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A review by barefootmegz
At Midnight by Dahlia Adler
4.0
Ever since I did an online course about Fairytales and Young Adult Literature years ago, I’ve been a little bit obsessed with fairytales, and how they repeat in literature. And while the bookish world seems to have a variable relationship with retellings, I find that with enough suspension of disbelief, and a willingness to “plumb their depths” (Adler, foreword), retellings by good writers can be quite fantastical.
The original tales are included in the back, and I enjoyed first reading an original, and then its relevant retelling.
A rundown:
Sugarplum, Anna-Marie McLemore: I loved this sapphic ballet-inspired musing on free will.
In the Forests of the Night, Gita Trelease: a gruesome gothic-like tale of feminist victory over colonialist patriarchy, set in India. I’m used to completely realistic stories set in India, so this heavy dose of magic was a refreshing change.
Say My Name, Dahlia Adler: a series of dark twists and ulterior motives, leaving the reader fittingly conflicted about heroes and villains. I really don't think the foot-in-linoleum-floor bit was necessary though - the retelling was clear enough without it.
Fire & Rhinestone, Stacey Lee: historical fiction set in late-19th Century NYC, featuring an Asian American girl and her ancient grandmother. One of the saddest of the lot, beautifully told.
Mother’s Mirror, H. E. Edgmon: a coming-of-age story of a trans-man, leaning in to himself and all his complexities.
Sharp as any Thorn, Rory Power: a somewhat confusing story, dark and murderous, featuring domestic violence, manipulation, and a complicated sisterhood. Left me wanting more.
Coyote in High-Top Sneakers, Darcie Little Badger: you know those fairytales where the good guy plays a clever trick on the bad guy? This is it!
The Sister Switch, Melissa Albert: I can see what the author was trying to do, but I think it would definitely be better as a short play. A little Stephen King-esque!
Once Bitten, Twice Shy, Hafsah Faizal: a story of morality, cultural expectations, and scheming; featuring a Muslim family and a fearless hijabi-daughter. I love that a crisis of culture/faith is NOT central to this story.
A Flame so Bright, Malinda Lo: a sapphic story full of forbidden desire, with just a hint at [b:The Lottery|6219656|The Lottery|Shirley Jackson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348757577l/6219656._SY75_.jpg|15161007].
The Emperor and the Eversong, Tracy Deonn: to me, this wasn’t really a retelling, just a transposition to a different setting.
Hea, Alex London: my favourite of them all! Influencer fame, drag, and innocent first love.
The Littlest Mermaid, Meredith Russo: I love this flipped version from the mermaid’s point of view, deftly tackling themes of the gender binary and none-monogamy vs eternal love.
Just a Little Bite, Roselle Lim: one of the most gruesome, in an unputdownable way.
A Story About a Girl: the framing device was weird, and maybe not even necessary. Interesting twist, though.
Thanks to Netgalley and Titan Books for the free eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
The original tales are included in the back, and I enjoyed first reading an original, and then its relevant retelling.
A rundown:
Sugarplum, Anna-Marie McLemore: I loved this sapphic ballet-inspired musing on free will.
In the Forests of the Night, Gita Trelease: a gruesome gothic-like tale of feminist victory over colonialist patriarchy, set in India. I’m used to completely realistic stories set in India, so this heavy dose of magic was a refreshing change.
Say My Name, Dahlia Adler: a series of dark twists and ulterior motives, leaving the reader fittingly conflicted about heroes and villains. I really don't think the foot-in-linoleum-floor bit was necessary though - the retelling was clear enough without it.
Fire & Rhinestone, Stacey Lee: historical fiction set in late-19th Century NYC, featuring an Asian American girl and her ancient grandmother. One of the saddest of the lot, beautifully told.
Mother’s Mirror, H. E. Edgmon: a coming-of-age story of a trans-man, leaning in to himself and all his complexities.
Sharp as any Thorn, Rory Power: a somewhat confusing story, dark and murderous, featuring domestic violence, manipulation, and a complicated sisterhood. Left me wanting more.
Coyote in High-Top Sneakers, Darcie Little Badger: you know those fairytales where the good guy plays a clever trick on the bad guy? This is it!
The Sister Switch, Melissa Albert: I can see what the author was trying to do, but I think it would definitely be better as a short play. A little Stephen King-esque!
Once Bitten, Twice Shy, Hafsah Faizal: a story of morality, cultural expectations, and scheming; featuring a Muslim family and a fearless hijabi-daughter. I love that a crisis of culture/faith is NOT central to this story.
A Flame so Bright, Malinda Lo: a sapphic story full of forbidden desire, with just a hint at [b:The Lottery|6219656|The Lottery|Shirley Jackson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348757577l/6219656._SY75_.jpg|15161007].
The Emperor and the Eversong, Tracy Deonn: to me, this wasn’t really a retelling, just a transposition to a different setting.
Hea, Alex London: my favourite of them all! Influencer fame, drag, and innocent first love.
The Littlest Mermaid, Meredith Russo: I love this flipped version from the mermaid’s point of view, deftly tackling themes of the gender binary and none-monogamy vs eternal love.
Just a Little Bite, Roselle Lim: one of the most gruesome, in an unputdownable way.
A Story About a Girl: the framing device was weird, and maybe not even necessary. Interesting twist, though.
Thanks to Netgalley and Titan Books for the free eARC, in exchange for an honest review.