Once Upon a Dream - Book Review

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Once Upon a Dream by Liz Braswell reimagines the story of Sleeping Beauty with a darker and psychologically nuanced twist. This novel, part of Disney's Twisted Tales series, poses the question: What if the sleeping beauty never woke up? It explores an alternative path for Aurora, diving into themes of agency, identity, and the conflict between dreams and reality. In this retelling, Braswell moves beyond a simple “happily ever after” to examine the characters' internal battles, especially as Aurora fights for control over her destiny within a twisted dream world.

Once Upon a Dream starts with a familiar scene: Aurora is in an enchanted sleep, but this time, instead of being awakened by a prince’s kiss, the story delves into the reality of a dream world created by Maleficent. In this version, Maleficent maintains control over Aurora’s mind and keeps her trapped in an endless sleep. Aurora, however, is unaware that she is in a dream, as Maleficent has crafted an illusion in which Aurora and her family live under the sorceress’s twisted rule.

The central conflict emerges when Prince Phillip attempts to rescue Aurora. Instead of successfully breaking the curse, he finds himself caught in her dream world, unable to fully break her free. The story thus unfolds within the dream, where Aurora gradually comes to understand her entrapment and battles Maleficent on a psychological level rather than purely physical.



A defining aspect of Once Upon a Dream is the transformation of Aurora from a passive character, as seen in the original Disney film, into a heroine who fights for her agency and independence. This evolution adds psychological depth to her character, as she struggles to discern what is real and what is an illusion within her dream. The dream world created by Maleficent keeps Aurora in a state of dependency and confusion, symbolizing how she has been controlled by external forces her entire life.

In the dream, Aurora has no recollection of her life before the spell, which initially makes her pliant to Maleficent’s manipulation. However, as she encounters strange inconsistencies and recurring memories, she starts to question her reality. This self-doubt is initially unsettling but ultimately becomes empowering, as it pushes Aurora to question everything she has been told and to fight for her freedom. By challenging Maleficent’s hold over her mind, Aurora demonstrates resilience and determination, redefining herself beyond the traditional role of a princess awaiting rescue.

Braswell’s version of Aurora is layered and complex, embodying the struggle for self-identity and personal agency. Her journey is not just about escaping a physical prison but about breaking free from mental and emotional constraints. This struggle reflects the challenges of self-discovery, as Aurora realizes that she must rely on her own strength rather than waiting for someone else to save her.

Maleficent, one of Disney’s most iconic villains, is given new depth in Once Upon a Dream. Braswell presents her not merely as a one-dimensional antagonist but as a character driven by resentment and a twisted sense of justice. In this story, Maleficent is not satisfied with cursing Aurora to sleep; she wants to create a world where she holds complete control over Aurora’s mind and will.

In the dream world, Maleficent poses as a “benevolent” ruler, manipulating Aurora into viewing her as a guardian figure. This insidious approach gives Maleficent a psychological edge, as she seeks to break Aurora’s spirit rather than simply overpower her with magic. This nuanced portrayal of Maleficent highlights her intelligence and manipulative power, showing that she is more than a straightforward villain—she represents the mental obstacles that Aurora must overcome to claim her freedom.

Maleficent’s motivation in Braswell’s version extends beyond mere revenge. Her actions reflect a deeper need for validation and control, particularly over those she deems weak or unworthy. By trapping Aurora in a dream world where she holds ultimate authority, Maleficent seeks to rewrite reality in her favour, making her a more complex and psychologically formidable adversary.

Prince Phillip’s role in Once Upon a Dream is different from the traditional story. Instead of being the hero who rescues Aurora, he becomes part of her journey toward self-realization. When Phillip enters the dream world, he too is affected by Maleficent’s spell, making him unable to simply break the curse with a kiss. This twist subverts the “damsel in distress” trope, allowing Aurora to take charge of her own destiny.

Phillip serves as a catalyst for Aurora’s awakening rather than her saviour. His presence reminds Aurora of a life outside the dream, sparking memories that ultimately help her recognize the artificiality of her surroundings. While he is supportive and protective, the focus remains on Aurora’s growth, underscoring the novel’s emphasis on self-empowerment. In this way, Phillip represents a supportive partner rather than a rescuer, symbolizing that true love is not about dependency but mutual strength.

The setting of Once Upon a Dream is primarily within the dreamscape controlled by Maleficent. This dream world is surreal and unsettling, filled with illusions that reflect Aurora’s deepest fears and insecurities. The eerie, ever-shifting nature of the dream mirrors the mental control Maleficent exerts over Aurora, reinforcing the novel’s psychological themes.

Braswell uses the dream world as a metaphor for Aurora’s internal struggle. The illusions she encounters force her to confront her past, her identity, and her sense of reality. This surreal environment blurs the line between what is real and what is imagined, challenging Aurora to trust her instincts and question her surroundings. The setting is thus a central element of the narrative, as it serves as both a prison and a reflection of Aurora’s journey toward self-awareness.

Once Upon a Dream centres on the theme of self-discovery, exploring what it means for Aurora to take control of her life. Throughout the novel, Aurora battles with feelings of confusion and helplessness as she tries to break free from Maleficent’s grip. This struggle for autonomy is a key theme, representing the broader challenge of overcoming societal and personal constraints.

In many ways, Aurora’s journey is symbolic of the fight for independence and the importance of questioning authority. Maleficent’s hold over Aurora represents societal expectations and limitations, while Aurora’s awakening symbolizes the courage to reject those limitations and forge her own path. Her story encourages readers to think critically about the influences that shape their lives and to embrace their own strengths and potential.

Another prominent theme is the importance of choice. Aurora’s realization that she must fight for her own freedom rather than relying on external forces is a powerful message about agency. Braswell emphasizes that true empowerment comes from within and that each individual has the ability to shape their destiny. This theme of choice resonates throughout the story, reminding readers that independence and self-determination are essential for personal growth.

The novel explores the distinction between dreams and reality, posing questions about the nature of existence and the power of the mind. Maleficent’s dream world is a carefully crafted illusion, but it is convincing enough to trap Aurora and even influence her memories. This exploration of dreams and reality reflects the psychological depth of the story, as Aurora learns to discern truth from illusion.

The blurred line between dreams and reality also reflects the journey of self-actualization. Aurora’s quest to understand what is real forces her to confront her own fears and assumptions, ultimately empowering her to escape Maleficent’s control. The novel suggests that true freedom comes from understanding oneself and one’s surroundings, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and inner strength.

Once Upon a Dream is a compelling retelling of Sleeping Beauty that adds complexity and psychological depth to the original story. By exploring themes of self-discovery, independence, and the power of the mind, Braswell crafts a narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Aurora’s transformation from a passive character into a heroine who fights for her freedom is both empowering and thought-provoking, challenging traditional notions of fairy-tale romance and heroism.

This retelling is more than a simple twist on a classic story; it is a meditation on agency, choice, and the courage required to overcome internal and external obstacles. Through Aurora’s journey, Braswell encourages readers to question the boundaries of reality, embrace their own power, and recognize that true love and strength come from within. Once Upon a Dream is a dark and introspective tale that breathes new life into Sleeping Beauty, making it a must-read for fans of fairy tales who are looking for a story with depth and complexity.

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