Content levels
Trigger warnings
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
In the tradition of her acclaimed fairy-tale-inspired novel, The Serpent's Shadow, best-selling author Mercedes Lackey re-imagines Sleeping Beauty-as a dark and enchanting Edwardian fantasy. Marina is the cherished daughter of the wealthy Roeswood family, practioners of Elemental Magic. But evil portents have warned her parents that Marina will be killed before her eighteenth birthday-by the hand of her own aunt.
Is The Gates of Sleep appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A dark fairy tale retelling with murder attempts, family betrayal, and magical peril. Violence is present but not graphic; no sexual content beyond possible mild romance.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include murder, attempted murder, and death of parent (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will enjoy this atmospheric retelling of Sleeping Beauty with Edwardian-era magic, mystery, and a heroine racing against a deadly prophecy.