Castle Waiting, Vol. 1 by Linda Medley is a low-key fantasy graphic novel set in an abandoned castle that gradually fills with wanderers, outsiders, and the quietly heroic people who maintain it. Opening with “The Brambly Hedge,” a wry reworking of the Sleeping Beauty legend, the book shifts from classic fairy-tale expectations toward slice-of-life storytelling focused on everyday acts of kindness and community. As new residents arrive—a fugitive noblewoman expecting a child, a bearded nun, and an articulate, non-human horse among them—the castle becomes a haven rather than a battleground. Blending humor, adventure, and gentle character drama, this volume offers an adult- and young adult-friendly exploration of what it means to find refuge and belonging in an unlikely place.
Unexpected visitors to the Castle result in the discovery and exploration of secret passageways, not to mention an epic bowling tournament. A quest for ladies' underpants, an argument about the "manly arts," and an escape-prone goat are just a few of the other elements in this delightful sequel to the bestselling Castle Waiting Volume One.
