Enter a world where fairy tales take a dark and captivating turn in Once Upon a Raven: A Ravenquill Anthology: Twisted Fairytales. This collection of enchanting short stories, penned by acclaimed Ravenquill authors Laura M. Drake, Jordan Wallace, and more, reimagines classic narratives with unexpected twists and chilling surprises. Journey through enchanted forests and beyond, where happily-ever-afters are far from guaranteed. Prepare to be spellbound by these darkly magical tales, each a testament to the power of imagination and the unsettling beauty of the unconventional. From the familiar to the utterly bizarre, Once Upon a Raven offers a thrilling escape into a realm where shadows dance and magic holds a sharp, double-edged sword.
Review Once Upon a Raven
"Once Upon a Raven: A Ravenquill Anthology" is a delightful collection of twisted fairytale retellings that left me utterly charmed. It’s the kind of book you curl up with on a cozy evening, ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and imaginative flights of fancy. Each story is a unique gem, sparkling with originality while still holding onto the heart of the classic tales we know and love.
What struck me most was the sheer diversity of the stories. We journey from a gritty, realistic take on "Jill and the Beanstalk," where the familiar narrative is refracted through the lens of poverty and familial disappointment, to the whimsical and hilarious alternate endings of "What the Grimms Wouldn't Publish." Some stories lean into the darker, more tragic aspects of fairy tales, exploring themes of sacrifice and loss with a poignant touch. Others embrace humor and quirky twists, leaving you with a smile on your face. The inclusion of sci-fi elements in stories like "Clara From the Moon" adds a fresh, unexpected layer, broadening the anthology's appeal and showcasing the authors' creative versatility.
The writing itself is consistently strong. Each author's style shines through, creating a vibrant tapestry of voices and perspectives. The pacing is perfect – each story is long enough to draw you in and explore its unique world, but short enough to keep the anthology feeling brisk and engaging. You don't feel bogged down in any one narrative, which is a testament to the careful curation of the collection.
I particularly enjoyed the emotional depth woven into several of the stories. "The Snow Queen: Origins" is a heartbreaking exploration of love and sacrifice, leaving you pondering the weight of choices made under immense pressure. Similarly, "The Enchantress and the Beast" delves into themes of prejudice and misunderstanding with surprising sensitivity. These stories, while emotionally resonant, never feel overly melodramatic; they strike a perfect balance between heartfelt emotion and captivating storytelling.
The anthology as a whole felt like a warm hug from a group of incredibly talented friends. The collaborative spirit is palpable, and the resulting work is something truly special. It's a book that celebrates the enduring power of fairytales while simultaneously reinventing them for a modern audience. If you’re looking for a fun, thought-provoking, and beautifully written collection of fairytale retellings, "Once Upon a Raven" is an absolute must-read. It’s a testament to the creativity and skill of the Ravenquill authors, and I eagerly anticipate their future works.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.67 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 265
- Part of series: Ravenquill Anthologies
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- Jilland the Beanstalk
- Gretl
- Marigold and the Tower
- The Snow Queen: Origins
- Exhausted
- What the Grimms Wouldn't Publish
- Alice and the Arachnid
- Clara From the Moon: a Nutcracker Retelling
- The Enchantress and the Beast
- Snow White
Preview Book
