided me. I was so wrong, and honestly, I loved being surprised like that.

Here’s what I really enjoyed:

1. Dragons: I mean, come on, it’s dragons. Of course, I loved them! Who wouldn’t?
2. WorldBuilding: The world itself was super immersive. The way the magic worked, the political drama between the courts—it all made the world feel real and exciting.
3. Characterization: No helpless, innocent heroine here, thank goodness! And the MMC wasn’t your typical dark, brooding hunk either. It was so refreshing to read characters that broke away from those tired old tropes.

But I’ve got to be honest, there was one thing that really bugged me. At this super crucial, intense moment in the story, the FMC suddenly decided it was a good time to, well… let’s just say she got really intimate with the MMC. Like, why?? It totally killed the vibe and ruined the momentum for me. And don’t even get me started on the cheesy lovey-dovey banter that followed—it was so cringey! Why?? why?? why did it have to happen during such a pivotal scene??

So, did I like the book? Yeah, I think I did. Would I recommend it? For sure, if you’re into romantasy with killer world-building and dragons. Just be prepared for that one weird moment.

I love standalones and dragons. This book was perfect for me. The pacing did feel somewhat slow at times and that's why I knocked a star off; otherwise, it would have been five stars. The characters are all dynamic and are full thought out. It has just enough spice for me. Absolutely enjoyed this read.

I received this book as an arc from NetGalley. I thought the book was rather good, however I don’t think it’s something I’d read more than once or twice.

I liked that it was a standalone but I also think because of that, that there were a handful of plot holes that could have been resolved if the book had been stretched into two books.

It contains a few popular tropes such as enemies to lovers, fake relationship, and forced proximity. It also has dragons which everyone loves and the way the dragons are created in this story are very interesting.

I enjoyed seeing the banter between the two main characters. I liked how their relationship grew, especially after starting their fake relationship.

Aurelia did get on my nerves at times when she would start fights for seemingly no reason. I’m sure the fights were meant to further the plot but at times they seemed unreasonable. I felt bad for Fenn every time it happened.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone if they asked about it.

Who doesn’t love a good sleeping beauty retelling and a book full of dragons! I absolutely loved this book, honestly more than I thought I was going to!! Read it in 2 days.

It was definitely a new spin on the classic fairytale. The characters and plot of the story were thought out, the world building was complex but not to complex that it was hard to follow. Dragons play a huge part in this story, which added to my love for the book.

It had just enough spice, could have had even a little more between the characters! Loved that he fell first! My heart ❤️❤️ this book definitely kept me on my toes the entire story!

I was given the opportunity to read Crown Of Slumber by R.L.Perez as an ARC for an honest review. For anyone with triggers, please note that the book includes elements of SA.

*No spoilers.*
The story is loosely based on the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty, and it was fun finding some of the Easter Eggs. For me this book had some of my most favourite elements: Enemies-to-Lovers with a healthy amount of spice, Witchcraft and Dragons, as well as politics/feuds between neighbouring kingdoms. The book is written in a dual POV which made it easier to connect with the two main characters. I was immediately sucked into the story and it kept me interested throughout, with several twists and surprises. I believe that the book will be part of a series, but it is a stand-alone story which does not end on a cliffhanger, though that made the end feel slightly rushed.

Total rating for me is 4.5 stars. Definitely one of my favourite reads this year so far. (I will leave a copy of my review on Amazon after publication.)

A great first book for a romantasy series based on fairytales. This one is loosely based on Sleeping Beauty, and i enjoyed every second of it!!
The pacing for this was just perfect, with the action kicking off almost immediately. There was never a dull moment when reading through this, and i enjoyed the dual pov a lot more than i thought i would.
Both of the characters were really fun and interesting, and they had almost entirely opposite personalities which made for some really funny banter/teasing/flirting back and forth between them!!

I adored all of the tropes that were present in this book too. We're talking; enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience/arranged marriage/fake marriage, he falls hard and fast, and THE DRAGONS!!!
This book definitely felt like the love child between ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, with a lot of overlapping themes and events, and even a lot of world descriptions and elements that felt like they were inspired by those books. Saying that though, it worked really well to give this book a slightly unique voice in the retelling of a classic fairytale like Sleeping Beauty.

The one thing i wish had been done differently, or was included more in this book was build up and tension. Like i said, i really enjoyed how quickly paced this book was, and the fact that we were thrown into things almost immediately, but i do think that a little more time could have been taken right at the start of the book to lay out some ground rules, paint a very clear picture about the different courts dynamics and politics, and exactly where the main characters were at in their lives before meeting each other. I only say this because being thrown right into the action less than 50 pages in just meant that i didn't form that deep connection or understanding with either of the characters before everything kicked off. It just meant that everything that was happening didn't have such a big emotional impact.
Overall things also felt a little rushed in the end, but they usually are for standalone romantasy books so this isn't by any means out of the ordinary. Some things could have more than likely been left out in the middle of the book to give it a cleaner and less rushed ending, but it was still a very enjoyable read!!

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the chance to read a copy of this book <3

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeTy1wNB/

Book review Crown of Slumber by R.L. Perez
A Sleeping Beauty Retelling
Pub Date Sep 15 2024
Rating ⭐️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy 🌶️: 🌶️🌶️

I am grateful to have received this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Spoiler alert

Wow this book was brilliant, it was enemies to lovers, sleeping beauty curse, healing through trauma, loss of memory.

They hit it off from the start until they found out who the other person was. They strike a deal that will help them both protect their people and save them.

They hated each other but had to pretend to like each other, they fight side by side, they had to share a room, her bathing while he sleeps in the best beside her. They then fell in love, although he fell in love first and he protected her, he helped her with her trauma and was there for her through it all.

The description and detail of the dragons, the different courts I felt like I could see it and feel it, I left I was at the midnight court and I was experiencing the fete fires and partying.

This book was captivating the whole way through. I am definitely buying this book when it is released as a I need a book trophy for my book shelf.

As soon as I started this book I knew immediately that I wanted more than 400 pages! I do wish there would have been more world building up front - the storyline could have felt stronger than that. The plot was easy to follow and wasn’t confusing when the plot twists came up. The enemies to lovers trope was well done and believable. I liked how it wasn’t a circle of repetitive reasons why she couldn’t like him. Not too much spice, but the spice we got was good.

I am grateful to have received this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

✨Spoiler free✨
From the very first chapter this book had me hooked! There was no slow world building before you got to the good stuff, it took off running and never slowed down. That fact had me a little nervous at the start, I won’t lie, but I honestly thought the pacing was consistent for the most part.

When Prince Fennick travels to the Summer Court to strike a deal that will save his kingdom, he discovers a connection with a nameless woman just outside of the castle. Once their identities are revealed though, Princess Aurelia is disgusted to learn that she felt drawn to the vicious prince of the Midnight Court.
She doesn’t have much time to dwell on that though since the entire castle soon falls under a sleeping curse. With no other options, Aurelia and Fenn bargain to help each other, and throughout their journey they can’t help but gravitate to one another.
This story is filled with magical creatures, twists and turns that I genuinely did not expect, heartbreaking events that brought tears to my eyes, banter that literally had me kicking my feet and giggling, and scenes that had me sitting up in bed reading anxiously. Witches, goblins, ogres, dragons, fae, you name it and this book had it.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who love an action packed romantasy! The only reason this isn’t a 5-star read for me (4.5 but I can’t do half stars lol) is the increase in pacing toward the end that made it feel a little rushed, this in turn made major events feel more brief than I would have liked. Otherwise it was a smooth, quick read and didn’t have me doing mental gymnastics to remember all the names and places and logistics that usually comes with a fantasy book. Seriously in my top five favorite reads of the year, and RL Perez is now definitely one of my automatic-buy authors!

*This book discusses past experience with SA.

I didn't read this book, I devoured it! I love the retelling of old fairy tales, could be because I read the fairy tales as bedtime stories to my kids (I've got 6 kids, so I've been reading bedtime stories for a while now). This book had it all spice, adventure, romance, a strong FMC, a loveable MMC and dragons.

Blurb:
When a deadly sleeping curse befalls her family, Princess Aurelia's only hope lies in the hands of the wicked Prince Fenn. His kingdom maintains the only known supply of stardust, a rare substance that is the key to breaking the spell. But Fenn’s aid comes with a price: Aurelia must pose as his betrothed to secure an alliance that will protect his court.
As they embark on their journey, weaving a web of deception, Aurelia begins to see through his charming facade. Beneath his flippant persona lies a depth she never expected—a prince she could grow to care for. Perhaps even love.

Crown of Slumber
Due to be published 15/9/2024
ARC Review
✨️7/10✨️ A great romantasy read

Summary:
When a sleeping curse befalls Princess Aurelia's family, the only one who can help her is the Prince of her court's greatest enemy.

In return, the charming Prince Fenn requires the flame of her dragons to protect his lands.

They weave the deception of their betrothal to protect both their Courts. But there is more going on behind the scenes than either of them realise. Together, they must face the past and their families to truly save their Courts.

Review:
Crown of Slumber is described as a spicy sleeping beauty retelling. Although there are some common elements between the two stories, I honestly think it is strong enough to stand under its own merit.

Aurelia and Fenn have great chemistry and banter. They both jump off the page at you, and you are rooting for them the whole time.

I love the personalities of the dragons, and the sprinkling of unseelie beasties, which gives the world more depth.

There was one twist in the tale that I did not see coming - and I absolutely love that! When it happened, everything clicked in to place. I could see the foreshadowing, and loved that it caught me off guard.

I have some gripes with certain tropes, and bits of miscommunication - mostly when the MMC needs to regress his perceptiveness and realisation for a chapter or two to make story beats work. But I can overlook that when the plot and themes are otherwise solid.

The resolution felt a bit rushed, and therefore a little too easy. But the ending itself was satisfying.

Overall, Crown of Slumber is a solid romatasy read that draws you in and manages to surprise with its twists and turns.

Given how much I enjoyed this, I will definitely be picking up R.L Perez's other books.


Thank you so much Willow Haven Press, NetGalley, and the author, R. L. Perez for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review. All opinions are my own.

I received an advanced reader's copy of Crown of Slumber by R.L. Perez from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The summary was intriguing, but the world building was lacking, the pace was uneven, and the characters were lackluster.

the story follows aurelia princess of the summer court and fennick prince of the midnight court. Aurelias kingdom soon falls under a wicked sleeping spell and she figures out the only one who can help her is fennick of the midnight court, which sucks because the summer court and midnight court are sworn enemies.
Together they must figure out a way to lift the sleeping spell but they soon find out its much deeper than they think.

The story is amazing it has everything a romantasy retelling should have, great romance, dragons, fae, witches and magic. The writing is amazing and so so captivating.

I genuinely enjoyed this book as my first retelling story ever and i would for sure pick up the next book in this series or other books by this author.

The only thing I did not really like were the spice scenes. They were not written in a way that was enjoyable for me to read but they were such minor scenes it didnt really affect the overall feel of the book

if you like romantasy retellings i recommend to pick this book up when it comes out on september 15th!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 /5
🌶️/5

I started reading this book thinking it would be like reading Sarah J. Maas title A court of thrones and roses or fourth wing by Rebecca Yarros. And at first this book had some similarities, but when things heated up I couldn’t put this book down! I was thrilled by all that was happening and even when I was doing my daily duties I couldn’t keep my mind from this universe!
We have dragons, the bravest princess of them all, a handsome goofy prince and a love so strong as hundreds of burning suns!
This book is, in my opinion, a master piece!
Certainly, it will be joining my favorite titles of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Jennifer L. Amentrout, Holly Black and Stephanie Garber. For all who love these authors, I strongly recommend this book!
5 stars, a favorite!

4 stars ⭐️

This Sleeping Beauty retelling was SO FUN! I really loved the dual POV, this really brought the story to life and allowed me to connect with both protagonists. I absolutely adore Fenn 💕

This story has so many great tropes such as:
-Enemies-to-lovers
-Witty banter
-Forced proximity
-Dual POV
-DRAGONS

What I loved most were the playful nods to the original fairytale, mixed with fresh twists that kept me hooked. The fairytale elements were woven in seamlessly, creating a magical atmosphere that felt both nostalgic and new.

This was an easy read and full of fun, making it a perfect pick for anyone looking for a lighthearted fantasy escape. Even if you're not typically into fantasy, this book is a great entry point, thanks to its engaging plot and relatable characters. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, R.L. Perez, and the publishers for providing me with the e-ARC!

Having previously enjoyed *The Nightcaster Chronicles*, I knew *Crown of Slumber* was going to be a hit, and it did not disappoint! R.L. Perez weaves a mesmerizing tale that breathes new life into the classic *Sleeping Beauty* story, blending it with elements of fae magic, angsty romance, and a dash of dark intrigue.

Princess Aurelia’s quest to save her family from a deadly sleeping curse by partnering with the enigmatic Prince Fenn was captivating from the start. Fenn’s kingdom, with its exclusive supply of stardust, and the precarious alliance they form, set the stage for a story full of tension and emotional depth. The chemistry between Aurelia and Fenn is electric, and watching their relationship evolve from a calculated partnership to something more genuine kept me hooked.

One of the highlights of the book is how it peels back the layers of Fenn’s character. Initially, he appears as the quintessential charming prince, but as Aurelia uncovers the truth, we see a complex, vulnerable side to him that adds a lot of heart to the story. The world-building is rich and immersive, with Perez crafting a magical yet dangerous court full of secrets and intrigue.

However, the pacing felt uneven at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed while others lingered a bit too long. This didn't detract too much from the overall experience, but it did momentarily pull me out of the story.

If you're a fan of fairy tale retellings, especially with a fae twist and a healthy dose of angst, *Crown of Slumber* is a must-read. Perez has once again proven her talent for creating captivating fantasy worlds filled with romance and danger. I'm already looking forward to her next work!

I really wanted to like this because of the blurb, but it just did not click with me. Most of the time retellings are not my favorite, and it was the same case for Crown of Slumber as well. I could not engage with the story well because the writing seemed to amateurish for my tastes. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic! I am a huge fairytale lover. This hit all the checks for me in regards to a retelling as well as it combined the best aspects of Fantasy all in one. From the Dragons to the witches and fae it was such a great enemies to lovers story! The sleeping beauty aspects were very unique and it was great to be able to make connections throughout the story to the fairytale. Turning a fairytale into a magical world full of mythical creatures is always such a fun read. It was perfectly executed and had touches of political intrigue and regency wording that tied the whole thing together perfectly. The world building was very detailed, but not complicated. It flowed very nicely. I am sad to leave Aurelia and the Fae Courts behind!

Jordan Slesarenko <jcolli01@gmail.com>
8:25 AM (1 minute ago)
to me

I could not put down "Crown of Slumber" by R.L. Perez and ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. From the very first chapter, the story pulled me into a fantastical world teeming with dragons, witches, and fae, each element more intriguing than the last.

Perez crafts a richly layered narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The presence of dragons adds a fierce, unpredictable energy to the story, while the witches and fae bring a sense of mystery and magic that is utterly captivating.

The characters are vibrant and well-rounded, each with their own secrets and complexities. The protagonist, in particular, is compelling—a strong, determined figure whose journey of self-discovery is both heartwarming and exhilarating. The interactions between the characters are well-written and add depth to the story.

Perez’s ability to weave together multiple magical elements without them feeling overwhelming is commendable, and her vivid descriptions make the fantastical world come alive.

"Crown of Slumber" is a thrilling ride for anyone who loves fantasy filled with adventure, magic, and unforgettable creatures. If you're looking for a book that will sweep you away and not let you go until the last page, this is it.

CROWN OF SLUMBER - R. L. Perez ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a fairy tale retelling done to perfection! If you love fantasy, world building, dragons, a strong FMC and a new book boyfriend MMC that is charming, caring, funny and ick free, this book is for you!!
Written from a dual POV, this story follows Aurelia the Princess of the Summer Court, who prefers to spend quality time with her dragons rather than find a suitor. Enter the Prince of the Midnight Court, just as her kingdom is placed under a sleeping spell and the story starts to build. There are some really good plot twists and surprises I didn’t see coming that kept me saying ‘just one more chapter…’

This enemies to lovers tale isn’t a sappy romantasy, it is magic, dragons, battles and a little bit of spice sprinkled in at the perfect time. This is a page turner, I smashed through it in a day, carrying my emotional support Kindle literally everywhere until I had consumed it!!

If you love Fourth Wing and ACOTAR definitely read this!!

Released on the 15th September, a massive thank you to R. L Perez and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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