guineapiggirl's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
lorathelibrarian's review
2.0
This was a compilation of short stories all told from the villians point of view in fairy tales. I was bored by some of the stories and slightly intrigued by others. Nothing really stuck out as amazing. It was a bit of a disappointment.
abbeyoyo's review
3.0
A 3 star book with one outstanding 5 star story. A Delicate Architecture by Catherynne M. Valente made it all worth while.
ancillary_reader's review
4.0
Very fun collection of stories about the villains of classic fairy tales. Lots of good authors, but the collection itself is pretty short.
asanovasvetlana's review
4.0
3.5 more likely but still quite enjoyable!
I loved some of the stories others were just not my cup of tea.
Overall this is an atmospheric book with an interesting idea of how the well known fairytale would look like if told from the "villain's" point of view.
I loved some of the stories others were just not my cup of tea.
Overall this is an atmospheric book with an interesting idea of how the well known fairytale would look like if told from the "villain's" point of view.
mckenzierichardson's review
4.0
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
A fascinating collection that explores the would-bes and what-ifs of fairy tale villains. These stories provide alternate explanations and prequels to give insight into the thinking of some of the most notorious villains in the fairy tale world. From the troll under the bridge and the giantess in the sky to the woman in the infamous candy cottage. Some stick fairly closely to the source materials and others combine stories in a fun new way.
As with most collections, some worked wonderfully, while others fell a bit flat. My personal favorite was [a:Catherynne M. Valente|338705|Catherynne M. Valente|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1220999852p2/338705.jpg]'s "A Delicate Architecture". She came at the story from such a unique perspective. It was a refreshing change of pace. I also enjoyed [a:Garth Nix|8347|Garth Nix|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1207583754p2/8347.jpg]'s "An Unwelcome Guest" for its interesting twist.
A great fit for those who enjoy fairy tale retellings, especially those that don't shy away from the dark corners of the tales. Perfect for those who grew up on [b:A Wolf at the Door: And Other Retold Fairy Tales|819930|A Wolf at the Door And Other Retold Fairy Tales|Ellen Datlow|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387716350l/819930._SX50_.jpg|1475508] and are looking for the next step in fairy tale retellings.
A unique read from some well-known fantasy authors. It was fun to read their takes on villain's tales.
A fascinating collection that explores the would-bes and what-ifs of fairy tale villains. These stories provide alternate explanations and prequels to give insight into the thinking of some of the most notorious villains in the fairy tale world. From the troll under the bridge and the giantess in the sky to the woman in the infamous candy cottage. Some stick fairly closely to the source materials and others combine stories in a fun new way.
As with most collections, some worked wonderfully, while others fell a bit flat. My personal favorite was [a:Catherynne M. Valente|338705|Catherynne M. Valente|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1220999852p2/338705.jpg]'s "A Delicate Architecture". She came at the story from such a unique perspective. It was a refreshing change of pace. I also enjoyed [a:Garth Nix|8347|Garth Nix|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1207583754p2/8347.jpg]'s "An Unwelcome Guest" for its interesting twist.
A great fit for those who enjoy fairy tale retellings, especially those that don't shy away from the dark corners of the tales. Perfect for those who grew up on [b:A Wolf at the Door: And Other Retold Fairy Tales|819930|A Wolf at the Door And Other Retold Fairy Tales|Ellen Datlow|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387716350l/819930._SX50_.jpg|1475508] and are looking for the next step in fairy tale retellings.
A unique read from some well-known fantasy authors. It was fun to read their takes on villain's tales.
delaneybull's review
2.0
I had such high hopes for this collection of short stories. I wanted them to be much more compelling and exciting than they were, and I felt there was an unnecessary amount of horror-esque scenarios in these stories, simply because they were from a "villain's" perspective.
bookswithbets's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
jena_33's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fairislemeadow's review
3.0
This book contained stories and poems by a dazzling set of authors such as Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, and Jane Yolen. However, most of the tales were not very well fleshed out, even for short stories, and some felt half-finished. I did enjoy "'Skin" and "A Delicate Architecture."