Fairy tale retellings are everywhere these days, but every so often one comes along that takes a familiar story and transforms it into something entirely its own.

The Secret World of Briar Rose does exactly that.

Drawing inspiration from Sleeping Beauty, this novel blends fantasy, grief, trauma, and hope into a story that feels both magical and deeply human. While I did have some issues with the characterization—particularly when it came to connecting with the protagonist—the novel’s themes, emotional depth, and exploration of healing made it a memorable read.

📺 Watch the full review here:

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