Maleficent adapted by Elizabeth Rudnick

Title: Maleficent
Author: Adapted by Elizabeth Rudnick, original screenplay written by Linda Woolverton
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: 29th April 2014

Summary:
Everyone knows the story of Sleeping Beauty, but not what what really happened...

In a long running war between the Fair Folk of the Moors and humans, Aurora is the innocent victim of a betrayed fairy whose desire for revenge soon gets the better of her.

Review:
Okay, so I have never actually watched Sleeping Beauty but I knew the general gist of the story before reading this book. However, I much prefer this version of events! The story gives a background, and a name, to the villain instead of just being a pointless evil fairy who is, as ever, after the innocent princess.

The story itself is beautifully written in a simple, yet engaging style. Whilst the book is short, and I finished it in a few hours over the course of two days, I think it is the perfect length for its target audience - young children who want a bedtime story. But, I would not say it is exclusively for children as I can see Disney fans of all ages enjoying it as much as I did!

Also, the binding and decorated pages of the hardback version of the book make it pretty special and fit in perfectly with Maleficent.

I am not usually a fan of books adapted from films as they are not usually pretty poor... but if a book was adapted from the screenplay of the film, like this one was, you would think that the film would be better than the book? However, you would be wrong. I got about ten minutes into the film before the heavy CGI and shocking acting made me turn it off. Do not watch the film, if you like the book.

Rating: 9/10. Nice little read if you have a spare few hours.

You can buy Maleficent from Amazon here.