**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Spindle by Shonna Slyaton is a young adult fairy tale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I knew I had to read Spindle because I love retellings, because Sleeping Beauty is one disney classic that I never watched too much and because the cover is bea-u-ti-ful! I mean, seriously it is so pretty! I loved Spindle. I thought it was well executed, had a great flair for the classic story, but Shonna Slayton still made it her own.

Spindle is the story of Briar Rose, a young girl trying to work for a better life for her siblings. I really loved Rose. I thought her work ethic was admirable and I loved her dedication to her brothers and sister. But no story is complete without a prince. In this case, her best friend Henry Prince. Which I thought was a cute twist. His family is hiding a big secret, which totally intriged me. I had my guesses from the beginning but I would be lying if I said I easily had this one completely figured out. Shonna Slyaton does some really cool things with the twists and secrets in Spindle.

The only thing that annoyed me about Briar Rose was her continued fascination with Wheeler. I thought he was a jerk, but she couldn't seem to get him out of her head. But other than that, and a few slow points in the story, I really really enjoyed this tale. I thought it was a lot of fun. I think fans of retellings will love Spindle. I do wish there was a little more romance. It builds throughout the story but it is loaded heavier on the back end of the book.

The industrial revolution time period is the perfect setting for Spindle. In fact, I think that was my favorite story telling decision. It set the mood of desperation perfectly. Spindle is a retelling take you don't want to miss. I can't wait for more from Shonna Slayton.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs