I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick read with very short chapters. The story was fun with a lot of action. Bitsy went on an epic adventure where she learned much about herself and found what she wants to stand for. I enjoyed the King’s journal entries; I thought that that was an interesting way to keep the reader apprised to what was going on in while Bitsy was in her other world. It worked well. I did find the ending to be very confusing, but the more I contemplated it the more I think I liked it. That ending alone could lead to some good discussions.

My biggest problem with the novel is that the writing style was very inconsistent. Every now and then the writing would switch and become more geared towards middle school. In the beginning I actually kept forgetting that I was reading a YA novel. I’d come across content that I would think to myself should not be in a middle grade book but then remember that this is YA. The majority was definitely what I would consider YA, but it had its moments, especially early on.

I think that teens and young adults who like fairytales, fantasies, or adventure novels with fighting scenes will enjoy this one. It was a fun, fast paced, and creative take on the classic Sleeping Beauty story.

And I have to comment on that cover! It’s beautiful!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperTeen for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

This was such an entrancing read!!! I loved how the different perspectives were told and how attached to the characters I became! It was extremely descriptive and painted a vivid image in my mind. Ther cliffhanger at the end left me with my jaw hanging on the floor! Five huge stars from me!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

'Creeping Beauty' will appeal to Middle Grade readers who enjoy fairy-tale retellings and also unique tales with fairy-tale elements. The premise is engaging and the cover is pure beauty.

I thought that this was a creative approach to the traditional fairytale reinterpretation I enjoyed the author’s style of journal entries intertwined with first person narrative. I enjoyed that the primary narrator “Bitsy” addressed the reader (“Dear reader” ) and spoke the reader as though telling one the story. The pacing story and dialogue kept me engaged. I find this book to be appropriate for Middle School readers while still having the ability to engage high school and adult fans of YA. It is a clean book with no swearing and no sex. The ending took me a bit to like. It was not the traditional end to a fairy tale—which I enjoy. But after thinking on it I have decided that it is a much better end to this unusual tale Our heroine has taken control of her destiny!n

0.75/5 stars! I was really excited to read this because there are not nearly enough "Sleeping Beauty" retellings out there. I was really disappointed in how this turned out. It is truly unfortunate when the cover is the best, and only great, thing about a book. There was nothing redeeming about this story. The plot was all over the place, the main character wasn't well-defined or likable, and the writing style switched between children and young adult throughout the book. I think the author could benefit from really deciding what genre they want to write and getting some revisions.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

"No. I was a princess in peril. And I saved myself. I am the permission"

This book wasn't what I was expecting. I love fairytale retellings, so that's why I initially requested the ARC. While it did have the bones of Sleeping Beauty, it also could be a totally new story all of it's own. It was a much darker than I imagined, but I love dark so that was a plus. The author made this rather horrifying other realm that princess Bitsy found herself in come to life. The writing did have a lot of pompous and stuffy language that was annoying at times, but I think it was probably spot on for a story that's taking place in a kingdom about nobles. So, I get what she was going for. Some of the banter was pretty funny. Especially between Princess Bitsy and the Count. The ending was a little disappointing, but it may have been done on purpose. (don't want to give to much away)

This was such a fun little fairytale retelling, reminiscent of the description of a book I’ve been meaning to read for FOREVER, and this book literally convinced me to give it a shot. (Ever Cursed is the similar book.) I’m convinced that reading Land of Stories at an impressionable age gave me an obsession with fairytale retellings, but I’m not complaining, because I love all of them. If you are like me and love every fairytale retelling put in front of you, you should definitely read this book!

I wanted to enjoy this one but I found the plot, story, and characterizations hard to follow and not really resonate the best for me at times.