What do you think?
Rate this book
Promchanted
Two modern teens.
One classic fairy tale.
Absolutely no cell service.
Stella Griffin doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Ever since her boyfriend dumped her three weeks before the prom— not ideal timing—she’s convinced every love story is a lie.
She’s ready to skip the prom entirely. But she and her best friend, Nisha, have been planning for years to celebrate at Disneyland before the prom . . . an OG OC tradition. But even being all dressed up at the Happiest Place on Earth isn’t salvaging Stella’s night. Nisha has brought along her friend Reece to join them, and he and Stella do not get along. They’re like oil and water. Cats and dogs. Aladdin and Jafar. And so what if Reece is, fine, kind of cute? Stella’s over it all. Happily-ever-afters, true love’s kisses, princes on white horses. It’s not real.
. . . Or is it?
Because when Stella and Reece push through a hidden door in Sleeping Beauty’s castle, they’re not in Anaheim anymore. They’re in the story. In Sleeping Beauty —with Aurora and Phillip, the fairies, Maleficent, and extremely intelligent woodland creatures.
Unfortunately, they’ve landed right in the middle of the story—which throws things off. Suddenly, Aurora and Phillip are meeting before they were supposed to. The fairies are suspicious of the interlopers, and even Maleficent gets word of their arrival.
Stella and Reece will have to put aside their differences, make sure Aurora and Phillip fall in love, and get the story back on track—because if things don’t end the way they’re supposed to . . . they might never get home.
Will they be able to pull off a fairy-tale ending? And will Stella and Reece get a happily-ever-after of their own?
One classic fairy tale.
Absolutely no cell service.
Stella Griffin doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Ever since her boyfriend dumped her three weeks before the prom— not ideal timing—she’s convinced every love story is a lie.
She’s ready to skip the prom entirely. But she and her best friend, Nisha, have been planning for years to celebrate at Disneyland before the prom . . . an OG OC tradition. But even being all dressed up at the Happiest Place on Earth isn’t salvaging Stella’s night. Nisha has brought along her friend Reece to join them, and he and Stella do not get along. They’re like oil and water. Cats and dogs. Aladdin and Jafar. And so what if Reece is, fine, kind of cute? Stella’s over it all. Happily-ever-afters, true love’s kisses, princes on white horses. It’s not real.
. . . Or is it?
Because when Stella and Reece push through a hidden door in Sleeping Beauty’s castle, they’re not in Anaheim anymore. They’re in the story. In Sleeping Beauty —with Aurora and Phillip, the fairies, Maleficent, and extremely intelligent woodland creatures.
Unfortunately, they’ve landed right in the middle of the story—which throws things off. Suddenly, Aurora and Phillip are meeting before they were supposed to. The fairies are suspicious of the interlopers, and even Maleficent gets word of their arrival.
Stella and Reece will have to put aside their differences, make sure Aurora and Phillip fall in love, and get the story back on track—because if things don’t end the way they’re supposed to . . . they might never get home.
Will they be able to pull off a fairy-tale ending? And will Stella and Reece get a happily-ever-after of their own?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2024
91 people are currently reading
3668 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Matson
18 books13.3k followersMorgan Matson grew up in New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut. She attended Occidental College in Los Angeles but halfway though a theater degree, she started working in the children's department of Vroman's Bookstore and fell in love with YA literature.
Following college graduation (and the proud bearer of an incredibly useful theater/English degree) she moved back East to attend the New School, where she received her M.F.A in Writing for Children.
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, inspired by Morgan's three cross-country road trips, was published in May 2010. It was named an ALA Top Ten Best Book, a PW "Flying Start" book, and was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Book Prize.
In the meantime, Morgan moved back to California, went back to school again and in 2011 received an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California.
Her second book, Second Chance Summer, was published in May 2012 and draws largely on her experiences spending summers growing up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Her third book, Since You've Been Gone, was published in 2014.
Morgan currently lives in Los Angeles, though she loves to travel and does it whenever she can. She is currently writing another book, to be published in 2016.
Following college graduation (and the proud bearer of an incredibly useful theater/English degree) she moved back East to attend the New School, where she received her M.F.A in Writing for Children.
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, inspired by Morgan's three cross-country road trips, was published in May 2010. It was named an ALA Top Ten Best Book, a PW "Flying Start" book, and was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Book Prize.
In the meantime, Morgan moved back to California, went back to school again and in 2011 received an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California.
Her second book, Second Chance Summer, was published in May 2012 and draws largely on her experiences spending summers growing up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Her third book, Since You've Been Gone, was published in 2014.
Morgan currently lives in Los Angeles, though she loves to travel and does it whenever she can. She is currently writing another book, to be published in 2016.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
Want to read
September 3, 2023had me at morgan matson
Want to read
July 5, 2024aint no way disney wrote a book 💀
June 30, 2025
4.8⭐️
so fun, so wholesome, so light! frolicking in the woods with friends (both human and critters🐰🐦) and enjoying slow summer days in a literal fairytale world 🌳🌸🍓🫐🧺✨💦🧚♀️
so bingeable, I read it in 2-3 days 😲
if u wanted more of disney princesses living their calm, blissful, little lives before "the story begins" then u will luv this
read this as part of a book swap with my sister ✨️ watch here https://youtu.be/LkdzJzw9ftA?si=y9d0u...
so fun, so wholesome, so light! frolicking in the woods with friends (both human and critters🐰🐦) and enjoying slow summer days in a literal fairytale world 🌳🌸🍓🫐🧺✨💦🧚♀️
so bingeable, I read it in 2-3 days 😲
if u wanted more of disney princesses living their calm, blissful, little lives before "the story begins" then u will luv this
read this as part of a book swap with my sister ✨️ watch here https://youtu.be/LkdzJzw9ftA?si=y9d0u...
January 24, 2024
SO MUCH FUN!!!!!
March 6, 2024
Honestly I’m shocked that there aren’t more 5 star reviews or rave reviews about this book. I get that I’m biased because I’ve been obsessed with the Disney Princesses from birth and Aurora is one of my top three favorites, but still?
This book was insanely clever, witty, funny, filled with one liners that actually had me laughing out loud. And Rose (Aurora) was so insanely sweet that it actually made me soft, like, I wanna be her friend too! This book actually humanizes the Sleeping Beauty characters more than the movie, because books can always go more in depth than movies and you can learn far more about a character through a book. And through this, I was even more convinced of Rose/Aurora’s sweetness and insane likability even more than her portrayal in the movie. And Prince Phillip was probably the funniest character I’ve read in a long time, I can’t get over his personality in this lmao. He had me cracking up the whole time! And Merryweather oh my gosh some of her lines were so hysterical.
Any fan of Sleeping Beauty would love this book as much as I did. I’m kind of shocked at the amount of mid range reviews for this, but maybe I’m just biased because I love Aurora and the Sleeping Beauty movie world so much? But even without that bias, this book was probably one of the funniest books ever written with the most wittiest one liners that were expertly executed. But I do think a Disney Princess and Sleeping Beauty fan would ESPECIALLY love this.
I rarely if ever write reviews now unless it is through Netgalley, so the fact that I enjoyed this enough to write a non arc review by choice says a lot. Disney, please do more books like these and make this into a series if it isn’t already. And make the next one Snow White because she’s my fave!
This book was insanely clever, witty, funny, filled with one liners that actually had me laughing out loud. And Rose (Aurora) was so insanely sweet that it actually made me soft, like, I wanna be her friend too! This book actually humanizes the Sleeping Beauty characters more than the movie, because books can always go more in depth than movies and you can learn far more about a character through a book. And through this, I was even more convinced of Rose/Aurora’s sweetness and insane likability even more than her portrayal in the movie. And Prince Phillip was probably the funniest character I’ve read in a long time, I can’t get over his personality in this lmao. He had me cracking up the whole time! And Merryweather oh my gosh some of her lines were so hysterical.
Any fan of Sleeping Beauty would love this book as much as I did. I’m kind of shocked at the amount of mid range reviews for this, but maybe I’m just biased because I love Aurora and the Sleeping Beauty movie world so much? But even without that bias, this book was probably one of the funniest books ever written with the most wittiest one liners that were expertly executed. But I do think a Disney Princess and Sleeping Beauty fan would ESPECIALLY love this.
I rarely if ever write reviews now unless it is through Netgalley, so the fact that I enjoyed this enough to write a non arc review by choice says a lot. Disney, please do more books like these and make this into a series if it isn’t already. And make the next one Snow White because she’s my fave!
February 15, 2024
The rating of a 31 year old with their own personal preferences: 3.25 stars.
The objective rating of someone who used to be a teenager, who had yet to be trampled by the weariness of adulthood: a solid 4 stars.
When I saw an arc of this I knew I had to give Promchanted a try. I also knew it might be a little cheesy and outside of what 2024 Tarryn would typically enjoy. But seriously, read the synopsis if you haven't already - I had to.
I won't lie to you and say that I was enthralled the entire journey. Frankly, I found Stella tedious at times, and the pacing and action far too slow and light for my liking. We spend a lot of time in the low stakes territory of the story and I couldn't help but be a little bored. But that's not to say this story was boring - more that I just have different preferences for most books I read and their pacing.
When I take my preference out of the equation, I can solidly say that this was a fun story - especially if you're in the age range intended for it. I definitely know there are plenty of adults who will also truly enjoy Promchanted, but personally I know if I was 12-16 years old, I would have been far more enchanted than my current 31 year old self is.
If you love Disney, if you're a teen who likes sweetness, if you're an adult you who loves sweetness and soft storytelling, or if you're a control freak who maybe thinks they need to unclench a bit - I would absolutely recommend. Overall, I thought Promchanted was just that; sweet and soft and for those who need to just take a breath and enjoy the moment.
We only get so many moments, after all.
The objective rating of someone who used to be a teenager, who had yet to be trampled by the weariness of adulthood: a solid 4 stars.
When I saw an arc of this I knew I had to give Promchanted a try. I also knew it might be a little cheesy and outside of what 2024 Tarryn would typically enjoy. But seriously, read the synopsis if you haven't already - I had to.
I won't lie to you and say that I was enthralled the entire journey. Frankly, I found Stella tedious at times, and the pacing and action far too slow and light for my liking. We spend a lot of time in the low stakes territory of the story and I couldn't help but be a little bored. But that's not to say this story was boring - more that I just have different preferences for most books I read and their pacing.
When I take my preference out of the equation, I can solidly say that this was a fun story - especially if you're in the age range intended for it. I definitely know there are plenty of adults who will also truly enjoy Promchanted, but personally I know if I was 12-16 years old, I would have been far more enchanted than my current 31 year old self is.
If you love Disney, if you're a teen who likes sweetness, if you're an adult you who loves sweetness and soft storytelling, or if you're a control freak who maybe thinks they need to unclench a bit - I would absolutely recommend. Overall, I thought Promchanted was just that; sweet and soft and for those who need to just take a breath and enjoy the moment.
We only get so many moments, after all.
November 26, 2023
3.5/5
Promchanted is a take on what happens if you stumbled into the plot of Sleeping Beauty on the night of your prom and needed to make sure you didn't mess it up via the Butterfly Effect. The idea is clever and it plays right into the playfulness of Disneyland itself, however, the execution felt lacking. The pacing is really off. The book felt repetitive, dragging in some places where I found myself skimming. This would have been much more interesting if told through the various perspectives of the characters we meet along the way. The plot was also wholly predictable. I read a lot of YA and I don't often find myself knowing exactly what is coming next, but here I did. It was written with a YA sophistication, but felt very middle grade in content. Because of this, the characters kind of fall flat. Our MCs come off as cliche and follow their troupe lines very well. But there is no dynamic to them, nor do I feel like there is a strong connection between them. Because we are only following Stella's POV, the rest of the characters feel one note.
That being said, I know this will be a hit with teen readers. A magical trip to Disneyland before prom followed by a storybook adventure? They will eat that up. Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent also seem to be a big hit still. Strong effort, just wish it was a little better executed.
Promchanted is a take on what happens if you stumbled into the plot of Sleeping Beauty on the night of your prom and needed to make sure you didn't mess it up via the Butterfly Effect. The idea is clever and it plays right into the playfulness of Disneyland itself, however, the execution felt lacking. The pacing is really off. The book felt repetitive, dragging in some places where I found myself skimming. This would have been much more interesting if told through the various perspectives of the characters we meet along the way. The plot was also wholly predictable. I read a lot of YA and I don't often find myself knowing exactly what is coming next, but here I did. It was written with a YA sophistication, but felt very middle grade in content. Because of this, the characters kind of fall flat. Our MCs come off as cliche and follow their troupe lines very well. But there is no dynamic to them, nor do I feel like there is a strong connection between them. Because we are only following Stella's POV, the rest of the characters feel one note.
That being said, I know this will be a hit with teen readers. A magical trip to Disneyland before prom followed by a storybook adventure? They will eat that up. Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent also seem to be a big hit still. Strong effort, just wish it was a little better executed.
Want to read
May 29, 2024preread:
NGL, the only reason why I want to read this is to see how horrible it is and to make fun of it. It literally has the classic romance plot and I can obviously see where it's going to go.
Also, what a cheesy name. Such a Disney name 😂.
NGL, the only reason why I want to read this is to see how horrible it is and to make fun of it. It literally has the classic romance plot and I can obviously see where it's going to go.
Also, what a cheesy name. Such a Disney name 😂.
July 21, 2024
I received an ARC of this book.
First, let me say that "Sleeping Beauty" has always been my favorite Disney movie. It's style of drawing is beautiful, Maleficent is a great character, and I love the setting. So I was excited about this book. BUT... This book just had too many flaws for me to enjoy it, even when I take a step back knowing I am not the intended audience. This book contradicted itself, was full of unlikeable and/or two-dimensional characters who acted and felt one way on one page and then completely different in the next chapter, had characters make decisions that they completely went back on later in the story, had no through line, and just didn't make any sense.
This is supposed to be the story of Stella, a junior in high school who is so detail-oriented that she even makes a spreadsheet on her phone (seems to me like that would be a lot easier to do on a laptop, but that's just me... And could you not just keep a calendar?) every morning to organize her day. She ends up going to Disneyland before her prom (you might think that's a huge part of the story, but it's not. Apart from the unnecessarily detailed descriptions of how Stella has created 4 different spreadsheets about what rides they need to go on, when they have to eat, what time they need to be in line, and essentially what they are and are not allowed to do, according to her plans.) with her best friend, her best friend's girlfriend, and a literal "rando." And of course Stella decides she does not like said rando, Reece, because he witnessed her breakup with her boyfriend weeks earlier, and he doesn't respond the way she feels he should to all her spreadsheets, rules, didactic pronouncements about what one should and shouldn't do at Disneyland, and generally unpleasant personality (not to mention the fact that she is mad he is there at one point, and then a few pages later is mad that he wants to do his own thing.) All of this "backstory" (complete with a whole scene about how Stella has to show up at the gym earlier that day because the prom decorations aren't arranged to her "logistical expert" standards and she doesn't like that the theme is "fairy tale," just because her boyfriend broke up with her, even though she LOVES Disney--which is supposed to be a major part of her personality) just makes the pace of the first part of the book too slow and honestly, a bit boring.
I felt like the story should pick up when Reece and Stella finally, by some weird (not really ever explained in the book--if you're counting plot holes, you'll probably lose count, but here's one,) reason end up in the DISNEY CARTOON version of Sleeping Beauty (this is also important to remember, because although they have not actually travelled back in time to an actual historical event, they for some reason feel if they do anything to disrupt the storyline of animated characters who were designed by Walt Disney--a la the butterfly effect--cataclysms will occur that could warp the space time continuum. Again, it made no sense). And this is the point where the book got even more contradictory. Stella, who prides herself on being so detail-oriented, for some reason cannot remember the details of Sleeping Beauty (another plot hole: she has trouble remembering the details in stories even though she has somehow genetically inherited a genius-level propensity for figuring out logistics? How does she function in school? What happens when she has to read a novel in English, or remember dates in history, or use formulas in math? Not to mention the fact that SHE LOVES DISNEY), and has to have Reece explain everything to her--characters, details, major plot-points, seemingly obvious things that any normal person could probably figure out just by using common sense. And then when he tells her how she should or shouldn't behave or what she should or should not do to keep the movie flowing like it should, she gets mad, ignores him, or just acts in an incredibly stupid manner. Reece keeps telling her they are in 14th century Europe, and she needs to speak and behave appropriately (yet another plot hole: they are NOT in the Middle Ages, they are in an animated movie. If they were actually in feudal Europe, they would be speaking a different language, Stella's actions would probably have her burned at the stake as a witch, and THERE WOULD BE NO FAIRIES OR MAGIC. Here, the author and in turn the characters need to stop emphasizing that they are in the actual past, and focus more on the fact that if the story doesn't unfold just as it should that they may not get back home. That would make much more sense).
At this point, I just started skimming. I didn't feel like anything that happened would really have any important impact on the story, because the character would most likely just go back on their statements or contradict their actions in the next chapter. Phillip and Rose meet a week early, (but that's okay, even though it doesn't happen in the movie...? What happened to the time-space continuum... Again, I'm confused). Stella and Reece spend a week showing them how to be modern teenagers, complete with current slang (I thought we in medieval Europe? But then again, Phillip and Rose talk just like Stella and Reece... Confused... Now, it would be a bit more believable if the fact they are in a MADE UP cartoon was emphasized, but it's not...), manage somehow to avoid Maleficent for the most part (again, a great character. She was severely underused in this story). Then, it JUST SO HAPPENS that
Okay, I am too tired of this to keep going. But there are so many more things I could list that make this book just not good. More plotholes, more things that make Stella unlikeable, more times we could have really used Reece's POV, more examples of the 2-dimensional nature of Phillip and Rose, more GLARING incongruity...but I'll stop here. I didn't like this book. I am shocked that Disney approved of it. I really hope this isn't a series. I am surprised this got past an editor. I DO NOT recommend it. The premise was great. The execution was atrocious. Philip, Aurora, Flora, Fauna, Merriweather, and Maleficent all deserve better.
First, let me say that "Sleeping Beauty" has always been my favorite Disney movie. It's style of drawing is beautiful, Maleficent is a great character, and I love the setting. So I was excited about this book. BUT... This book just had too many flaws for me to enjoy it, even when I take a step back knowing I am not the intended audience. This book contradicted itself, was full of unlikeable and/or two-dimensional characters who acted and felt one way on one page and then completely different in the next chapter, had characters make decisions that they completely went back on later in the story, had no through line, and just didn't make any sense.
This is supposed to be the story of Stella, a junior in high school who is so detail-oriented that she even makes a spreadsheet on her phone (seems to me like that would be a lot easier to do on a laptop, but that's just me... And could you not just keep a calendar?) every morning to organize her day. She ends up going to Disneyland before her prom (you might think that's a huge part of the story, but it's not. Apart from the unnecessarily detailed descriptions of how Stella has created 4 different spreadsheets about what rides they need to go on, when they have to eat, what time they need to be in line, and essentially what they are and are not allowed to do, according to her plans.) with her best friend, her best friend's girlfriend, and a literal "rando." And of course Stella decides she does not like said rando, Reece, because he witnessed her breakup with her boyfriend weeks earlier, and he doesn't respond the way she feels he should to all her spreadsheets, rules, didactic pronouncements about what one should and shouldn't do at Disneyland, and generally unpleasant personality (not to mention the fact that she is mad he is there at one point, and then a few pages later is mad that he wants to do his own thing.) All of this "backstory" (complete with a whole scene about how Stella has to show up at the gym earlier that day because the prom decorations aren't arranged to her "logistical expert" standards and she doesn't like that the theme is "fairy tale," just because her boyfriend broke up with her, even though she LOVES Disney--which is supposed to be a major part of her personality) just makes the pace of the first part of the book too slow and honestly, a bit boring.
I felt like the story should pick up when Reece and Stella finally, by some weird (not really ever explained in the book--if you're counting plot holes, you'll probably lose count, but here's one,) reason end up in the DISNEY CARTOON version of Sleeping Beauty (this is also important to remember, because although they have not actually travelled back in time to an actual historical event, they for some reason feel if they do anything to disrupt the storyline of animated characters who were designed by Walt Disney--a la the butterfly effect--cataclysms will occur that could warp the space time continuum. Again, it made no sense). And this is the point where the book got even more contradictory. Stella, who prides herself on being so detail-oriented, for some reason cannot remember the details of Sleeping Beauty (another plot hole: she has trouble remembering the details in stories even though she has somehow genetically inherited a genius-level propensity for figuring out logistics? How does she function in school? What happens when she has to read a novel in English, or remember dates in history, or use formulas in math? Not to mention the fact that SHE LOVES DISNEY), and has to have Reece explain everything to her--characters, details, major plot-points, seemingly obvious things that any normal person could probably figure out just by using common sense. And then when he tells her how she should or shouldn't behave or what she should or should not do to keep the movie flowing like it should, she gets mad, ignores him, or just acts in an incredibly stupid manner. Reece keeps telling her they are in 14th century Europe, and she needs to speak and behave appropriately (yet another plot hole: they are NOT in the Middle Ages, they are in an animated movie. If they were actually in feudal Europe, they would be speaking a different language, Stella's actions would probably have her burned at the stake as a witch, and THERE WOULD BE NO FAIRIES OR MAGIC. Here, the author and in turn the characters need to stop emphasizing that they are in the actual past, and focus more on the fact that if the story doesn't unfold just as it should that they may not get back home. That would make much more sense).
At this point, I just started skimming. I didn't feel like anything that happened would really have any important impact on the story, because the character would most likely just go back on their statements or contradict their actions in the next chapter. Phillip and Rose meet a week early, (but that's okay, even though it doesn't happen in the movie...? What happened to the time-space continuum... Again, I'm confused). Stella and Reece spend a week showing them how to be modern teenagers, complete with current slang (I thought we in medieval Europe? But then again, Phillip and Rose talk just like Stella and Reece... Confused... Now, it would be a bit more believable if the fact they are in a MADE UP cartoon was emphasized, but it's not...), manage somehow to avoid Maleficent for the most part (again, a great character. She was severely underused in this story). Then, it JUST SO HAPPENS that
Okay, I am too tired of this to keep going. But there are so many more things I could list that make this book just not good. More plotholes, more things that make Stella unlikeable, more times we could have really used Reece's POV, more examples of the 2-dimensional nature of Phillip and Rose, more GLARING incongruity...but I'll stop here. I didn't like this book. I am shocked that Disney approved of it. I really hope this isn't a series. I am surprised this got past an editor. I DO NOT recommend it. The premise was great. The execution was atrocious. Philip, Aurora, Flora, Fauna, Merriweather, and Maleficent all deserve better.
December 17, 2024
This was really cute. <3
Let's get the cynicism out of the way first--yes, this did read a bit like an ad for Disneyland to start with and yes, it's mostly about fixing the main problem with Sleeping Beauty, aka the most iconic yet problematic story.
But it was so much more than that. Main characters who needed to grow and change, two sweet, sweet love stories, little Easter eggs for fans of the movie, and encouragement to live in the moment and slow down (which I needed).
And because I've never been to Disneyland, I actually really enjoyed the details of it?!
The ending had my heart ready to shatter. <3
Let's get the cynicism out of the way first--yes, this did read a bit like an ad for Disneyland to start with and yes, it's mostly about fixing the main problem with Sleeping Beauty, aka the most iconic yet problematic story.
But it was so much more than that. Main characters who needed to grow and change, two sweet, sweet love stories, little Easter eggs for fans of the movie, and encouragement to live in the moment and slow down (which I needed).
And because I've never been to Disneyland, I actually really enjoyed the details of it?!
The ending had my heart ready to shatter. <3
January 20, 2025
DNF at 12%
Bland, bland, contradictory, and bland. The characters are all deeply unlikable and I can't get past how slow this is. I was hoping for a YA "Whatever After" kind of adventure, but 50 pages in and all the MC has done is complain, backtrack on her complaints, backtrack her backtracking, and backtrack the backtracking of the first backtracking.
Bland, bland, contradictory, and bland. The characters are all deeply unlikable and I can't get past how slow this is. I was hoping for a YA "Whatever After" kind of adventure, but 50 pages in and all the MC has done is complain, backtrack on her complaints, backtrack her backtracking, and backtrack the backtracking of the first backtracking.
March 2, 2024
2 Stars, I guess
It was everything I thought it would be. Which is to say, not great. Why, you ask, did I pick up a book I thought wouldn't be great? Well, I've been surprised enough in YA to give something different a try. This time, it didn't pan out. I guess it's not bad bad, but it just didn't hit the right notes for me. It's anachronistic, but not in a tongue-in-cheek funny way (to my sense of "funny," anyway). And the characters are... rather dull and annoying? I didn't care for them, in any case. Mostly, it's just kind of half-hearted Disney fangirling, so it'll probably strike a different chord for Disney fanatics out there. Alas, that also isn't me.
Enough for now. There's more to be said, and all of that will be in my full review, going live April 5, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Check it out if you get the chance.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
It was everything I thought it would be. Which is to say, not great. Why, you ask, did I pick up a book I thought wouldn't be great? Well, I've been surprised enough in YA to give something different a try. This time, it didn't pan out. I guess it's not bad bad, but it just didn't hit the right notes for me. It's anachronistic, but not in a tongue-in-cheek funny way (to my sense of "funny," anyway). And the characters are... rather dull and annoying? I didn't care for them, in any case. Mostly, it's just kind of half-hearted Disney fangirling, so it'll probably strike a different chord for Disney fanatics out there. Alas, that also isn't me.
Enough for now. There's more to be said, and all of that will be in my full review, going live April 5, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Check it out if you get the chance.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
June 24, 2024
ohmigosh so cute.
better rtc, probably, but just adorable? adorable.
no idea what maleficent had planned, though. what device?? that was a fully dropped plot thread, oops. Edit: read it again, it's not a plot hole I guess, I suppose they were thinking the spinning wheel was a device, but it still didn't read well, and if you hadn't seen the movie you would have been triply lost.
Still a 4 star read because it made me laugh, but if goodreads had halves, it would be a 3.5 rather than a pure 4. It's super light and doesn't have a lot to it, it'll not stand the test of time and in fact I'm not even sure it should end up on a lot of personal bookshelves, but it's a very cute library borrow, with a cute expansion of Rose and Phil, and silly jokes that got me to smile or outright laugh a few times (Plague!!).
better rtc, probably, but just adorable? adorable.
no idea what maleficent had planned, though. what device?? that was a fully dropped plot thread, oops. Edit: read it again, it's not a plot hole I guess, I suppose they were thinking the spinning wheel was a device, but it still didn't read well, and if you hadn't seen the movie you would have been triply lost.
Still a 4 star read because it made me laugh, but if goodreads had halves, it would be a 3.5 rather than a pure 4. It's super light and doesn't have a lot to it, it'll not stand the test of time and in fact I'm not even sure it should end up on a lot of personal bookshelves, but it's a very cute library borrow, with a cute expansion of Rose and Phil, and silly jokes that got me to smile or outright laugh a few times (Plague!!).
April 5, 2024
this was SO stupid and (i think) catered to disney adults and morgan matson enthusiasts, and as the latter, i still had so much fun 😭
November 5, 2025
Apparently I just listened to a 13h Disney commercial.
December 9, 2025
This book was so good!! It was my first time reading a fairytale story book, but it won’t be my last!! Sidenote-because of this book, I watched Sleeping Beauty, and i can’t believe i have been missing out! Anyways, this book was a very fun experience and had lots of fun refrences to the movie! Overall, great book!!
September 27, 2023
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Promchanted is a teen novel where reality meetings fairy tale. Stella is a teen who feels the need to control everything. She literally doesn't know how to just enjoy the moment. Everything she does is planned down to the minute. At first she thinks everything is great, but then her boyfriend dumps her before prom, putting a wrench in all her carefully laid out plans. But she decides to forge ahead, only to have her friend invite a guy to their prom day Disney outing in her date's place. Turns out it's the waiter who witnessed her rather public break up. She's certain things couldn't possibly get worse...until they do.
Stella and waiter boy, Reece, seemingly get pulled into a fairy tale. One Stella apparently doesn't really remember (She's American and goes to Disneyland all the time. Mind boggling, right?),. Fortunately Reece knows the story and is determined to have everything go right so the fairy tale can have its happily ever after and maybe they can get home. That is, if they still want to go home after everything.
So what did I think?
First off, this book was quite long. It's less than 20 pages off breaking 400. I did feel like there were things that could have been pared down to streamline the story a little. Some very basic things would be the poker, dance lessons and chicken side quest you never hear the results of. The Maleficent section was also pretty unnecessary in the grand scheme of things as it does nothing to forward the plot ultimately.
I also would NOT classify this book as YA. This is a high school teen fantasy romance for sure (say that 5 times fast). I dare say even a preteen could 'comfortably' read this, so long as they don't mind a longer book. It was clean, and based on a fairy tale most children know. The main character is in high school and the most you get that would be concerning is the eventual kiss and maybe, if you have never seen the movie, you can stretch that and include the battle scene. Maybe. Not really.
That said, Stella was a pretty believable character. Though I did find that she let go of her need for a plan quite easily, a little too easily. After all she's spent 16-17 years of her life basically planning everything. It is nice that she did have a realization that there is such thing as too much planning and that sometimes living in the moment is the best thing. She's lucky that she has such a understanding best friend really. I don't know if I could handle hanging out with someone who needs THAT level of control.
I didn't mind Reece. But he did very much feel like a background/support character. I really wished some of the 387 pages were devoted to getting things from his point of view. Maybe a look at that castle they kept mentioning. I wanted to hear about the library and the map room too!!! It wasn't just Stella! Oh well.
Phil and Rose were interesting too. Rose was pretty much what I would imagine her to be, but Phil was a bit of a surprise. it worked though. lol What really got me was the end bits. The who surprised me because I felt it should be the other way round. It just felt more believable then what did happen.
Conclusion
All in all I really enjoyed Morgan Matson's fresh spin on a fairy tale classic. She didn't 'ruin' anything for the Disney version fairy tale diehards. In fact, I think she might have actually added to the experience by allowing you to get to know more about the characters. Including Samson. lol I do think it could have been trimmed up a little bit, for the sake of length but it was still a pretty good read. as a fairy tale retelling, it does not disappoint!
Promchanted is a teen novel where reality meetings fairy tale. Stella is a teen who feels the need to control everything. She literally doesn't know how to just enjoy the moment. Everything she does is planned down to the minute. At first she thinks everything is great, but then her boyfriend dumps her before prom, putting a wrench in all her carefully laid out plans. But she decides to forge ahead, only to have her friend invite a guy to their prom day Disney outing in her date's place. Turns out it's the waiter who witnessed her rather public break up. She's certain things couldn't possibly get worse...until they do.
Stella and waiter boy, Reece, seemingly get pulled into a fairy tale. One Stella apparently doesn't really remember (She's American and goes to Disneyland all the time. Mind boggling, right?),. Fortunately Reece knows the story and is determined to have everything go right so the fairy tale can have its happily ever after and maybe they can get home. That is, if they still want to go home after everything.
So what did I think?
First off, this book was quite long. It's less than 20 pages off breaking 400. I did feel like there were things that could have been pared down to streamline the story a little. Some very basic things would be the poker, dance lessons and chicken side quest you never hear the results of. The Maleficent section was also pretty unnecessary in the grand scheme of things as it does nothing to forward the plot ultimately.
I also would NOT classify this book as YA. This is a high school teen fantasy romance for sure (say that 5 times fast). I dare say even a preteen could 'comfortably' read this, so long as they don't mind a longer book. It was clean, and based on a fairy tale most children know. The main character is in high school and the most you get that would be concerning is the eventual kiss and maybe, if you have never seen the movie, you can stretch that and include the battle scene. Maybe. Not really.
That said, Stella was a pretty believable character. Though I did find that she let go of her need for a plan quite easily, a little too easily. After all she's spent 16-17 years of her life basically planning everything. It is nice that she did have a realization that there is such thing as too much planning and that sometimes living in the moment is the best thing. She's lucky that she has such a understanding best friend really. I don't know if I could handle hanging out with someone who needs THAT level of control.
I didn't mind Reece. But he did very much feel like a background/support character. I really wished some of the 387 pages were devoted to getting things from his point of view. Maybe a look at that castle they kept mentioning. I wanted to hear about the library and the map room too!!! It wasn't just Stella! Oh well.
Phil and Rose were interesting too. Rose was pretty much what I would imagine her to be, but Phil was a bit of a surprise. it worked though. lol What really got me was the end bits. The who surprised me because I felt it should be the other way round. It just felt more believable then what did happen.
Conclusion
All in all I really enjoyed Morgan Matson's fresh spin on a fairy tale classic. She didn't 'ruin' anything for the Disney version fairy tale diehards. In fact, I think she might have actually added to the experience by allowing you to get to know more about the characters. Including Samson. lol I do think it could have been trimmed up a little bit, for the sake of length but it was still a pretty good read. as a fairy tale retelling, it does not disappoint!
May 4, 2025
This was an adorable and sweet YA story, where two teens head to Disney pre Prom and end up trapped in the Sleeping Beauty fairytale!
It was a little longwinded in places, but I really enjoyed it. It was a great palette cleansing book that made me wish I was at Disney World right now too!!
It was a little longwinded in places, but I really enjoyed it. It was a great palette cleansing book that made me wish I was at Disney World right now too!!
March 5, 2024
This is my first book by this author, but I’ve wanted to read her for a while. And this was the perfect one to start with too I think! Now, I’ve only been to Disneyworld, never Disneyland, so I didn’t realize it was not Cinderella’s castle at both parks. Sleeping Beauty was one of my favorites, maybe even more so than Cinderella? So it was fun to have this story where our characters ended up being dropped into the world of that fairy tale.
Stella and Reece first get a weird glimpse in the castle of the scene at the beginning of the movie when Maleficent shows up and curses Princess Aurora. But then they get back to their own time and can only assume it was some kind of weird immersive experience with actors and such. The leave, but then when Reece can’t find his phone and they go back to find it, they get lost into that same corridor only this time they end up in the fairy tale a week ahead of all the big happenings when the prince meets Aurora.
They realize they have to make sure the story goes the way it is supposed to, because now Prince Philip, or Phil as he is going by so that people don’t “know” he is the prince, has met her. Reece convinces him to keep it a secret, which he also wants to do. Over the week Stella stays in the tree home with the three fairy godmothers, or who Rose/Aurora thinks are her aunts. And Reece stays with the prince. They meet up every day, keeping it especially secret from the fairies, and the two get to know each other. Reece and Stella barely knew each other, but had issues with each other, and of course they also get to know each other.
Stella’s pessimistic view of romance, caused by her boyfriend recently breaking up with her before prom, is something she must fight to help keep this story on track. Reece knows the story by heart because his younger sister loves the movie, but he’s got his own family issues. In the end it’s a sweet romance, rom-com, fairy tale. My first book by this author, and now I know I need to read more!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Stella and Reece first get a weird glimpse in the castle of the scene at the beginning of the movie when Maleficent shows up and curses Princess Aurora. But then they get back to their own time and can only assume it was some kind of weird immersive experience with actors and such. The leave, but then when Reece can’t find his phone and they go back to find it, they get lost into that same corridor only this time they end up in the fairy tale a week ahead of all the big happenings when the prince meets Aurora.
They realize they have to make sure the story goes the way it is supposed to, because now Prince Philip, or Phil as he is going by so that people don’t “know” he is the prince, has met her. Reece convinces him to keep it a secret, which he also wants to do. Over the week Stella stays in the tree home with the three fairy godmothers, or who Rose/Aurora thinks are her aunts. And Reece stays with the prince. They meet up every day, keeping it especially secret from the fairies, and the two get to know each other. Reece and Stella barely knew each other, but had issues with each other, and of course they also get to know each other.
Stella’s pessimistic view of romance, caused by her boyfriend recently breaking up with her before prom, is something she must fight to help keep this story on track. Reece knows the story by heart because his younger sister loves the movie, but he’s got his own family issues. In the end it’s a sweet romance, rom-com, fairy tale. My first book by this author, and now I know I need to read more!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
April 3, 2024
Okay, that was 100 percent not remotely what I was expecting it to be...but I still loved it!
I thought this was a YA Contemporary about two teens who get stranded in Disneyland on prom night. Which, yes. But also no.
Part contemporary, part fantasy, it is mostly a reimagining of the 1959 Disney adaptation of Sleeping Beauty. It felt almost like one of the Twisted Tales books (which is a series I have read and enjoyed). It was fun to see Aurora become a more developed character and I loved her friendship with Stella. They were good friends for each other. Prince Philip was very cute and surprisingly awkward as well.
Morgan Matson is one of my favorite YA authors and this didn't disappoint. It was so cute, and is a must read for any Disney fans out there.
I thought this was a YA Contemporary about two teens who get stranded in Disneyland on prom night. Which, yes. But also no.
Part contemporary, part fantasy, it is mostly a reimagining of the 1959 Disney adaptation of Sleeping Beauty. It felt almost like one of the Twisted Tales books (which is a series I have read and enjoyed). It was fun to see Aurora become a more developed character and I loved her friendship with Stella. They were good friends for each other. Prince Philip was very cute and surprisingly awkward as well.
Morgan Matson is one of my favorite YA authors and this didn't disappoint. It was so cute, and is a must read for any Disney fans out there.
April 27, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing. It was sweet, funny and above everything else magical. It has completely changed my perspective on fairytales, and I won’t be able to watch Sleeping Beauty the same way as before ever again. When someone tells you that reading gives the possibility to escape reality, this book is literally the reason why they think that way. Whether you’re a Disney fan or just a romance books obsessed you need to read this story.
Quotes : ( spoilers)
• At least, that's what Taylor Swift says."
"Whos he?"
"She's kind of like our queen," I said, after
thinking about it for a moment. "Or a benevolent
deity. Unofficially.
• when he'd been standing in the rain with his wet
white shirt and a furrowed brow like something
out of a Jane Austen-movie dream
• I'd risked, which meant I'd won. And I wouldn't
ever shut myself off again-from life, or love, or
believing in what could be.
Quotes : ( spoilers)
• At least, that's what Taylor Swift says."
"Whos he?"
"She's kind of like our queen," I said, after
thinking about it for a moment. "Or a benevolent
deity. Unofficially.
• when he'd been standing in the rain with his wet
white shirt and a furrowed brow like something
out of a Jane Austen-movie dream
• I'd risked, which meant I'd won. And I wouldn't
ever shut myself off again-from life, or love, or
believing in what could be.
April 26, 2024
The concept for this book is great and I love fairytale retellings. Especially because I don’t see Sleeping Beauty stories as much as some of the other classics.
However this story felt juvenile and not executed as well as I hoped. Some scenes were drawn out, like all the time Stella spent in the cottage just hanging out with the others, and others just felt unnecessary. I really didn’t understand her whole thing about logistics. It was constantly being referenced but it was never properly explained and I don’t even know what it added to the story.
There was also no chemistry between her and Reece which made the story boring. They were fighting almost the whole book until suddenly they just… fell in love? Even when they were supposed to be in love it felt forced.
Overall, the story wasn’t bad as a whole but it was definitely cringey and unrealistic which made it hard to enjoy. I wouldn’t recommend.
*I listened to this as an audiobook
However this story felt juvenile and not executed as well as I hoped. Some scenes were drawn out, like all the time Stella spent in the cottage just hanging out with the others, and others just felt unnecessary. I really didn’t understand her whole thing about logistics. It was constantly being referenced but it was never properly explained and I don’t even know what it added to the story.
There was also no chemistry between her and Reece which made the story boring. They were fighting almost the whole book until suddenly they just… fell in love? Even when they were supposed to be in love it felt forced.
Overall, the story wasn’t bad as a whole but it was definitely cringey and unrealistic which made it hard to enjoy. I wouldn’t recommend.
*I listened to this as an audiobook
May 18, 2024
4🌟
This was a very enjoyable read, although it was a bit slow in the beginning. I loved the fairytale vibes it gave and the plot twists actually surprised me. It reminded me a lot of a YA version of Whatever After, a book series I adored when I was younger. Rose and Phil were very funny, sweet characters who I really liked but I feel like we needed more screen time for Maleficent and we didn’t have a lot of depth for her character. I also found this book EXTREMELY cheesy, so know that going into this. I related a bit to our main character, as I also like to keep an organized schedule and even though I thought she was annoying at the beginning of the book, I liked her more as it went on. Overall, a good book and I really want a sequel. For ages 12 and up.
This was a very enjoyable read, although it was a bit slow in the beginning. I loved the fairytale vibes it gave and the plot twists actually surprised me. It reminded me a lot of a YA version of Whatever After, a book series I adored when I was younger. Rose and Phil were very funny, sweet characters who I really liked but I feel like we needed more screen time for Maleficent and we didn’t have a lot of depth for her character. I also found this book EXTREMELY cheesy, so know that going into this. I related a bit to our main character, as I also like to keep an organized schedule and even though I thought she was annoying at the beginning of the book, I liked her more as it went on. Overall, a good book and I really want a sequel. For ages 12 and up.
February 19, 2024
This was a fun YA mashup of Once upon a time and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court that sees two teens transported into the real life Sleeping Beauty fairy tale world where no modern technology exists and they have to help Aurora achieve her HEA. Great on audio and pure entertainment. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 20, 2025
4.8 ⭐️ this was pretty fun! I loved reading about how she lived in the cozy little cottage with rose and the 3 auntie fairies 🥺 and all the chill parts where the 4 of them are having fun playing in the lake or having a picnic on the meadow 🌷🌳✨️ guess what these emojis are hehe: 🫧💐🌈
March 19, 2024
IT WAS SO CUTEEEE!! I loved it so much!
July 20, 2024
okay i know i say this a lot but…..I LOVED THIS BOOK!! it was so freaking adorable, there wasn’t much romantic moments as i thought there would be, but the plot?!?! sooo good!! highly recommend
February 20, 2025
Super cute, super fun read to break up the dumpster fire that is this world right now.
I couldn't remember all the parts of "Sleeping Beauty", especially the end, so I watched it last night.
Definitely going to add more Matson to my list. I think "Gradchanted" is coming up this year?? Same kind of Disneyland setting but sounds more "Groundhog's Day".
I will say, Aurora and Phil were way more fun in the book than the movie. I forgot how much over the top romantic singing exists in old Disney films!! Prince Phillip sounded like he was 40 years old trying to romance his new secretary and Aurora sounded like she didn't have a thought in her head. "Promchanted" wins major points for making them sound like actual young adults. And the consent part was PERFECT!
I couldn't remember all the parts of "Sleeping Beauty", especially the end, so I watched it last night.
Definitely going to add more Matson to my list. I think "Gradchanted" is coming up this year?? Same kind of Disneyland setting but sounds more "Groundhog's Day".
I will say, Aurora and Phil were way more fun in the book than the movie. I forgot how much over the top romantic singing exists in old Disney films!! Prince Phillip sounded like he was 40 years old trying to romance his new secretary and Aurora sounded like she didn't have a thought in her head. "Promchanted" wins major points for making them sound like actual young adults. And the consent part was PERFECT!
January 2, 2025
3.75⭐️ 😊
Read
October 8, 2025I think I have to DNF this... I'm more engaged in other books, the plot is dragging, and I don't really like the FMC. Sorry, guys.😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews