Sleeping Beauty's Daughters

The classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty is transformed into a dazzling new story of two sisters fighting a powerful curse by Diane Zahler, the acclaimed author of The Thirteenth Princess. Briskly paced and full of lush descriptions, readers who enjoy the work of Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine will be swept away by this spellbinding novel.

The daughters of Sleeping Beauty, Princesses Aurora and Luna, have grown up in a cliff-top palace by the sea, where they are carefully protected by their parents. No one visits, the girls cannot stray beyond the castle walls, and all sharp objects are forbidden here.

But accidents will happen—particularly when an old curse still has power. Soon, in spite of all precautions, Aurora is struggling not to slip into an enchanted sleep.

Frantic, the princesses accept the help of a young fisherman named Symon and embark on a daring ocean voyage to find their aunt—a fairy who may be able to break the spell. From fearsome beasts to raging storms, many dangers befall them, yet they must not give up . . . for if Aurora sleeps, she will not wake for one hundred years.

• A Sister’s Bond: Impulsive Luna is desperate to save her cautious older sister, Aurora, from a hundred-year sleep, even if it means breaking every rule in the palace.
• Magic and Curses: This coming-of-age story follows the daughters of Sleeping Beauty as they face the same evil fairy who cursed their mother generations ago.
• A Perilous Quest: With a kind fisherman as their guide, the princesses set sail across a dangerous sea, facing down raging storms and magical creatures to find their fairy aunt.
• For Fans of Shannon Hale: Perfect for readers who love classic adventures, strong family bonds, and spellbinding fairy tales with a modern twist.

Princesses Aurora and Luna have grown up in a palace on a high cliff by the sea, carefully protected by their parents, the king and queen. No one visits, the girls can't stray beyond the castle walls, and, curiously, all sharp objects are forbidden.

But accidents will happen—particularly when an old curse still has power. Soon, in spite of all precautions, Aurora is struggling not to slip into an enchanted sleep.

Frantic, the princesses accept the help of a young fisherman named Symon and embark on a daring ocean voyage to find their godmother—a fairy who may be able to break the spell. From fearsome beasts to raging storms to a vengeful enchantress, many dangers befall them, yet they must not give up . . .

For if Aurora sleeps, she will not wake for one hundred years.

Praise for Princess of the Wild Swans: “Fans of Jessica Day George and Gail Carson Levine will enjoy Zahler’s light, lyrical prose, as well as her stalwart and true heroine and strong secondary characters, all of which make this fairly straightforward retelling of Grimm’s “The Six Swans” fun to read.” - Booklist

Praise for Princess of the Wild Swans: “As with her other fairy-tale interpretations, Zahler shines in her ability to set an exquisite scene.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Praise for Princess of the Wild Swans: “Engaging and entertaining. A pleasant magical outing.” - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Princess of the Wild Swans: “A suspenseful climax leads to a happy conclusion. Fans of Gail Carson Levine’s “Princess Tales” series who are ready for something longer and more novelistic will love this tale.” - School Library Journal

Praise for A True Princess: “Readers who enjoyed Gail Carson Levine’s Ella Enchanted, Zahler’s The Thirteenth Princess or E.D. Baker’s “Tales of the Frog Princess” series will also relish this tale.” - School Library Journal

Praise for The Thirteenth Princess: “Delicious descriptions.” - Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Thirteenth Princess: Lively reworking of familiar elements.” - Booklist

“A refreshing fairy tale that breaks the passive-heroine mold.” - Kirkus Reviews