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

*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

My REVIEW of Once Upon a Time: New Fairy Tales (Part I)
My REVIEW of Once Upon a Time: New Fairy Tales (Part II)

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 Giant in Repose by Nathan Ballingrud:  This story draws from Nordic myths. A man has escaped his fairytale like story and lived life. He  is thrust back to a place where everything has waited for him. I liked this story. 4/5

The Hush of Feathers, the Clamor of Wings by A.C. Wise: This story had lyrical imagery, but it was kind of twisted. It is a modern tale with a witch's curse. Choice plays a big role. 3.5/5

Eat Me, Drink Me, Love Me by Christopher Barzak: This is a retelling of "Goblin Market". The original story is in this story if you aren't familiar with it. There's also an explanation for the retelling. This story features an interesting relationship between sisters. 4/5

The Mirror Tells All by Erzebet Yellowboy: There aren't many stories I've read written in second person. It was interesting to read. This is a take on Snow White. I liked this interesting and different way to tell a story. 4/5

Blanchefleur by Theodora Goss: This is an epic adventure of a boy called Idiot becoming whatever he can be. I really liked this one. There are interesting worlds and characters. Its like a blend of classic and modern. 5/5


Overall, I really enjoyed this anthology of short stories. I highly recommend it to fans of fairytales. There were many stories referencing tales I've never heard of, so fairy tale fanatics will love this book. Averaging up all the reviews (excluding the one story I couldn't finish) gives this book a 4/5 and I agree with that.


-PAUL