Neil Gaimin describes this novel as an adult fairy tale. It is set in the English town of Wall on the border of the world of Faerie. Every 9 years the rift between our world and Faerie is bridged and a Great Fair is held in the meadow beyond the wall. A liaison between villager Dunstan Thorn and a fairy maiden results in a baby born and raised in the town of Wall. As Tristan Thorn comes of age, he falls in love and swears to go into the land beyond the wall to bring back a fallen star.

The story follows the well-know quest format as Tristan ventures for months to find the fallen star. Competing for the prize are witches and murderous heirs to the Throne of Stormhold. Many non-human characters are met along the way with some humorous outcomes, but some dark ones too. In the end it is a tale of romance, with elements of adventure, humor, mystery, and compassion. Gaimin has a natural storytelling style, full of warmth, charm, and creative ideas.

“But there are so many places we have not yet seen. So many people still to meet. Not to mention all the wrongs to right, villains to vanquish, sights to see, all that.”

Although I like The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neverworld, The Graveyard Book, and Good Omens more, this is nonetheless an enjoyable and engaging story. Recommended – 4.2 out of 5.0 stars4.2