Aurora wakes to a stranger leaning over her, kissing her! Stunned by the liberties taken by this young man has taken, it takes a moment for the Princess to register what is happening: Her family is gone, and she has slept through one hundred years of her country's history. Prince Roderick explains what has happened and that the two are now betrothed. Reeling from the shock Aurora allows this strange prince to re-introduce her to Alyssia.
But no one seems to want to explain what has happened, beyond a fairytale explanation. Nor do they seem to care that the princess is grieving her lost life. The new King John and his queen explain to the young woman that she is in danger and must be kept isolated for her safety until she can show her support for the new dynasty by marrying their son. Aurora struggles with the restrictions and, despite warnings from her new friend and maid Betsey, escapes into the city Petrichor surrounding the castle.
In the city Aurora meets Tristan, a young bartender who charms her. Contrasting Roderick's awkwardness, Tristan is confident and shares the city with the young princess. He seems not to recognize Aurora, allowing her to forget what awaits in the home which others have taken for their own. But Tristan has his own agenda. When he tries to encourage the princess to join his rebellion Aurora is torn--she cannot destroy the one thing she was raised and groomed to protect, but this new king and his court aren't ruling her country as it should be ruled and the people suffer.
In the castle is another man to challenge Roderic's suit: Prince Finnegan of Vanhelm came from across the sea to see Prince Roderick's attempt to wake the Sleeping Beauty. While the queen warns her away, Aurora is hesitant to trust the prince who seems to hold her and her kingdom in contempt. But Finnegan professes to want to help Aurora and offers her sanctuary, though he believes she will flee a forced marriage rather than political upheaval.
The queen plans her wedding as the king plots to control Aurora. When the new dynasty's daughter is killed by a dessert meant for Aurora the family uses it to imprison the rightful heir and twist her to their wishes. Aurora decides she's had enough of their management and asks for Tristan's help in escaping.
Aurora questions herself and the decisions thrust upon her in light of the new relationships she builds. She questions history as written - she's a relic of it herself and doesn't remember as the books describe it. A Wicked Thing is led by a strong young woman who does not fit the prevailing model. She is reflective and uncertain, but stands in her convictions. When the men in her new life are dishonest or opaque on and in their reasoning she calls them to the carpet. Teen readers will enjoy this retell of Sleeping Beauty in a new light.
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