Aurora had a cursed bloodline in her family and she knew that she was the one destined to be cursed. Even though she was cursed everyone except her family cheered her like it was a 'good news'. Elders in her coven kept on telling her it a good sacrifice for the land. We need evil and good to balance the world. Easy for them to say but as the curse holder, Aurora was not easy to accept her short future.

Despite being left out and had almost no friend in her coven, I adored so much Aurora's pure will and heart. People ignored her everyday. None of them wanted to befriend with her, parents kept their sons away from Aurora so they will not ever think of falling in love with her and they celebrated her predetermined destiny. But what Aurora wanted to return to the? Sacrifice to break their coven's curse. To be honest, if I was in her place, I will not be that nice to help someone who was a jerk to me for all of my life. Hey! You think whoever fall in love with Aurora is a big mistake? No, infact he will be the luckiest guy in the world😤

Cursed Beauty is a refreshing read. If someone need a moment of escape or take a rest from stress, heavy plot and conflict, this book is what you need! I think this book is suitable to bring along when you're going for a short vacation because of it light and enjoyable story. Oh and it suitable to read for those around 13-17 years old.

I was really excited to read this book, I had read some of the author's other work and really enjoyed it. So it's really disappointing to say that this one missed the mark. This was such a good concept, that could've been SO good if only more time had been taken to tell the story.

If you take out the part where they're locked up for who knows how long, the entire story happens in like 4 days. Including 2 intense relationships. There's not a lot of exploration into what could have been an interesting world. Any conflict that the MC faces is quickly resolved and tied into a neat little bow.

I was really excited about this book, but it just did not live up to the potential.

*Thank you to the publisher for the eARC.

I can't say this was a memorable book or even a really good book; but what I can say is it was an entertaining book, and that was enough for me to enjoy it for what it was.

Cursed Beauty overall was an easy, fast paced read; and my only real complaint was it did feel a bit rushed at times. It also felt a bit random and a bit annoying at times too, but it was fun all the same.

I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick enjoyable read.

I want to extend my thanks to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for letting me read an advance copy of Cursed Beauty
***spoilers***
This was a quick fast paced sleeping beauty retelling with a supernatural twist.
Aurora the main character is a 16 year old witch who finds out she is the cursed blood witch of her coven and must embark on a journey through the shadow woods to find a sleeping prince. Once in the woods with her friend Hazel they encounter a shapeshifter who shows them his pack and ultimately helps them to find the prince and save
This book was a fun little read, it did feel rushed and lacking in details in some parts but ultimately was a book I would recommend to others.

This is a great introductory read for a young adult reader who is interested in dabbling in the supernatural. There is also a reverse fairytale included in the drama. Add in witches, warlocks and shifters and it could be an interesting read for your child. The writing style itself is rather stilted and doesn't flow as smoothly as it should since the main character is not a child. There is quite a bit packed into this short book but is wrapped up into a happy ending. What more could you ask for? Thanks NetGalley for giving me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Gender-bent sleeping beauty meets twilight..but not in a good way.


First let me acknowledge that I am probably not the target audience for this book. It’s definitely a younger teen book however I read a lot of young adult books so I figured I’d check this one out.

Now for the ~spoilers~




This book had every successful trope that has ever been done shoehorned into it. Curses? Check. Werewolves? Check. Vampires? Check. Mates? Check. The poor little fat girl no one believed in finding herself? Check. None of these things are bad on their own, but when they’re sprinkled in left and right like Salt Bae was given access to them without developing the story it becomes a bit much. Instead of being like “omg the prince is a vampire” it was like “ugh of course the prince is a vampire”. Then the end everything was button up so nice and neat. Aurora sacrificed but it didn’t matter because everyone was bffs and she got everything she wanted anyway.

3.75/5
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review—if you’re looking for a quick YA (on the younger side, in my opinion) and enjoy a good journey through a dark wood, this could work for you.

The reader is quickly introduced to the five different types of witches/warlocks, as determined by a witch mark that appears during a ceremony upon turning sixteen. Our main girl, Aurora, is on her way to see what the fates have spun…but she already has a good idea of what’s to come, and it isn’t pretty, for her, or her coven. After learning from (basically) Grandmother Willow that there is a chance to break the curse, Aurora and her best friend, Hazel (my FAV), peace out and do their best to save them all.

I read this in a day and had the following thoughts:
- The wording/explanations surrounding the curse could possibly be improved. I perused a few other reviews and didn’t find the same thought, so it could very well just be me. I thought it could be made much clearer, especially given that this vibes for a middle grade to *young* young adult
- There seemed to be quite a bit going on for such a quick read/resolution—between the explanations of the marks, the curse, the adventure, the characters they meet and trouble they run into, etc. I don’t think this is going to turn into a series (it says stand-alone…), but it certainly sets it up that way, which could be problematic.
- On the other side of having quite a bit going on, it made the read go by quickly and I was interested to see was going to happen next at every point.

Overall, it’s probably not the book that you move ahead of all your other TBR’s, but for a low-stakes magical adventure, I enjoyed it. I think it would appeal even more to the younger crowd (10-18yrs).

This one felt better suited for the middle grade crowed, or very low young adult. I liked the take on sleeping beauty and the creatures that the author added. But something just didn't grab me as much as I was hoping. I think this one before you dive in fully I would get it from the library or borrow it from a friend. It was very well paced and it wasn't stagnate at all. It just didn't spark in me what I was looking for.

I received this book as an eARC from Netgalley. All opinions are my own!

Aurora should be excited to finally get her witch mark, but when that sacred day brings the truth that Aurora must sacrifice herself to save her people and her land, does she have what it takes to make that choice?

I absolutely loved the world that this book built! Retellings can often be so repetitive, but the elements that this story brought in made it so fresh and new that it hardly felt like the same story at all! Bringing witches, shifters, and vampires into this timeless story made for such an enchanting world. I loved seeing the elements of Sleeping Beauty in this story and seeing how they were woven into it so uniquely.

I do wish that this book had been longer. It felt like the story was rushed in a lot of ways. It felt as though the Shadowlands were going to be such a big obstacle, but then it seemed like I blinked and they were through. It also felt as though the romance was rushed/forced, just due to how quickly everything happened. I really enjoyed the characters and just wished that I could have seen them develop more.

If you're a fan of fairytale retellings that bring a whole new twist to the game, this is the book for you!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A reversed fairytale retelling?! yes, please!
Cursed beauty is a quick, fast-paced read, with wit, fun moments, great displays of characters growth and dynamic relationships.

Honestly, this book was a little lacklustre for me. It was more middle grade than young adult, leaning towards a younger age bracket than it was marketed at.

I felt that at times the story itself had far too much going on as the plot progressed. Between witches and their magic systems, curses, Greek mythology aspects and the inclusion of many different types of paranormal creatures it felt overwhelming in its variety and underwhelming in its descriptions.

"You will choose to be the savior or the bringer of death." -From Cursed Beauty

3 stars

Take the story of sleeping beauty, switch the genders, and add a bunch of paranormal creatures and you have this book. I was really intrigued by the premise, and couldn't wait to read it. It reads VERY young for YA, I would rate this more a middle grade despite it being a 16 year old MC. The pace is fast, and you are told most things rather than shown them. Because we are breezing by so quickly, some things about the world seem not to make sense. After learning her grandma had the "curse" that would kill her (but had lived that long), the blood curse didn't seem to be such a big deal. I loved the idea of two best friends taking on this quest together. I didn't care for the instant love, or that the MC basically knew how to use her powers despite just getting them. Still, a short fun read if you don't take anything too seriously.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

2.5* (Rounded down to 2*)

Thanks so much to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this.

Sadly, the writing just wasn't for me. And I'm so done with the 'I've curly hair and freckles and so am unattractive' bs, ontop of half-assing worlds because you've decided it's a fairytale retelling so you feel like you have to work less at building your world.

Idk. I just don't think I'm the audience for this book at 27 years old. HOWEVER, I thought YA had moved past this kind of book at the same time - this felt like it was for young readers, rather than a book about young people, if that makes any sense.

So yeah, sadly not a fan of this one. But still so grateful to have gotten the ARC and really hope this finds its audience out there when it's released at the end of the month!

(Same review posted on my Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4185376597 )

I love a good reimagined or twisted fairytale. While the premise started out great, too much seemed to be lost in the details. There was a lot of back and forth between what was going on, with little context for everything. The conflict was very limited, making the climax rather anti-climatic. I think this could be a much stronger book with some rewriting and additional editing.

Thank you NetGalley and Phoenix Reign Publishing for an advanced DRC of Cursed Beauty by Stacey O’Neale.

I was excited to read this book because I love fairytale retellings. I like the twists and spins authors put on them. Cursed Beauty was no exception. I didn’t know what to expect from this story since I’m mainly familiar with the Disney version (which most people know are always the most accurate versions of the original tales).

I did a reaction video on TikTok for the first 30% of the book. Then I wanted to really focus on the story. The characters were witty and charming. The story kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what was about to happen next!

I highly recommend this book! And now I need to read more by Stacey O’Neale!

I had several issues with this book, even though I was so excited for it. I love fairy tale retellings and very rarely see a Sleeping Beauty retelling. So I was excited to see the twists that O'Neale could spin on the classic story. However, I was left feeling very unsatisfied. Firstly, I got lost in the world, that O'Neale was trying to build. It lacked a lot of exposition. The world building was extremely flawed. New things and tidbits were thrown about time and time again without any explanation or context. I also really had a problem with the writing. There was simply too much telling and not enough showing in this story. And lastly, the characters were dead. No personality and no sense of them at all. Just flat and boring.

I wish I was a fan. This was like a Hallmark Twilight wrapped into a book that ended quite abruptly.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

First, the book was a very quick, light and easy read. It had a decent flow and the concept was great. Execution was a bit short for me. I think that the writing style was way too fast paced and simplistic at the same time. The characters went from introductions, to journey, to meeting and falling in love with their destined loves, to getting to the castle to ending the book. It all just was a whirlwind of events. Was it entertaining? Yes. but I also think it would be better for a much younger audience if you are keeping it in this style.

All of that being said, there are things I did like. I like the background of the characters and the setting. I love that its a cursed land filled with witches and its surrounded by a magical forest filled with fantastical creatures. I also like that you get to meet different kinds of the creatures.

Overall, It was a decent story with a good premise and a very simplistic and very very fast paced writing style. good for a quick one sit read through but nothing that is deep enough to linger with you afterwards. Personally, I found the characters interactions with the male companions to be more unbelievable than the setting and all the magic combined.

<b>“We don’t want any trouble.”
In a gruff tone, the shifter said, “If that were true, you wouldn’t be here.”</b>

First of all, thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The overall conclusion? If you want an enjoyable Sleeping Beauty retelling with fast paced action, some vampires and werewolves and Greek mythology bits, this is the book for you. Besides the gorgeous cover, this book provided a light and quick read and some funny moments. However, even though it is marked as YA, it felt more suitable for MG (middle grade) or a very young YA (young adult). I loved the reverse theme, where the prince is the one sleeping and needs to be awakened and it was a really interesting idea to have the main MC also under a different kind of curse.

<b>“You’re saying that if I don’t break the curse, my blood won’t save the land?”
“You will choose to be the savior or the bringer of death.”

<u>The Plot</u></b>

The story follows Aurora, the last Blood Witch of her coven. After her powers are awakened, she finds out her blood will no longer be enough to save her lands and the witches, the only way to break the curse placed on them being to wake the prince that has been placed under a sleeping curse. So Aurora and Hazel, her best friend, embark on a mission to cross the Shadowlands (a forbidden territory for any witch) and reach the kingdom where their salvation lies. Along the way, they encounter werewolves and nymphs, find out how narrow their view of the world used to be and learn more about their history and other magical factions.

<b><u>The Characters</u>

“You know you’re brilliant, right?”
“I know, but I never get tired of hearing it,” she replied with a cheeky grin.</b>

As you might have guessed, Aurora, the new Blood witch is the main character. We also have a best friend - Hazel, a sexy green-eyed Werewolf as love interest - Sage, a best friend for the love interest, who also happens to be a sexy Werewolf - Rune and a sleeping vampire prince - Darrick.

<b>"I’d never been in this situation before, and I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. No warlocks had ever tried to kiss me. Was I supposed to permit him? Maybe a thumbs-up? That was childish. He leaned closer until we were practically nose to nose. I froze.
And then he kissed me."</b>

I think all the characters had a lot of potential, but a big minus for me was that their traits weren't shown but stated, making it pretty difficult for me to actually get attached to them and get a better understanding of them. A really important part, for me, when reading a book is the way I relate and resonate with the characters, and here it simply didn't happen for me. I had the same feelings I get when reading a fairytale and, even though I knew this was a Sleeping Beauty retelling, I was expecting a more detailed and thorough 'delivery'.

<b>“You have to return to the birthplace of the curse.” I opened my mouth to object, and she continued, “Beyond the Shadowlands, there is a kingdom called Rosamond. Wake the prince cursed with endless sleep; only he can break the curse.”</b>

Reading this feels a bit like watching the last season of Game of Thrones. The ideas are great, the story is definitely worth following, but everything seems rushed. However, I most definitely recommend this book for those who love fairytales and want to begin their discovery of YA books. It's easy to read, light and has a happily Everafter that will leave you in a sunny mood.

<b>"This kingdom might resemble a fairy tale, but I was the one who got the happily ever after."</b>

I received this book as an ARC from NETGALLEY! Thank you!

Cursed beauty is a enjoyable retelling of Sleeping Beauty, where is the witch Aurora that save the Prince (a very particular Prince😉) I read it very fast (it's a short book) but I really appreciate the type of writing, the story and the characters! It's a simple YA Fantasy! Aurora and her friend Hazel have a beautiful friendship, together they take a hard path to save the other witches and Aurora herself! During this trip they meet the shapeshifters ( a very enjoyable company 😏) I really liked the dynamics between Aurora and Sage, also between Hazel and Rune, sometimes they make me laugh very loud!

In many occasions I would appreciate much explanation about some appointed elements no longer undertaken in the course of the plot, but it is my opinion. On the other hand, for such a simple and short book I didn’t expect anything too complicated.

In conclusion, I really liked this book and I rate it 3 stars <3

I really enjoyed this short and sweet YA fantasy book! This was a fast paced, easy but enjoyable read about a 16 year old witch who must go on a journey to save her coven. It is a gender bent sleeping beauty retelling, but other then the main character’s name and the sleeping prince..this book has it’s own unique storyline! I really enjoyed the side characters especially Hazel and Sage. The romance was sweet and happens pretty fast, but it makes sense because this is a shorter book. This book would be great for teens or anyone who wants an easy magical read!