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12th out of 73 books
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77 voters
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Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales
by
Ellen Datlow ,
Terri Windling (Goodreads Author) , Jane Yolen , Nancy Farmer , Michael Cadnum , Catherynne M. Valente (Goodreads Author) , Midori Snyder , Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author)
,
more...
Everyone thinks they know the real story behind the villains in fairy tales - evil, no two ways about it. But the villains themselves beg to differ. In Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling's new anthology for younger readers, you'll hear from the Giant's wife ("Jack and the Beanstalk"), Rumplestiltskin, the oldest of the Twelve Dancing Princesses, and many more. A ste...more
Hardcover, 200 pages
Published
April 16th 2009
by Viking Juvenile
(first published 2009)
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I said somewhere recently that I had never given a multi-author collection of short stories anything more than three stars. Here, I will make that statement false. It's just that usually there is too much comme ci, comme ça in any given collection. But I hadn't read a Ellen Datlow/Terri Windling collection since I'd signed onto Goodreads. Lemme tell you, that was a mistake.
Datlow & Windling have been putting together some of the toppest notchest collections of short stories in the l...more
Datlow & Windling have been putting together some of the toppest notchest collections of short stories in the l...more
view all 28 comments
Chandra
rated it
This collection was both different and better than I was expecting. I actually got this as a gift for someone, but once it arrived I couldn’t resist it. (Don’t worry – it still looks brand new! Shh!) Anyway, I believe I was expecting a rather dreary and predictable collection of tales from villains’ points of views. Instead this is a really unique and dynamic collection with stories that run the gamut from funny and touching to tragic and brutal. Certainly, as with all collections, there are...more
Jen
added it
I feel strange reviewing this, because adult readers like me are not the book's intended audience. But this anthology is so deliciously fun that I want to tell everyone. Do pick up this collection of fairy tales written from the villains' points of view!
I chose the book because it contains a story by Neil Gaiman. Unfortunately, Gaiman's two-page offering proved to be disappointing (perhaps my expectations of him have become too high!). As with any anthology, the stories here are hit or miss. De...more
I chose the book because it contains a story by Neil Gaiman. Unfortunately, Gaiman's two-page offering proved to be disappointing (perhaps my expectations of him have become too high!). As with any anthology, the stories here are hit or miss. De...more
Chris
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2012,
andersen,
cats,
childrens,
cinderella,
grimm,
retold-fairy-tales-influence,
sleeping-beauty-rapunzel
I've been slightly p.oed even since Datlow and Windling stopped editiing thier adult collections and focused on YA collections. Now, I understand YA is hot (though most of it seems slightly silly), but still. Anyway, with this collection I think I understand why they did it or perhaps I figured out a plus side to this.
This collection has stories told from the villian's point of view. Most of the stories are very good; in particular Peter S. Beagle's story stands out as does the en...more
This collection has stories told from the villian's point of view. Most of the stories are very good; in particular Peter S. Beagle's story stands out as does the en...more
I had forgotten how much fun fairy tales can be until I picked up a copy of this book. "Troll's-Eye View" is a collection of fifteen stories and poems (mostly stories) showing popular tales from the villain's point of view. The first story, "Wizard's Apprentice" by Delia Sherman is a delight and the ride continues right to the end.
I bought this book for the kids, because they seem to identify more with dragons, zombies and skeletons than princes, swans and fairy g...more
I bought this book for the kids, because they seem to identify more with dragons, zombies and skeletons than princes, swans and fairy g...more
Full disclosure, I skimmed the summaries and the reviews and when words like "sinister" and "dark" popped out at me, coupled with that creepy cover art, I was thinking it was a horror-faerietale-anthology.
Not so, so there's your lesson for the week: read the summary.
That isn't to say that the writing was a disappointment. If anything this book was great. I love anthologies because the stories are short and conducive to my reading style. That is, read about...more
Not so, so there's your lesson for the week: read the summary.
That isn't to say that the writing was a disappointment. If anything this book was great. I love anthologies because the stories are short and conducive to my reading style. That is, read about...more
This is a children's book of 15 short stories by various fantasy writers. Overall it was a decent collection. The stories are very short and there are some poems thrown in between stories. My favorite story of the bunch was Catherynne Valente's "A Delicate Architecture." I also really enjoyed "Skin" by Michael Cadnum and "Troll" by Jane Yolen. My least favorite was "Up the Down Beanstalk" by Peter Beagle. Overall though it was a great group of stories. See...more
A collection of familiar fairy tales with an unusual twist: these stories are told from the point of view of the villains! As with any collection of short stories and poems, some are better than others, some stand out, some are less than stellar, but overall, it is a solid collection. The stories consist of:
* "Wizard's Apprentice" by Delia Sherman
* "An Unwelcome Guest" by Garth Nix
* "Faery Tales" by Wendy Froud
* "Rags an...more
* "Wizard's Apprentice" by Delia Sherman
* "An Unwelcome Guest" by Garth Nix
* "Faery Tales" by Wendy Froud
* "Rags an...more
Are you tired of reading similar versions of the same story? Would you like to get a new variety, especially in point of view? Well, Troll’s Eye View is for you! This is an exciting and interesting book where fairy tales are told from the villain’s perspective. After reading several versions of Rumpelstiltskin, I think my students would be thrilled and excited to hear this version of the story and compare. In this book, the Rumpelstiltskin version is titled “Skin”. It is a bit dark, and mo...more
Crowinator
rated it
I have a weakness for retold fairy tales and for short stories, so this collection of fairy tales told from the villains' point of view was a must-read for me. Also, Datlow and Windling consistently helm the best anthologies out there, for kids and adults, and I read every one I can get my hands on. This collection has 15 stories by well-known fantasy authors for children and adults, almost all of which I've read at least something earlier, whether it be a short story or two or a novel or two, a...more
A fun collection of re-told fairy tales. The stories are aimed at a younger audience and act as a great way to introduce young readers to re-thinking heroes and villains after they have just graduated from the picture book versions.
Wizard's Apprentice by Delia Sherman – a retelling of an old Russian fairy tale, set in Maine here, which, of course, is the perfect place for an old wizard to set up shop – he blends right in with the Stephen King atmosphere that nowadays permeates ...more
Wizard's Apprentice by Delia Sherman – a retelling of an old Russian fairy tale, set in Maine here, which, of course, is the perfect place for an old wizard to set up shop – he blends right in with the Stephen King atmosphere that nowadays permeates ...more
This is a nice collection of retold fairy tales focusing on fairy tale villains. It features stories and a few poems written by many excellent fantasy authors such as Delia Sherman, Garth Nix, Peter S. Beagle, Holly Black, Jane Yolen, Nancy Farmer, Neil Gaiman, and a few others. As I expect with short story collections, there were some stories I enjoyed much more than others.
Probably my favorite story was "Up the Down Beanstalk: A Wife Remembers" by Peter S. Beagle. It i...more
Probably my favorite story was "Up the Down Beanstalk: A Wife Remembers" by Peter S. Beagle. It i...more
This book was one of my Readercon purchases, and it is my first visit to the realm of the short story in a while. It makes me want to pull out all of the other anthologies I have been meaning to read, especially those related to fairy tales. Perhaps even more dangerous is the list of reading recommendations at the end of the book and those contained within the author bios at the end of each story.
Some of the villains I recognized and others I did not, but I enjoyed each of their stor...more
Some of the villains I recognized and others I did not, but I enjoyed each of their stor...more
Anna
rated it
A collection of fairy tales that have been reimagined and retold to let readers get some perspective from the villains. I checked this out specifically so I could read Kelly Link's story, "The Cinderella Game". It was good! The premise of this is great, but no surprise, the selections are kind of uneven! I didn't know all of the original tales, and in the case of "Wizard's Apprentice" (based on "The Wizard Outwitted"), it did not really matter - the story was st...more
A collection of mostly-outstanding folk tale retellings. A few are flawed, but most of the stories in this short collection involve telling a tale from a different viewpoint, or in a truly strange way. Catherynne Valente, Peter Beagle, Jane Yolen and the others in this collection have done a good job of this altered-viewpoint concept without collapsing into parody or destroying the tales. Valente's story was so carefully crafted that I couldn't figure out which tale she was telling until most of...more
I loved every single short story in this fabulous collection. Even though I already adore most of the authors in this collection, like Garth Nix and Kelly Link, my favorite short story was one by Catherynne M. Valente, who--alas!--I've never heard of before. Her story about the witch in Hansel and Gretel was gorgeous and fascinatingly post-colonial. Some cool commentary going on there. Anyway, highly recommending, just like the other collections I've read by these same editors, most notably ...more
The editors of this book gave a bunch of authors the challenge of writing a story from a fairy tail villain's point of view. Each of the story's end in a little behind the scenes note of why the author picked that villain and what made them come up with that story.
I really enjoyed each of the stories and every one was interesting. My personal favorites were:
The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces by Ellen Kushner
(because it made me laugh)
...more
Troll's Eye View edited by Datlow & Windling will delight children. Every kid loves a villain and the dozen stories and three poems in this beautifully designed little book have a hilarious, chilling assortment.
But there's plenty here for anyone of any age. Some of the finest fantasy writers currently working contribute and reading this book I found myself thinking of Saki and Thurber and Mrs. Lovett from Sondheim's Sweeney Todd.
There's not a dud in the bunch but my fav...more
But there's plenty here for anyone of any age. Some of the finest fantasy writers currently working contribute and reading this book I found myself thinking of Saki and Thurber and Mrs. Lovett from Sondheim's Sweeney Todd.
There's not a dud in the bunch but my fav...more
Reading Level: Upper Middle and High School
In this book, acollection of many tales and authors, the villians themselves give their very dark and myterious versions of their legends.
I read this while comparing Rumpelstiltskin. In the tale, "skin", he claims that he is only known for his one "wicked habit." But asks us to set that aside and look at all the good he has contributed, like bridges, buckles, buttons, magnifying glasses, and metaphors. His habit ...more
In this book, acollection of many tales and authors, the villians themselves give their very dark and myterious versions of their legends.
I read this while comparing Rumpelstiltskin. In the tale, "skin", he claims that he is only known for his one "wicked habit." But asks us to set that aside and look at all the good he has contributed, like bridges, buckles, buttons, magnifying glasses, and metaphors. His habit ...more
The positive: Most of the selections are three-star quality; I highly recommend "A Delicate Architecture," which is easily a four, four-and-a-half star story. Generally pretty well-written.
The negative: Not really a negative, but this was obviously meant for middle school readers, as the majority of the stories are short and easy to read. Some of the selections are less interesting than others (see: "The Shoes that Were Danced to Pieces," which was disappointing a...more
The negative: Not really a negative, but this was obviously meant for middle school readers, as the majority of the stories are short and easy to read. Some of the selections are less interesting than others (see: "The Shoes that Were Danced to Pieces," which was disappointing a...more
Looking at the list of authors who contributed to this book I knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed by it in the least. All the stories were very good, not a dud amongst them.
I never liked the fairy tale about the twelve dancing princesses -- ever, but Ellen Kushner's story 'The Shoes That Were Danced To Pieces' was one of my favorites in this collection -- followed closely by Kelly Link's 'The Cinderella Game' and Garth Nix's 'An Unwelcome Guest'.
Now that I've fin...more
I never liked the fairy tale about the twelve dancing princesses -- ever, but Ellen Kushner's story 'The Shoes That Were Danced To Pieces' was one of my favorites in this collection -- followed closely by Kelly Link's 'The Cinderella Game' and Garth Nix's 'An Unwelcome Guest'.
Now that I've fin...more
What a wonderful read. The villains, the evil-doers, the baddies get their moment in the spotlight. This collection from some of the world's renown fantasy writers is endlessly inventive and entertaining, and I dare say it will change the way you think about those nasty characters. A new take on such famous folks as the witch from Hansel & Gretel, Bluebeard (I quite liked him in the end), Mrs. Giant from Jack and. . . and a number of others. The tales are well written -- some are downright ...more
Troll’s Eye View is a collection of stories revisiting well-known fairy tales–Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Molly and the Giants–often from the villain’s point of view. It’s a mixed bag of stories: some are slightly skewed re-tellings, some are realistic stories informed by the themes and structures of fairy tales, and some are new tales that add meat to the well-gnawed bones. Some of the stories work well, others don’t quite gel, but in the main, this is a solid little collection.
...more
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This book of villainous tales is perfect for late elementary, junior high and high school students. It allows them to look back on folktales from their earlier childhood and get a different perspective- the villain's! Michael Cadnum's Rumpelstiltskin is a underappreciated and talented creator behind many of humankind's greatest inventions: the bridge, yeast, and buckles, to name a few. His one teeny weeny downfall is that he has an insatiatable appetite for human babies. The reader is finall...more
No duds in this anthology! Short stories and a few poems based on fairy tales, in which we get to see the villains (and the heroes) of those tales in a different light.
Some awesome writers in here! Ellen Kushner and Delia Sherman both make an appearance. As well as Holly Black and Kelly Link. Neil Gaiman and Jane Yolen. And well, other names I recognize and you'd recognize too!
So if you're a fan of fairy tale retellings, a fan of any of the authors included, know a tween ...more
Some awesome writers in here! Ellen Kushner and Delia Sherman both make an appearance. As well as Holly Black and Kelly Link. Neil Gaiman and Jane Yolen. And well, other names I recognize and you'd recognize too!
So if you're a fan of fairy tale retellings, a fan of any of the authors included, know a tween ...more
Terrific collection of original stories by children's and YA fantasy authors, all starring the villains of various traditional tales, from Rumpelstitskin to the troll under the bridge. There isn't a dud among them, and two (Kelly Link's The Cinderella Game and Holly Black's The Boy Who Cried Wolf) are intensely creepy. Gaiman's poem "Observing the Formalities" is good enough for the New Yorker magazine, in my opinion. Fans of fractured fairy tales and of these editors' previous coll...more
Another high quality short-story collection. Some really great stories in there and even the ones that I didn't care for as much were still pretty good. Overall writing quality was excellent but I didn't expect any less from these talented authors. Many of my favorite authors contributed and it was great to read stuff out of their normal genre or style. I must highlight the story of the witch in Hansel and Gretel as being a really fascinating take on her background... one I could really buy ...more
There are times when I think the marketing and product descriptions of books do them a disservice. Troll’s-Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales, is a perfect example. The Booklist review lists the intended audience as grades 5-8. However, editors Datlow and Windling are best known for their yearly anthologies of science fiction and horror for adults. I’m not saying that the book is inappropriate for younger readers: anything but! As we know, though, children have a pretty high tolerance for the ...more
I found this YA collection of tales enjoyable (although not enthralling). Among the stories I especially enjoyed was the one about the oldest of the twelve dancing princesses, especially since I'm the oldest too, although I'm not sure why that's in a book about villains. I didn't recognize Rumplestiltskin or Hansel and Gretel until a ways into the story - it was fun to be surprised. "A Delicate Architecture" was weird, weird, weird, but I liked it.
However, I was bothered by some o...more
However, I was bothered by some o...more
This was a way fun book of short stories and poems. The stories were retold in the villians' points of view. In a lot of the stories, I really started to feel sorry for the villian.
Wizard's Apprentice by Delia Sherman ****
(The Wizard Outwitted)
An Unwelcome Guest by Garth Nix ***
(Rapunzel)
Faery Tales by Wendy Froud ***
(poem)
Rags to Riches by Nina Kiriki Hoffman ***
(The Goose Girl)
Up the Down Up the Down Beanstalk: A Wife Remembers by Pet...more
Wizard's Apprentice by Delia Sherman ****
(The Wizard Outwitted)
An Unwelcome Guest by Garth Nix ***
(Rapunzel)
Faery Tales by Wendy Froud ***
(poem)
Rags to Riches by Nina Kiriki Hoffman ***
(The Goose Girl)
Up the Down Up the Down Beanstalk: A Wife Remembers by Pet...more
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Ellen Datlow has been an award-winning editor of short science fiction, fantasy, and horror for over twentyfive years.
She is co-editor (horror half) of The Years Best Fantasy and Horror and has edited or co-edited a large number of award-winning original anthologies. Her most recent are Inferno, The Del Rey Book of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Poe: 19 New Tales of Suspense, Dark fan...more
More about Ellen Datlow...
She is co-editor (horror half) of The Years Best Fantasy and Horror and has edited or co-edited a large number of award-winning original anthologies. Her most recent are Inferno, The Del Rey Book of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Poe: 19 New Tales of Suspense, Dark fan...more
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