Reviews with content warning for Death - The Sleeper and the Spindle

This was a fun, short read with a stunning twist. The bits and pieces of lore sprinkled throughout the text are engaging and thoughtfully done in such a way I am simultaneously left satisfied with the time I've spent with the book and yearning for more time with the characters and the world. I adore the queen.

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betweentheshelves's review

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Such an interesting re-telling of Sleeping Beauty! Of course, I knew to expect the darker twists and turns because it is Neil Gaiman after all. I didn't really know where he was going to take it, but I was engrossed in every second of it. If you love fairy tale re-imaginings, you definitely have to check this one out.

I also appreciated the fact that it almost reads like a picture book, because of the illustrations and the tone. But, it's juxtaposed with the darker nature of the story (much like a lot of the original fairy tales from Brothers Grimm). I just really enjoyed this, and am glad I finally got to read it!

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livruther's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

the illustrations were very good, and i liked that the story was creative.

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thereaderfriend's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Liked the idea of this more than the book itself. The writing didn't keep up to my means of expectation. It wasn't engaging enough bc it lacked the magical wording I expected. The artwork and plot twists seemed to carry the story, but it was fine. Had potential to be great. Also was disappointed with something that's a spoiler. Stop reading if you don't want to read the spoiler.

how the author had the queen kiss awake the princess was underwhelming bc it seemed to bring lgbtqia+ representation into it but it ended up being a gotcha moment. This moment was a hint at a possible romance but it was instantly turned down. And then at the end, the queen walks away from the direction of her castle, hinting that she wants to move on and/or is reflecting on that moment, which hinted queerness but was dismissed.

Disappointed but not surprised.

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whitto's review

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adventurous dark hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was STUNNING! I absolutely loved it and I could not stop staring at the illustrations that were as much a part of the story as the words.

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