The Sleeper and the Spindle combines two classic fairytale and gives them a delicious twist. A queen, completely with dwarf escorts, goes on a quest the day before her wedding to save a kingdom and a princess from a witch's enchantment. This is Snow White meets Sleeping Beauty but not in a way we have ever seen either of them before. 
 At only 72 pages, The Sleeper and the Spindle is a fairly short read but it managed to deliver a complete story full of evil witches, royalty, curses and everything you expect from a fairy tale. This book is a tale with a delightfully dark edge to it and manages to deliver a few surprises throughout the story. This isn't just another tale of courtly love and prince charming. I thought it was a great take on the fairy tale genre with the story falling somewhere in between Grimm and Disney. 
 This edition of The Sleeper and the Spindle is absolutely beautiful. Pictures of the book online read do not do it justice. Chris Riddell's illustrations, done in a combination of black and metallic gold, bring Gaiman's words to life. The drawings are so detailed and the gold elements add a certain special something to the otherwise black and white illustrations. I loved how many drawings there were throughout the book and having them entwined with the story made this a very special read. 
 Whilst this book is a fantastic addition to the fairytale genre, I wanted more. It's short and does tell a complete story however there is so much more I would have liked to know and see. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spend reading this book. 
 The Sleeper and the Spindle is a fun and quick read for fans of fairy tales and twisted stories. Neil Gaiman's trademark quirky style is evident in the story and he gives readers an interesting take on stories we all know. Perfect for younger and older readers alike, The Sleeper and the Spindle is beautifully presented with the illustrations giving the story extra depth and meaning. 
 Thanks to Bloomsbury Australia for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.