Waking Beauty

Paul Witcover’s Waking Beauty reimagines the Sleeping Beauty mythos through a lens of gothic horror and dark fantasy. The narrative centers on an extraordinary world defined by terrible beauties and awesome terrors. Two very different women drive the plot, while their salvation relies on the sacrifice of a man foolish enough to love them both. The story explores themes of power dynamics between genders, where men are depicted as being chained to beds with nostrils plugged, wholly at the mercy of women’s potent scent of Beauty. This sensory force deranges reason and seduces men into Herwood, never to return. Witcover crafts a striking first novel that diverges from comfortable adventures and standard fantasy tropes. The text is shortlisted for the Tiptree award and ranked in the top 10 of Locus Magazine's first novel category. Publisher’s Weekly describes it as a find for readers seeking worlds beyond the usual fare. The book suits those who appreciate subverted fairy tales and complex character dynamics over traditional hero journeys. It may not appeal to readers expecting straightforward heroic quests or lighthearted romantic fantasy. The narrative voice includes dialogue that highlights the tension between men and women in this setting. Marcus nudges his son Cy, noting how women rule the world while pretending otherwise. The story asks what husband would dare anger his wife when she holds such lethal power. This perspective frames the central conflict as a battle of wills and senses rather than physical combat.