June has arrived, and with it comes another incredible month of book releases! Our first review of the month goes to Cindy Pham’s The Secret World of Briar Rose. You may recognize the author from her YouTube channel and social media. She’s just released her YA debut novel, so let’s dive right in!
The Secret World of Briar Rose is an angsty, queer retelling of the beloved “Sleeping Beauty” fairytale. It follows two perspectives and two timelines: Corin in the present and Princess Amelia roughly 100 years in the past. In the search for her sister Elly, Corin finds herself caught in the sleeping princess’ dream world.
This novel explores themes of grief, depression, and escapism, all of which hit us hard. Steel yourself, and prepare to enter The Secret World of Briar Rose!
Book Overview: The Secret World Of Briar Rose
Content warnings: murder, death, death of loved ones and family, suicide, suicidal thoughts, graphic violence, gore, bodies, skeletons, weapons, hunting, serious injury, vomiting, mention of mass suicide (Please read at your discretion!)
Summary: One hundred years have passed since the last heir of Gyldan fell into eternal slumber and doomed the once-mighty kingdom to poverty and invasion. At least, that’s what the fairy tales claim.
Corin is a jaded thief who doesn’t believe in fables, even when she searches Gyldan’s underground tunnels to find her younger sister, Elly, who ran away to find the sleeping princess in hopes of a better life. Corin’s conviction is challenged when she discovers the ruins of the ancient castle, maintained by beings from the kingdom’s golden age, who protect a hidden portal into Princess Amelia’s subconscious. Following Elly’s voice, Corin jumps in the portal and seals the entry behind her.
Inside the lush world of Amelia’s dreams, the sisters reunite for a new adventure as they meet Briar Rose, Amelia’s whimsical alter ego, and Malicine, a sharp-tongued demon with a gift for magic. But as they explore ice castles, sunflower mazes, and star-filled oceans, Corin suspects Briar Rose is hiding darker secrets behind her “perfect” paradise – and that there are some things her subconscious can’t bury forever.
Imperfect Heroes
One of our favorite things about this book is just how imperfect both the main characters are. Corin is constantly filled with rage at the unfairness of her world. Thus, she often lashes out at others in an attempt to change their minds and hide her true fears underneath that anger. Fears that her words and actions from the past will catch up to her. Princess Amelia has no say on her position and the life she must live. She’s scared of what will happen when her curse comes true, so she runs away for good. She suppresses her fears and secrets within her subconscious, choosing only to stay in what’s comfortable.
The Dream World
We took one look at the cover of The Secret World of Briar Rose and knew we were in for a fantasy world unlike any other. Amelia sheds her old life, leaving it behind in the depths of her mind. Instead, she lives in her dream world as her alter ego, Briar Rose. She and Corin navigate the different seasons and lands in this world. On the outside, it’s beautiful. Almost too beautiful. But it’s only a matter of time before they encounter Autumnland, where unspeakable horrors are buried. The imagery and details had us fully immersed into the story.
A Full-Circle Ending
Finally, after all of Corin’s and Amelia’s secrets come to light and their past catches up, the ending brings us back full circle. No, we won’t spoil what happens to our two heroes. Or how Malicine, a demon with otherworldly magic, meets their fate after accompanying (and saving) both heroes on their journey. Like with all dreams, one must inevitably wake up and return to the real world. But the real world looks different now. Corin and Amelia have changed. And yet, their lives still hold a thread of fate that ties the two of them together.
Cindy Pham’s The Secret World of Briar Rose transports us into a dream world hiding fears and secrets under a lush, scenic view. It’s angsty, uncanny, and painfully real.
The Secret World of Briar Rose by Cindy Pham comes out June 2nd, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of Cindy Pham’s debut novel? Have you already ordered your copy of The Secret World of Briar Rose? Let us know on Twitter! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CINDY PHAM:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
