library_ann's review against another edition
3.0
A weird collection of retellings. I really only liked the first story ("The Prince and the Troll" by Rainbow Rowell). The strange growing friendship of the two main characters was fun to watch, until it wasn't fun anymore at the end.
"Hazel and Grey" was upsetting and oddly passive, like here we are now, and here's what Grey did previously to set us up for this position that we're in. Like, why not show us what Grey is doing, and give us the sense of danger and peril.
"The Princess Game" also had an ick factor, but was easy to solve.
"The Cleaners" had an interesting premise -- when humans touch things, they leave a residue that carries their emotions and mental state, which people who subsequently touch the things can feel -- so everyone starts wearing gloves when they can, and avoids too much touching (but apparently they don't stop buying random knick-knacks and what-nots to limit the things they leave residue on). I could not figure out which fairy tale this was retelling though.
I liked "The Wickeds" too, for being an interesting approach to the evil stepmother trope, and then the twist at the end ...
"Hazel and Grey" was upsetting and oddly passive, like here we are now, and here's what Grey did previously to set us up for this position that we're in. Like, why not show us what Grey is doing, and give us the sense of danger and peril.
"The Princess Game" also had an ick factor, but was easy to solve.
"The Cleaners" had an interesting premise -- when humans touch things, they leave a residue that carries their emotions and mental state, which people who subsequently touch the things can feel -- so everyone starts wearing gloves when they can, and avoids too much touching (but apparently they don't stop buying random knick-knacks and what-nots to limit the things they leave residue on). I could not figure out which fairy tale this was retelling though.
I liked "The Wickeds" too, for being an interesting approach to the evil stepmother trope, and then the twist at the end ...
Spoiler
that the princesses now have daughters of their own, and the cycle of control or abuse or whatever continues to the next generation!...empearl1's review
dark
emotional
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
spring_lilac's review
3.0
A fun collection of short stories that take a twist on common fairy tales.
l1ttlel1braryn00k's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
angelfire2018's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kimberlymichelle's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
irraya's review against another edition
I made it to 1.5 stories, before I decided I didn't want to torture myself any more. The first story was nice, but the way it was written was a bit grating. The second story felt even more grating. The last two stories seem to be the best of the bunch, but I can't be bothered to give them a try.
leanniefae's review against another edition
4.0
Soman Chainani and Gayle Forman's stories were the stand outs for me! I loved the twist on these classic fairy tales. I did not enjoy Nic Stone's story, I feel it was totally out of place in this collection. Several trigger warnings for it and it was much more adult of a story than even The Cleaners by Ken Liu, which is about actual adults. The Cleaners was a solid 3 stars for me. And Rainbow Rowell's story was just blah. No feelings raised for it at all. The Princes by Soman Chainani kept me riveted and I couldn't walk away!
sunny76's review against another edition
5.0
I have read all of the Faraway collection. While I am not a fan of fantasy or sci-fi, I have enjoyed this collection of short stories.
lopab94's review against another edition
4.0
This is part of the Amazon Faraway Series, fairy tales retold with twists! I really enjoyed most of these and loved hearing stories told in a complete different way from the originals.
The Prince and the Troll - 5 Stars - Very topical for our modern times
Hazel and Gray - 4 Stars - A modern day Hansel and Gretel
The Princess Game - 5 Stars - So clever, even in the way the characters were named! Dark and not a typical fairytale at all but instead flips the narrative to show you a whole different kind of Disney Princes.
The Cleaners - 3 Stars - Probably the one I enjoyed the least.
The Wickeds - 5 Stars - My favorite of the bunch!! Story about the evil stepmothers made infamous by Disney told from their point of view. In the end, truly a story about mothers and daughters.
The Prince and the Troll - 5 Stars - Very topical for our modern times
Hazel and Gray - 4 Stars - A modern day Hansel and Gretel
The Princess Game - 5 Stars - So clever, even in the way the characters were named! Dark and not a typical fairytale at all but instead flips the narrative to show you a whole different kind of Disney Princes.
The Cleaners - 3 Stars - Probably the one I enjoyed the least.
The Wickeds - 5 Stars - My favorite of the bunch!! Story about the evil stepmothers made infamous by Disney told from their point of view. In the end, truly a story about mothers and daughters.