Book Review: Once

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Fairytale retellings have quickly become a favorite of mine. For many of these stories it’s my first exposure to the fairytale, but I love them and the themes that always seem to be intricately woven into their very structure. When I learned my favorite indie authors were collaborating to release a collection of retellings together, I was ecstatic. And then I was given the opportunity to read them in exchange for a review. Cue happy dance.

The Mountain of the Wolf by Elisabeth Grace Foley starts out the collection of stories and ended up probably being my favorite of the six retellings. It is an atmospheric western retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that showcases my favorite aspects of Foley’s writing— a character driven plot, compelling characters, and a satisfying ending.

The second story She But Sleepeth by Rachel Heffington I found less to my liking. While the Romanian setting and its historical background intrigued me, the story just did not click for me personally. Something that should not in the least reflect on Miss Heffington. Her writing is something to savor and I have loved everything else I have read of hers.

Rumpled by J. Grace Pennington was unusual for me. I rarely ever venture into the world of steampunk, but I enjoyed this foray into the genre and it confirmed my desire to read more of Miss Pennington’s work.

I knew going into Emily Ann Putzke’s Sweet Remembrance it was going to hurt and it did. Set in the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII, she retells the story of the Little Match Girl with heartbreaking vividness and reality. You can feel the cold seeping under your skin and you can feel her character’s pain. It is a tearjerker.

Suzannah Rowntree can weave a story like no one else. She has a way with words that is stunning to behold and this vibrant fast paced mystery set in Jazz era New Zealand does not disappoint. Death Be Not Proud kept me glued to the page from start to finish.

I did not know what to expect going into Hayden Wand’s With Blossoms Gold but was delighted by its sweet story and what I found to be a somewhat different take on the tale of Rapunzel.

I have to hand it to these ladies. They are excellent at their craft and masters of description. Each story came to life in its own unique way that made it memorable. I would highly recommend this collection to lovers of fairytales and historical fiction, or anyone who loves a good story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.