Review: A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

A Wicked Thing
(A Wicked Thing #1)
by Rhiannon Thomas
YA Fantasy
Hardcover352 Pages
February 24th 2015 by HarperTeen


Summary

Rhiannon Thomas's dazzling debut novel is a spellbinding reimagining of Sleeping Beauty and what happens after happily ever after.

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.

Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. 

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.

Rhiannon Thomas weaves together vivid scenes of action, romance, and gorgeous gowns to reveal a richly imagined world … and Sleeping Beauty as she’s never been seen before.
    

My Review

I love all things fairy tale. When I saw the cover and read the synopsis for A Wicked Thing I was thrilled! A story that delves into what happens after Sleeping Beauty, AKA Aurora, wakes up? Definitely something I'd anticipate reading. How would someone feel to have slept for a long time and have all that they know be lost to time? How would it feel to marry someone you don't even really know? There was so much potential here and I was happy with the way the story unfolded and the direction it went.

As I've said, I loved the idea of the premise the story began from. I thought Aurora reacted authentically to strangers and being told what to do as those strangers use her as a pawn in their political games. I could see both sides of the table here and the author opens up quite a few different paths for Aurora to take: the royalty, the rebels, the witch, the visiting prince, and her own. I won't tell you which way she choose, but I will say that she was torn and not only by her own mind in trying to figure things out, but also in seeing those that she so desperately wants to trust abuse that trust. It was heartbreaking, but also necessary. Aurora has been so sheltered her whole life and she just wants to live and make choices and be without all the constraints and someone wanting her to be something she's not. She basically was trying to figure out who she was and who she wanted to be with all these other influences being thrown in.

I really liked Aurora. She could have been stronger in some places, but at the same time I think she was true to her character and her naivete. Then you have three men in her life. I liked that there wasn't necessarily a love triangle here. It was more that there were three options for her and none of them were people she loved, or at least completely loved or loved enough for it her to be completely lost in it. All the guys were great characters and I liked them each in different ways. The prince who wakes her up was sweet, loyal, smart, and steadfast. He's kind of a golden boy in a way and has his own expectations he needs to meet. Then there was the tavern barman who was charming, fun, exciting, and endearing. He basically sweeps Aurora off her feet, but she doesn't know so much about him. And I definitely could not forget the visiting prince who oozes charm and seduction, but also have a quick wit and is very intelligent. He sees a lot more than he lets on and he's played the games that royal play for a long time making him a great ally, but also a possible enemy for Aurora. I also loved the young princess (the prince's sister). She added a lot to the story and I pretty much fell in love with her.

Then there were the villains. I can't say that they are always apparent. There were the rebels (one of which Aurora is close to), the witch who cursed Aurora, and the king and royals who want to control Aurora. There were so many dangers that she faces and so many that are hidden. And really, it's almost like she has to choose the best from the worst and she wants none of her options. I couldn't blame her.

I really loved reading A Wicked Thing. It gave me a unique and fabulous retelling of the end of Sleeping Beauty's tale. There were twists and turns, dangers and deceptions, friendships, intrigue, heartbreak, family, friendship, and the chance for love. I'm looking forward to seeing where Aurora's choice takes her and what her journey will hold as she seeks for a future she can accept.

Content: Some violence, but I would consider this clean.

Source: I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher through Edelweiss, which did not affect my review in any way.


Have you read this one? Are you planning to? Check out my interview with the author for her tour here and enter the giveaway while you're there!

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