A fairy tale, but also a long, leisurely, sophisticated narrative which makes no linguistic compromises. . . . Spindle's End's subject is magical perils, but as a novel it is an almost utopian love story. A curious and distinctive book

A skilful retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. . . . This is electrifying story-telling, a must-read for fans of quality fantasy of any age

I would recommend very few of the novels written for teenagers that pass through my hands to a discerning adult reader. So this is a bit of a find. An extraordinarily imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale, McKinley's book is genuinely enchanting but emotionally tough

Written with rich inventiveness, good characters and real stylistic skill and flair, it is a fat treat in which to lose yourself

Charming in every sense of the word. Beautifully written and at times highly comic, it is an extraordinary achievement

Sure to be as popular with both children and adults as all his other books

Lively wit, sly wisdom and compelling narratives

Pratchett's usual mix of uproarious comedy and deceptively serious thought

He's probably the funniest writer in English today . . . great themes with huge doses of comedy

Funny and winning as ever

Crackles with energy and humour