Once Upon a Time: New Fairy Tales - Paul's Review (Part I)

*I received this book as an eARC from Prime Books on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Once Upon a Time: New Fairy Tales
Edited by: Paula Guran
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: Eighteen extraordinary authors devise all-new fairy tales: imaginative reinterpretations of the familiar, evocative new myths, speculations beyond the traditional realm of "once upon a time." 

Often dark, occasionally humorous, always enthralling, these stories find a certain Puss in a near-future New York, an empress bargaining with a dragon, a princess turned into a raven, a king's dancing daughters with powerful secrets, great heroism, terrible villainy, sparks of mischief, and a great deal more. 

Brilliant dreams and dazzling nightmares with meaning for today and tomorrow...


Review: The Coin of Heart's Desire by Yoon Ha Lee: Dragons and trickery. Questions and bargains. This is an Asian influenced fable with an interesting world where the Empire is led by the Empress and you get new names throughout your life as you accomplish things. I thought this story was original and fun. 4/5

The Lenten Rose by Genevieve Valentine: I only read 60% of this story. I was lost. It is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's The Snow Queen. I'm not that familiar with the original story so that may be why I couldn't follow it. --/5

The Spinning Wheel's Tale by Jane Yolen: This story shows the well known fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty from a different perspective. For a hint, just read the title. I never thought about this perspective before. I found this story short, but eloquent. 5/5

Below the Sun Beneath by Tanith Lee: This is another retelling. I remember the original story from a cartoon that used to be on HBO Family. The story involves a king searching for a man to find out what his daughters are doing at night that causes their soles to be worn in the morning. I feel that Lee added more depth to the story with the cripple and the witch. I am interested in reading the original fable now. 4/5

Warrior Dreams by Cinda Williams Chima: This story takes place in America with all the unusual magical beings you find here. I like the way Chima combined magic and science. There is mention of magic side by side with hormones, phosphates, TBI, and PTSD.  3.5/5

Born and Bread by Kaaron Warren: This was a retelling of a story I hadn't heard of before. This retelling involves a dough like lady who bakes excellent bread. There is also a very unusual sex scene. I found the story interesting. It was short and sweet. 3/5


-PAUL