Scan barcode
cmah's review against another edition
4.0
Good short story. I like the twist to the classic fairytale.
anastasiarozova's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
I enjoyed this story a lot, even though I felt a little bit detached from the characters. Maybe it was the lack of their descriptions or something else, I don't know. But I did like the message of the book. Also the way Neal Gaiman combined a few different fairy tales into one beautiful one. Plus, c'mon, who doesn't like Chris Riddell's artwork?
There are choices, she thought, when she had sat long enough. There are always choices.
I enjoyed this story a lot, even though I felt a little bit detached from the characters. Maybe it was the lack of their descriptions or something else, I don't know. But I did like the message of the book. Also the way Neal Gaiman combined a few different fairy tales into one beautiful one. Plus, c'mon, who doesn't like Chris Riddell's artwork?
bookgirl1861's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
toebean5's review against another edition
3.0
Neil Gaiman? Check. Fairytale retelling? Check. Fairytale retold in an original manner and features a strong, female heroine? Check. All of the things I enjoy were there... but... it just rang a little hollow for me. Not sure why. Still 3 stars, but not one of my favorites.
cornmaven's review against another edition
4.0
Nice alternate version of Snow White, blending in Sleeping Beauty and reimagining the hero as a heroine who takes total charge of her life instead of capitulating to tradition.
The illustrations are luscious and gorgeous and readers will linger on those as well.
The illustrations are luscious and gorgeous and readers will linger on those as well.
kaje's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hollyrebeccasmith's review against another edition
5.0
Imagine combing a bit of Snow White with a lot of Sleeping Beauty while turning Sleeping Beauty on its head and having zombie-like creatures. The art is really beautiful as well.
bunny18's review against another edition
3.25
I think it’s sweet that she chose herself, chose to be a hero instead of a spectacle.
erine's review against another edition
4.0
A very short flash of a story that hints at larger things.
A strong queen embarks on an adventure to save her kingdom, accompanied by three dwarves who assist her. They travel under mountains, through village and city, conquer the thorns, and find the sleeping
The demise of the witch was not particularly satisfying (A short conversation, a stab with a spindle, and it's all over. Witchy didn't put up much of a fight.), and I was a little disappointed that our intrepid queen abandoned her kingdom. But perhaps she only adventures until she finds a more satisfactory partner, and then returns to lead her kingdom into a better future.
Overall, I loved the twisted, short fairy tale. There should be so much more to this story however, which would make for some interesting discussion (What is the queen's backstory? Who is her fiancé? Where does she go?). It would be a fun writing activity to fill in some of the blanks.
The illustrations are creepy and precise and beautiful, as I have come to expect from Chris Riddell.
A strong queen embarks on an adventure to save her kingdom, accompanied by three dwarves who assist her. They travel under mountains, through village and city, conquer the thorns, and find the sleeping
Spoiler
witch. I really can't say how much I loved that twist. The princess is bound to live out her days in utter mind-numbing solitude, while the evil witch sucks the princess's youth away in sleep while building a sleeping zombie army. A far more evil curse than either sleep or death.The demise of the witch was not particularly satisfying (A short conversation, a stab with a spindle, and it's all over. Witchy didn't put up much of a fight.), and I was a little disappointed that our intrepid queen abandoned her kingdom. But perhaps she only adventures until she finds a more satisfactory partner, and then returns to lead her kingdom into a better future.
Overall, I loved the twisted, short fairy tale. There should be so much more to this story however, which would make for some interesting discussion (What is the queen's backstory? Who is her fiancé? Where does she go?). It would be a fun writing activity to fill in some of the blanks.
The illustrations are creepy and precise and beautiful, as I have come to expect from Chris Riddell.