Of Dreams and Destiny Sandhya Menon – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Of Dreams and Destiny Sandhya Menon

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

76%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Sleeping Beauty meets boarding school mystery with sweet romance and a ticking clock—pleasant YA comfort reading without breaking the mold.

Of Dreams and Destiny Sandhya Menon

book

2023

76%

WISE Score

4.2

Amazon

Sleeping Beauty meets boarding school mystery with sweet romance and a ticking clock—pleasant YA comfort reading without breaking the mold.

4.2

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Screenwise Verdict

This is comfort food YA—a sweet, magical romance that won't challenge your teen too much but will provide pleasant escapism. Menon has a loyal following for good reason: her books feature diverse characters, healthy relationships, and just enough plot to keep pages turning.

The Sleeping Beauty twist is clever enough, and the mystery element adds stakes beyond 'will they kiss?' But let's be real: this is formulaic YA romance dressed up in fairy tale clothes. The destiny angle means the romance feels inevitable rather than earned, which might bug readers who want more agency.

That said, for a 14-year-old looking for a light, binge-worthy read with representation and no concerning content? This delivers exactly what it promises. It's not going to change anyone's life, but it's a solid, safe choice that won't make you regret handing it over.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17, right in the YA sweet spot. The romance is age-appropriate, the mystery isn't too scary, and the boarding school setting appeals to middle and high schoolers. Adults who love cozy YA might enjoy it, but it's firmly teen territory.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Contemporary YA fairy tale retelling with emotionally healthy themes of healing from heartbreak, finding courage, and working collaboratively. Models kindness and cooperation as DE races to save her school. Sweet romance that's age-appropriate for teens. No concerning relationship dynamics or toxic behaviors reported in reviews.

Imaginative

Creative twist on Sleeping Beauty set in a modern elite boarding school, with a mysterious spring storm causing students to fall into enchanted sleep. The mystery element and magical realism blend invites curiosity and problem-solving. Third in a series that reimagines classic fairy tales, showing consistent creative vision. However, follows familiar YA romance formula and doesn't break significant new ground in the genre.

Safe

Very safe for the YA audience. Common Sense Media reviewed it without flagging concerning content. Sweet romance without explicit sexual content. No violence, gore, or disturbing themes reported. The 'mystery' element is magical rather than dark or scary. Amazon rating of 4.2 suggests generally positive reception without controversy. Appropriate for teens without surprise inappropriate content.

Enriching

Offers themes of resilience after heartbreak, problem-solving under pressure, and the importance of accepting help from others. Features diverse characters and representation from a bestselling Indian-American author. The mystery-solving aspect encourages critical thinking. However, heavily leans on 'destiny' romance which may frustrate readers wanting more agency. Entertainment value is solid but not deeply transformative—pleasant YA fare that's engaging without being particularly profound.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Sandhya Menon is a beloved YA author known for diverse, swoon-worthy romances that feel fresh and inclusive
The magical mystery element adds urgency and stakes beyond typical romance drama—DE is literally racing to save her classmates from enchanted sleep
Emotionally healthy portrayal of healing from heartbreak and learning to open your heart again after being hurt
Contemporary fairy tale retellings done well can be deeply satisfying for teens who grew up with Disney but want more complex characters
Part of a series set at the same school, so if your teen loves it, there's more to read

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What to Watch For

The romance is heavily destiny-driven, which some readers find less satisfying than characters choosing each other through genuine connection
Third in a series—while it can stand alone, your teen might feel like they're missing context about the school and previous magical events
Solidly middle-of-the-road YA—if your teen wants gritty realism or groundbreaking storytelling, this isn't it
The 'heiress with a broken heart' setup is pretty standard YA territory

Conversation Starters

"Do you think destiny is real in relationships, or do people just choose each other? What feels more romantic to you?"
"If you could retell any fairy tale in a modern setting, which one would you pick and how would you change it?"
"DE is dealing with a painful breakup at the start—what do you think helps people heal after getting their heart broken?"
"The book is about accepting help from others when you're used to handling things alone. When is it hardest for you to ask for help?"

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