Ever disliked the way a certain fairytale ended? Or the issue that was in it but which was never addressed? Then this collection of short stories is for you.
I started reading this not knowing what to expect. I feared that I might not like it since I doubted that I would be able to connect to the characters. I mean it's a "short" story. Too short to introduce something properly. I was pleasantly surprised though.
The stories were familiar but yet unfamiliar as well. In the sense that they resembled our favorite fairy tales but they also had something new and unexpected. Reading these stories felt like magic and that is largely due to Bardugo's writing style. Every place was so vividly described, one has the feeling they see it in front of their eyes.
That being said, let's move onto the individual stories.
Ayama and the Thorn Wood 3.5⭐
Even though I liked the way it ended, I still felt like there was something missing. This story just did not sit right with me. However, there are also stories that were told within this story and they were great.
Even though I liked the way it ended, I still felt like there was something missing. This story just did not sit right with me. However, there are also stories that were told within this story and they were great.
The Witch of Duva 4 ⭐
This story I had read before so I skipped it in this collection. But what I remember is delicious food and not so evil witches.
This story I had read before so I skipped it in this collection. But what I remember is delicious food and not so evil witches.
Little Knife 4⭐
This is one of those stories that has a completely unexpected twist. I also always liked fairy tales with challenges in them and even though Bardugo twists them, I still enjoyed reading them.
This is one of those stories that has a completely unexpected twist. I also always liked fairy tales with challenges in them and even though Bardugo twists them, I still enjoyed reading them.
The Too-Clever Fox 5⭐
If you are anything like me, you will love this story. Firstly, it has a cunning character, which is my favorite kind of character. Secondly, it reminds me of Nikolai Lantsov. And he is my favorite Grishverse character. And lastly, it's the ending of the story that took me by surprise and that's why I gave it 5 stars.
If you are anything like me, you will love this story. Firstly, it has a cunning character, which is my favorite kind of character. Secondly, it reminds me of Nikolai Lantsov. And he is my favorite Grishverse character. And lastly, it's the ending of the story that took me by surprise and that's why I gave it 5 stars.
The Soldier Prince 3.5 ⭐
This is a story perfect for winter. It's a retelling of The Nutcracker. If I think about it, it's great for fall too because it has a gloomy vibe to it as well. I must confess that the story left me a bit confused in the end but that does not decrease it's quality.
This is a story perfect for winter. It's a retelling of The Nutcracker. If I think about it, it's great for fall too because it has a gloomy vibe to it as well. I must confess that the story left me a bit confused in the end but that does not decrease it's quality.
When Water Sang Fire 5 ⭐
This is my favorite story in this whole collection. It stuck with me because the imagery is vivid. Frozen seas, mermaids and underwater castles. Who would not want to read about this? Also the magic is based on singing, which I haven't read about before. The ending also largely contributed to my rating. It felt real.
This is my favorite story in this whole collection. It stuck with me because the imagery is vivid. Frozen seas, mermaids and underwater castles. Who would not want to read about this? Also the magic is based on singing, which I haven't read about before. The ending also largely contributed to my rating. It felt real.
Rating of the whole collection: 4⭐
I think that is fair. Certainly worth recommending to someone who perhaps does not like long books and is more fond of shorter stories.
