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249 reviews for:
Cursed: An Anthology of Dark Fairy Tales
James Brogden, Jane Yolen, Jen Williams, Catriona Ward, Margo Lanagan, Karen Joy Fowler, Alison Littlewood, Marie O'Regan, Christopher Golden, Adam Stemple, Maura McHugh, Christina Henry, M. R. Carey, Paul Kane, A.G. Slatter, Christopher Fowler, Neil Gaiman, Lilith Saintcrow, Charlie Jane Anders, Tim Lebbon, Michael Marshall Smith
3.48 AVERAGE
249 reviews for:
Cursed: An Anthology of Dark Fairy Tales
James Brogden, Jane Yolen, Jen Williams, Catriona Ward, Margo Lanagan, Karen Joy Fowler, Alison Littlewood, Marie O'Regan, Christopher Golden, Adam Stemple, Maura McHugh, Christina Henry, M. R. Carey, Paul Kane, A.G. Slatter, Christopher Fowler, Neil Gaiman, Lilith Saintcrow, Charlie Jane Anders, Tim Lebbon, Michael Marshall Smith
3.48 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I have to start by saying that I had really high expectations for this book and I was sadly let down. The idea of having an anthology of retold fairytales with a darker twist is awesome but I feel like it fell short on the actual execution of the book. There were more stories that were okay or just not good rather than ones that were really good. The writers on their own are wonderful and deserve all
The credit but I feel like if the stories were maybe longer they could’ve been more interesting. I dont know what it needs but they weren’t enough. Overall I’d give the whole book 2.75/5
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Some of these stories are fantastic, others are lackluster, and some have some serious underlying issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death
Minor: Rape
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
medium-paced
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to Titan Books for an copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
When I first heard of this anthology, I knew it was clearly written for me. Dark fairy tales? Curses? Subverted expectations? Helloooo. 100% me. Anthologies are hard, because you sort of always have to expect a mixed lot. I’ve never read an anthology where I’ve just loved every single one of the stories. But this one came pretty darn close, I have to say.
Cursed is a masterfully edited book from a list of highly talented authors that delivers on its promise of evil curses, dark fairy tale retellings, and twists that are sure to give you goosebumps.
I definitely didn’t find any part of this terrifying per se. This was a more subtle sort of feeling, a pervasive creepiness as you read that you know something’s not quite right. If there’s one thing you should go into this anthology with it’s this: expect the unexpected.
I have to say, the editors did a fabulous job curating the stories, and the authors brought some interesting new perspectives to fairy tales we all know and love. The stories range from straight up horror to some with a more philosophical bent to even some humorous ones. Because what screams horror more than humor, am I right? But it worked perfectly.
I'll just highlight a couple of my favorites here:
Henry and the Snakewood Box
What I Loved: This is written from the point of view of a snarky demon (and really … is there any other kind?!). The voice is the perfect balance between fun and manipulative, with just a dash of evil. Okay, a healthy dosing of evil. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Listen
What I Loved: This one surprised me by not only being darker than I originally thought it would be, but it took an unforeseen turn that I really enjoyed. This takes its inspiration from the Pied Piper, and I loved how the author took the roots of that story and transformed it to something darker and yet still like an arrow straight to the feels.
Again
What I Loved: Who knew you could have a love story in a book about curses?! That in itself is enough to make this stand out. I loved the blend of horror and romance here. It was both sweet and creepy, poignant and heartbreaking, especially thinking about all the ramifications of it.
Wendy, Darling
What I Loved: I think the idea in this isn’t completely unique (as I’ve heard this “theory” about Peter Pan before) but oh my freaking gosh, the creep factor was cranked up so much. This story was dark and freaky and the writing dragged me along reluctantly, especially after I saw where it was going, but it was just so powerful.
Many thanks to Titan Books for an copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
When I first heard of this anthology, I knew it was clearly written for me. Dark fairy tales? Curses? Subverted expectations? Helloooo. 100% me. Anthologies are hard, because you sort of always have to expect a mixed lot. I’ve never read an anthology where I’ve just loved every single one of the stories. But this one came pretty darn close, I have to say.
Cursed is a masterfully edited book from a list of highly talented authors that delivers on its promise of evil curses, dark fairy tale retellings, and twists that are sure to give you goosebumps.
I definitely didn’t find any part of this terrifying per se. This was a more subtle sort of feeling, a pervasive creepiness as you read that you know something’s not quite right. If there’s one thing you should go into this anthology with it’s this: expect the unexpected.
I have to say, the editors did a fabulous job curating the stories, and the authors brought some interesting new perspectives to fairy tales we all know and love. The stories range from straight up horror to some with a more philosophical bent to even some humorous ones. Because what screams horror more than humor, am I right? But it worked perfectly.
I'll just highlight a couple of my favorites here:
Henry and the Snakewood Box
What I Loved: This is written from the point of view of a snarky demon (and really … is there any other kind?!). The voice is the perfect balance between fun and manipulative, with just a dash of evil. Okay, a healthy dosing of evil. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Listen
What I Loved: This one surprised me by not only being darker than I originally thought it would be, but it took an unforeseen turn that I really enjoyed. This takes its inspiration from the Pied Piper, and I loved how the author took the roots of that story and transformed it to something darker and yet still like an arrow straight to the feels.
Again
What I Loved: Who knew you could have a love story in a book about curses?! That in itself is enough to make this stand out. I loved the blend of horror and romance here. It was both sweet and creepy, poignant and heartbreaking, especially thinking about all the ramifications of it.
Wendy, Darling
What I Loved: I think the idea in this isn’t completely unique (as I’ve heard this “theory” about Peter Pan before) but oh my freaking gosh, the creep factor was cranked up so much. This story was dark and freaky and the writing dragged me along reluctantly, especially after I saw where it was going, but it was just so powerful.
dark
mysterious
A solid anthology of fairytale reimagings!