One-line summary:

In “Sleeping Beauties,” a captivating novel by Stephen King and Owen King, women around the world fall into a mysterious sleep, leading to chaos and a battle between those who want to protect them and those who want to destroy them.

The Awakening of the Aurora Virus

In the small Appalachian town of Dooling, something strange is happening. Women are falling asleep and becoming enveloped in mysterious cocoons. As they slumber, they are transported to a different realm, known as the Aurora. The women cannot be awakened, and any attempt to do so results in violent outbursts. The men left behind are left to grapple with the chaos that ensues.

The Battle for Dooling

As the women of Dooling succumb to the sleeping sickness, the men are left to fend for themselves. The town becomes divided between those who believe the women should be protected and those who see them as a threat. Evie Black, a mysterious woman who appears in Dooling, seems to have a connection to the sleeping women. She becomes a central figure in the battle for the town’s future.

The men who want to protect the women form a group called the “Aurora Women’s Protection Act” (AWPA), led by Clint Norcross, the town’s sheriff. They believe that the women are in a state of transformation and must be kept safe until they wake up. On the other side, there are those who want to destroy the sleeping women, viewing them as a danger to society. They form a group called the “Men’s Rights Army” (MRA), led by Frank Geary, a prison psychiatrist.

As the conflict escalates, the women in the Aurora realm begin to communicate with each other and form a society of their own. They discover that they have the power to control a mysterious moth-like creature, which they call the “Mothra.” This creature can protect them and attack their enemies. The women in the Aurora realm also learn about the history of their sleep and the purpose behind it.

The Unraveling of the Mystery

As the story unfolds, the origins of the sleeping sickness are revealed. It is connected to a tree known as the “Tree of Knowledge,” which has the power to grant eternal life. The sleeping women are the key to unlocking the tree’s power. The conflict in Dooling intensifies as the AWPA and MRA clash, with Evie Black caught in the middle.

In the midst of the chaos, the men of Dooling must confront their own fears, prejudices, and desires. The authors explore themes of gender dynamics, power struggles, and the consequences of unchecked masculinity. The characters grapple with their own flaws and the choices they make in the face of a world turned upside down.

Key Takeaways:

• The novel delves into the complexities of gender dynamics and the consequences of toxic masculinity.
• It explores the power of women and the potential for change when they are united.
• The story highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and the ability to confront one’s own biases.
• It raises questions about the nature of power and the lengths people will go to in order to obtain it.
• The authors weave a tale that combines elements of horror, fantasy, and social commentary.

“The world is always ending for someone.” – Sleeping Beauties

In “Sleeping Beauties,” Stephen King and Owen King deliver a thought-provoking and thrilling tale that explores gender dynamics, power struggles, and the consequences of unchecked masculinity. The novel serves as a reminder of the power of unity, empathy, and the need to confront our own biases. With its blend of horror, fantasy, and social commentary, “Sleeping Beauties” is a captivating read that will leave readers pondering the complexities of the human condition.