abbeyoyo's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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."
beththebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Edited by legendary fantasy-anthology editors Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling. First story by an author I didn't know kicked butt. Second story is by Garth Nix. Jane Yolen is awesome as always. Stories, plus a few poems, range from "pretty good" to "excellent."
Definitely recommend to middle schoolers who like twisted/fractured fairy tales, as well as those who want scary stories as some of them are rather creepy and outright scary (though not too gory to freak out parents or kids who love stories that are "scary but not *too* scary"
Definitely recommend to middle schoolers who like twisted/fractured fairy tales, as well as those who want scary stories as some of them are rather creepy and outright scary (though not too gory to freak out parents or kids who love stories that are "scary but not *too* scary"
jaymeshaw's review against another edition
3.0
Short book full of short stories from the "villian's" point of view in many popular fairytales.