The Sleeping Prince: A Sin Eater's Daughter Novel by Melinda Salisbury

Errin is just trying to stay alive.  Since her father died and her mother has turned into something like a beast, she tries to sell her herbal remedies to get enough for food.  The cabin they live in is mostly in  squalor.  She can't care for her mother, take care of the house and keep food in their mouths all at the same time.  It's a godsend when her new friend can buy some herbal remedies from her and pays her well.  But he brings trouble...

Scholastic Press and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published May 31st.

This is a dark fairy tale about a prince who was poisoned and slept for years.  He's awake now and he's going to take everything he lost back, killing anyone in his way.  He has the ability to give life to golems so his army is almost invincible.  He's approaching village after village and killing everyone in it.  When Errin is told she has to evacuate, she knows she can't move her mother this close to the full moon.  She begs for more time.  Her landlord suggests she trade her companionship for it.  When she declines, he takes her mother away from her and tries to force her.  That doesn't work either.

The way this book ends didn't satisfy me.  It's a little too dark and mean and there's almost no hope for Errin and her friends.  There is a pleasant surprise in the last few paragraphs so the next in the series should be even more exciting.  I'm anxious for the Sleeping Prince to get his comeuppance.  He deserves it.