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Away with the Fairies

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Lucy likes to stare at the wall. Her mother thinks she is suffering from petit mal but Granny McCurdle says, “ Och, she's away wi' the fairies again.”

Nobody takes this literally until Lucy disappears. Her sister knows where she's gone, but who would believe her? Can she really be away with the fairies?

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2012

4 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

Jenny Twist

83 books168 followers
Jenny Twist was born in York and brought up in the West Yorkshire mill town of Heckmondwike, the eldest grandchild of a huge extended family.
She left school at fifteen and went to work in an asbestos factory. After working in various jobs, including bacon-packer and escapologist’s assistant (she was The Lovely Tanya), she returned to full-time education and did a BA in history, at Manchester and post-graduate studies at Oxford.
She stayed in Oxford working as a recruitment consultant for many years and it was there that she met and married her husband, Vic.
In 2001 they retired and moved to Southern Spain where they live with their rather eccentric dogs and cat. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, knitting and attempting to do fiendishly difficult logic puzzles.
Since moving to Spain she has written four novels and numerous short stories.
In July 2018 she was awarded the coveted TOP FEMALE AUTHOR award in Fantasy/Horror/Paranormal/Science Fiction by The Authors Show
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5 stars
48 (41%)
4 stars
26 (22%)
3 stars
20 (17%)
2 stars
19 (16%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Effrosyni Moschoudi.
Author 26 books241 followers
March 3, 2015
A short and sweet tale of mystery.

I loved the mystery element in this story, quite delicious, and enjoyed the magical short ride. Emphasis on the short, because it finished much too early, leaving me quite thirsty for more. I hope the author decides to write a longer sequel on this. There's so much to elaborate on and I'll definitely be on the lookout for it. Summing up, quite a pleasant read, more of this please!
Profile Image for Tara Hall.
Author 89 books448 followers
September 30, 2012
This tale sucked me right in, much as the way the protagonist, Lucy, is sucked into Fairyland one day through her bedroom wall. I meant to read just a bit, and couldn’t pull myself away until the story was done. Though the name Lucy brought to mind Narnia’s character of the same name, this story is less about her, and more about the frantic search for her, and the thoughts and emotions of her sister, father and mother. The dialogue was exceptional, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. My only grievance is that I wanted the tale to go on longer! I am always transported by Mrs. Twist’s stories, and Away With the Fairies is no exception. A lighthearted, enjoyable tale well worth the low price!
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,116 reviews
March 11, 2015
Away With the Fairies by Jenny Twist

Lucy loves to stare at walls, her Mother says it is petit mals. Lucy talks about Fairies. No one takes her seriously until she disappears. Her sister claims to know where Lucy is, but doesn't think anyone will believe her. Do Fairies really exist and could Lucy really be with them?

A fast paced exciting short story. I loved the originality, Lucy is very lovable. The writing is well done, I felt as if I were living in Lucy's world. And honestly who doesn't love a story about fairies? I feel young/adult as well as adults (young at heart) will greatly enjoy Away With the Fairies.
Profile Image for Emily.
84 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2012
Away With the Fairies is Jenny's first self-published work and is a wonderful example of her talent. This short story gives a little glimpse into another realm, Fairyland, which might not be quite what you'd expect.

You read of June's struggle with herself over whether or not to tell the truth and what consequences it might bring either way. As it continues you see just how quickly someone's beliefs can be turned around when they are confronted with undeniable evidence right before their eyes. How quickly they accept this truth despite their fears.

It is a touching story and at 77p it's not to be sniffed at!
Profile Image for Su Halfwerk.
Author 13 books27 followers
September 22, 2012
Away With the Fairies has it all, intrigue; magic, and smooth story-telling.
A treat that shouldn't be missed, especially at this affordable price. I'm reading it again tonight, this time to my son. Yes, adults and children can enjoy this gem.
This book absolutely captivated me.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
October 9, 2013
This was a delightful and well written tale of magic and what could happen if we look hard enough for things more than of this world.

I could imagine this charming story appealing to many ages groups, not just those of a young age - yes, simply told but goes much deeper.
Profile Image for Tori Ridgewood.
Author 19 books50 followers
September 20, 2012
Delightful! What a wonderful adventure, lyrical and dangerous all at once... Loved every word!
Profile Image for Lee French.
Author 77 books134 followers
March 18, 2014
This short story is cute and sweet, about a little girl living in a house with an unusual secret. It's hard to say much about it without spoiling the story, as it's very short - too short by far, if you ask me. The writing is pleasant and easy and I wished it kept going. I want to know more about the Fairyland, about the cat, and about what happens next.

The characters are simple and relatable, which makes sense for the length of the tale. Each seems believable in their own way, as a portrait of an average, normal person of their type. I hesitate to use the word 'stereotype', as it has generally negative connotations, and these characters feel like the author knew them in her head, or based them on real people.

The ending is abrupt and leaves many unanswered questions. Children probably would find the ending entirely satisfactory. I thought it needed a little more fleshing out, a little more something. It's an event-based tale, more about what happens than who it happens to or why.

I recommend this story primarily for children, but anyone who appreciates simplicity in their fantasy would enjoy it.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Masquerade Crew.
268 reviews1,601 followers
March 23, 2014
Reviewer: Walki

3.5 on the Masq Scale


Lucy is suffering from 'petit mal'. Her grandmother says that Lucy is 'away with the fairies'. When Lucy disappears, June is not sure how to tell their parents where her sister has gone to.

Away with the Fairies' is an easy-reading short story, but not what I expected. Nicely written, it brings to mind the questionability of reality and its multiple potential definitions. Is it delusion or reality? Is it 'petit mal' or is it Fairyland? And who can you tell without sounding crazy?

Away with the Fairies' is a nice quick read to keep you patient when your bus is late and you need something to fend off boredom.

Also reviewed by Lee F. for the Masq Crew. Click here.
Profile Image for Cindy.
957 reviews33 followers
September 28, 2013
What a fun story this was to read!

It was a well written and very creative short story. The author had me feeling as if I were part of the story by her very descriptive style of writing.

When I was a child, this story would have fascinated me since I loved stories about fairies. Actually I guess that I still do! :)

Away with the Fairies is the first book I have read by this author but I look forward to reading more of her books.

I would recommend this very imaginative story to all ages. It is an all around magical read!
Profile Image for Nicholas Rossis.
Author 21 books120 followers
August 13, 2016
I read this brilliant novelette during a long weekend, and I loved its fluent prose, sense of mystery and rich fantastical elements. A lovely blend of reality and fantasy, and a fascinating variation on the usual closet-serving-as-portal theme.

I short, a great story, beautifully told. I only wish it were longer. The fairyland described is a place I would have loved for the author to have explored more, especially with the family coming into contact with one of its denizens.

This would be a perfect summer read for anyone enjoying tales of fantasy!
Profile Image for Lynette Sofras.
Author 15 books61 followers
October 8, 2013
This short story really appealed to me, not least because as a small child I liked to imagine the big mirror on the wall was really a portal to another world - if only I could find my way in!

It's a delightful story about a child who does exactly that, much to the concern of her sister and agonised parents. An enchanting and also strangely thought-provoking story from a truly talented story-weaver. More, please!

Recommended for a quick and thoroughly engrossing read.
Profile Image for Literary Chanteuse.
1,056 reviews180 followers
December 11, 2015
While stepping into this fairy world I was reminded of stepping into Narnia from the wardrobe and seeing it through the eyes of a child. A magical and enchanting short story.
Profile Image for John.
328 reviews
December 6, 2012
This was a nice short story!!! A quick read!!!
Profile Image for Erica.
119 reviews20 followers
June 12, 2014
Young Lucy suffers from seizures that cause her to sit and stare as if in a trance. Unbeknownst to her parents, she travels through her bedroom wall into a realm called Fairyland.

This is a short story, and naturally suffers from the same problem as most short stories. There simply isn’t enough information! The premise is nice with the world of fae being so near to this special little girl. I would have enjoyed having it expanded upon to the point of a full novel or even a series. There is so little time in this story to get to know the characters, who are all quite interesting.

The only hang up about this story is that Lucy’s parents are so ready to believe Fairyland exists when their other daughter reveals the truth about Lucy’s whereabouts. Most parents, regardless of the level of stress they are under, would find that impossible to believe. They would likely dismiss June and continue looking for Lucy in all the wrong places. With a bit more convincing, I would believe that part of the story.

The ending comes too quickly in this delightful tale. I was disappointed not to have more to the story. Ms. Twist is certainly an author to watch, and I’d be interested in reading more to this story.

I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Burkhart.
Author 44 books416 followers
February 8, 2013
Twist delights in this short story, "Away With the Fairies." June discovers her sister Lucy has paid a visit to Fairyland, but who will believe her?

June's sister, Lucy, has a tendency to "space out," and pays a visit to Fairyland along with Mitzy the cat. When June's mother can't find Lucy, she panics and a search ensues.

Twist pulls the reader into Fairyland right along with June. Her writing style is easy to read and before you know it, June's adventure is over. Or is it? Twist's imagination and creativity shine in this story that will appeal to both older and young readers. The characters are full of emotions, and it's easy to visualize Fairyland with Twist's vivid descriptions. Overall, "Away With the Fairies," is a sweet, endearing story about the bonds of family. I highly recommend this book for all ages.
Profile Image for Ally Atherton.
188 reviews52 followers
January 26, 2013
Ok it's a new year and I fell short of the 52 book target in 2012 but that's ok, 47 is still a good amount of books! Had a few life traumas over the last few months and this is my first read of the year!

It is a small children's book but it is still a book, even though it is short! I enjoyed this quick little read and it brought out the child in me. It is a cool tale about a young girl who disappears into a crack in her wallpaper and finds her very own fairyland. It is well written and enjoyable to read, funny and entertaining. It kept my interest and I think any kid (or big kid in my case) would love it. It would make a brilliant bed time book for any child, young or old. Must keep a look out for this author.

4/5 Enjoyed
Profile Image for Sharon Stevenson.
Author 47 books301 followers
February 8, 2013
'Away with the Fairies' is the story of a magic portal to a fairy land in a young girl's bedroom.

This is a really well crafted short story, from the medical explanation for Lucy's trance-like state when she is looking at the fairy land to the emotionally raw reactions her disappearance provokes, everything has been very well thought out. There is much enchantment to be found in this imaginative story and at the same time there is a very fitting and realistic darker tone over the disappearance of Lucy and worries over what may have happened to her.

A very engaging read that gets the imagination going and yet maintains a sense of realism, this fairy story is an enthralling read I enjoyed so much I read it again right after I finished.
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
April 24, 2014
(3.5 Stars)
If you're the type of reader who enjoys variety in your paranormal library, "Away With the Fairies" could be just the book for you. It is a short but sweet novella about a girl named Lucy with petit mal seizures that her grandma believes sends her off to see the fairies. When Lucy goes missing her sister, June knows exactly where she is but is too afraid to tell.

Where did she go and how can her family get her back? You will have to read the book to find out! This little gem is packed full with imagination and some sweet but comical moments. I'm going to have to start staring at the walls and see where it takes me.
Profile Image for Melinda Kinsman.
Author 52 books21 followers
December 9, 2013
An enchanting tale for children and adults alike. This short story draws the reader into another realm, where fairies exist, and a young girl accidentally becomes stranded. It is about opening your eyes to possibilities and learning to believe. The strong bonds within this girl's family are put to the test as her parents learn how to access this other realm. They must then use their own ingenuity in order to rescue their daughter before it is too late.
Jenny Twist is a talented storyteller. Once started, you will not want to put this book down.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
Author 1 book15 followers
September 5, 2014
I loved this story. It was short but sweet. If I was a better reviewer I would write more but as I am a person of few words all I can say is that the story sucked me in and I did not put it down till I was finished. I liked the balance between action and talking was not lost. For me that is usually a big problem because too much action and I get bored but too much talking and I put the book down.

I can't wait to read another one of Jenny's stories!
Profile Image for J.S..
Author 3 books1 follower
March 14, 2013
This was a wonderful short story that I really enjoyed. A little dark mixed with some magic and angst, it was enchanting! If she hasn't yet already, I'm hoping the author will write more about the land of the fairies in another tale! Well-written and well deserving of 5 stars!
888 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2014
Unusually I liked it:
I don't normally enjoy short stories much. I prefer to get wrapped up in a novel, but this had something about it that I was entranced by.
Profile Image for Blue Davere.
11 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2017
What a wonderful story depicting a child who has epilepsy! I often wander away in thought when Im day dreaming. Would be super cool to find a place in the wall,

Really well written.
Profile Image for Jess Mountifield.
Author 111 books67 followers
June 3, 2015
I was given a copy of this story by the author in return for my review.

This isn't the longest of stories but it is so worth the read. Mostly it's a portal fantasy and as usual it's the kids that find out about it, but it gives a wonderful new meaning to the idea of being away with the fairies when day dreaming and I loved the way thhe story progressed and the parents involvement.

On top of enjoying this story as an adult I think this one would be fun to read to some kids, especially with how the fairies are described. Exactly the sort of thing I loved to listen to as a child.

As shorter stories often do, I've got a few unanswered questions about the characters and what they know so I'd love to see a sequel that explores it all some more.

Brilliant idea and well told.
Profile Image for BonSue Brandvik.
Author 7 books11 followers
January 5, 2013
I was immediately drawn into this story and loved it; however, the ending was too abrupt to satisfy. Unless this is the first in a series of short stories using the same characters, a fairy is simply stranded in our world and people & a cat who visited Fairyland remain green after returning to our world. Also, we are told very little about Fairyland and have no idea how a portal to their world opened in a little girl's bedroom. Hopefully, Jenny Twist will write more stories to continue this promising adventure.
Profile Image for Simon Fenwick.
157 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2015
What a charming little tale. Many of us have our moments of being 'Away With The Fairies' no matter what age we are! In this short story, a little girl's pet cat disappears into a fairy world wand she chases after it leaving the rest of the family wondering what has become of her. What becomes of us when we ourselves especially escape into our own fairy world? Why do we do so?

In the background of Jenny Twist's charming story we can see not only what we are escaping from and to but also the affect that has on those who we leave behind and who miss us the most when we are not there.
Profile Image for Georgiann Hennelly.
1,960 reviews26 followers
April 18, 2015
Lucy stares at walls, she talks about Fairies. No one takes her seriously till one day she disappears. Her sister says she knows where Lucy is but she doesn't think anyone will believe her! Do Fairies really exist among us? Could Lucy really be living with the Fairies? A very fast paced short story. I loved Lucy- I also Love Fairies and stories about them . A story for all ages Especially those young at heart.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
March 25, 2015
If you follow my reviews you know I have a difficult time rating short stories.
Not so in this case. I loved this short but FUN tale.
Lucy has a tendency to go into trances. She calls it going to Fairyland.
One day as her sister June is watching, Lucy disappears. June is afraid to tell anyone where Lucy has gone. She is afraid people will think she is crazy and take her away.

This is a pure fantasy story about a whole family that believes in each other.
Suitable to be enjoyed by all ages.
Profile Image for Angelika Rust.
Author 25 books42 followers
May 11, 2014
I really, really liked this, right until the end, when I didn't like it anymore.
The author did a great job of pulling me right into it. The characters were well-drawn and instantly likable. I loved the idea of how to enter fairyland.
But the ending was no ending. It left a million question marks and an unsolved situation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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