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The Skull Collector
In a world in which children are exploited, monsters are saviors, and dark magic is constantly at play, a little girl will go to any lengths to be reunited with her lost ones.After the disappearance of her parents, a heartbroken child is sold to the Doll-Maker who promises to revive them. In return, she is to travel from cemetery to cemetery, unearthing graves and collecting skulls. While doing so, she must avoid the Violinist and his crows, who are determined to steal the skulls she has painstakingly gathered. As she travels across the province, with her life in constant peril from vengeful policemen to strange creatures, the little girl must use her wits to succeed in her macabre mission.
241 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2014
About the author
Paris Singer
6 books39 followersParis Singer lives in southern Spain with cats who run his life.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 30, 2015
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Be prepared to enter the world of The Skull Collector by Paris Singer, because once you step in, the darkness will be complete.
Her life was filled with color and love, until her parents disappeared and she was an orphan, sold to the Doll Maker. He promised he would return her parents if she did his bidding and this is her dark and horrific story. So began her treacherous journeys in the dark to steal skulls from cemeteries so the Doll Maker could make his dolls. Her young life has become a nightmare as she steals from town to town in search of her ghoulish treasures and endures the erratic behavior of this twisted monster. Her only way to deal is to believe she will be reunited with her parents.
In constant danger, she steels herself against those who would take her skulls and face the punishment of the Doll Maker. How will this end? Will the Doll Maker make good on his promise?
Brilliant, dark, sinister and foreboding, this tale is told through dark scenes, brittle dialogue and the desperate actions of a child alone. She is a nameless entity, portrayed with a mind that is always working, perhaps far beyond her years. Paris Singer has created a world full of the ashes of evil while giving life to a tale of an abused child with little hope, except for that one promise. This is not a simmering fairytale world, but one that is filled with horror and evil.
Paris Singer has penned a dark and ominous tale for those who like to travel in the shadows where things go bump in the night. Prepare for the chills, the smell of fear, dirt and death and picture it through the eyes of a child. Dark fantasy at its grimmest.
I received this copy from Paris Singer in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 8, 2015
Publisher: Forsaken
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 135 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Win TWO of his novels!
INTL – Click on Banner to Enter – Ends January 25, 2016
Be prepared to enter the world of The Skull Collector by Paris Singer, because once you step in, the darkness will be complete.
Her life was filled with color and love, until her parents disappeared and she was an orphan, sold to the Doll Maker. He promised he would return her parents if she did his bidding and this is her dark and horrific story. So began her treacherous journeys in the dark to steal skulls from cemeteries so the Doll Maker could make his dolls. Her young life has become a nightmare as she steals from town to town in search of her ghoulish treasures and endures the erratic behavior of this twisted monster. Her only way to deal is to believe she will be reunited with her parents.
In constant danger, she steels herself against those who would take her skulls and face the punishment of the Doll Maker. How will this end? Will the Doll Maker make good on his promise?
Brilliant, dark, sinister and foreboding, this tale is told through dark scenes, brittle dialogue and the desperate actions of a child alone. She is a nameless entity, portrayed with a mind that is always working, perhaps far beyond her years. Paris Singer has created a world full of the ashes of evil while giving life to a tale of an abused child with little hope, except for that one promise. This is not a simmering fairytale world, but one that is filled with horror and evil.
Paris Singer has penned a dark and ominous tale for those who like to travel in the shadows where things go bump in the night. Prepare for the chills, the smell of fear, dirt and death and picture it through the eyes of a child. Dark fantasy at its grimmest.
I received this copy from Paris Singer in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 8, 2015
Publisher: Forsaken
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print Length: 135 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 21, 2016
A Dark Macabre Fairy-tale the stuff of nightmares.
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
Probably best suited to older children or those of a strong disposition as it may evoke bad dreams.
The blurb simply draws you in. The back cover tells you about the little girl who has lost her parents and is sold to the sinister Doll-Maker (who by the way lives in the depth of the Midnight Forest).
'The Midnight Forest known to contain terrible things beyond the mere imaginings of mortal beings'
He makes a promise to the little girl that he will bring them back, if in return she carries out some general household chores and in the evening seek out and collect skulls for him. It is not a task the little girl enjoys, and she has to endure endless hardship. However, she has hope to help her survive and therefore she carries out her dreaded duties for the sake of being re-united with her family.
The imagery that the author conjures reminds me so much of Tim Burton's animated work particularly 'The Corpse Bride' and 'Nightmare Before Christmas'.
A real page turner for me, the story took next to no time to read as I just wanted to know the final fate of the little girl. Well worth checking out.
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
Probably best suited to older children or those of a strong disposition as it may evoke bad dreams.
The blurb simply draws you in. The back cover tells you about the little girl who has lost her parents and is sold to the sinister Doll-Maker (who by the way lives in the depth of the Midnight Forest).
'The Midnight Forest known to contain terrible things beyond the mere imaginings of mortal beings'
He makes a promise to the little girl that he will bring them back, if in return she carries out some general household chores and in the evening seek out and collect skulls for him. It is not a task the little girl enjoys, and she has to endure endless hardship. However, she has hope to help her survive and therefore she carries out her dreaded duties for the sake of being re-united with her family.
The imagery that the author conjures reminds me so much of Tim Burton's animated work particularly 'The Corpse Bride' and 'Nightmare Before Christmas'.
A real page turner for me, the story took next to no time to read as I just wanted to know the final fate of the little girl. Well worth checking out.
June 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced with a very sinister environment. What I found interesting was you never find out the little girl's name. The longer I thought about it you didn't need it. I thought the descriptions were imaginative but left enough up to your imagination. The only thing I would change is making it longer. I wasn't ready to leave these characters. I would definitely read more from this author.
December 9, 2015
"Collecting seems to bring out that primitive instinct for the hunt in some of its devotees, who stalk their prey with skill." - Alicia Craig Faxon
a little girl is overwrought with grief and despair over the disappearance of her parents. alone, miserable and lost, she finds herself sold to the Doll-Maker who promises to reunite her with her loved ones in exchange for collecting skulls.
this was such a dark and gripping tale of innocence lost, exploitation and betrayal. the creepy setting, the macabre task the little girl had to go through each night, the mysterious Violinist and his murder of crows plus the Doll-Maker's bizarre doll-making methods only added to the strangeness of it all. yet it had its morbid appeal - albeit unconventional for the most part.
i found myself emotionally drawn to the poor little girl's plight, sympathizing with her ordeal and wishing i could wrap my arms around her to shield her from all the abuse the Doll-Maker inflicted on her. alas, i could only read on and wished for everything to end well for her.
although i found the ending a bit predictable, it was also a relief to note that our little girl's trauma and agony were finally over and the greedy, abusive Doll-Maker deserved what he got.
i have a few niggles though. sometimes i found the abuses too much and kept wondering how the little girl's frail body could have survived them all. the Violinist's behavior in the last few pages were quite confusing and i found his motive for doing what he did questionable. in other words, i was left to ponder on some details and was contemplating if they were truly resolved or not. maybe, it was the author's intention to leave things as they were and allow the reader to form his own conclusions.
despite these, i was fascinated by the whole story. maybe if i read it again, i would find details that i might have missed or i might be able to discern some answers that were there all along but were merely hiding in the shadows.
*received a copy for review
a little girl is overwrought with grief and despair over the disappearance of her parents. alone, miserable and lost, she finds herself sold to the Doll-Maker who promises to reunite her with her loved ones in exchange for collecting skulls.
this was such a dark and gripping tale of innocence lost, exploitation and betrayal. the creepy setting, the macabre task the little girl had to go through each night, the mysterious Violinist and his murder of crows plus the Doll-Maker's bizarre doll-making methods only added to the strangeness of it all. yet it had its morbid appeal - albeit unconventional for the most part.
i found myself emotionally drawn to the poor little girl's plight, sympathizing with her ordeal and wishing i could wrap my arms around her to shield her from all the abuse the Doll-Maker inflicted on her. alas, i could only read on and wished for everything to end well for her.
although i found the ending a bit predictable, it was also a relief to note that our little girl's trauma and agony were finally over and the greedy, abusive Doll-Maker deserved what he got.
i have a few niggles though. sometimes i found the abuses too much and kept wondering how the little girl's frail body could have survived them all. the Violinist's behavior in the last few pages were quite confusing and i found his motive for doing what he did questionable. in other words, i was left to ponder on some details and was contemplating if they were truly resolved or not. maybe, it was the author's intention to leave things as they were and allow the reader to form his own conclusions.
despite these, i was fascinated by the whole story. maybe if i read it again, i would find details that i might have missed or i might be able to discern some answers that were there all along but were merely hiding in the shadows.
*received a copy for review
June 16, 2017
An unusual tale which follows a little girl as she collects skulls for the doll maker. It was well written, although at times the dialogue was a little off-putting. Overall though a good read.
November 10, 2019
Dark Faery Tale
I liked this tale but think it stretched the story out much longer than it could be, causing it to be repetitive at times. The terminology was a little anachronistic too, eg: on auto pilot, and stood out against the Gothic Grimm style. This aside I kept reading as I really wanted to see how things turned out for the little girl. I could see this working well as a short animated film or simplified a little into a play.
I liked this tale but think it stretched the story out much longer than it could be, causing it to be repetitive at times. The terminology was a little anachronistic too, eg: on auto pilot, and stood out against the Gothic Grimm style. This aside I kept reading as I really wanted to see how things turned out for the little girl. I could see this working well as a short animated film or simplified a little into a play.
August 12, 2022
Karrie's Kritiques gladly gives 5+⭐
Absolutely, superbly surprised at just how wonderful this little gem was! It was not at all what I expected. It was basically a fabulous new fairy which was completely original to me! I became so entirely engrossed in this take - I couldn't put it down! Don't pass this one up! It is quirky and fun and written in that way that makes Fairy tales everlasting!
Absolutely, superbly surprised at just how wonderful this little gem was! It was not at all what I expected. It was basically a fabulous new fairy which was completely original to me! I became so entirely engrossed in this take - I couldn't put it down! Don't pass this one up! It is quirky and fun and written in that way that makes Fairy tales everlasting!
February 14, 2023
I loved reading this dark story. It gave me spine chilling vibes. The narration remined me of Coraline. I appreciated the author's subtle way of highlighting human cruelty.
The paranormal undertone is remarkable and the story itself is extremely engaging. A little girl's resilience is beautifully depicted even when everything is going haywire. There is something to learn from that.
It is a good bedtime read for children, despite the sad and eerie narrative. All is well that ends well.
The paranormal undertone is remarkable and the story itself is extremely engaging. A little girl's resilience is beautifully depicted even when everything is going haywire. There is something to learn from that.
It is a good bedtime read for children, despite the sad and eerie narrative. All is well that ends well.
May 18, 2019
A different kind of fairy tale
I enjoyed this story. This was not a typical fairy tale at all. It was very dark but ended on a happy note.
I enjoyed this story. This was not a typical fairy tale at all. It was very dark but ended on a happy note.
August 9, 2023
Belongs in the Grimm section Of your library. Like all good fairy tales it has a hero, a quest, and bravery.
Read
June 4, 2016Title: Eerie and Engaging
“The Skull Collector” by Paris Singer
Reviewed by M. Windholtz
6/20/16
11:20 a.m.
“The Skull Collector” follows an unnamed little girl who becomes the assistant of a sinister Doll-Maker. In exchange for her work, the Doll-Maker promises that he will bring her missing parents back to life. During the day, she cooks and cleans for her new master. At night, she goes to the cemetery to collect skulls for his dolls. Throughout the novel, the little girl becomes engaged in a war against the unnatural forces that haunt the night, leaving the reader to anxiously turn pages until the very end.
Despite the cliché opening scene, author Paris Singer writes with a dark tone that ensnares the reader, forcing them to read on even as the story turns chilling. “The Skull Collector” is filled with colorful characters that enhance the air of mystery at every introduction, making the reader want to know more while simultaneously wishing to put the book down and run far, far away.
However, it is difficult to place the time or setting of the novel. It mostly seems like a standard medieval fantasy tale, but several mentions of the main character going on “auto-pilot” continuously throw the reader off. The author also has the tendency to over describe with unnecessary adjectives attached to every other noun. Yet, the careful attention to detail and the balance between character thoughts and plot makes these problems easy to ignore.
Overall, “The Skull Collector” is an enthralling, fantastic read. From its fast-paced plot to its eerie mood artfully set by the author, this is a book that readers will not be able to put down. The reader unwraps the back stories of the war and the little girl’s place in it, each plot thread carefully woven by the author. Even if thrillers might not be a reader’s first pick, this is a book that anyone would enjoy.
I give “The Skull Collector” 4 out of 5 stars.
Yours in Words,
M. Windholtz
“The Skull Collector” by Paris Singer
Reviewed by M. Windholtz
6/20/16
11:20 a.m.
“The Skull Collector” follows an unnamed little girl who becomes the assistant of a sinister Doll-Maker. In exchange for her work, the Doll-Maker promises that he will bring her missing parents back to life. During the day, she cooks and cleans for her new master. At night, she goes to the cemetery to collect skulls for his dolls. Throughout the novel, the little girl becomes engaged in a war against the unnatural forces that haunt the night, leaving the reader to anxiously turn pages until the very end.
Despite the cliché opening scene, author Paris Singer writes with a dark tone that ensnares the reader, forcing them to read on even as the story turns chilling. “The Skull Collector” is filled with colorful characters that enhance the air of mystery at every introduction, making the reader want to know more while simultaneously wishing to put the book down and run far, far away.
However, it is difficult to place the time or setting of the novel. It mostly seems like a standard medieval fantasy tale, but several mentions of the main character going on “auto-pilot” continuously throw the reader off. The author also has the tendency to over describe with unnecessary adjectives attached to every other noun. Yet, the careful attention to detail and the balance between character thoughts and plot makes these problems easy to ignore.
Overall, “The Skull Collector” is an enthralling, fantastic read. From its fast-paced plot to its eerie mood artfully set by the author, this is a book that readers will not be able to put down. The reader unwraps the back stories of the war and the little girl’s place in it, each plot thread carefully woven by the author. Even if thrillers might not be a reader’s first pick, this is a book that anyone would enjoy.
I give “The Skull Collector” 4 out of 5 stars.
Yours in Words,
M. Windholtz
February 21, 2017
Really enjoyable tale
Really loved the story line totally worth your time if you like an underdog. Had it figured out early on but still read it threw.
Really loved the story line totally worth your time if you like an underdog. Had it figured out early on but still read it threw.
December 22, 2015
Two Sentence Plot Synopsis:
In a world where morals are meaningless and dark magic runs rampant, a little girl goes to harrowing lengths to be reconnected with her loved ones.
She finds hope in the macabre doll maker who promises to fulfill her wish as long as she collects enough skulls for him from surrounding cemeteries, but many perilous obstacles stand in her way.
The most enjoyable aspect of this book is the world building.
The world where this sad little orphan girl exists is a dark and mysterious one. Forests of bizarre creatures and giant mushrooms, magic beings who endlessly search for skulls, and an ever-present gloom of despair.
It’s a world that has a rich history and the story explores that history just enough to makes you understand how this melancholy existence came to be.
The gloom is broken through with moments of beauty and determination in how the little orphan girl struggles to bring hope into her situation. She finds these glimmering moments to cling to even a friend in the unlikeliest of places.
Her story was as tragic and sweet as you would find in Oliver Twist, with the macabre imagery and well-utilized fantasy violence you would find in a film like Coraline or James and the Giant Peach.
This book was a delightfully dark and macabre treat to read. So if you enjoy books, like The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman or A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket then you’re going to love this book.
In a world where morals are meaningless and dark magic runs rampant, a little girl goes to harrowing lengths to be reconnected with her loved ones.
She finds hope in the macabre doll maker who promises to fulfill her wish as long as she collects enough skulls for him from surrounding cemeteries, but many perilous obstacles stand in her way.
The most enjoyable aspect of this book is the world building.
The world where this sad little orphan girl exists is a dark and mysterious one. Forests of bizarre creatures and giant mushrooms, magic beings who endlessly search for skulls, and an ever-present gloom of despair.
It’s a world that has a rich history and the story explores that history just enough to makes you understand how this melancholy existence came to be.
The gloom is broken through with moments of beauty and determination in how the little orphan girl struggles to bring hope into her situation. She finds these glimmering moments to cling to even a friend in the unlikeliest of places.
Her story was as tragic and sweet as you would find in Oliver Twist, with the macabre imagery and well-utilized fantasy violence you would find in a film like Coraline or James and the Giant Peach.
This book was a delightfully dark and macabre treat to read. So if you enjoy books, like The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman or A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket then you’re going to love this book.
February 15, 2017
Creepy,dark and fun to read. This had somewhat of a Series of Unfortunate Events feel to it. It was perfect to read at night in bed....in the dark....
I really enjoyed thisc and already recommended it to a good friend of mine.
I really enjoyed thisc and already recommended it to a good friend of mine.
October 22, 2015
This book is a page turner. It takes you back to the old fairy tales, not the sweet Disney ones everyone knows. Lessons taught, or should I say scared into you.
In this almost fairy tale, after a little girl loses everything and the town turns from her, she follows a stranger into the woods. He tells her that he is taking her to someone who will help. Deep in the woods, that no one will enter because of the stories told, lives the doll maker. In exchange for letting the little girl stay, she has to do jobs for the doll maker. All she wants is to find her parents, but he explains they are gone but because of his powers if she does the work, he will bring them back to her. Her jobs?? Cleaning, cooking, tending the garden and oh lets not forget, go out in the middle of the night and bring him back skulls for his dolls. Besides the villagers after her for robbing the graves, she also has to deal with a violinist that controls crows.
In this almost fairy tale, after a little girl loses everything and the town turns from her, she follows a stranger into the woods. He tells her that he is taking her to someone who will help. Deep in the woods, that no one will enter because of the stories told, lives the doll maker. In exchange for letting the little girl stay, she has to do jobs for the doll maker. All she wants is to find her parents, but he explains they are gone but because of his powers if she does the work, he will bring them back to her. Her jobs?? Cleaning, cooking, tending the garden and oh lets not forget, go out in the middle of the night and bring him back skulls for his dolls. Besides the villagers after her for robbing the graves, she also has to deal with a violinist that controls crows.
November 2, 2015
The Skull Collector was a perfect Halloween time read. It was spooky, original and very fast paced. I adore the descriptive nature of the story as the author weaves a tale of Old English characters living in gloomy, impoverished villages on the perimeter of the terrifying, enchanted forest. I would dare to say that the Skull Collector is a modern approach to intermingle the poetic stylings of Edgar Allen Poe with the magically evil style of the Brothers Grimm or Washington Irving.
The relationship between the Doll Maker and the little girl is peculiar. There are moments when there is a slight hint of feeling that the Doll Maker cares for the child. However, in those moments, traces of sinister notions still linger.
The ending was a twist I did not see coming but made perfect sense once it was revealed.
Turn out your lights, hide under your covers and read this bone chilling tale with a flash light and one eye open!!!
The relationship between the Doll Maker and the little girl is peculiar. There are moments when there is a slight hint of feeling that the Doll Maker cares for the child. However, in those moments, traces of sinister notions still linger.
The ending was a twist I did not see coming but made perfect sense once it was revealed.
Turn out your lights, hide under your covers and read this bone chilling tale with a flash light and one eye open!!!
December 8, 2016
A sad, dark tale
I found this book to be a gothic tale. It seems written more for young teens than adults. The characters were interesting and sad. The story definitely held my interest, as I hoped the child would find some kindness and peace. If you enjoy gothic, this is for you. If, like me this is your first book of this type, it's a good way to see if this genre is for you. I would give this author another try.
I found this book to be a gothic tale. It seems written more for young teens than adults. The characters were interesting and sad. The story definitely held my interest, as I hoped the child would find some kindness and peace. If you enjoy gothic, this is for you. If, like me this is your first book of this type, it's a good way to see if this genre is for you. I would give this author another try.
January 8, 2017
I suppose this is what you call "bitter/sweet." A great story with a protagonist you can cheer. But with an ending that will break your heart. The antagonist got everything he deserved and that took a bit of the sadness from the end. I gave it 4 stars because I needed to read the last couple chapters over a couple times to be satisfied with the ending so I really need to give it at least half a star back
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
This story illustrates a young girl's unfortunate predicament of losing her parents and working for an eccentric old man in hopes of being reunited with them. It has a gothic and somewhat ethereal feel that reminded me of a dark (and unique) fairy tale.
April 11, 2017
Interesting premise!
A fairy tale for adults. The story reminds you of fairy tales that you read as a child. It is a very sweet story and comes with a moral. Enjoy reading, it a bittersweet fantasy.
A fairy tale for adults. The story reminds you of fairy tales that you read as a child. It is a very sweet story and comes with a moral. Enjoy reading, it a bittersweet fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews