This Sleeping Beauty story takes place in modern times. Or, well, continues -- three hundred years after it begins -- in modern times. I like the bits of reality given to the story. It's a made-up place but situated in real geography. There's a nod to the traditional tale in Talia's second name, Aurora. No Prince Charming (or Desire), Jack's just looking for something not boring to do when he stumbles through the thick brambles that surround the sleeping country. He kisses Talia and everyone wakes up. No one has any idea three hundred years have passed, and the king's not particularly happy about it. Talia decides to run away and Jack agrees to help her. 
 The story is as much about Jack as anyone, though it's told from Jack and Talia's perspectives, both. Talia helps Jack and his family, shaking up their existence and helping them all face who they really are and what they want in life. Imagine that . . . a young adult novel with a little bit of perspective. 
 I enjoy Flinn's twists on the old stories.