Today is the release day for a fantastic fairytale retelling.
A young queen. Her imaginary friend. A kingdom on the verge of death.
She believes she’s crazy.
Queen Usilea has a secret–and he lives in her mind. Ever since she was six years old, her imaginary friend has been her closest companion, and her arranged marriage has been a great dread. When she learns her betrothed and the royal family have suddenly died, she feels obligated to attend the funeral in the foreign land of Absteph–and perhaps learn more behind their mysterious passing.
He only wants the truth.
Petar endures great pain to protect those he does not remember. His only solace is a shadowy woman who he loves–even though she denies that he exists. When a terrible tragedy occurs in his kingdom, that mysterious woman is his only hope of bringing justice to light. For the cage that imprisons him grows harsher every day, and he is losing the fight.
But there are thorns at sunrise.
Brought together on the barest thread of reality, Usilea and Petar must discover what really happened to the royal family. But Petar’s time is running out. Soon not even a Mender like Usilea will be able to save him.
This YA romance features a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty in an original fantasy world on the brink of doom.
Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3XzECTH
Thorns at Sunrise autographed paperback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-paperback/
My Review of Thorns at Sunrise:
Thorns at Sunrise is the second book in a series of unique fairytale retellings from author Janeen Ippolito.
While the first book Met by Midnight was a loose take on Cinderella, Thorns at Sunrise sets out to tackle Sleeping Beauty. If the Prince had been the sleeping one. Although the girl is now, the hero Thorns at Sunrise maintains a balance between both POVs and avoids the easy “girl power” narrative. Urlisa and Petar have a healthy relationship and the feels are there for those who came for the romance.
Like Met by Midnight, Thorns at Sunrise also includes original poetry, that compliments the prose.
The author is also a poet in her own right and I wondered which came first, the story or the poem?
If you live for fairytale retellings, this is one series you won’t want to miss. Met by Midnight and Thorns at Sunrise share characters, so I recommend reading them in order for maximum enjoyment.
I was blessed with an early review copy from the author, the above review is my fair and honest evaluation of the provided work.
In addition, special edition hardbacks of Met by Midnight and Thorns at Sunrise are also available.
The special edition hardbacks will feature all-new illustrated covers by Kristen Hildebrand/Magpie Designs.
Thorns at Sunrise autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-hardback/
Met by Midnight autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/met-by-midnight-autographed-hardback/
Met by Midnight (book 1 of the series) Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3HrV8zA
Author Bio:
Janeen Ippolito writes about misfits who defy expectations, whether in fairy tale, steampunk fantasy, urban fantasy, humorous paranormal romance, or poetry. She also spreads wordtastic joy in her work as a fearless book strategist, nonfiction author, and coach. In her spare time, she swordfights and posts cute animal memes.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: @JaneenIppolito (https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito)
Facebook: @janeenippolitounique (https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitounique)
Pinterest: @janeen_ippolito (https://www.pinterest.com/janeen_ippolito)
Website: https://www.janeenippolito.com/
Instagram: @Janeen_Ippolito (https://www.instagram.com/janeen_ippolito/)
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C. O. Bonham 