Recently one of the college students who works in our circulation department read and recommended a graphic novel called Castle Waiting by Linda Medley, which is actually a compilation of several volumes that were initially published in serial form. The beginning of the story is reminiscent of a traditional fairy tale, particularly Sleeping Beauty, but that’s where the tradition ends. What we are given instead is a collection of eclectic and eccentric characters, and a multi-layered, entertaining plot that keeps the reader guessing as to where it will lead. Bits and pieces of older stories are included, like the Bremen Town Musicians (one of my childhood favorites), Rumpelstiltskin and the Three Little Pigs, but the real appeal is in the original characters and the unusual plot twists. The artwork is fabulous – simple yet very detailed and expressive. There are several plot points that are introduced but not resolved, so my only wish is that the second volume of stories were readily available so I could keep reading about the residents of Castle Waiting. Still, even with the loose ends, this is a supremely entertaining collection.