Review: Once Upon a Time: New Fairy Tales edited by Paula Guran

Once Upon a Time: New Fairy Tales edited by Paula Guran was published October 2, 2013 by Prime Books. It's a fantastic collection of 18 stories. "Contributions could be new interpretations of old fairy tales or an original story inspired by earlier fairy tales." Among the authors gathered within the pages are Caitlin R. Kiernan, A.C. Wise, Tanith Lee, and Jane Yolen.

Generally speaking, I do enjoy fairy tales, and these were no exception. Of course I did end up with a few favorites though. A few are listed here:
"The Coin of Heart's Desire" by Yoon Ha Lee - The description is so lush I swear you can feel the water.
"Blanchefleur" by Theodora Goss - I really enjoyed watching the Idiot begin to learn that he might be capable of more than he thought.
And what collection would be complete without a story by Jane Yolen "The Spinning Wheel's Tale" - I loved the change of point of view in this retake on a familiar tale and the language. "The story begins with spinning, spinning the wheel,  spinning the curse,  spinning the lies that lie at the heart of a mouth, a castle, a hedge. And of course it all begins with a witch."

If you enjoy fairy tales and retellings at all, you will enjoy this book. It's definitely worth the time to take a look at it. The stories are all well written and interesting. I give this collection 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Waiting on Wednesday #19 - Mistress of the Wind by Michelle Diener

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. This week I am waiting on Mistress of the Wind by Michelle Diener. I love fairy tales and retellings. This book is a retelling of the fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon. I am not as familiar with this fairy tale, but that just makes it more interesting to me. And the cover is gorgeous. 

From Goodreads: 
"Bjorn needs to find a very special woman . . . 

The fate of his people, and his own life, depends on it. But when he does find her, she is nothing like he imagined, and may just harbor more secrets than he does himself.

Astrid has never taken well to commands. No matter who issues them . . . 

She's clashed her whole life with her father, and now her lover, the mysterious man who comes to her bedroom in darkness and disappears to guard his mountain by day as a bear, is finding it out the hard way. And when he's taken by his enemies, no one is prepared for Astrid's response. 

It is never wise to anger the mistress of the wind . . . "

Mistress of the Wind is due to be released December 23, 2013 from Season publishing. 

What book are you waiting on this week?

Review: Jim Henson's The StoryTeller ed. by Nate Cosby

Jim Henson's The StoryTeller edited by Nate Cosby is a collection of 9 short fairy tales and folk tales in a graphic novel form. It's rated E for everyone - meaning it contains material suitable for all ages and may contain minor violence.

The artwork and author for each story is different. This interrupts the flow a little, but I think ultimately it serves the book. The change in art helps to emphasize the jump to the next story, and the art fits whatever story is being told. Everyone who reads it will have their own favorite or favorites. For me, my favorites are "Old Fire Dragoman" by Jeff Parker illustrated by Tom Fowler which happens to be an Appalachian Jack tale, "Puss in Boots" by Marjorie Liu illustrated by Jennifer L. Meyer, and "The Frog Who Became an Emporer" by Paul Tobin illustrated by Evan Shaner.

If you enjoyed the series The Storyteller when it aired, you will like this book. Or if you just like fairy tales and folk tales, you will like this book. It's a good selection of stories, some shorter than others. Some with a moral, some are just enjoyable tales. I give this book 4 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.