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.






