Spindle's End

Once more, Robin McKinley has turned the world of fairytale on its head, and turned out an outstanding novel. McKinley's latest book, Spindle's End, is a re-telling of the Sleeping Beauty tale, but as with her previous fairytale re-inventions she dispenses with the gilt and florets of the Baroque tale and builds her characters out of earth.
The story is less about the "Beauty" -- named Briar Rose -- than it is about how her family and the other people around her react to her situation in the world. It is the story of her fosterage and of her deep friendship with the girl who is perhaps the more appropriate "Sleeing Beauty" than Briar Rose herself, and ultimately the story of her return to her true identity and the final showdown with her nemesis, the evil fairy who cursed her as an infant.
The narrative is earthy and rich in feeling, and while I think the ending suffers from McKinley's usual problem of her words not being able to adequately convey the rich imagery she so obviously is trying to communicate, the story itself doesn't lack for anything.

If only all fantasy books were this great! Robin McKinley works a little magic with "Spindle's End", a kind-of retelling of the fairy tale classic "Rumplestiltskin", but with a style all her own. McKinley paints some beautiful imagery with her words, even if at times the narrative is a bit long-winded. But its well worth getting through to unearth the nuggets of brilliant storytelling that lie imbedded throughout.
In talking about a horse, which plays a big part of the action toward the end, she writes, "...she wasn't bothering to try and talk to him; his mind was full of spinning glittering fragments of running, wanting to run, waiting to run, being nothing but running with a bay coat stretched over it--..." What a fantastic feat of writing, and there are numerous such gems everywhere within this rollicking adventure story. Even if you've read "Rumplestiltskin" a hundred times, read "Spindle's End" at least half of that...you won't be sorry!

This book might be great for some people... I just wasn't one of them. I like Robin Mckinley, I loved "Beauty" by her, and I really really wanted to love this book... but I didn't. I would advise anyone interested in buying it to make sure they read the first few pages of the books first. If the style didn't bother you, and your mind didn't start to go numb then this might be the book for you. And more power to you! But don't just buy the book because it's written by Robin Mckinley... in my humble opinion it's definately not her best work. For me it drug on and on and on, I couldn't even finish it, I got halfway through and decided I couldn't handle the migraines the book was inducing. But that's just me, like I said read a couple of pages and decide for yourself. If you dont like the first couple of pages though... don't expect it to get any better... it doesn't.

"Spindle's End" is beautifully written. The dialogue is excellent, the descriptions fresh and vibrant, the characters -- particularly the main characters -- well-drawn. That said, the strongest aspect of "Spindle's End" is the author's ability to take the framework of an old fairy tale and re-envision it, teasing out marvelous details that make the fairy tale believable and fresh.

For instance, I'd always wondered how the inhabitants of Sleeping Beauty's kingdom managed after all the spinning wheels were destroyed. Did they have to import all their clothes? Did a black market for well-spun thread of dubious origins spring up? McKinley answers the question in a fascinating passage about the development of spindle ends -- rounded knobs of wood first used out of necessity and later becoming intricately carved works of craftsmanship. McKinley's explanation is so detailed and realistic that you can't help but think, "Ah, of course. That's how it was."

That's really how the book feels as a whole -- "So *that's* how it was!" The groundwork for the story is well-laid. Rather than have twists and revelations come out of the blue, little clues that make you anticipate and speculate are placed in the story hundreds of pages before they come into play -- as if McKinley were saying, "Yes, isn't that interesting? Now read on to see how it all turns out."

My one quibble is with the writing of the climax of the story. The writing is very fast-paced and dreamlike. As in a dream, the story at that point pulls you along, but seems a bit muddled -- things that ought to have a reason are unexplained, and while bits of the scenery stand out very clearly, others don't quite seem solid. Lending a little more solidity, lucidity, and time to the descriptions of what was happening would have enabled the climactic events to engage the reader while still maintaining the dreamy feel of the events themselves. A little more personality development on the parts of a few minor characters would have also helped, as they suddenly rocketed to prominence without the character development to support it.

That said, all those difficulties cleared up after the main action stopped, and the book ended very sweetly, and very well. :)

All in all, a wonderful, highly satisfactory read. 4.5 stars

I've just finished reading Spindle's End after guiltily eying it on my shelf for about a year. What put me off reading it at first were some reviews that complained that the novel was rather long-winded. Yes, it is, and I sometimes had to re-read certain sections to hold on to the thread of the story, however this does not mean that the writing is cumbersome or uninteresting.

I enjoyed reading this unusual and suspenseful re-working of Sleeping Beauty. It was not the story or the characters however that won my heart, but the setting itself. McKinley goes to great lengths to make her world and Foggy Bottom real to the reader. The magic in the air is almost tangible and I found myself enjoying reading about the little quirks of magic more than the story itself.

As one reviewer pointed out, McKinley does not focus too much on character development in this book, and I wish she would have made them more complex. Even some of the animals like Flinx, Fast and Gorse and Woodwold were more complex and affectionately characterized than Rosie, Peony, Katriona and Narl. I wonder if McKinley was more in love with the setting than her characters. Nevertheless, her rendering of the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty is certainly original.

To sum up, despite its few flaws, this book is certainly one that I would read again and encourage others to read as well. For those of you who like well conceived magical worlds this is the book for you.

Robin McKinley is one of my favorite writers, and like Beauty and Rose Daughter she capturedme within the first few pages. Like Anne McCaffrey and J.K. Rowlings, she is a woman who's imagination runs wild. I love all her books. In every one of her books she has a heroine who's inner strength has yet to be seen, and that's the best part. I would love to be a writer someday, but I know I could never be as great as her. This book was one of her finest, along with The Hero and the Crown, The Blue Sword, Beauty, and Rose Daughter. I've read all her books over and over and over and I just can't stop loving them. They are the best fantasy books written since I don't know when. Thank you Robin, you're an inspiration to everyone.

Having read and loved other books by McKinley (The Blue Sword being one of my absolute favorite books of all time, The Hero and the Crown and Beauty are also very, very good) I was excited to read this book.

It was very clever, the characterizations were excellent--especially how the animals stay animal, and aren't turned into furry humans for the purpose of the book.

Also, McKinleys gift for bringing fantasy worlds alive is demonstrated elegantly in this novel. The magic unique from that in other novels--its quirky and has a mind of its own.

This book got four stars instead of five for the following reasons:

If you are looking for action-packed adventure more like The Blue Sword, you may be somewhat dissapointed. There is a fair bit of excitement and drama, but the action is of a different sort, less swords and more magic. There is also alot more slow less-exciting bits inbetween, most of it does become important later, but I'll say again, its not an action-packed adventure story.

Also, the ending was very confusing. After re-reading I sort of understood what was going on, but I didn't quite understand the why and how of all of it. Still, it has my highest reccomendations, especially to see McKinley use what I think to be her greatest talent as a writer: the complete realization of a new world.

I'd not read Robin McKinley before this book--but this makes me want to delve further into the world of her literature. The book was fast paced and different--just close enough to resemble Sleeping beauty, but far enough away from the story that Robin makes it her own. I loved the way it was written, the plot, and the fact that she took something old and made it knew.
That's my favorite thing about any book. If an author can take a familier tale, myth, legend, or story and make it into something new and almost believable, then they've got my readership.
This should most definately make your "to read" list, and perhaps should be bumped up to the top. (Right underneath Song of Albion Trilogy by Lawhead).

McKinley, in the way only she can, takes readers to new heights, as illustrated by Spindle's End's predecessors, Rose Daughter and Beauty. With Spindle's End, the secondary characters are not only the forest animals but also the land itself. But unlike Rose Daughter and Beauty, magic is also a most intricate part of the story, which can trip up younger readers or less imaginative ones. It is not an easy read, and McKinley's verbosity makes it difficult to read simply for the pleasure of reading -- readers instead must engross themselves fully to the story (no television or phone calls during a chapter -- you'll become completely lost). Spindle's End is thoughtful, thoroughly engaging and delightful in every way.

This is a magical retelling that will certainly keep the attention of any adult, but is appropriate for a child of any age. One thing I particularly love is the tomboyish characterization of the main character. I think that young girls could learn a lot from Rosie, about love, independence, and friendship. It does take place in a fairytale land, so even readers of Fantasy will have suspend their disbelief. By which I mean, it is fully part of the fairy tale world - there is plentiful magic, enchantments, and animals can speak. At the same time, Rosie and the other characters don't act wooden and stereotypical.
Another item of note was that it kept my interest from the first page. Robin McKinley has a great writing style which really sweeps the reader away.

Spindle's End , by Robin McKinley , is a very entertaining book. It is told like the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. Rosie , is cursed by Pernicia , an evil fairy , to prick her finger on her twenty - first birthday. Rosie was originally given twenty - one names , but when she got cursed , Sigil , the queen's fairy , who gave her to Katriona , a peasant girl. Katriona named her Rosie , because she didn't want people to think differently. Rosie had many friends. Most of them were animals , because she could talk to them. One of Rosie's friends , Peony , was in love with Rowland , who was supposed to marry Rosie when she became princess again. Two weeks before Rosie's birthday , Igor , one of the king's helpers , knocked on their door. He told her all about her other life. Peony and Rosie switched places and went to the castle. Pernicia was waiting for them at the castle and put everyone under a sleeping spell and took Peony. Narl and Rosie went to Pernicia's castle and rescued Peony and killed Pernicia. Peony became princess and they all live happily ever after. I liked this book alot because it had a great plot and it was very interesting.

I borrowed this book from local library. The begining was interesting with such a description about the magin in the country in which the story would be unfolded. But when I read on and on, I got the feeling there was too much, redundant descriptin and too little story. Not that the description was not good at all. However sometimes they were boring and distracting with so slow, slow progression of the story itself.
And I didn't like the confrontation scene of the heroine and her enemy, the bad fairy. It was not exciting as I expected and furthermore somewhat confusing. Both of them were not so realistic and rather shadowy. Frankly speaking, all the persons in the story were shadowy.

A wonderful adaptation Sleeping Beauty. I love this book - I probably liked fairy tales when I was a kid, but now the kind of story where the princess sits (or lays, as the case may be) around waiting for the prince to rescue her don't appeal to me. This is a much more active story, with the princess taking part in her own defense. The animal characters are fantastic - the different personalities they have are so appropriate to the species. And as always with McKinley's books, the description is incredible, with so much detail that the world seems to come alive.

This book is so amazing. I believe it earns more than 5 stars. I basically could NOT put this book down! I loved every minute of it, and when it was over I wanted more. It is kind a like the Sleeping Beauty story, but with twists and turns to make it interesting to the young people but also older people too. Hope you get to read it. You will see the story through a different eye than just that old story you heard your parents read to you when they wanted you to go to sleep. This will make you read it under the covers with your string lights (like me!) or just a normal flashlight. Hey, this is the 21st century! There are different ways on reading a book.
~Darci K.

I really loved this book! I love Robin McKinley books because you will always remember the room that this your that happened in. You become immensely fond of the characters and get to know them very well. The first half of the book is more about Katriona (The fairy who rescues Rosie, the princess.) And once Rosie is old enough for it to be more about her it is told more from her point of view. I did miss Katriona though, even though she was still in the story. I missed hearing her thought. I also loved the fact that the country was known only as "that country." It was never named! This is a great book with an ending you will not be expecting! It is definitely worth reading!

Robin McKinley's version of Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting book most of the way through. It contains vivid descriptions and an enjoyable storyline...until the end.

The novel begins with a rather playful description of the magic in the country...and from there the story shoots off to a tale that promises a good read. The infant princess is cursed by the vengeful fairy Pernicia to prick her finger on a spindle's end and die. The princess, Rosie, is rescued by a young fairy, Katriona, who, nervously and with no idea what she's doing, becomes her caretaker. The familiar story of Sleeping Beauty is taken to a new level, and you can't help but cheer on Katriona as she tries to care for the infant princess Rosie.

About half way through the book, as soon as Katriona is married, the book stops being about her and starts being about Rosie. I personally think I started losing interest in it at this point, but maybe that's just me. Rosie grows up in her village, completely unaware that she is the mysterious cursed princess. She starts realizing that there's something different about her, however; not only can she speak to animals and has amazingly quick-growing golden hair, but strange things happen to her when she attempts certain tasks. The story still has plenty of twists and turns until we reach the revelation that startles Rosie; she is really the cursed princess.

After this point, however, the book really started getting dull. Everything seemed sluggish and uninspired compared with the rest of the book. Even the end, which seemed as if it was supposed to be exciting, really felt boring and rather confusing. And the one element that was always my favorite in the story of Sleeping Beauty- the kiss from a handsome prince that wakes her up- was missing!

I enjoyed this book very much until the last hundred pages or so; after that I was disappointed. But, I would still recommend this book as being a pretty worthwhile read if you can bear the ending.

Kelli
Future Star

Wow - talk about a slow read! The tale of "Sleeping Beauty" is one of my very favorites, so I picked this up with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, this re-telling failed to capture the magic part of a fairy tale retelling. I just didn't enjoy it at all. Maybe it was a case of high expectations making it seem worse than it was... McKinley definitely displayed some originality in the story itself, but overall, it was the style was that spoiled the book. No actual action took place at all... And the verb tenses were almost all passive, making the novel all just "telling", resulting in a very slow-going and boring book! What a disappointment! I have enjoyed McKinley's books in the past, but this really isn't a good example of her talent!

Spindle's End is basically a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, only the beauty isn't beautiful and she doesn't get her finger pricked. I didn't enjoy this book very much. I absolutely LOVED the Hero and the Crown and the Blue Sword, but this was just TOO BORING! Some of the stuff that happened in the story made absolutely no sense at all. Why were Peony and Rosie friends is they were complete opposites and Rosie was determined to hate her? Just because Peony says she has log eyelashes, they are suddenly friends? And why does Rosie fall in love with Narl. He's like, 25 year older than her. Maybe 10 or 15 year way okay back then, but being 20 year older than the other person is too_*ugh*_! An even the ending, the part in books that you alway have to keep reading was SO INCREDIBLY BORING! I think Robin McKinley had too much detail in that part. If is skipped ahead a few pages and started to read again, the author would still be describing the same thing she was like three pages ago. I don't recommend this, don't read it, don't buy it!

This book has a VERY interesting story. Especially, because I like to read about witches and magical things. This book showed me that long books are still very interesting. Also,that I can pay attention long enough to understand what I am reading,and get into the story. The only problem that I see, is that it is a very slow paced book. To much detail for me. I found that this book was probley the best that I have ever read before. I would suggest this book to my friends and to anyone who likes to read magic storys.
If anyone was to ask me what my favorite part without telling them to much would be, I would have to say when Rosie(the princess)was able to talk to animals. The whole part about, charactors in the story, being able to talk to animals, fascinated me.
I hope you enjoyed my review.

This re-telling of Sleeping Beauty adds depth of character and vivid details to flesh out the old fairy tale with fun and charming fantasy about what might have really happened to the princess between the naming-day when she is cursed, and her twenty-first birthday, when the evil witch intends to kill her -- and this lady "does" evil very well! The beginning chapters are bogged down by the author's heavy use of parenthetical interjections to explain background, which perhaps works if you are reading aloud to someone younger, but rapidly becomes annoying otherwise (where was the editor?!). Part Five at the end likewise drags, not from the parentheticals (which fade out about a quarter of the way into the book), but from excessive narrative in what ought to be riveting action. Still, if you finish it, you will be glad you did, because the book leaves you with a smile and a sense of satisfaction about characters you feel you have come to know and like.

...
Spindles End is, admittedly, not like Ms.McKinley's other books. to me, when i was reading it i felt like she was in a good mood throughout the writing of it, like she didn't have to spend any time on her rowing machine. it was light, less dark and less comlex than any of her other books. i thought the world she created was more detailed than any of her others, and the characters seemed almost everyday(aside from the fairy part!). it was a pleasant book with her trademark twisty ending.
the only reason i have not given 5 stars is because i felt that the ending felt rushed to me. but lets face it fans, all of her books have that sort of ending, with the exception of, perhaps, The Outlaws of Sherwood. Ms.McKinley tends to spend 3/4 of her books wandering through castles and/or woods and delving deep into her characters thoughts, then rushes to the ten page face off in the end(ie..Deerskin vs. her father, Aerin vs. Agesded, Harry bringing the mountain down on the northeners). This book was much the same. the only difference being that she was relitively light on the character development, thus she was able to play with her world more.
i cringe to think of Ms.McKinley ever reading this. She is one of the most creative and detailed writers in the world; to review her work seems almost presumptious to me. I have found each of her novels to be unique and touching and thrilling, and ultimately, very, very satisfying.

I knew from the beginning this book was a version of Sleeping Beauty. I kept getting confused with Snow White though and could not figure out what was with this book. Once I remembered though, it was actually very good.
The entire book was full of plot twits and surprising turns. I was interested the entire time which is a rarity for me. Normally I give up after the first couple of pages. Many new characters were introduced at numerous times. Also, a few characters were developed extremely well, four were tracked throughout a majority of their lives, and one more was carefully tracked.
The book was too the point and wasted little time with needless, tedious descriptions. The book combined action with magic. It even had philosophy and love, giving it all the characteristics of a great book.
The book starts off a little bit confusing, but this just drew the reader in. I was impressed with the placement of this slightly tedious information. McKinley described the confusing rules of magic in her world to the reader in the first chapter. Though normally boring, the fact it is in the begging makes it interesting. The information is vital to the understanding of much of the rest of the novel.
This novel was a masterpiece. I was duly impressed with all of the characteristics tied into it. The author was obviously brilliant, there was never a dull period that lasted more than a paragraph. I recommend this book to any one that likes any sort of fantasy.

I really enjoyed the book "Spindles End" by Robin Mckinly. It is a different version of the classic tale of "Sleeping Beauty."
I would recomend this book to anyone who likes romances, adventures, or fairy tales. This book combines all three perfectly. I loved how the main character(Rosie) was very different than you would think a princess would be like. She is not so pretty, she is a smiths apprentice, and hates wearing dresses. My favorite Rosie moment was when she cut her long blond curly hair short.
On the Princesses name day Briar Rose was cursed by the evil fairy Percinica. the curse was that on the princesses 21st birthday she would prik her finger on a spinning weel and fall into a poisoned sleep. The story is about Rosies life growing up in hiding,yet she doesn't know that she is the princess.
I rated this book a four, because it was exiting, heart warming, romantic, and kept you on the edge of your seat.

.. but the ending left me highly unsatisfied. I've loved Robin McKinley's books and worlds since I picked up her "Beauty" and the Damar novels back in the late 80's. Unlike many that were critical of her side-stories and wandering narrative, I *loved* the meandering build-up of her universe and *loved* the world she created. Robin's ability to weave a picture with words is amazing! I also loved the first hero, Katriona, and Rosie was enjoyable as well.

However, though one of the things that has always appealed to me in Robin's work is that she doesn't over-explain so that you can draw your own conclusions on many things, and she even lets there be mysteries and unaswered questions to ponder upon re-reading the stories, I felt she went too far in this one.

The last 1/3 of the book is a bit TOO much manic action and torrid descriptives! It's almost to allegorical to understand and left me feeling dissatisfied that I really knew what I was supposed to make of the ending.

Still, it was a GREAT read for the first 2/3 and a decent, though somewhat disappointing, conclusion. This book will join the others on the shelf, but I doubt that it'll get that tattered appearance of my copy of Beauty, Blue Sword, or Hero and the Crown.

Honestly, it's like you're submerged in thick blue liquid, surrounded by millions of fantastic and light-exuding creatures, your senses muffled by the magic.
Ok, to put it bluntly, the first half was the best half. In fact, all three of the stars belong to it. The storytelling is great, pulling you deeper and deeper into the tale, the king and queen are quirky, the animals are just as cool as everyone says, and the description of Rosie as a baby is very charming, though one-third of the way thru the book, you are wondering exactly who the heroine is.
Robin McKinley spins lovely stories in a manner that is reminsicent of Patricia McKillip. Other people have already mentioned this. The description was rather long and involved; this is true as well.
BUT...it all got rather muddled. I just didn't like how things got resolved. One of the horses in the story tells Rosie something along the lines of "I'm my master's best stallion, and you are a princess, and we both are what we are, though we may not want it."
I mean, Peony was a peony, but Rosie was, after all, the real deal. This all sounds cryptic, maybe, but the end just upset me.
Though one interesting thing to mention is how Ms McKinley's characters, like Ms McKillip's characters, sense the magical solution almost instinctively. It's weird and wonderful to see them in action.

I'll start off by stating that the original faery tale of Sleeping Beauty is one of my least favorites and holds not interest for me. That being said, as I timorously picked up Spindle's End for the first time, I had already expected to put the book down in a few chapters. Hours later I was closing the book, at its finish. This wonderfully written masterpiece had enthralled and captured my heart. Spindle's End is by far one of my favorite books of all time.

McKinley draws you into this strange world where magick coats every surface and we at first follow one of Rosie's faery godmothers. McKinley goes into fantastic detail of Rosie's childhood, with all of her adorable, and sometimes wicked, quirks, creating a depth to the character I had never seen before and couldn't help but love. She does this with the setting, each character, and every event, creating an ocean of meanings into the friendships, trials, and love, out of the trickle of a stream that I had seen before.

Beautifully crafted, I purchased this book as soon as I could after reading it, and have read it many, many times since. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a love for faery tales.

Honestly, it's like you're submerged in thick blue liquid, surrounded by millions of fantastic and light-exuding creatures, your senses muffled by the magic.
Ok, to put it bluntly, the first half was the best half. In fact, all three of the stars belong to it. The storytelling is great, pulling you deeper and deeper into the tale, the king and queen are quirky, the animals are just as cool as everyone says, and the description of Rosie as a baby is very charming, though one-third of the way thru the book, you are wondering exactly who the heroine is.
Robin McKinley spins lovely stories in a manner that is reminsicent of Patricia McKillip. Other people have already mentioned this. The description was rather long and involved; this is true as well.
BUT...it all got rather muddled. I just didn't like how things got resolved. One of the horses in the story tells Rosie something along the lines of "I'm my master's best stallion, and you are a princess, and we both are what we are, though we may not want it."
I mean, Peony was a peony, but Rosie was, after all, the real deal. This all sounds cryptic, maybe, but the end just upset me.
Though one interesting thing to mention is how Ms McKinley's characters, like Ms McKillip's characters, sense the magical solution almost instinctively. It's weird and wonderful to see them in action.

I'll start off by stating that the original faery tale of Sleeping Beauty is one of my least favorites and holds not interest for me. That being said, as I timorously picked up Spindle's End for the first time, I had already expected to put the book down in a few chapters. Hours later I was closing the book, at its finish. This wonderfully written masterpiece had enthralled and captured my heart. Spindle's End is by far one of my favorite books of all time.

McKinley draws you into this strange world where magick coats every surface and we at first follow one of Rosie's faery godmothers. McKinley goes into fantastic detail of Rosie's childhood, with all of her adorable, and sometimes wicked, quirks, creating a depth to the character I had never seen before and couldn't help but love. She does this with the setting, each character, and every event, creating an ocean of meanings into the friendships, trials, and love, out of the trickle of a stream that I had seen before.

Beautifully crafted, I purchased this book as soon as I could after reading it, and have read it many, many times since. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a love for faery tales.

Not just a story, but a wonderful, unpredictable escape. If you like smart fantasy, or a novel that will take you down an unfamiliar path of a familiar story, this is a great book. If you like Robin McKinley, you'll like this one for sure. She sets a tone and atmosphere that makes you not want to the story to end.

In this retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, baby Rosie is whisked away and carefully hidden by fairies for nearly twenty-one years in an attempt to thwart the curse laid upon her by a vengeful evil fairy: That she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an eternal sleep.

I really enjoy McKinley's beautiful prose. Her descriptions are vivid and lifelike. However, I found the story in this retelling slow and a bit dry.

There were some things that I really liked about this book; I loved the world that McKinley created, and the idea that magic has a mind of its own. But although I thought it was a great idea, the description of this magical land dragged on much longer than it should have. Descriptions took up a major part of this book, and while that can be good sometimes, it seemed a bit overdone in this case. Also, the adventure at the end got confusing, but I liked the twists that were put in there. Even though the book was taken after Sleeping Beauty, I didn't feel like McKinley was limited by the fairy tale; it provides a basis for the plot, but it really isn't the same story. The ending was not at all what I had expected, and it fit perfectly. The characters in the novel were probably the best thing about it. All of them were realistic and had depth. Overall, I would recommend the book, but not if your mind easily wanders. It can take some effort to keep your attention focused on the book sometimes.

When I first found this book, I expected great things out of it. Now, after reading and re-reading the book I sadly announce that if did not fulfil my expectations. The book has a great begining and a fascinating ending. Still, during the middle of the book (which was way too long and filled with unecessary details), I found myself bored. Robin Mckinely only gives you a glance at the main human characters (Rosie, Peony, Rowland, etc.) and even though the animals have vivid characteristics, there are simply too many and they blend together. The sentences in the book seem to run together while reading and Robin does not give enough details about the setting to really see it. She leaves many mysteries unsolved but does a great job of giving a familiar fairy tale an unusual twist. I would still recommend reading this book but be warned, it is not as good as her earlier works.

From my observations of the the store customer reviews, and conversations with my own acquaintances, I have the distinct impression that readers of Robin McKinley's novels can be divided into two categories: those who love both her older works (Beauty, et. al.) and the newer, and those who hate Deerskin and Rose Daughter. Let me say that I'm part of the former, but I think that Spindle's End will appeal to both groups.
Why? Just saying that it's a beautifully written novel isn't enough, I guess. It combines some elements familiar from early McKinley works (the unconventional hero(ine), the surprising spin on well-known stories) with aspects of the later (beautiful, lyrical prose, a surprising (yet satisfying) ending). But all of these elements, familiar as they are, combine to create a novel that is unique. If you've enjoyed anything by Robin McKinley, buy this book. You'll find something to love.
Also--and this isn't a part of the plot at all, so it's not really a spoiler--I was very happy to read that Lissar and Ossin are still happily raising fleethounds.

I love Robin McKinley's interpretations of fairy tales but couldn't much get into this one. It seems like we never truly get to know the characters. After reading the whole thing I couldn't tell you much about any of them. She talks way more about magic than about any of the characters.

"Spindle's End", written by Robin McKinley, was first published in 2000,is the Sleeping Beauty Fairy tale novelized. Robin McKinley is known to be a feminist, but this story is not a feminist rant. Much like the actual story Rosie, Seeping Beauty, was cursed by and evil fairy as an infant, so that on her 21st birthday she would prick her finger on a spindle's end, and fall into a coma-like sleep, unto death. Unlike the original story Robin McKinley portrayed Rosie as the tomboy; she hated her blonde hair and would choose pants over any ball dress. Her interesting out take on her characters is sure to spark the imagination of anyone who reads this book. This story takes you away from normal fairy tale. With the infamous kiss, McKinley, adds a little twist that catches the readers off guard. Although this book is fantastic some of the characters feel flat, and it seems at times that there to many of them. I would have to say that that would be my only complaint, but other than that I would recommend this novel to the reader that is looking for something different.

Spindle's end By Robin McKinley is a retelling of the classic story of Sleeping Beauty. Although it is based on Sleeping Beauty there are many slight changes in the plot, which keeps the reader interested. I recommend this book to dedicated readers who have a lot of time on their hands. Due to the length of this book I would recommend it to adolescents. I would recommend this book to adolescents because since it is a familiar story reading it brings relaxation and comfort. When I read this book I did not have to worry about remembering every single part of the plot because I subconsciously knew what was supposed to happen. I think this allows the reader to put themselves in the character's positions and relate to them. Another thing it allows the reader to do is enter a fantasy world where they can escape the pressures and stresses of reality and daily life because everyone needs a break from these things. I disliked how the hero of the story was a man who rescued Rose from her curse. I think that the author should have changed the ending of the story to send girls the message that they do not have to wait for a man to solve their problems but are capable of handling them by themselves. I also feel that more women's issues could have ben included throughout the plot. This book is very detailed and descriptive. This helps the reader to picture and imagine everything that the characters see and feel.

Although most might think that Spindle's End is a little kid's fairy tale, this wildly inventive retelling of Sleeping Beauty is far from it. Every character, down to the wild and moving merrel and even Woodwold, the magical lord's house, is well defined and brilliant, each with their own individual personalities. The story, though well known, is surprising and exciting, with intricate twists that don't grow too large. I highly reccommned this and all of Robin McKinley's other books to anyone who is looking for some beautifully written novels.

This is a wonderful story, and, even though it has some of the same points as the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, it is completely its own and has a extremely detailed quality.
This is about a princess named Briar-Rose who is cursed by an evil fairy on her name-day and has to go into hiding until her twenty-first birthday. Rosie (as she's called by her new guardians, Aunt and Katriona) grows up kind-of tomboyish and can talk to animals. (By the way: the characterization of the animals is really great- a personality is created for each one.)
This book is so detailed that I can't even start to begin to tell everything about it- you'll just have to read it for yourself. The only thing that I didn't like was that towards the end it seemed a little unfair for Rosie when she decided to give up her crown, but still everything ended up turning out for good.
Final opinion: This is a wonderful book, and I recommend it to everyone.

I actually started reading this a couple years ago, but had to return the book. So I checked it out again.
So beautiful. I loved this book.
The characters are so well-written and the love stories so simple and lovely. I actually cried toward the end.
Plus, the animal voices seem, well, real! I found myself thinking, "Yes, that is what a dog would think."
I highly recommend it.

I love retellings of fairy tales especially ones based on Sleeping Beauty, but this story was very borring. I once tried to read this book and I was barely able to make it to the ending and when I tried to read it for a second time I couldn't make it half way throgh the book. The characters are borring, especially Rosie the princess. She was portrayed as a tom boy who cuts off her hair and hates anything feminine, I like any princess as being portrayed as inependant, but I still think that it would good for them to still be feminine. The ending left me coufused. If you want to read a retelling of Sleeping Beauty I would suggest Briar Rose by Jane Yolen, it is different but it is also a very good book.

A beautiful fairy tale by Robin McKinley. What more is there to say? Spindle's End celebrates our ability to make our own choices, even if we're cursed at our christenings by evil fairies. This novel is perfect for young and old alike: unlike Deerskin, which was only for adults, or Rose Daughter, which had a somewhat high reading level. Get this book for yourself or any young person looking for his or her own path in life.

I have always enjoyed reading Robin McKinley's work and looked forward to diving into this one. However, the detailed decriptions and frequent use of parethetical phrases, made the reading rather cumbersome. The Horn review did a great summation and I agree with their comments.
It's worth reading, but does not draw one in the way her other writings have before. Her desire to create a strong female hero is admirable, but I think it was a bit overdone.

Although I did like the book, it lacked the straightforwardness that Beauty has always had. As McKinley has written more and more books, her descriptive talents have grown. I saw it starting to happen in Rose Daughter, but it culminated in Spindle's End- her descriptive elements overrode the book. I found myself thinking, "Get on with it!" as I read and fighting the urge to skip ahead for the first time. Even though I genuinely adored Rosie, I also agree with other reviewers- I saw too much of McKinley's other heroines in Rosie's character.

While I loved the story, characters, and almost everything about this book, I found the writing style to be a bit wordy. I often found myself thinking, "Get to the point, already!" I agree that she painted beautiful pictures in my head of all scenes in the story, but I felt like I was trying to walk through knee-deep mud to get there.

Sleeping Beauty is perhaps the most passive fairy tale heroine. She is threatened, pricks her finger, sleeps for a long time and wakes up in time to get married. A lovely, languid lady whose role in the tale is simply to lie there.
Not Rosie, the threatened princess of "Spindle's End". She has far better things to do with her time and an attractive cast of characters to assist her.
This is another marvellous effort by McKinley, both enchanting and convincing. The author has that certain rare talent of constructing a world which is truly 'faerie', instead of extruded fantasy product. Compelling, delightful and completely satisfying.

Having read every Robin McKinley book written, I would have rank her latest offering in the top three, the others being Beauty,(my personal favorite) and Rose Daughter. I could not put this book down. Most of us are familiar with the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty, this book takes it so much further, with a not so idealic fairytale setting. Each character is portrayed in a compelling manner, with their thoughts and motivations displayed, not perfectly flawless as in the Disney version, but far more real life. I loved the fact that in this book, as well as the other McKinley books, the heroines are far more beautiful on the inside, and far more real because of it. A great take on a timeless classic.

I'm an avid reader and usually love Robin McKinley but this one was painful to get through. At first, I enjoyed the plot but by the second half, it stopped making sense. The entire ending seemed pointless and unpurposeful, and although Petunia's love plot was nice, Rosie was in love with a 40 year old man. I'm sorry but if you want to read Robin McKinley, read The Blue Sword.

I really enjoy this book. I have read it several times and the first time, it was good. The second time (and everytime since) it has just gotten better and better. If you like Robin McKinley or just good fantasy, read this book.

I read this because I really like Robin McKinley's "Beauty". I liked this book, but not quite as much as "Beauty". Good retelling of a classic story, and not what I expected (in a good way). Nice and pleasant fairy tale fantasy with just the right amount of conflict, but will not necessarily hold you on the edge of your seat.

First off, this is a really slow read. And towards the end, it just gets slower. I skimmed a good deal of the last 9,000 pages. I haven't done that since 'Breaking Dawn.' I really wanted to enjoy this book, and I did for the first part - albeit the sluggish pace of everything. And towards the ending, the twists get stupider and less interesting. I still respect Robin McKinley, but really, just re-read Beauty. Like I did. For like, the eightieth time.

I love spindle's end. Wonderful fairytale with lovely details. I like the almost stream of consciousness style writing but it is a different style, for those that are not interested in sentences that seem to be more than a paragraph long and narrative that jumps around a bit. It all works together for me.

Once again, I'm proud of Mckinley for compleating another success story of Sleeping Beauty known as (Spindle's End).
On the princess's birthday, Katriona, kidnaps the newborn baby girl in order to save her life from Pernicia the evil fairy. Briar-Rose grows up with her Aunt and Katriona, her cousin...yet she has a new name which is similar to the true one. I've already read this book last summer.