Labyrinth by Liz Braswell and Andrea Guardino

Enter the labyrinth in this illustrated novelization of the classic film that will transport you to a world where nothing is what it seems . . .

Welcome to the realm of the Goblin King, where walls are doors, doors will lie to you, up is sometimes down, and left is rarely right. Join Sarah in her hero's quest through the Labyrinth with her band of adventurous new friends as they make their way to the castle beyond the Goblin City in this illustrated movie adaptation the whole family can enjoy. This brand-new edition, adapted by New York Times bestselling author Liz Braswell, brings Jim Henson's iconic story to life with vibrant art by Andrea Guardino featuring all the imaginative characters and creatures that call the Labyrinth home.

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Pre-Reading Thoughts

Labyrinth has been one of my favourite fantasy films for years, so I was curious about what this book would actually be. A straightforward novelisation? A reprint of the original? Or something entirely new?

As soon as I started reading, it became clear this is very much its own adaptation. The playful chapter titles, expanded scenes and gorgeous illustrations promised something more than simply putting the screenplay into prose.

Post-Reading

As I thought...

The heart of Labyrinth is still completely intact. Sarah's journey, the wonderfully eccentric inhabitants of the maze, David Bowie's unforgettable Goblin King and the dreamlike atmosphere are all lovingly preserved.

Andrea Guardino's illustrations are a particular highlight. Rather than recreating film stills, they reinterpret iconic moments with their own fairy-tale warmth, making this feel like an illustrated fantasy novel in its own right.

It surprised me by...

I expected a faithful retelling. Instead, I found a genuine adaptation.

Liz Braswell expands familiar scenes, restores material long-time fans may recognise from earlier versions of the story, and even shifts the emotional emphasis in subtle ways. Small moments of kindness and empathy give Sarah's growth a little more room to breathe without ever feeling out of character.

The edition itself is beautiful, too. Smooth, creamy paper, subtle maze details throughout, and illustrations appearing every few pages make it a pleasure to spend time with. Do bear in mind that it's a large A4 hardback, so if you find larger books physically difficult to hold, that's worth knowing before you buy.

The result isn't a replacement for the film - it's another way to experience it. Even someone who knows every line of dialogue will discover new moments to enjoy.

Music Pairing

🎵 Featured Song: Underground – David Bowie

🎶 Vibe Album: Labyrinth (From the Original Soundtrack)

🎧 Artist Recommendation: David Bowie

Vibe Check

🎨 Colour Palette: Midnight blue, moss green, warm gold and peach blossom pink.

🎬 Soundtrack: Whimsical fantasy, theatrical flourishes and a touch of melancholy.

🍂 Season: Autumn.

🌙 Mood: Nostalgic, enchanting and quietly wise.

🌿 Scent: Ivy-covered stone, old books and ripe peaches.

Tarot Pull

The Moon 🌙

Dreams, illusion and intuition all weave through Labyrinth, but this adaptation also highlights how tempting it can be to choose comforting fantasy over difficult truth. Like Sarah's enchanted peach, The Moon reminds us that not every beautiful path leads where we truly need to go.

For Fans Of

📚 The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

📺 The Dark Crystal

Final Thoughts

Whether you've loved Labyrinth for decades or are discovering it for the first time, this illustrated edition offers something special. It honours the original while confidently becoming its own book, filled with beautiful artwork and thoughtful additions that deepen an already beloved story.

For fans, it feels less like a novelisation and more like another journey through the maze.