Carabosse and the Spindle Spell: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling by Sylvia Mercedes (Villain’s Ever After)

Princess Carabosse’s kingdom is threatened by the Warlock King and his fairy-gifted daughter Aurora. The Dragon Lords have sworn allegiance to the Briar Crown and the Rose Crown. But when Aurora gains control of the Briar Crown, who will the dragons serve?

Armed with only a spindle and a gift for spinning magic. Cara stands against the Warlock King and his daughter. Will she find unexpected help from the twelfth Dragon Lord, the handsome shape-shifter Torald?

I loved the twists of this story. I thought the juxtaposition of making Aurora the villain was cleverly done. And for once we have a step-mother who is merely exasperated and not evil.

The descriptions of the dragons, the landscape, and the magic were all delightfully vivid.
Like an earlier book in the series, this one is in first person present POV, which I personally struggle with when reading. I adored the romance between these two. How Torald knew as soon as he saw her, but she needed proof. How he showed her over and over that he was willing to sacrifice his life for her.

????? 4.5 Roses
Made up swearing
? Only a couple of kisses
⚔️⚔️ Mild blood during fight scenes, but nothing intense