School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-With its quiet blend of fantasy, folktales, and character-driven storytelling, this charming collection brings the first 12 issues of an Eisner Award-winning comic-book series to a wider audience. It opens with "The Brambly Hedge," which gives the origin of the castle itself. In a comic retelling of Sleeping Beauty, a medieval castle and its loving inhabitants are abandoned when the princess wakes up, finds her Prince Charming, and rides off into the sunset with him. The castle transforms into an outpost of sorts for the unusual, the unwanted, and those just needing a place to hide from the world. Talking chivalrous horses, pregnant mothers on the run, and nuns who were once bearded ladies in the circus are just a few of the colorful inhabitants whose stories fill the remainder of the volume. Medley's storytelling becomes more assured and complex as the series progresses, and she uses flashbacks and stories-within-stories in a manner that creates a rhythm that is both fun and gripping. Hard-edged lines with simple forms create black-and-white artwork that melds nicely with the fairy-tale feel of the stories. This volume is accessible for younger readers but filled with enough layers and depth to satisfy those looking for a bit more sophistication.-Matthew L. Moffett, Ford's Theatre Society, Washington, DC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
The second volume of Linda Medley's quirky Eisner-winning modern classic has finally arrived. Castle Waiting, Sleeping Beauty's former home, now hosts a motley collection of characters in need of a second chance. This volume begins with the arrival of Tolly and Dayne, two dwarfs visiting their friend Henry, the castle's smith. The clever and kindhearted Tolly quickly befriends the castle's younger inhabitants, leading simple Simon and young mother Jain on adventures through lost rooms and secret passages. His equally likable uncle Dayne is a more ambiguous figure, caring toward his friends and family but full of amoral ambition and hinted agendas. At well over 300 pages, the book still feels about an issue too short. What will happen if Dayne's suspicions about Jain's green and furry infant are correct? Castle Waiting is a warm yet bittersweet ramble through the margins of the fairy tale world. Dayne's human foster daughter is implied to be Snow White, while tragic Henry, his broken heart held together by bands of iron, is a minor character from "The Frog Prince" destined to one day again be whole. Medley's distinctive black and white art is full of life, while her writing is as engaging if leisurely as ever. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Medley returns to the fairy-tale kingdom of Putney with this polite comedy of manners that looks into the histories of the castle's wide cast of characters. Jain reminisces about her childhood and her relationship with her father, and an unexpected visit from the neighboring Hammerlings (the dwarves who mine the mountain) inadvertently leads to the discovery of a secret passage. Like Jeff Smith's Bone or David Petersen's Mouse Guard, Castle Waiting presents a full and complex world. The story takes its time, which allows readers to get to know the endearing, charming, and well-realized characters. A joy for all ages.--Coleman, Tina Copyright 2010 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Drawing on Sleeping Beauty and The Canterbury Tales for starters, this revisionist, picaresque Harvey Award- and Eisner Award-winning fantasy loads in numerous sly references to other fairy tales and myths. After Sleeping Beauty's prince sweeps her off to his homeland, the kingdom is deserted except for a handful of retainers remaining in the castlewaiting. Later and elsewhere, a young pregnant woman departs under mysterious circumstances for Castle Waiting, by now a legendary sanctuary. The tale follows the lady Jain as she reaches the castle and makes friends with its eccentric residents: the outspoken and warm-hearted cook, the aging ladies in waiting, the stork-headed steward, a taciturn blacksmith, a horse-headed knight, a reclusive scientist in a bird mask, and the bearded nun Sister Peace. Gradually, the story focuses on Peace's unusual and entertaining reminiscences. The charming black-and-white art evokes medieval-style woodcuts but with a much more playful mood. Featuring talking animals, romance, demons, magic, and miracles aplenty, this is a sophisticated and delightful saga for all ages. A new series just began this past July. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
