Publishing date: 25.06.2024

Thank you to Netgalley and Brigids Gate Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own. 

The book as a meal: A bag of nuts, and I am picking out my favorites first

The book left me: Longing for "darker" retellings

Negatives:

Some stories don't feel close enough to their inspiration

The targeted age group can differ a lot between stories

Trigger warnings are located in the back, should have been in the beginning

Positives:

Very well written

A wide array of genres

Fresh takes on well-oved stories

Features: 

A small illustration to kick off each story, 15 short stories written by 15 great authors, a trigger warning list

Why did I choose this one?

This year I have discovered that I am very much a retelling and short story girlie, so this was automatically added to my request list. I was drawn in by the illustration on the cover too (absolutely judged a book by its cover). Then I noticed some very recognizable authors and knew I had chosen the right collection. 

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?

Right in the middle. There are some stories that are easy to read and pull you in, and others that maybe drag a little. Some of the stories I might have skimmed a little. Those that slapped, really slapped. 

What was the vibe and mood?

Since the stories are widely different from each other there is no singular vibe. Some of the stories captures the vibe of their original counterparts nicely, others flip it up-side-down. It can range from uncanny to sweet to horrific. 

Final ranking and star rating?

4 stars, A tier. This is a very well-one collection and I greatly enjoyed it. Although the quality of the stories varied, they came together to create a good collection. There is something here for almost everyone. I think there are a few standout stories that will be more liked than others. Will recommend and might buy a trophy copy when it is out. 

Favorite stories: 

The Fastest Horse in the World

Special

Doc's Lucky Day at the Dump

State of Mind