Review by Frank Plowright

In Christopher Cantwell’s alternative version of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale the sleeping Briar Rose wasn’t awoken by a prince’s kiss, but instead left sleeping for a century during which her land became a dark and foreboding place. In Volume One she learned who’s responsible, acquired some allies with good intentions, if not exactly multi-talented, and has determined to put her world right.

However, Cantwell sows enough doubt to ensure the situation isn’t clear-cut. The perpetrator claims even worse disaster would have unfolded had Briar Rose not been put to sleep, and it was a mercy as others wanted to slay her instead. There’s evidence backing this up via calamity following in Briar’s footsteps despite her good intentions. Is she cursed?

Alex Lins takes over the art for this second arc, yet maintains consistency with what’s come before, building on the character designs and general mood bequeathed by Germán García, although not applying the variety of tone. The personalities transmit and Lins delivers the necessary emotional intensity for some extremely stressful scenes, while also embedding the cast well in assorted landscapes. It’s solid art ensuring everything looks as good as the previous volume.

For a series that isn’t completed here, Cantwell’s pacing is strange. The first and second chapters are essentially the same story, the only substantial difference being Briar and allies captured at the end rather than escaping. When circumstances change the story moves forward again, but offers little comfort for Briar, or indeed the remainder of the cast in what’s become an ensemble series. What’s previously seemed just a visual motif is cleverly revealed to have a greater impact and just when things seem to be taking an upward turn the volume ends.

There is an eventual conclusion, but Night’s Terror won’t be available as a paperback collection before late 2026, and how that plays out will eventually inform how successful this volume is. Without definitive information it’s repetitive and needs several pertinent questions answered, yet the better moments are page-turning fantasy.