Cursed Beauty is short retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a twist of paranormal with werewolves and vampires in the story alongside a clan of Witches who go through a ceremony to receive their ‘witch mark’. This mark will show where their magic will have a leaning, moon, earth, and blood. Our story takes place after one such ceremony and a young witch, Aurora, is left with the weight of the covers future on her shoulders. 

The story has us following Aurora and her friend Hazel as they go on a journey to try and prevent the demise of the land and their people. The two encounter much along their way including fairies, were wolves and other magical creatures as they try to get to the Sleeping Beauty- an unknown prince who's been cursed.

I do like that Aurora is the rescuer and not the victim here of the sleeping curse which is a change from most retelling. She's also not the Disney esque blond but a fiery redhead with to me is more a fairytale look anyway as she reminds me of Celtic Fairy Tales. Aurora hasn't experienced anything bar her home, and she's a bit of a disaster for the heroine.. I much prefer Hazel who’s the strong, and determined sidekick who refuses to leave her friend but also has a selfish reason for running away as her mother is a tyrant.

This is a swift, easy read for anyone who loves the fairytales but is a little too old for the child friendly versions of old. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.