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whatyoutolkienabout's review
5.0
Just a World Away is a fantastic collection of modern takes on perhaps well known or classic folk tales and fairy tales. We have mentions of Mermaids, Kelpies and even Yokai plus much more. Each writer takes a figure from myth, folklore or legend and brings their own modern spin to the tale. I can honestly say as someone who loves myths, folk tales and fairy tales this was a wonderful collection with not one story I didn’t like!
Each author’s style and voice is clear and brings you into their world of fantasy and myth. I particularly enjoyed Tales of Fuji and Bear With It but the others all were memorable and enjoyable. I also enjoyed, no spoilers, that some kept the true fairy tale endings were not everything is perfect or happily ever after but there is a moral or a tale to take away.
If you are looking for a varied and superbly written collection of modern folk and fairy tales you will not be disappointed by this collection in the slightest. You will find elements that are familiar and unknown at the same time and are sure to become new favourites.
Each author’s style and voice is clear and brings you into their world of fantasy and myth. I particularly enjoyed Tales of Fuji and Bear With It but the others all were memorable and enjoyable. I also enjoyed, no spoilers, that some kept the true fairy tale endings were not everything is perfect or happily ever after but there is a moral or a tale to take away.
If you are looking for a varied and superbly written collection of modern folk and fairy tales you will not be disappointed by this collection in the slightest. You will find elements that are familiar and unknown at the same time and are sure to become new favourites.
m0rozovas's review
4.0
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Short story collections always take me a long time to read because it takes me a while to immerse myself into a new story and doing it repeatedly is kind of exhausting, if that makes sense?? Additionally in this case, I felt a sort of mourning for the last story I read because I didn't want it to end or I wanted to savor it for longer. What I mean to say with this is that the long reading time in this case is because many of these stories were that good and I wanted to hold onto them a little longer.
I was especially moved by "The Voice on the Water". The overall story and the characters' tragedy stuck with me for a long time. Besides, it was beautifully written.
I am so glad I chose this collection for reviewing. I really recommend it if you like folktales and want to read stories with angst and yearning.
Short story collections always take me a long time to read because it takes me a while to immerse myself into a new story and doing it repeatedly is kind of exhausting, if that makes sense?? Additionally in this case, I felt a sort of mourning for the last story I read because I didn't want it to end or I wanted to savor it for longer. What I mean to say with this is that the long reading time in this case is because many of these stories were that good and I wanted to hold onto them a little longer.
I was especially moved by "The Voice on the Water". The overall story and the characters' tragedy stuck with me for a long time. Besides, it was beautifully written.
I am so glad I chose this collection for reviewing. I really recommend it if you like folktales and want to read stories with angst and yearning.
thebookdragon77's review
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Modern fables about love, loss and human nature
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