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The Spindle
Number one Amazon best seller, "The Spindle" is the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, retold from the dark fairy’s point of view…
Set in the Celtic world of the fifth century, the Faeries, elemental spirits charged with caring for the earth and all its inhabitants, are being forgotten and facing extinction. In a desperate bid for survival, sweet, sycophantic Violet, faerie of beauty, love and dreams, breaks the faerie law and gives the barren Queen a child, threatening to dismantle the future of human history. Her sister Nor, the faerie of death, who desires to be truly loved though she is shunned by all mankind, must right Violet’s wrong and restore Princess Rose to her correct place in time before it’s too late. Her plan is threatened by a prideful King desperate to maintain his power, the kind, poor gardener Arthur whose destiny is endangered by his deep love for the Princess he was never supposed to meet, and Princess Rose herself, an intelligent, passionate young woman fated to become one of the greatest rulers the land has ever known.
Praise for Ashley Griffin
“If storytelling… is a dying art, then (Griffin) is in the vanguard of its resuscitation… Griffin’s work reflects the best elements of storytellers past and combines them in her own style (with) just enough detail for the imaginations of her audience to take over…I am predisposed to trust any (piece) under Griffin’s auspices.”– Paper Tiger Reviews
“Within the subtext of Ashley Griffin’s dark stories of struggle and survival is one of the most surprisingly cathartic voices about mortality and immortality.”– Mike Rinaldi, What is Hip?
“She transports us through eras, characters and story lines clearly and with ferocious grace…It is truly stunning what she can do with…nothing but the simplest…magic.”– The Harlem Times
Set in the Celtic world of the fifth century, the Faeries, elemental spirits charged with caring for the earth and all its inhabitants, are being forgotten and facing extinction. In a desperate bid for survival, sweet, sycophantic Violet, faerie of beauty, love and dreams, breaks the faerie law and gives the barren Queen a child, threatening to dismantle the future of human history. Her sister Nor, the faerie of death, who desires to be truly loved though she is shunned by all mankind, must right Violet’s wrong and restore Princess Rose to her correct place in time before it’s too late. Her plan is threatened by a prideful King desperate to maintain his power, the kind, poor gardener Arthur whose destiny is endangered by his deep love for the Princess he was never supposed to meet, and Princess Rose herself, an intelligent, passionate young woman fated to become one of the greatest rulers the land has ever known.
Praise for Ashley Griffin
“If storytelling… is a dying art, then (Griffin) is in the vanguard of its resuscitation… Griffin’s work reflects the best elements of storytellers past and combines them in her own style (with) just enough detail for the imaginations of her audience to take over…I am predisposed to trust any (piece) under Griffin’s auspices.”– Paper Tiger Reviews
“Within the subtext of Ashley Griffin’s dark stories of struggle and survival is one of the most surprisingly cathartic voices about mortality and immortality.”– Mike Rinaldi, What is Hip?
“She transports us through eras, characters and story lines clearly and with ferocious grace…It is truly stunning what she can do with…nothing but the simplest…magic.”– The Harlem Times
- GenresRetellingsFantasy
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2022
16 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Griffin
2 books7 followersAshley Griffin is most well known as a Broadway writer/performer. Her work has been produced/developed at New World Stages, MTC, Playwrights Horizons and more. She was the recipient of the WellLife Network Award and a county commendation for her hit play TRIAL (directed by Lori Petty,) and has been nominated for six NYIT Awards across multiple categories. Ashley writes for American Theatre Magazine, and OnStage and has taught at NYU Tisch (where she received her BFA.) Ashley is the first person in history to be nominated for a major award for both playing and directing HAMLET for a theatrical production. She is based in NYC.
www.ashleygriffinofficial.com
Twitter: @ashleyjgriffin
Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @ashleygriffinofficial
YouTube: Ashley Griffin
www.ashleygriffinofficial.com
Twitter: @ashleyjgriffin
Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @ashleygriffinofficial
YouTube: Ashley Griffin
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 10, 2022
Magical! Highly recommended!
Ms. Griffin's unique take on the Sleeping Beauty story winds and wends through many tantalizing landscapes. Her extraordinary talent for bringing the inner life of each character to the fore is beautifully expressed in The Spindle. This would be a mesmerizing treat for anyone who is enchanted by fairytales, history and psychology, and would make a great gift for readers of all ages!
Ms. Griffin's unique take on the Sleeping Beauty story winds and wends through many tantalizing landscapes. Her extraordinary talent for bringing the inner life of each character to the fore is beautifully expressed in The Spindle. This would be a mesmerizing treat for anyone who is enchanted by fairytales, history and psychology, and would make a great gift for readers of all ages!
October 11, 2022
This book will have you hooked from the beginning- a twist on a classic fairytale expect the tale is told from the fairy's perspective! If you're already familiar with Ms. Griffin's plays (particularly Snow), you'll know that she has a masterful ability to expand and breathe new magical life into fairytales and this novel is no different. Lovers of fantasy will be immediately captivated by the brilliant world and characters!
October 10, 2022
If you think, as I did, that fairy tales are shallow, escapist tales, The Spindle will change and open your mind. This is an engaging, subtly written book that uses a fairy tale to expose human limitations and to explore the nature of narrative. Highly recommended for its story line and what it says about human nature.
October 10, 2022
Delightfully entertaining, clever, and filled with heart. Beautiful, easy to digest storytelling and relatable dialogue, I was curious and invested right away. Just the right amount of grounded-ness and humor. Had me ponder the magic in my life, and how our choices and values can greatly effect those around us. Highly recommend for any age!
November 4, 2022
Ms Griffin really had her work load in front her trying to rehash and recontextualize the story of sleeping beauty, but by setting it in the Celtic 5th century she was able to give it a historical point of view as well have so much rich fairy and far lore to play with. Something Ms.Griffin also does it deeply and thoughtfully hash out her character beyond archetype, and even someone who is supposed to be a villain is given a full story that we get to see through to completion. This is a world that I loved to love in and want to actively revisit. The Spindle is for everyone who like Princess Rose never stopped seeing the magic in the world around them. With a tale so rich in wonder and lore you’ll ask yourself, which fairy blessed me at my birth, and the answer you will find will surprise you as much as the twists and turns in this novel. A wonderful first novel from Ms. Griffin;
November 3, 2022
We are now used to retelling fairytales from the “villains” point of view — so it’s hard to put forth something new into this genre. BUT, “The Spindle” is a stand out YA book, with it’s grounded knowledge of fairy lore and incredible fantasy mythology and world building. I loved the plot twists and actually loved Rose, normally the dullest Disney princess. She is definitely not milquetoast in this story. I hope the author explores this magical world more!
October 21, 2022
If you like fantasy, fairytales and stories that change your perspective on the classics, you’ll like The Spindle. Just a great twist on a tale that everyone knows with great characters and an action-packed flow. Loads of twists and turns, intrigue, love, fate and consequences. It’s one of those books that works for all ages. While you’re reading, you can easily picture the movie that could/should come out of this book. Highly recommend
October 12, 2022
This is a fantastic book destined to become a classic! This is a far deeper story than most YA fare - it belongs on the shelf with the likes of Neil Gaiman and George MacDonald. "The Spindle" interweaves mythology, romance and fairy tales in a completely unexpected, delightful and moving way. These fairies are closer to Tolkien than Tinkerbell and remind us what it means to be human in an almost spiritual sense. Everyone from children to adults will be delighted with it and it is the kind of book that can grow with you, that you reread through out the different stages of your life and that takes on new meaning. This feels much more like what fairy tales were originally meant to be. This is a perfect gift for any readers in your family - boys and girls. I can't wait to see what more from this author! Definitely check this out!
April 23, 2024
"The greatest magic that was ever invented was the adjective. We take such
things for granted, but they must not be." ... "There is a reason spells are said with words. The only
thing that separates our magic from that of Faeries is that Faeries have more of
an ability to make such enchantment... tangible."
Ashley Griffin might as well be a Faerie herself, the writing in this book, the magic on the pages, is indeed... tangible.
If you are looking for a faerie tale with easy morals and a nice neat bow of a lesson learned, this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking to be empowered, inspired, and for some introspection, The Spindle is a wonderfully moving book that will keep you engaged and will grant you new insight with every reading.
While there are powerful and complex themes throughout this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, it is age appropriate for your YA readers and I would highly recommend this to be placed in every school library. On the opposite end, adults will also pull their own experience from this masterpiece of literature.
Truly, my only complaint is that I wanted more. More words, more pages, more stories. I cannot wait for Ashley Griffin's next work!
things for granted, but they must not be." ... "There is a reason spells are said with words. The only
thing that separates our magic from that of Faeries is that Faeries have more of
an ability to make such enchantment... tangible."
Ashley Griffin might as well be a Faerie herself, the writing in this book, the magic on the pages, is indeed... tangible.
If you are looking for a faerie tale with easy morals and a nice neat bow of a lesson learned, this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking to be empowered, inspired, and for some introspection, The Spindle is a wonderfully moving book that will keep you engaged and will grant you new insight with every reading.
While there are powerful and complex themes throughout this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, it is age appropriate for your YA readers and I would highly recommend this to be placed in every school library. On the opposite end, adults will also pull their own experience from this masterpiece of literature.
Truly, my only complaint is that I wanted more. More words, more pages, more stories. I cannot wait for Ashley Griffin's next work!
November 5, 2022
This book is so charming and engaging, a masterpiece of craft and cleverness. Despite it being a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, the story is fresh and alive with enchantment itself.
If I hadn't recently started teaching 5th grade, I'm not sure I would have so purposefully recognized (though surely still would have enjoyed) the author's craft that Griffin so seamlessly weaves into every moment. It really is master-level skill in the most beautiful and inspiring ways. I'm planning on using the book as a mentor text when my class studies the fantasy genre. I know they will love it as much as I do and be inspired by Griffin's skill.
As a side note for parents and teachers: this book is G rated. No need to fear what your teens or preteens are reading with this. Any mention to anything adult (getting drunk at a party - in a way of explaining poor decision making) is only minor. It reading aloud to younger kids, it could easily be skipped if there was any concern, but seems minor compared to most YA books and is certainly more harmless than movies. My teen and preteen have been impatiently waiting for me to finish the book so they can start it! I can't wait to talk about it with them!
If I hadn't recently started teaching 5th grade, I'm not sure I would have so purposefully recognized (though surely still would have enjoyed) the author's craft that Griffin so seamlessly weaves into every moment. It really is master-level skill in the most beautiful and inspiring ways. I'm planning on using the book as a mentor text when my class studies the fantasy genre. I know they will love it as much as I do and be inspired by Griffin's skill.
As a side note for parents and teachers: this book is G rated. No need to fear what your teens or preteens are reading with this. Any mention to anything adult (getting drunk at a party - in a way of explaining poor decision making) is only minor. It reading aloud to younger kids, it could easily be skipped if there was any concern, but seems minor compared to most YA books and is certainly more harmless than movies. My teen and preteen have been impatiently waiting for me to finish the book so they can start it! I can't wait to talk about it with them!
January 14, 2023
Mythic enchantment worthy of an elegant medieval tapestry
Whether you’re a fan of the Brothers Grimm, Walt Disney, or Joseph Campbell, you’ll find enchantment and delight among the kings, queens, princesses, and faeries, good and evil, right and wrong, betrayal, skulduggery, and heroism in Ashley Griffin’s The Spindle. Griffin buoys her tale with a stiff spine of female empowerment and adds a dollop of Marvel universe pyrotechnics for flash and drama. The elegant detail suggests the author is as much an aficionado of this genre as are her intended readers and she has ingeniously spun it together into a gossamer fantaisie mythique worthy of our most beloved classic fairy tales.
Whether you’re a fan of the Brothers Grimm, Walt Disney, or Joseph Campbell, you’ll find enchantment and delight among the kings, queens, princesses, and faeries, good and evil, right and wrong, betrayal, skulduggery, and heroism in Ashley Griffin’s The Spindle. Griffin buoys her tale with a stiff spine of female empowerment and adds a dollop of Marvel universe pyrotechnics for flash and drama. The elegant detail suggests the author is as much an aficionado of this genre as are her intended readers and she has ingeniously spun it together into a gossamer fantaisie mythique worthy of our most beloved classic fairy tales.
December 29, 2022
“The Spindle” is very clever and moving, interweaving a traditional fairy tale with modern twists . There are blessings, curses and lessons learned. Ms. Griffin’s prose is both engaging and beautifully descriptive, allowing humor, sadness and joy. . Without giving away too much, the story is compelling, and the ending is satisfying and moving. A Royal Treat of a story, I highly recommend “The Spindle”. The End. 👑💕💫
June 13, 2023
This is far from the classical fairytale told and written centuries ago! The best most in depth, detailed, insightful, thorough, and realistically imaginative story I've ever read. If I had this version when my kids were young, fantasy would've changed the game of perspectives of the children's imagination. Awesome sequential well written storyline. And I loved it's a full novel with a story that gives the reader the chance to envision the story with other imaginable stories.
November 16, 2022
The Spindle is an amazing and creative retelling of a familiar tale. It transports you to another well-crafted and complex world and is full of cleverness and beautiful writing. A remarkable debut novel, I cannot wait for the sequel!
December 1, 2022
A wonderfully intimate look into a complex and rich world. Continually changing and intriguing. The twisting of a familiar fairy tale into a new perspective is wonderfully done with an adult feeling all its own.
Clearly a talent.
Clearly a talent.
December 13, 2022
A beautifully written and heartfelt, engaging twist on the fairy tale genre. Griffin's characters come to life vividly and with such care in her uniquely poetic voice and it is such a fascinating world to be immersed in. Highly recommend!
December 12, 2022
I'm not usually into books from the fantasy genre, but I did enjoy reading The Spindle. It was a fun read especially for anyone into tales of Faeries and folklore.
May 18, 2023
This is such a fabulous book! I listened to the author read this on an audio book, and when Ashley Griffin starts sing The Ash Grove, I had chills it was so wonderful. Thank you Ashley for a great story!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews