I'm sad to say that I saw the movie first, but there were enough changes made to the screenplay that the book felt as fresh as though I weren't already familiar with the story. And what a beautiful story it is!! 
 Gaiman is my hero! His stories always prove to be perfect in their creative goal, and I am never disappointed. 
 In this tale, he took my imagination on an epic journey through Faerie. For anyone not acquainted with the plot, you are introduced to bold and brave characters traveling on a quest through a world where reality is not as it seems. 
 As I had seen the film, I did find myself craving for more about Tristan and Yvaine's time aboard the Perdita. I felt the book cut both the characters, and the plot, short in this section. The ending of the book was also less "Hollywood". Certainly not a bad thing, though much less anti-climactic. 
 I apologize for comparing this book with the movie. It does deserve to stand tall on its own. I highly recommend it.