BRIARHEART

Narrator Polly Lee's vehement tone and masterful characterizations are well matched to this robust reimagining of "Sleeping Beauty." Embracing a large cast of enjoyable characters and political intricacies, Lee's world-building enhances this engrossing coming-of-age adventure. When Miriam saves her baby stepsister, Aurora, by decimating a dark fae at Aurora's christening, their family discovers that Miriam inherited fae blood from her late father and she'll be capable of wielding magic. As a member of Aurora's Companions, Miriam and her new friends have an enormous responsibility to protect the realm and the royal family, and the coming dangers will test all of their new skills and powers. Richly detailed and creative, this poignant tale will resonate with fans of fantasy, folktales, and lady knights. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]