-
The Sleeping Beauty
- Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 5
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $24.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's summary
Mercedes Lackey magical A Tale of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series continues with a captivating new adventure…
Heavy is the head - and the eyelids - of the princess who wears the crown....
In Rosamund's realm, happiness hinges on a few simple beliefs. For every princess there's a prince. The King has ultimate power. Stepmothers should never be trusted. And bad things come to those who break with Tradition....
But when Rosa is pursued by a murderous huntsman and then captured by dwarves, her beliefs go up in smoke. Determined to escape and save her kingdom from imminent invasion, she agrees to become the subject of one of her stepmother's risky incantations - thus falling into a deep, deep sleep.
When awakened by a touchy-feely stranger, Rosa must choose between Tradition and her future between a host of eligible princes and a handsome, fair-haired outsider. And learn the difference between being a princess and ruling as a Queen.
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Fairy Godmother
- Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella - until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job - and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land. But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale.
-
-
An excellent start to a new series
- By Captain Skurvy on 01-16-13
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Firebird
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Curt Bonnem
- Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Mercedes Lackey's Firebird, Ilya, son of a Russian prince, is largely ignored by his father and tormented by his larger, older brothers. His only friends are three old people: a priest, a magician, and a woman who toils in the palace dairy. From them Ilya learns faith, a smattering of magic, and the power of love - all of which he will need desperately, for his life is about to be turned upside down.
-
-
great story!
- By Catherine on 06-10-20
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Lark and the Wren
- Bardic Voices, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Christa Lewis
- Length: 18 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Young, brash, and impulsive, Rune backs up a brag by ascending Skull Hill to play fiddle for the malevolent spirit that resides there, striking a bargain with the ghost to surrender her soul if he tires of her playing before sunrise.
-
-
Narrator
- By Jena on 07-11-22
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Fire Rose
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Kate Black-Regan
- Length: 13 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Accepting employment as a governess after hard times hit her family, medieval scholar Rosalind Hawkins is surprised when she learns that her mysterious employer has no children and only wants her to read to him through a speaking tube.
-
-
Great story, poorly presented
- By Che on 02-26-10
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Hills Have Spies
- Valdemar: Family Spies, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this new series, set in the bestselling world of Valdemar, Heralds Mags and Amily must continue to protect the realm of Valdemar while raising their children and preparing them to follow in their footsteps.
Mags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, the King’s Own Herald, are happily married with three kids. The oldest, Peregrine, has the Gift of Animal Mindspeech—he can talk to animals and persuade them to act as he wishes. Perry's dream is to follow in his father's footsteps as a Herald Spy, but he has yet to be Chosen by a Companion.
-
-
Great continuation of the series!
- By Peter on 06-28-18
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Closer to Home
- Valdemar: The Herald Spy, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen.Although normally a Herald in his first year of Whites would be sent off on circuit, Mags is needed close to home for his abilities as a spy and his powerful Mindspeech gift.
-
-
Great story !!
- By T on 10-19-14
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Fairy Godmother
- Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella - until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job - and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land. But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale.
-
-
An excellent start to a new series
- By Captain Skurvy on 01-16-13
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Firebird
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Curt Bonnem
- Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Mercedes Lackey's Firebird, Ilya, son of a Russian prince, is largely ignored by his father and tormented by his larger, older brothers. His only friends are three old people: a priest, a magician, and a woman who toils in the palace dairy. From them Ilya learns faith, a smattering of magic, and the power of love - all of which he will need desperately, for his life is about to be turned upside down.
-
-
great story!
- By Catherine on 06-10-20
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Lark and the Wren
- Bardic Voices, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Christa Lewis
- Length: 18 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Young, brash, and impulsive, Rune backs up a brag by ascending Skull Hill to play fiddle for the malevolent spirit that resides there, striking a bargain with the ghost to surrender her soul if he tires of her playing before sunrise.
-
-
Narrator
- By Jena on 07-11-22
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Fire Rose
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Kate Black-Regan
- Length: 13 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Accepting employment as a governess after hard times hit her family, medieval scholar Rosalind Hawkins is surprised when she learns that her mysterious employer has no children and only wants her to read to him through a speaking tube.
-
-
Great story, poorly presented
- By Che on 02-26-10
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Hills Have Spies
- Valdemar: Family Spies, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this new series, set in the bestselling world of Valdemar, Heralds Mags and Amily must continue to protect the realm of Valdemar while raising their children and preparing them to follow in their footsteps.
Mags, Herald Spy of Valdemar, and his wife, Amily, the King’s Own Herald, are happily married with three kids. The oldest, Peregrine, has the Gift of Animal Mindspeech—he can talk to animals and persuade them to act as he wishes. Perry's dream is to follow in his father's footsteps as a Herald Spy, but he has yet to be Chosen by a Companion.
-
-
Great continuation of the series!
- By Peter on 06-28-18
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Closer to Home
- Valdemar: The Herald Spy, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mags was once an enslaved orphan living a harsh life in the mines, until the King's Own Herald discovered his talent and trained him as a spy. Now a Herald in his own right, at the newly established Heralds' Collegium, Mags has found a supportive family, including his Companion Dallen.Although normally a Herald in his first year of Whites would be sent off on circuit, Mags is needed close to home for his abilities as a spy and his powerful Mindspeech gift.
-
-
Great story !!
- By T on 10-19-14
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Gryphon in Light
- Kelvren's Saga, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon
- Narrated by: Paul Woodson
- Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the border between Valdemar and the deadly Pelagirs Forest, the gryphon hero Kelvren returns from a near-fatal self-sacrifice that won him the approval of Valdemar's ground troops, but caused a diplomatic crisis. Frustrated by his lack of a hero's welcome, Kelvren is talked into helping with an expedition by his old friend, Firesong. Firesong struggles with his own age and mortality, and he intends to solve a vast mystery at the center of legendary Lake Evendim as his crowning achievement.
-
-
It’s as if the author hadn’t read the previous books
- By ChocolateChipCookie330 on 11-22-23
By: Mercedes Lackey, and others
-
Foundation
- Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey's best-selling world, a 13 year-old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a Herald. Thrust into the center of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had - and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds' Collegium.
-
-
great for kids
- By Wyonia on 10-17-08
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Oathbound
- Vows and Honor Series, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Christa Lewis
- Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
She was Tarma. Born to the Clan of the Hawk of the nomadic Shin'a'in people, she saw her entire clan slain by brigands. Vowing revenge upon the murderers, she became one of the sword-sworn, the most elite of all warriors. She was Kethry. Born to a noble house, sold into a hateful "marriage", she fled life's harshness for the sanctuary of the White Winds, a powerful school of sorcery. United by sword-spell and the will of the goddess, Tarma and Kethry swore a blood oath to carry on their mutual fight against evil. Together, sword master and sorceress set forth to fulfill their destiny.
-
-
Collection of Short Stories
- By E. L. Sapp on 07-27-19
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Owlflight
- Owl Mage Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon
- Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
- Length: 13 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Apprenticed to a venerable wizard when his hunter and trapper parents disappear into the forest never to be seen again, Darian is difficult and strong willed - much to the dismay of his kindly master. But a sudden twist of fate will change his life forever when the ransacking of his village forces him to flee into the great mystical forest. It is here in the dark forest that he meets his destiny, as the terrifying and mysterious Hawkpeople lead him on the path to maturity.
-
-
Good story, ok narrator
- By Erin on 08-20-17
By: Mercedes Lackey, and others
-
The Black Gryphon
- Mage Wars Series, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 12 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is an age when Valdemar is yet unfounded, its organization of Heralds yet unformed, and magic is still a wild and uncontrolled force. Skandranon Rashkae is perhaps the finest specimen of his race, with gleaming ebony feathers, a majestic wingspan, keen magesight, and sharp intelligence. Courageous, bold, and crafty, Skan is everything a gryphon should be. He is the fulfillment of everything that the Mage of Silence, the human sorcerer called Urtho, intended to achieve when he created these magical beings to be his champions, the defenders of his realm.
-
-
Love the book
- By Lois McDonald on 11-03-18
By: Mercedes Lackey, and others
-
Joust
- Dragon Jousters, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Ryan Burke
- Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first audiobook in this thrilling new series introduces us to a young slave who dreams of becoming a jouster - one of the few warriors who can actually ride a flying dragon. And so, in secret, he begins to raise his own dragon....
-
-
Fantastic
- By Krystalline on 03-22-19
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Magic's Pawn
- Valdemar: The Last Herald Mage, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Gregory St. John
- Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Magic's Pawn, an ancient age in the history of Valdemar comes to life - an age when the kingdom was ravaged by the ungoverned fury of bandit warlords, ferocious ice dragons, and the wild magic of wizards. A new addition to Lackey's Valdemar kingdom - and her most powerful series to date!
-
-
It's not him, it's me
- By J.A. on 11-21-14
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Winds of Fate
- Valdemar: The Mage Winds, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Karen White
- Length: 18 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
High Magic has been lost to Valdemar centuries ago when the last Herald-Mage gave his life to save the kingdom from destruction by dark sorceries. Yet now the realm is at risk again. And Elspeth, Herald and heir to the throne, must take up the challenge, abandoning her home to find a mentor who can awaken her untrained mage abilities. But others, too, are being caught up in a war against sorcerous evil.
-
-
Very disappointing; could have been so much better
- By CatBookMom on 03-26-13
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Beyond
- Founding of Valdemar Series, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Paul Woodson
- Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire's exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda's father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny.
-
-
Exceptional Listen
- By Amazon Customer on 09-27-21
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Trio of Sorcery
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Caroline Keeler
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Trio of Sorcery, Mercedes Lackey presents three exciting short urban fantasy novels, including the return of Diana Tregarde and the debut of a brand-new heroine for the twenty-first century.
-
-
For those wanting more by Mercedes Lackey.
- By jakke h collard on 09-11-23
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
Briarheart
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Polly Lee
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Miriam may be the daughter of Queen Alethia of Tirendell, but she's not a princess. She's the child of Alethia and her previous husband, the King's Champion, who died fighting for the king, and she has no ambitions to rule. When her new baby sister, Aurora, heir to the throne, is born, she's ecstatic. She adores the baby, who seems perfect in every way. But on the day of Aurora's christening, an uninvited Dark Fae arrives, prepared to curse her, and Miriam discovers she possesses impossible power.
-
-
Huge Lackey fan, this did not satisfy
- By GratefulHeartist on 12-18-21
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Black Swan
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Eva Wilhelm
- Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After his wife's untimely death, a powerful sorcerer dedicates his life to seeking revenge against all womankind. He turns his captives into beautiful swans - who briefly regain human form by the fleeting light of the moon. Only Odette, noblest of the enchanted flock, has the courage to confront her captor. But can she gain the allies she needs to free herself and the other swan-maidens from their magical slavery?
-
-
Great book, Meh narration.
- By Elizabeth on 08-19-20
By: Mercedes Lackey
Related to this topic
-
The Fairy Godmother
- Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella - until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job - and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land. But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale.
-
-
An excellent start to a new series
- By Captain Skurvy on 01-16-13
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Briar King
- The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 1
- By: Greg Keyes
- Narrated by: Patrick Michael
- Length: 19 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two thousand years ago, the Born Queen defeated the Skasloi lords, freeing humans from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now monstrous creatures roam the land and destinies become inextricably entangled in a drama of power and seduction. The kings woodsman, a rebellious girl, a young priest, a roguish adventurer, and a young man made suddenly into a knight all face malevolent forces that shake the foundations of the kingdom, even as the Briar King, legendary harbinger of death, awakens from his slumber.
-
-
Good stuff
- By Jake on 06-10-10
By: Greg Keyes
-
The Sword-Edged Blonde
- By: Alex Bledsoe
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It should have been a case like any other: a missing princess, a king willing to pay in gold for her return. But before he realizes it, private investigator Eddie LaCrosse, a slightly shopworn sword jockey with a talent for discretion and detection, is swept up in a web of mystery and deceit involving a brutally murdered royal heir, a queen accused of an unspeakable crime, and the tragic past he thought he'd left behind.
-
-
No Redeeming Qualities
- By MightyMite68 on 09-27-20
By: Alex Bledsoe
-
Beka Cooper Book 1
- The Legend of Beka Cooper #1
- By: Tamora Pierce
- Narrated by: Susan Denaker
- Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tamora Pierce begins a new Tortall trilogy by introducing Beka Cooper, an amazing young woman who lived 200 years before Pierce's popular Alanna character. For the first time, Pierce employs first-person narration in a novel, bringing readers even closer to a character they will love for her unusual talents and tough personality.
-
-
love it
- By Clara on 07-26-08
By: Tamora Pierce
-
Dark Lord of Derkholm
- Derkholm Series, Book 1
- By: Diana Wynne Jones
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 13 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mr. Chesney operates Pilgrim Parties, a tour group that takes paying participants into an outer realm where the inhabitants play frightening and foreboding roles. The time has come to end the staged madness...but can it really be stopped?
-
-
One of my Favorite Fantasy Books
- By Jake on 08-09-19
-
Kill the Farm Boy
- The Tales of Pell Series, Book 1
- By: Kevin Hearne, Delilah S. Dawson
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A plucky farm boy will find more than he's bargained for on his quest to awaken the sleeping princess in her cursed tower. First there's the Dark Lord, who wishes for the boy's untimely death...and also very fine cheese. Then there's a bard without a song in her heart but with a very adorable and fuzzy tail, an assassin who fears not the night but is terrified of chickens, and a mighty fighter more frightened of her sword than of her chain-mail bikini. This journey will lead to sinister umlauts, a trash-talking goat, and the Dread Necromancer Steve....
-
-
Disappointing
- By Bruce D. Parker on 07-18-18
By: Kevin Hearne, and others
-
The Fairy Godmother
- Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: Mercedes Lackey
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella - until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job - and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land. But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale.
-
-
An excellent start to a new series
- By Captain Skurvy on 01-16-13
By: Mercedes Lackey
-
The Briar King
- The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone, Book 1
- By: Greg Keyes
- Narrated by: Patrick Michael
- Length: 19 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two thousand years ago, the Born Queen defeated the Skasloi lords, freeing humans from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now monstrous creatures roam the land and destinies become inextricably entangled in a drama of power and seduction. The kings woodsman, a rebellious girl, a young priest, a roguish adventurer, and a young man made suddenly into a knight all face malevolent forces that shake the foundations of the kingdom, even as the Briar King, legendary harbinger of death, awakens from his slumber.
-
-
Good stuff
- By Jake on 06-10-10
By: Greg Keyes
-
The Sword-Edged Blonde
- By: Alex Bledsoe
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It should have been a case like any other: a missing princess, a king willing to pay in gold for her return. But before he realizes it, private investigator Eddie LaCrosse, a slightly shopworn sword jockey with a talent for discretion and detection, is swept up in a web of mystery and deceit involving a brutally murdered royal heir, a queen accused of an unspeakable crime, and the tragic past he thought he'd left behind.
-
-
No Redeeming Qualities
- By MightyMite68 on 09-27-20
By: Alex Bledsoe
-
Beka Cooper Book 1
- The Legend of Beka Cooper #1
- By: Tamora Pierce
- Narrated by: Susan Denaker
- Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tamora Pierce begins a new Tortall trilogy by introducing Beka Cooper, an amazing young woman who lived 200 years before Pierce's popular Alanna character. For the first time, Pierce employs first-person narration in a novel, bringing readers even closer to a character they will love for her unusual talents and tough personality.
-
-
love it
- By Clara on 07-26-08
By: Tamora Pierce
-
Dark Lord of Derkholm
- Derkholm Series, Book 1
- By: Diana Wynne Jones
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 13 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mr. Chesney operates Pilgrim Parties, a tour group that takes paying participants into an outer realm where the inhabitants play frightening and foreboding roles. The time has come to end the staged madness...but can it really be stopped?
-
-
One of my Favorite Fantasy Books
- By Jake on 08-09-19
-
Kill the Farm Boy
- The Tales of Pell Series, Book 1
- By: Kevin Hearne, Delilah S. Dawson
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A plucky farm boy will find more than he's bargained for on his quest to awaken the sleeping princess in her cursed tower. First there's the Dark Lord, who wishes for the boy's untimely death...and also very fine cheese. Then there's a bard without a song in her heart but with a very adorable and fuzzy tail, an assassin who fears not the night but is terrified of chickens, and a mighty fighter more frightened of her sword than of her chain-mail bikini. This journey will lead to sinister umlauts, a trash-talking goat, and the Dread Necromancer Steve....
-
-
Disappointing
- By Bruce D. Parker on 07-18-18
By: Kevin Hearne, and others
-
The Will of the Empress
- By: Tamora Pierce
- Narrated by: Tamora Pierce
- Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For years, the Empress of Namorn has pressed her young cousin, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, to visit her vast lands within the Empire's borders. Sandry has avoided the invitation for as long as it was possible. Now, Sandry has agreed to pay that overdue visit. Sandry's uncle promises guards to accompany her. But they're hardly a group of warriors! They're her old friends from Winding Circle: Daja, Tris, and Briar. Sandry hardly knows them now. They've grown up and grown apart.
-
-
from a writer's perspective
- By daniel orzechowski on 05-24-08
By: Tamora Pierce
-
Luck in the Shadows
- Nightrunner, Book 1
- By: Lynn Flewelling
- Narrated by: Raymond Todd
- Length: 18 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Spy, rogue, thief, and noble, Seregil of Rhiminee is many things, none of them predictable. And when he offers to take on Alec as his apprentice, things may never be the same for either of them. Soon Alec is traveling roads he never knew existed, toward a war he never suspected was brewing. Before long he and Seregil are embroiled in a sinister plot that runs deeper than either can imagine and that may cost them far more than their lives if they fail. But fortune is as unpredictable as Alec's new mentor.
-
-
Fantastic Series! Homophobes, shut up!
- By Ted on 09-23-11
By: Lynn Flewelling
-
Masques
- Aralorn, Book 1
- By: Patricia Briggs
- Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren, Patricia Briggs (introduction)
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is - or where he will strike next?
-
-
Satisfying tale, interesting characters
- By Tabitha on 10-07-11
By: Patricia Briggs
-
Tales of the Great Beasts (Spirit Animals: Special Edition)
- By: Brandon Mull
- Narrated by: Nicola Barber
- Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Long before they were spirit animals, the four were still legends - Great Beasts, the most powerful beings to roam the wilds of Erdas. Aided by a brave resistance of humans and animals, they gave their lives to protect the world from a threat more dangerous than any it had seen before: their own kind. Wise and cunning, gentle and ruthless, these are tales of the true heroes and villains in the war that started it all.
-
-
review from 9 y/o daughter
- By Ellie on 01-08-17
By: Brandon Mull
-
Rune Gate Cycle: Omnibus
- By: Mark E. Cooper
- Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
- Length: 16 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alexandra Yorke was a top police clairvoyant, but years of living inside the heads of serial killers has taken its toll. Unable to control her gifts, she retreats from the world, but a few months of peace is all she has before a friend calls in need of help.
-
-
Criminally underrated
- By Mr. King on 10-21-24
By: Mark E. Cooper
-
The Wide-Awake Princess
- By: E. D. Baker
- Narrated by: Emily Bauer
- Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic - can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake. But who is her true love? The irritating Digby? The happy-go-lucky Prince Andreas, who is holding a contest to find his bride?
-
-
review by 10 year old AWESOME
- By T. R. Humperdink on 01-11-17
By: E. D. Baker
-
The (Sort of) Dark Mage
- Waldo Rabbit Series, Book 1
- By: Nelson Chereta
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The (Sort of) Dark Mage is the story of a young man named Waldo who grows up in a world where monsters, the undead, and dark magic are part of everyday life. He is forced to go on a journey to prove himself and soon discovers that his beliefs don't fit into the wider world.
-
-
Engaging, but has no ending.
- By Ryan on 07-30-17
By: Nelson Chereta
-
A Whole New World
- A Twisted Tale
- By: Liz Braswell, Disney Press
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
- Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Jafar steals the genie's lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish. To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed Princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war. What happens next? A "street rat" becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And listeners will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.
-
-
Loved this!!!
- By Catherine E on 08-04-16
By: Liz Braswell, and others
-
No Man of Woman Born
- Rewoven Tales
- By: Ana Mardoll
- Narrated by: Cori Samuel
- Length: 6 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the author of the Earthside series and the Rewoven Tales novels, No Man of Woman Born is a collection of seven fantasy stories in which transgender and nonbinary characters subvert and fulfill gendered prophecies. These prophecies recognize and acknowledge each character's gender, even when others do not.
-
-
Not What I expected
- By Customer on 07-27-18
By: Ana Mardoll
-
Sabriel
- By: Garth Nix
- Narrated by: Tim Curry
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever since she was a tiny child, Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won't stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must cross back into that world.
-
-
Enraptured
- By T. HICKS on 06-20-09
By: Garth Nix
-
Quatrain
- Twelve Houses, Book 0.5
- By: Sharon Shinn
- Narrated by: Eva Wilhelm
- Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sharon Shinn's Twelve Houses books have fascinated fans and critics alike with their irresistible blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Now in Quatrain, she weaves compelling stories in four of the worlds that fans love in "Flight", "Blood", "Gold", and "Flame".
-
-
Lovely set of novellas, description needs updated
- By Lindsay C. on 09-25-20
By: Sharon Shinn
-
The Hero and the Crown
- By: Robin McKinley
- Narrated by: Roslyn Alexander
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Uncertain of the past, Aerin-sol, daughter of King Arlbeth, decides to forge her own future by challenging the lashing tongues of the dragon’s fire. Aerin’s proficiency as "the Dragon-slayer" sets her on a quest for the stolen Crown of Damar, believed to be in the hands of rebellious northerners who threaten to destroy the Damarian people and their home forever.
-
-
Second only to Blue Sword
- By mkc on 01-18-13
By: Robin McKinley
What listeners say about The Sleeping Beauty
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- R. Campbell
- 07-30-24
Old story with a lot of great twists.
Excellent narration by GZ, love her voice. Haven’t read a book yet by ML that wasn’t equally excellent.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mara
- 12-13-23
Enjoyable!
Enjoyable story! Kept me entertained and engaged throughout. Interesting take on the fairytale and the world within which it is set. Wonderful narrator.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jessica
- 08-13-16
great story, great narrator!
Very talented narrator, pleasing voices to a great story! Mercedes Lackey never fails to deliver.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Crystal Williams
- 07-25-24
so much fun
I love this series. Each book gets better and better. so much fun. the characters are amazing
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Holly
- 09-25-16
*My favorite Mercedes Lackey, perfect narration*
This book completely captured my imagination and attention, as narrated by Gabra Zackman. I read the paperback copy of this a few years back, but listening to it through Audible was a whole new experience. Not only is it my favorite in the Five Hundred Kingdoms story, it is probably now my favorite of all Mercedes Lackey very large body of work. The narration is superb...akin to Jim Dale reading Harry Potter and Ralph Cosham as Inspector Gamache in Louise Penny's novels. The best of Mercedes Lackey is reflected in this novel, with superb plotting and highly compelling character development. Some books are better candidates than others for listening to, and this is in the very top echelon for a recorded listening experience. Outstanding!!!!
--I have just re-read it after five and a half years. I think another to come might be my favourite. At any rate, it wasn't as wonderful as I recalled but excellent, nonetheless. I would have liked more time with the husband to be interreacting with the bride to be, as those were very well-written. Excellent reworking of legendary stories, and the Tradition, how it is used and steered, is so clever.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ladyelizabethann
- 06-27-20
Best Sleeping Beauty story ever!
Another wonderful jaunt into the lands of the 500 kingdoms. Aside from the familiar Grimm standards, there are a bunch of Nordic references in this one. If you don't feel like doing the reseach, you can still follow the story and enjoy every minute. Love the characters and the plot. Wish she would write more of these!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Got My Book
- 10-25-16
Wagner meets... The Sleeping Beauty
This Adult Fantasy, which mixes various fairytales with "The Ring Cycle," is one of Lackey's better 500 Kingdoms novels.
BOOK DETAILS:
The Sleeping Beauty by Mercedes Lackey, read by Gabra Zackman, published by Audible Studios (2013) / Length: 11 hrs 5 min
SERIES INFO:
This is Book #5 of 6 in the "Five Hundred Kingdoms" series. These books can easily be read as standalones.
SUMMARY:
Although I feel that Ms Lackey's newer books lack the narrative tightness & emotional punch of her earlier work, this one is the one I like the most. I enjoy the characters, even the disreputable ones, and find more of the story to be interesting.
Note: it is not necessary to be familiar with "The Ring Cycle" at all. Ms. Lackey does an excellent job of presenting the slightly altered details she has based this on.
CHARACTERS:
There are 3 main protagonists in this story.
Rosamund: Her father is the King and her mother, the late Queen, was once a commoner who got her HEA. Although she is definitely a damsel in distress, she does everything she can to save herself. And although she is strong, I like that at a particularly low moment she lets her self cry and be hysterical. Also that she still needs some help.
Siegfried: Although his background is very similar to that of Wagner's character with the same name (and he is running from a prophecy that he will marry his Valkyrie aunt), he is not the same type of person at all. He is intelligent, honorable, and very likeable. He has an intelligent Bird who keeps him company. Although he used to think that girls were icky, now he thinks that having someone "all his own" would be nice.
Godmother Lilly: She is a true Faerie Godmother (in this world, some Fairy Godmother's are talented & trained human women). She has been watching over the Kingdom for 100s of years. Some FG's take care of multiple kingdoms, but this one comes with enough troubles to keep her busy. She relies heavily on her mirror servant Jimson who is a great side character.
WORLDBUILDING:
This takes place in a a world where magic has taken on a power of its own in the form of The Tradition. This is a non-sentient force that seeks to push everyone into typical fairy tale roles regardless of whether it will make them happy or not. There are Fae folk, but they don't have a big presence in this book; there are also mythical creatures such as unicorns; and all the typical fairy tale trappings.
PLOT:
I did feel like it took quite awhile to get to the most interesting parts of the book, and that maybe it should have started a bit later and flashbacked some more. Once all the main characters come together and are known to each other, it really picks up. (Note: this seems to be an issue with many of her newer books, I feel like the main story did start a bit sooner here than in others I've read.)
I wish we had gotten more parts with Rosamund and her future husband interacting together, although I liked what we did get. And there is one section where everyone is having to answer riddles and it jumps back and forth so much that it's hard to tell which answers go with which questions (this may only apply to audio version, I don't know).
Since each of these books is essentially standalone, we get a very satisfactory ending that wraps everything up nicely.
HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:
--The "waking Sleeping Beauty" scene
--The "get rid of the curses" quest
--Siegfried's courting gift to Rosamund
CONTENT NOTES(?): Leopold is someone who is partial to tumbling any willing woman and liable to “take liberties” if allowed to. / Another couple talks about seducing each other.
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: A male character is laughed at for being a virgin. /
Mild swearing / Non-graphic harm to animals
NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = Yes / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes / Accents = Sounded good to me / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good / Emoting = Good / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual
I find her voice very soothing, which makes this a great "comfort listen."
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rebekah
- 03-09-22
Great story, missing some pages
I usually read along with an ebook if I have it or can from the library and for this one I'm so glad I did. A few pages at the ends of chapter 5 and 8 were missing in the audibles version but I was to read it in my ebooks.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- grayfortress
- 07-23-13
Amazing - one of the best in the series
What did you love best about The Sleeping Beauty?
After reading and listening to many of Mercedes Lackey's books, I decided to try the Five Hundred Kingdom's series. I have listened to all but one and after the first "Fairy Godmother" this was by far the best. It had all of the great elements of a hero, princess, and villain, but nothing was quite as it seemed or too cookie cutter. I sat in my car for the last hour and a half to hear the whole story wrap up since I couldn't wait until my next commute. Definitely worth the time.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Siegfried - he lives by trying to do what is right and not always what is easy.
What about Gabra Zackman’s performance did you like?
She just has a soothing voice that lets you escape into the story.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I really liked when the godmother gets her man too.
Any additional comments?
Wonderful - now on to the next book in the series :)
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dona
- 03-25-13
Great listen
As always Mercedes Lackey has delivered another great book. Full of adventure, romance, and magic. No greater mix.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful