Books like Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
Robin McKinley’s *Spindle’s End* offers a fresh take on the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. The story follows Princess Briar‑Rose, who is doomed to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into an endless poisoned sleep, cursed by the malevolent fairy Pernicia. A young fairy, Katriona, kidnaps Briar‑Rose to protect her, raising the princess secretly in her small village with the help of her aunt. While the village remains unaware of Briar‑Rose’s true identity, Pernicia seeks revenge for a defeat that occurred four centuries ago, stalking the path of the young princess.
McKinley’s rendition shines with her characteristic literary skill, weaving themes of good and evil, destiny, and the power of hidden communities into a compelling narrative that reimagines a timeless fairy tale for contemporary readers.
First publish date: 2000
Genre: Children's Fiction/Children's Fantasy
Authors: Robin McKinley
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