Spindle Fire

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2017

Review

An imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, Spindle Fire is centers around two half-sisters who are polar opposites, and must deal with a mysterious faerie queen's curse.

Isabelle is the king's illegitimate daughter who had her sight taken away by a faerie tithe. Aurora had her sight and touch taken by faeries. The two girls rely heavily on one another and share a complex relationship, until the king orders Isabella to a convent after political negotiations go awry. Furious and heartbroken, Isabelle runs away leaving Aurora to fend for herself. Aurora pursues her sister and stumbles upon a spinning wheel, pricks her finger, and is sent to the parallel world of faerie, leaving her mortal body behind in a deep slumber. Isabella hears of Aurora's plight, and sets out to find the faerie that can undo the curse.

This is the first book in a two part series. The world building is done well, though Isabella and Aurora's split and abrupt dislike of one another may leave readers feeling detached from the characters. Very similar to Meg Cabot's Two Princesses of Bamarre, this title is perfect for avid middle school and early high school readers of fairy tale retellings.

Overall Book Score: good