The Spindlers is an intensely imagined mini-epic. Young Liza has to journey through a fantasy underworld to reclaim the soul of her brother Patrick. Accompanied by a rat wearing a wig, she sees off various outlandish creatures before a final show-down with the utterly villainous Spindler Queen. -
IndependentIn the tradition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Coraline, The Spindlers is a frightening and fantastical heroine's quest. It offers terrifying and delightful creatures, daunting tasks and plenty of magic . . . The humour and writing is playful and clever in all the right ways -
New York TimesThis imaginative fantasy emphasizes individual initiative and the power of hope and friendship. Below is a fully realized alternate world with echoes of both classic literature and mythology. This is particularly notable in its variety of inhabitants. Although the creatures are Oliver's own creations, such beings as the winged, dream-bearing nocturni and the shape-shifting, cannibalistic scawgs have the feel of true folklore. With strong, self-reliant female characters and well-defined action, this is a strong addition to fantasy collections. -
School Library Journal on THE SPINDLERS
This fun, creepy story is full of mystery and adventure that will appeal to young readers - Press Association on THE SPINDLERS
An absolute delight . . . The story is packed with mystery, murder, adventure, humour and magic, but above all it is a beautiful evocation of loss, tempered by the gradual blossoming of friendship, trust and hope. Although aimed at younger readers, the lightness of touch and the tenderness of the message could make grown men weep. -
Daily Mail on LIESL & PO
A gorgeous story - timeless and magical. - Rebecca Stead, Newbery winner for
When You Reach Me on LIESL & PO
Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression. -
Publishers Weekly on LIESL & PO
Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group . . . there are some exquisitely drawn characters . . . it's books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life. -
Sunday Telegraph on LIESL & PO