I was lowkey obsessed with this movie when I was younger and was bummed to find out it’s not based on an actual book even though the MC Sarah reads from one at the beginning of the movie.
Wish I could attach photos for vibes, since I’m such a visual person, but if anyone’s seen the movie maybe you can help!
by chesirecat1029
10 Comments
I’m gonna say Spinning Silver, by Naomi Novik.
This is such a good question! All I can think of is Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianne Wynne Jones. And I’m not sure if this is your thing, but the The Dark Crystal’s graphic novel series is fantastic.
It’s darker, but Deathless by Catherynne M Valente definitely gave me Labyrinth vibes.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman for a lighter feel – yes, the author is not a good dude, but get it second hand or from the library.
The Wintersong duology by S Jae Jones might be up your alley! It’s based on Labyrinth and set in 1800s Germany 🙂
Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
Have you read the novelization?
I cannot tell you how many hours I spent at my library’s card catalog searching for Sarah’s book between 1987-1990. Drove. Me. Nuts.
Then I found out that there was a novelization tie in, AND there’s a fanmade replica of the book being sold on Amazon! I have a copy. It’s not cheap, but it is really well made. https://a.co/d/d4e6uxm
Have you already read the Return to Labyrinth manga?
The neverending story?
Or maybe – The blue sword by robin mckinley
Jonathan Strange has some similarities in terms of bargains and unintended consequences.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik has a similar character dynamic to a certain degree.
You’ve already been suggested Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, which is the best one.
The Darkangel trilogy by Meredith Anne Pierce, if you can find it, has a mystical feel and complicated quest and growth arc.