The Sleeper and The Spindle by Neil Gaiman

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A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell – weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish.

On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out to rescue a princess from an enchantment. She casts aside her fine wedding clothes, takes her chain mail and her sword and follows her brave dwarf retainers into the tunnels under the mountain towards the sleeping kingdom. This queen will decide her own future – and the princess who needs rescuing is not quite what she seems. Twisting together the familiar and the new, this perfectly delicious, captivating and darkly funny tale shows its creators at the peak of their talents.

Lavishly produced, packed with glorious Chris Riddell illustrations enhanced with metallic ink, this is a spectacular and magical gift.

2.5 crowns. I think. We’re going with it since I’m into 3 crowns now.

This was my first time with the great Neil Gaiman, and I’m not sure how I entirely felt about it. I picked up this book not knowing anything about it other than I had saw it recently in a book store and I’m forever sold on anything that is Sleeping Beauty. I didn’t even know it was a graphic novel??? So imagine when I pop it open and it’s filled with pictures AND IS SOMEHOW A MASHUP OF SNOW WHITE AND SLEEPING BEAUTY. BE STILL MY PRINCESS HEART.

I have to give so much props to Gaiman for thinking of these two to mash up. I mean, it’s totally genius. They both have dealt with sleeping curses, and this book totally showcases girl power at its finest. Snow is fierce and totally kicks butt when all of the other men/princes/idiots that decided to climb the wall, she is determined to help a fellow princess in need. I thought this had a very cool fairytale feel to it.

THAT HAIR. FLOWING IN THE WIND.

The illustrations weren’t always my favorite, but they were just so interesting. I didn’t always find them pleasing, but I thought there was just something so artistic and lovely in a way that I found the art to be pleasing as a whole. I absolutely love what the artist did with hair. THE HAIR WAS SO EPIC.

As for the plot, I had some struggles at times. I got confused in certain parts – especially since we didn’t have names and I really got confused on the three powerful women’s storylines at parts. I did really enjoy the plot twist, but I thought the ending was really abrupt and super unsatisfying since it felt so out of the blue?

Overall, this was a quick read with some pretty pictures and a cool premise. There were some struggles, but it was a nice read overall. 2.5 rounded up to 3 crowns and a Pocahontas rating since she has the best hair as well.

What do you think? Have you read any books by Neil Gaiman? How cool does this concept sound? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

UN Human Right #13

13. Freedom to Move. We all have the right to go where we want in our own country and to travel as we wish.

Well, with a sleeping curse being put on everyone in sight and spreading to Snow White’s kingdom, how can we have this right? Snow must shed all the woodland creatures and her annoying singing voice, and take back the rights that Sleeping Beauty’s kingdom deserves and has!

Join Book Princess Reviews in the April #30daysofHumanRightsBPR Blog Challenge! Participate with blog posts inspired by the UN Human Rights or Insta/Twitter pics and quotes w/ human rights themes. Find out more here!