Ahoy there me mateys!  Sleeping Beauty with a fantastic twist!  This is a lovely Kingfisher book (as usual).  What happens when the princess in the tower is the evil one?  This isn't the story of the princess but of Toadling, the stolen child tasked with a christening blessing that goes wrong.

Toadling was a wonderful character.  She may not be the best person for the job but she is tenacious in trying to do her duty.  I loved her time spent as a toad.  The descriptions made being a toad sound delightful.  Toadling is not beautiful, powerful, clever, or even fully human anymore.  She is endearing and a new favorite.

This is a character study and a commentary on fairytales.  I loved how this book dealt with the fae and changelings.  I loved the knight, Halim, and how he wasn't at all like the stereotypes.  This had commentary on family ties, love, and the ramifications of power.  Also loved the author's notes.  Arrrr!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for me review.