This is a collection of short stories by many authors. I have a tendency to skip short stories because a good chunk of them leave me thinking there is something missing. Nevertheless, I decided to read this collection because it intrigued me. They have taken fairy tales that we all know and love and just gave them a little makeover. There is something for everyone in this collection. Overall, I loved this collection and I am giving it a solid 4 stars. I will review each short story and rate each one individually as well.**Please note that I received this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
1. The Warlord and the Nightingale by Jeannie Lyn 2 stars
This story just wasn't really my cup of tea. It was ok. I felt that this story needed to be longer. I didn't really connect the characters in this one. A longer story might have helped me get into the story more.
2. A Happily Ever of Her Own by Nadia Lee 5 stars
This short story pleasantly surprised me. Not only did I enjoy the story but I connected with the characters. I was really rooting for Edward and Melinda the whole time. This book actually felt like a longer book because you are drawn in so completely. I love how the author points out that happily ever after is not easy. You must work for it. I would definitely read more by this author.
3. Kiss That Frog by Cate Rowan 4 stars
Wow, this was a beautiful version of the frog prince. I love how the author had the prince learn about current times while he was still a frog. Two hundred years of observation can come in handy for a person from a different time period. I was sucked into this book pretty quickly. The romance between the two did seem a bit forced, though. Overall, a really good makeover of the original story.
4. Runespell by Sela Carsen 2 stars
I felt like this book really needed to be longer. It felt like you didn't get to know the characters much. It isn't bad but definitely needs something more.
5. After the Stroke of Midnight by Jennifer Lewis 4 stars
I really enjoyed this story. It was kind of funny that she kept disappearing before midnight, leaving the poor guy bewildered. This is definitely a new twist on the the story of Cinderella. I did feel sorry for the girl near the end, though. Guilt by association is tough but in the end it all worked out. I am a sucker for a happy ending.
6. Braided Silk by Ella Drake 3 stars
This is a pretty interesting rendition of Rapunzel. I like the use of technology to modernize the story. For a brief moment, I thought there would be no happy ending. Overall, I liked the story.
7. Loving a Fairy Godmother by Danielle Monsch 5 stars
I absolutely loved this makeover of Cinderella. The author added an additional love story into the mix for the two FG's and it really made the story so much more interesting. I would so love to see a series about the FG's (hint, hint). This may actually have been my favorite story in this collection. I can't wait to read more by this author.
8. Love After Midnight by Dee Carney 4 stars
This story was kind of like a reverse Cinderella which really intrigued me. Instead of a glass slipper, she had his cuff-link and had to track him down. I would have loved if the book was longer and let the reader get to know the characters more. Also, I would love to know what happens next to this couple (maybe a sequel....?).
9. Firebird Sweet by Elise Logan 5 stars
When I first started reading this story, I didn't know if I would like it. However, this book has so much packed into such a short story that you can't help but enjoy it. There are fae and magic and so much more. Vasalisa is tougher than I expected at the beginning and I really love a tough heroine. The horse, Gullfaxi, was a nice added touch to the story. Koschei is very arrogant and perfect as the villain in this story. He has a habit of underestimated people, which works out for the main characters. This story is non-stop adventure. It may be a short story but it packs the punch of a much longer book. I will be looking for more by this author.
10. What Big Teeth You Have by Jennifer Blackstream 3 stars
This was definitely an interesting rendition of Little Red Riding Hood. It was not quite what I expected but that isn't a bad thing. I really wish it had been longer. I think a longer story might have given that little nudge it needed to be great story. Overall, I did enjoy the story.
11. Snow's Salvation by Cate Dean 5 stars
I absolutely loved this rendition of Snow White. Although, I have always loved fairy tales in general, I kind of thought Snow White was kind of wimpy. In this book, she is anything but. She fights for her life, her people and the man that she loves. She doesn't run away but goes back to the castle and launches an attack of her own. I really love a tough heroine and this story didn't disappoint. I would love to read more by Cate Dean.
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