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pine_wulf's review
3.0
Ones that stood out:
The Moon is Drowning While I Sleep - beautifully written, I should seek out more De Lint
Little Red - well written, but disturbing and kind of gross
The Root of the Matter - Very moving. I'm so glad this ended the way it did. If it had ended badly it would have been deeply unsatisfying. There was enough misery going on already.
The Princess in the Tower - This was cute. A nice contrast to the darkness of the preceding stories.
The Springfield Swans - Amusing if a bit strait-forward
Troll Bridge - I'm not always super into Gaiman, but I liked this one pretty good. It was a little sad.
A Sound, Like Angels Singing - The story was OK, but I liked the reveal of which fairytale this was a retelling of.
Puss - This one had such a bad beginning for me. Cat abuse right at the start nearly put me off from even reading it, but it was interesting after you get past that.
The Moon is Drowning While I Sleep - beautifully written, I should seek out more De Lint
Little Red - well written, but disturbing and kind of gross
The Root of the Matter - Very moving. I'm so glad this ended the way it did. If it had ended badly it would have been deeply unsatisfying. There was enough misery going on already.
The Princess in the Tower - This was cute. A nice contrast to the darkness of the preceding stories.
The Springfield Swans - Amusing if a bit strait-forward
Troll Bridge - I'm not always super into Gaiman, but I liked this one pretty good. It was a little sad.
A Sound, Like Angels Singing - The story was OK, but I liked the reveal of which fairytale this was a retelling of.
Puss - This one had such a bad beginning for me. Cat abuse right at the start nearly put me off from even reading it, but it was interesting after you get past that.
agreco92's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
kerridwen's review
2.0
Warning: This anthology contains multiple stories depicting rape of young girls
The introduction makes it clear that these are dark, un-watered-down versions of fairytales, but it does not warn about the rape of young girls. I would have liked that warning so I’m giving it to others here.
But I also find it totally unnecessary. Surely it’s possible to write a fairy tale for adults that isn’t sugar-coated without including rape of young girls?!
There are some really great stories scattered throughout - including a Neil Gaiman version of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. If they were the only stories in this collection, ai’d give more stars.
The introduction makes it clear that these are dark, un-watered-down versions of fairytales, but it does not warn about the rape of young girls. I would have liked that warning so I’m giving it to others here.
But I also find it totally unnecessary. Surely it’s possible to write a fairy tale for adults that isn’t sugar-coated without including rape of young girls?!
There are some really great stories scattered throughout - including a Neil Gaiman version of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. If they were the only stories in this collection, ai’d give more stars.
aphelia88's review
5.0
I love modern fairy tales, full of sweetness and light. They are my favourite, and I love their magic and the sense of wonder. Do not expect wonder, romance or loveliness here. I cannot warn you enough - if you have delicate sensibilities, this is NOT the book for you.
However, if you're interested in the history of fairy tales then this is a must read. This was also one of, if not THE, book that launched the adult Fairy Tale Retelling genre, which continues today, although it has largely moved to the YA field. Quite a few reviewers were very disturbed by the sex, violence and gore - and rightly so - but the point both Ellen and Datlow make is that these were the essence of the ORIGINAL "fairy tales", not the sanitized, nursery-appropriate tales we know today.
This book starts off a wonderful series of fairy tale retellings intended for an adult audience, and they have all been on my Wishlist for many years. Thankfully, a good friend tracked down this copy for me, as I believe the series is now out of print (OOP).
The Fairy Tale Anthologies Series:
1. [bc:Snow White, Blood Red|141024|Snow White, Blood Red|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387746798s/141024.jpg|135922] 2. [bc:Black Thorn, White Rose|1355173|Black Thorn, White Rose|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1230751230s/1355173.jpg|848964] 3. [bc:Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears|371638|Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459670029s/371638.jpg|451479] 4. [bc:Black Swan, White Raven|739891|Black Swan, White Raven|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387736711s/739891.jpg|726061] 5. [bc:Silver Birch, Blood Moon|81039|Silver Birch, Blood Moon|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1390739649s/81039.jpg|78242] 6. [bc:Black Heart, Ivory Bones|81038|Black Heart, Ivory Bones|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388675482s/81038.jpg|78241]
1. Snow White, Blood Red (1993)
2. Black Thorn, White Rose (1994)
3. Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears (1995)
4. Black Swan, White Raven (1997)
5. Silver Birch, Blood Moon (1999)
6. Black Heart, Ivory Bones (2000)
Quick Review: If you love fairy tale retellings, and are interested in the darker original versions, this is a must read book!
Not all of the stories are successful, and a few are grotesque, but by and large this is an excellent collection. And the short introduction to every story contains the name of the tale that inspired it, which is incredibly helpful. Both authors write their own Introductions too.
Terri Windling's intro, "White As Snow: Fairy Tales and Fantasy" is a concise, illuminating history of fairy tales and the fairy tale tradition in modern fantasy writing. Ellen Datlow's "Red As Blood: Fairy Tales and Horror" is a little less detailed, but focuses on the dark, horrorific nature of the original fairy tales, as collected by the Grimm brothers, Perrault, et al.
Story Breakdown:
There are 20 stories total, including 1 poem.
5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6
4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8
3/5 ⭐⭐⭐ 2
2/5 ⭐⭐ 1
1/5 ⭐ 3
Highlights:
5-Star Stories: 6
1. Story #1 "Like a Red, Red Rose" by Susan Wade
A witch's daughter inherits from her mother.
Based on: several fairy tales
2. Story #6 "Little Red" by Wendy Wheeler
Truly chilling. A dangerous predator in disguise.
Based on: "Red Riding Hood"
3. Story #7 "I Shall Do Thee Mischief In the Wood" by Kathe Koja
One of my favourite stories. Dark and twisted and seems to get ickier and ickier until a sudden twist ending turns everything around. One that you need to stay with.
Based on: "Red Riding Hood"
4. Story #14 "Troll Bridge" by Neil Gaiman (personal favourite) (read elsewhere)
I am a HUGE Neil Gaiman fan and this remains one of my fav short stories. A subtle, sad tale about lost chances and regret, and leaving childhood behind.
Based on: "The Three Billy Goats Gruff"
5. Story #16 "Puss" by Esther M. Friesner
"A hero does not have brains enough to know when to be afraid. The truly brave man knows, and goes on despite his fear." (309)
Violent, clever and utterly convincing. Shapeshifting Fae spirits and an unbreakable geas.
Based on: "Puss in Boots"
6. Story #19 "The Snow Queen" by Patricia A. McKillip (read elsewhere)
McKillip is one of my all-time favourite authors and this excellent, elegant story shows why. Two lovers and the Winter that would tear them apart.
Based on: "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Anderson
4-Star Stories: 8
1. Story #2 "The Moon Is Drowning While I Sleep" by Charles de Lint
A young girl dreams of a strange world where the moon is a girl, drowning in a marsh, and she is the only one who can save her.
Based on: "The Dead Moon"
2. Story #3 "The Frog Prince" by Gahan Wilson
A deeply unsatisfied man recounts strange dreams to his psychiatrist.
Based on: "The Frog Prince"
3. Story #4 "Stalking Beans" by Nancy Kress
What if Jack, a thief, didn't get away scot free?
Based on: "Jack and the Beanstalk"
4. Story #8 "The Root of the Matter" by Gregory Frost
A foolish boy learns the power of love too late.
Based on: "Rapunzel"
5. Story #13 "The Springfield Swans" by Caroline Stevermer and Ryan Edmonds
The lightest, funniest fare. A cute baseball-themed retelling that works.
Based on: "The Wild Swans"
6. Story #17 "The Glass Casket" by Jack Dann
A magician finds love in a dream world but must choose between it and his destiny.
Based on: "The Glass Coffin", Grimm
7. Story #18 (A Poem) "Knives" by Jane Yolen
The only poem in the book is short but striking.
Based on: "Cinderella"
8. Story #20 "Breadcrumbs and Stones" by Lisa Goldstein
This sad story brings us back to the present. A Holocaust survivor finally tells part of her past to her two daughters, raising more questions than she answers.
Based on: "Hansel and Gretel"
Overview
My favourite stories were two I had read before, the ones by Neil Gaiman and Patricia A. McKillip. I might look for more stories by Charles de Lint, Esther M. Friesner, and Kathe Koja. My least favourite was the horrible "Little Poucet", Story #11, written by Steve Rasnic Tem. Although I read it, I really wished I hadn't, and unless you have an iron stomach I would suggest you skip that one entirely and pretend it isn't in the book 😳 Overall, though, a great anthology!
However, if you're interested in the history of fairy tales then this is a must read. This was also one of, if not THE, book that launched the adult Fairy Tale Retelling genre, which continues today, although it has largely moved to the YA field. Quite a few reviewers were very disturbed by the sex, violence and gore - and rightly so - but the point both Ellen and Datlow make is that these were the essence of the ORIGINAL "fairy tales", not the sanitized, nursery-appropriate tales we know today.
This book starts off a wonderful series of fairy tale retellings intended for an adult audience, and they have all been on my Wishlist for many years. Thankfully, a good friend tracked down this copy for me, as I believe the series is now out of print (OOP).
The Fairy Tale Anthologies Series:
1. [bc:Snow White, Blood Red|141024|Snow White, Blood Red|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387746798s/141024.jpg|135922] 2. [bc:Black Thorn, White Rose|1355173|Black Thorn, White Rose|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1230751230s/1355173.jpg|848964] 3. [bc:Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears|371638|Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459670029s/371638.jpg|451479] 4. [bc:Black Swan, White Raven|739891|Black Swan, White Raven|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387736711s/739891.jpg|726061] 5. [bc:Silver Birch, Blood Moon|81039|Silver Birch, Blood Moon|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1390739649s/81039.jpg|78242] 6. [bc:Black Heart, Ivory Bones|81038|Black Heart, Ivory Bones|Ellen Datlow|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388675482s/81038.jpg|78241]
1. Snow White, Blood Red (1993)
2. Black Thorn, White Rose (1994)
3. Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears (1995)
4. Black Swan, White Raven (1997)
5. Silver Birch, Blood Moon (1999)
6. Black Heart, Ivory Bones (2000)
Quick Review: If you love fairy tale retellings, and are interested in the darker original versions, this is a must read book!
Not all of the stories are successful, and a few are grotesque, but by and large this is an excellent collection. And the short introduction to every story contains the name of the tale that inspired it, which is incredibly helpful. Both authors write their own Introductions too.
Terri Windling's intro, "White As Snow: Fairy Tales and Fantasy" is a concise, illuminating history of fairy tales and the fairy tale tradition in modern fantasy writing. Ellen Datlow's "Red As Blood: Fairy Tales and Horror" is a little less detailed, but focuses on the dark, horrorific nature of the original fairy tales, as collected by the Grimm brothers, Perrault, et al.
Story Breakdown:
There are 20 stories total, including 1 poem.
5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6
4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8
3/5 ⭐⭐⭐ 2
2/5 ⭐⭐ 1
1/5 ⭐ 3
Highlights:
5-Star Stories: 6
1. Story #1 "Like a Red, Red Rose" by Susan Wade
A witch's daughter inherits from her mother.
Based on: several fairy tales
2. Story #6 "Little Red" by Wendy Wheeler
Truly chilling. A dangerous predator in disguise.
Based on: "Red Riding Hood"
3. Story #7 "I Shall Do Thee Mischief In the Wood" by Kathe Koja
One of my favourite stories. Dark and twisted and seems to get ickier and ickier until a sudden twist ending turns everything around. One that you need to stay with.
Based on: "Red Riding Hood"
4. Story #14 "Troll Bridge" by Neil Gaiman (personal favourite) (read elsewhere)
I am a HUGE Neil Gaiman fan and this remains one of my fav short stories. A subtle, sad tale about lost chances and regret, and leaving childhood behind.
Based on: "The Three Billy Goats Gruff"
5. Story #16 "Puss" by Esther M. Friesner
"A hero does not have brains enough to know when to be afraid. The truly brave man knows, and goes on despite his fear." (309)
Violent, clever and utterly convincing. Shapeshifting Fae spirits and an unbreakable geas.
Based on: "Puss in Boots"
6. Story #19 "The Snow Queen" by Patricia A. McKillip (read elsewhere)
McKillip is one of my all-time favourite authors and this excellent, elegant story shows why. Two lovers and the Winter that would tear them apart.
Based on: "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Anderson
4-Star Stories: 8
1. Story #2 "The Moon Is Drowning While I Sleep" by Charles de Lint
A young girl dreams of a strange world where the moon is a girl, drowning in a marsh, and she is the only one who can save her.
Based on: "The Dead Moon"
2. Story #3 "The Frog Prince" by Gahan Wilson
A deeply unsatisfied man recounts strange dreams to his psychiatrist.
Based on: "The Frog Prince"
3. Story #4 "Stalking Beans" by Nancy Kress
What if Jack, a thief, didn't get away scot free?
Based on: "Jack and the Beanstalk"
4. Story #8 "The Root of the Matter" by Gregory Frost
A foolish boy learns the power of love too late.
Based on: "Rapunzel"
5. Story #13 "The Springfield Swans" by Caroline Stevermer and Ryan Edmonds
The lightest, funniest fare. A cute baseball-themed retelling that works.
Based on: "The Wild Swans"
6. Story #17 "The Glass Casket" by Jack Dann
A magician finds love in a dream world but must choose between it and his destiny.
Based on: "The Glass Coffin", Grimm
7. Story #18 (A Poem) "Knives" by Jane Yolen
The only poem in the book is short but striking.
Based on: "Cinderella"
8. Story #20 "Breadcrumbs and Stones" by Lisa Goldstein
This sad story brings us back to the present. A Holocaust survivor finally tells part of her past to her two daughters, raising more questions than she answers.
Based on: "Hansel and Gretel"
Overview
My favourite stories were two I had read before, the ones by Neil Gaiman and Patricia A. McKillip. I might look for more stories by Charles de Lint, Esther M. Friesner, and Kathe Koja. My least favourite was the horrible "Little Poucet", Story #11, written by Steve Rasnic Tem. Although I read it, I really wished I hadn't, and unless you have an iron stomach I would suggest you skip that one entirely and pretend it isn't in the book 😳 Overall, though, a great anthology!
irene_wolvercote's review
3.0
With so many different stories, it's impossible to judge the book as a whole. Some of the storries I loved, some I didn't care much for.
jewelianne's review against another edition
2.0
I read this anthology a few years ago, but it stays in my mind pretty well. I thought a few of the stories were really creative retellings. Leonard Rysdy’s “A Sound, Like Angels Singing” was especially unique and interesting, even though it was not one of my favorites. Patricia A. McKillip’s “Snow Queen” and Lisa Goldstein’s “Breadcrumbs and Stones” were great stories that also had interesting premises. For the most part I didn’t like the other works in this book very much. It isn’t that I mind more adult versions of fairy tales in principle. As we all know by now, most fairy tales have been sanitized multiple times to make them more appropriate for young audiences. But I think that an author who chooses to tell a darker version of a particular tale should only include sex and violence to enhance the story. Tanith Lee’s novel White as Snow is a good example of a writer accomplishing this in a fairy tale retelling. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help feeling that the most of the more adult elements in these stories (particularly the sexual parts) were included just to make the stories more edgy and “dark.” It felt sort of gratuitous after a while.
kwugirl's review
3.0
As with all the short story collections I've been reading, some good, some less good.