Colfer layers this rich story with evocative details. . . . His wordplay calls to mind ancient tales of romance and valor, all culminating in a single larger-than-life showdown. Lynch’s art conjures up men, witches, and beasts with equal aplomb. . . . Storytelling at its epic best.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The splendid story reads like an ancient epic, despite the wholly original storytelling, replete with memorable, magical moments and a truly chilling villain. Its sophisticated text and occasionally macabre details lend a wonderfully old-fashioned air, and the exquisite black-and-white illustrations cement the style even further; text and artwork intertwine on nearly every spread. A fantastically fresh fairy tale that feels like a classic.
—Booklist (starred review)
Eerie charcoal illustrations of woodland fauna and battle-worn characters enrich the magic, action, and dash of romance that permeate this dreamy fairy-tale adventure. Readers will be enchanted.
—Publishers Weekly
Interspersed illustrations are striking black-and-white drawings that are sometimes wispy, sometimes as sharp as the thorns being portrayed; the strong visuals heighten the otherworldly timelessness of Colfer’s thoughtful and legend-rooted language. . . . true love fans will likely be left breathless with the romance of it all.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
A good old-fashioned fantasy in the vein of The Princess Bride. . . . Magic ah-plenty, an excellent villain, and lots of great language. . . . Plus those incredible visual illustrations by P.J. Lynch don’t hurt matters either. Put another way, badass witch ladies doing badass witch lady stuff.
—Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production