What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Ever After: A Collection of Dark Fairytale Retellings
Every story has two sides: it's high time you learned the truth.
Ten Fairytale Retellings That Will Make You Wonder If The Hero Was Truly Innocent.
Killian Wolf
Katia Kozar
JB Caine
C.J. Kavanaugh
Jessaca Willis
Erin Casey
Mercy Hollow
Adalynd Grayves
C.J. Piperata
Lannie Sheridan
This is a Charity Anthology brought to you by Grim House Publishing LLC. All proceeds of this anthology during 2023 will go to The UN Refugee Agency to help those displaced during the war in Ukraine.
Disclaimer: Previously we were going to donate to Come back Alive, but after they changed their website and some of their policies, we voted on an organization that will give money directly to families in need.
Ten Fairytale Retellings That Will Make You Wonder If The Hero Was Truly Innocent.
Killian Wolf
Katia Kozar
JB Caine
C.J. Kavanaugh
Jessaca Willis
Erin Casey
Mercy Hollow
Adalynd Grayves
C.J. Piperata
Lannie Sheridan
This is a Charity Anthology brought to you by Grim House Publishing LLC. All proceeds of this anthology during 2023 will go to The UN Refugee Agency to help those displaced during the war in Ukraine.
Disclaimer: Previously we were going to donate to Come back Alive, but after they changed their website and some of their policies, we voted on an organization that will give money directly to families in need.
- GenresRetellings
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2023
11 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Killian Wolf
22 books132 followersKillian Wolf is a Miami, FL native who enjoys pirates, rum, and skulls as much as she loves writing about dark magick and sorcerers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology and a Master of Science in Environmental Archaeology and Palaeoeconomy.
Killian writes books about obtaining magickal powers, and stepping into other dimensions. She lives in England with her husband, a tornado of a cat, and the most timid snake you'd ever meet.
When she isn't writing, you might find her at an Archaeological dig, rock climbing, or sipping on dark spiced rum while working on a painting.
Killian writes books about obtaining magickal powers, and stepping into other dimensions. She lives in England with her husband, a tornado of a cat, and the most timid snake you'd ever meet.
When she isn't writing, you might find her at an Archaeological dig, rock climbing, or sipping on dark spiced rum while working on a painting.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 28, 2023
Reaching out for a book written by an Indie author can go either way, but reading a whole anthology of stories written by unrecognized authors seemed especially risky. I was happy I took that gamble and took my time to read this collection as it turned out to be strong and mostly even in quality.
Some of the fairy tale re-tellings in the collection had a darker twist, but some of them went full grimdark. I'm picky when it comes to dark fantasy, and yet I really enjoyed the ideas explored between these covers.
My top 3 stories were:
- Rumpelstiltskin & True Love's Song. A particularly delicious interpretation of one of my favourite fairy tales.
- Every Thorn a Curse. A Beauty and the Beast is slowly becoming one big tired trope, and yet the twist in this interpretation gave me some chills.
- The Friday Fish Special. I did not know the source material and I hate fish, but the story really sucked me in.
*I received an e-ARC of this anthology thanks to the kindness of Jessaca Willis and StoryOrigin, and this is my honest opinion.
Some of the fairy tale re-tellings in the collection had a darker twist, but some of them went full grimdark. I'm picky when it comes to dark fantasy, and yet I really enjoyed the ideas explored between these covers.
My top 3 stories were:
- Rumpelstiltskin & True Love's Song. A particularly delicious interpretation of one of my favourite fairy tales.
- Every Thorn a Curse. A Beauty and the Beast is slowly becoming one big tired trope, and yet the twist in this interpretation gave me some chills.
- The Friday Fish Special. I did not know the source material and I hate fish, but the story really sucked me in.
*I received an e-ARC of this anthology thanks to the kindness of Jessaca Willis and StoryOrigin, and this is my honest opinion.
May 29, 2024
This was a bunch of short stories. Dark/Twisted fairy tales. The majority different interpretations of Red Ridding Hood. I plan on doing a spoiler free breakdown of each story to get a rating, and then averaging those ratings for a final book rating. I will do this when I have a quiet moment. Until then, I was pleased with most of the stories only one or two I didn't like the pacing or style. Some were predictable but others had decent twists. I did enjoy reading. For now until I can do that breakdown, giving a 4.
February 3, 2023
Rating: 3.75✨
Spice: 0🌶️
Before starting, I would like to thank the author Jessaca Willis for the eARC opportunity! As always, this review is voluntary and honest.
So this review is based off of Jessaca’s short story "Every Thorn A Curse" only. It is a Beauty and the Beast Meets Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde retelling.
Overall, I really liked this retelling! It was definitely DARK. And so different from any beauty and the beast retellings I’ve read before. Also, that ending?? I was not expecting it. And yet, it was such a beautiful ending. A bit tragic so it tugs on your heart strings. I wish it would’ve been a bit longer but I also feel like story had a great conclusion. It definitely prepared me for what to look forward to in the other stories in this anthology . I’m definitely looking forward to reading them in the future!
Spice: 0🌶️
Before starting, I would like to thank the author Jessaca Willis for the eARC opportunity! As always, this review is voluntary and honest.
So this review is based off of Jessaca’s short story "Every Thorn A Curse" only. It is a Beauty and the Beast Meets Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde retelling.
Overall, I really liked this retelling! It was definitely DARK. And so different from any beauty and the beast retellings I’ve read before. Also, that ending?? I was not expecting it. And yet, it was such a beautiful ending. A bit tragic so it tugs on your heart strings. I wish it would’ve been a bit longer but I also feel like story had a great conclusion. It definitely prepared me for what to look forward to in the other stories in this anthology . I’m definitely looking forward to reading them in the future!
March 4, 2023
3,5 ⭐
Wicked ever after is a collection of dark fairytale retellings from different authors. It's an anthology for a good cause. All proceeds of this anthology during 2023 will go to The UN Refugee Agency to help those displaced during the war in Ukraine.
It contains 10 retellings. I have to admit that all fairytales had nice writing and almost all of them were very interesting.
Some retellings ended on cliffhangers and they were pretty irritating, but I really liked those which ended normally. Also, I didn't know some fairytales and that was a pleasant surprise to learn more about them.
I LOVED the third fairytale, which was a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. Also, I really, REALLY, liked the last retelling. It ends on a cliffhanger because it's a preview for a whole book, which the author is going to publish later this year and I'm totally excited!
Overall, it's a nice book to spend your time with.
Wicked ever after is a collection of dark fairytale retellings from different authors. It's an anthology for a good cause. All proceeds of this anthology during 2023 will go to The UN Refugee Agency to help those displaced during the war in Ukraine.
It contains 10 retellings. I have to admit that all fairytales had nice writing and almost all of them were very interesting.
Some retellings ended on cliffhangers and they were pretty irritating, but I really liked those which ended normally. Also, I didn't know some fairytales and that was a pleasant surprise to learn more about them.
I LOVED the third fairytale, which was a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. Also, I really, REALLY, liked the last retelling. It ends on a cliffhanger because it's a preview for a whole book, which the author is going to publish later this year and I'm totally excited!
Overall, it's a nice book to spend your time with.
February 11, 2023
*I received an ARC of this collection from StoryOrigin and am leaving a review voluntarily.*
If you like your fairytale retellings deliciously dark, you’re in for a real treat with Wicked Ever After!
Such a fun collection of short but sweet stories, each with their own twist on some of the classics we grew up loving. I would challenge you not to start and finish this the same day, as I personally found it difficult to stop reading once I’d started.
For me, this a highly recommend!
If you like your fairytale retellings deliciously dark, you’re in for a real treat with Wicked Ever After!
Such a fun collection of short but sweet stories, each with their own twist on some of the classics we grew up loving. I would challenge you not to start and finish this the same day, as I personally found it difficult to stop reading once I’d started.
For me, this a highly recommend!
February 18, 2023
Deliciously dark retellings of our favourite fairy tales and folklore! Seriously, amazing!! Unforgivably dark and intriguing - the kind of stories that you love even though you know they don't have a "happy ever after" ending, even when they are dark and at times a bit gruesome.
Yes - the best way to describe these retellings is simply - deliciously dark and captivating!
Yes - the best way to describe these retellings is simply - deliciously dark and captivating!
June 9, 2023
If you like villain genesis stories or ever wondered if maybe the heroes are not quite goody-goody, you’ll love this set!
A fab charity set of 10 YA retellings that’ll make you wonder if the heros were truly innocent. There are 3 very different Red Iriding Hood and 2 Rumple retellings in there. Well woth the read. Charitable efforts to collect donations for families displaced during the Ukranian war.
Stories listed as per wicked brilliance:
5/5⭐️The Friday Fish Special by Katia Kozar - a rare Fish & a Ring retelling - modern urban - 17yoAlicia is working as a cook specializing in fish in her mother’s restaurant and takes rich boy Eli on to train. Awww, short and sweet. Fish episode reminded me of the Tin Soldier, but with a sweet HEA.
5/5⭐️Cloak of Scarlett & Shadows by Killian Wolf - jarring but brill Red Riding Hood retelling where you suspect who the villain is, but it still chills you. After the death of her parents, Rowan has been taught to hunt lycans by her gran. When she kills one alpha and meets the next, things turn interesting. I loved the magic cloak that hides smells! But you’d have to think - why did the gra give Red a red cloak to hunt lycans, I mean it’s not exactly inconspicuous. I loved how this tale was twisted on its head, even tho it veered into horror - one of the better Red retellings I’ve read lately!
5/5⭐️Rumplestiltskin & True Love’s Song by C.J.Piperata - a Rumple retelling - Arianna’s father has a gambling and lying problem. Obviously. Ever thought why Rumple told he’d be back in a year and requested a child from the miller’s daughter? Loved this twisty retelling with a HEA. Y’all know Rumple was fae, right?
5/5⭐️A FAEted Encounter by Lannie Sheridan - Robber Bridegroom retelling - Tammiriel is courted by Callum who lives near Unseelie territory while her friend Moiria cautions her against this future bridegroom. Loved it! Especially the hopeful ending that seemed from a different story that started somewhere else.
5/5⭐️Red Moon by Erin Casey - a 3rd Red retelling with sapphic hints - Carden goes through a carnivorous forest to get help from her gran. Ever wondered how come the Huntsman conveniently passed by the gran’s hut & what he was really doing in the forest? What if it wasn’t the wolf young maidens needed to worry about?
5/5⭐️ The Greedy Goblin by Mercy Hollow - another Rumole retelling, this one…in reverse! Tom Stiltskin is a barrel maker and he meets the charming miller’s daughter before the new king’s guards drag her off. I didn’t see the ending coming, quite stirring.
4.5/5⭐️The Hidden Soul Beneath by JB Baine - Little Mermaid retelling - as a 16th bday pressie to herself, Lorelei decides to meet up with a human prince she has secretly loved for awhile…in animal form. A tale of unilateral affection from Lorelei as well as Erick and a love triangle at that. Her wish to save him and the price he has to pay for it were terrible, but brill.
4/5⭐️Of Magic & Mystery by C.J.Kavanaugh - another Red Riding Hood retelling in the vein of Red movie with Amanda Siegfried - Red’s adoptive gran has been hiding something from her - a curse that would manifest itself on Rubvia’s 16th birthday. Gran’s lies were left somewhat sparsely unexplained for my taste.
4/5⭐️ Every Thorn a Curse by Jessaca Willis - Belle&Beast horror story - Belladonna is a book binder while Gaston…pardon me Gastile is a rich criminal who digs up corpses for science. Bell refuses to marry Gastile, flees to the woods, finds a manor and considers this a fresh start, except it isn’t. A jarring tale where Gastile is actually a good guy and there’s no HEA for Bell.
4/5⭐️Mirror, Mirror by Adalynd Grayves - a Snow White retelling - Snow’s mother takes her life and injures infant Snow - who’s to blame - Ingrid, her closest friend who takes her place beside the King or a being inside the magical object we remember from that story? The cliffhanger ending left all things open, I’d have preferred a story with finished arcs.
Recommended for lovers of dark YA fairytale retellings.
Trigger warnings tho: cannibalism; death by hanging; suicide.
A fab charity set of 10 YA retellings that’ll make you wonder if the heros were truly innocent. There are 3 very different Red Iriding Hood and 2 Rumple retellings in there. Well woth the read. Charitable efforts to collect donations for families displaced during the Ukranian war.
Stories listed as per wicked brilliance:
5/5⭐️The Friday Fish Special by Katia Kozar - a rare Fish & a Ring retelling - modern urban - 17yoAlicia is working as a cook specializing in fish in her mother’s restaurant and takes rich boy Eli on to train. Awww, short and sweet. Fish episode reminded me of the Tin Soldier, but with a sweet HEA.
5/5⭐️Cloak of Scarlett & Shadows by Killian Wolf - jarring but brill Red Riding Hood retelling where you suspect who the villain is, but it still chills you. After the death of her parents, Rowan has been taught to hunt lycans by her gran. When she kills one alpha and meets the next, things turn interesting. I loved the magic cloak that hides smells! But you’d have to think - why did the gra give Red a red cloak to hunt lycans, I mean it’s not exactly inconspicuous. I loved how this tale was twisted on its head, even tho it veered into horror - one of the better Red retellings I’ve read lately!
5/5⭐️Rumplestiltskin & True Love’s Song by C.J.Piperata - a Rumple retelling - Arianna’s father has a gambling and lying problem. Obviously. Ever thought why Rumple told he’d be back in a year and requested a child from the miller’s daughter? Loved this twisty retelling with a HEA. Y’all know Rumple was fae, right?
5/5⭐️A FAEted Encounter by Lannie Sheridan - Robber Bridegroom retelling - Tammiriel is courted by Callum who lives near Unseelie territory while her friend Moiria cautions her against this future bridegroom. Loved it! Especially the hopeful ending that seemed from a different story that started somewhere else.
5/5⭐️Red Moon by Erin Casey - a 3rd Red retelling with sapphic hints - Carden goes through a carnivorous forest to get help from her gran. Ever wondered how come the Huntsman conveniently passed by the gran’s hut & what he was really doing in the forest? What if it wasn’t the wolf young maidens needed to worry about?
5/5⭐️ The Greedy Goblin by Mercy Hollow - another Rumole retelling, this one…in reverse! Tom Stiltskin is a barrel maker and he meets the charming miller’s daughter before the new king’s guards drag her off. I didn’t see the ending coming, quite stirring.
4.5/5⭐️The Hidden Soul Beneath by JB Baine - Little Mermaid retelling - as a 16th bday pressie to herself, Lorelei decides to meet up with a human prince she has secretly loved for awhile…in animal form. A tale of unilateral affection from Lorelei as well as Erick and a love triangle at that. Her wish to save him and the price he has to pay for it were terrible, but brill.
4/5⭐️Of Magic & Mystery by C.J.Kavanaugh - another Red Riding Hood retelling in the vein of Red movie with Amanda Siegfried - Red’s adoptive gran has been hiding something from her - a curse that would manifest itself on Rubvia’s 16th birthday. Gran’s lies were left somewhat sparsely unexplained for my taste.
4/5⭐️ Every Thorn a Curse by Jessaca Willis - Belle&Beast horror story - Belladonna is a book binder while Gaston…pardon me Gastile is a rich criminal who digs up corpses for science. Bell refuses to marry Gastile, flees to the woods, finds a manor and considers this a fresh start, except it isn’t. A jarring tale where Gastile is actually a good guy and there’s no HEA for Bell.
4/5⭐️Mirror, Mirror by Adalynd Grayves - a Snow White retelling - Snow’s mother takes her life and injures infant Snow - who’s to blame - Ingrid, her closest friend who takes her place beside the King or a being inside the magical object we remember from that story? The cliffhanger ending left all things open, I’d have preferred a story with finished arcs.
Recommended for lovers of dark YA fairytale retellings.
Trigger warnings tho: cannibalism; death by hanging; suicide.
February 11, 2023
Thank you to Jessaca Willis for the ecopy of this Anthology. As always my review is of my own opinion.
I really enjoyed this Wicked Ever After, it had a great selection of short stories and I really enjoyed them all.
I've reviewed as few of the stories separately.
Every thorn a curse - Jessaca Willis
Every Thorn A Curse is a Beauty and The Beast retelling and one that I was really looking forward to reading.
This started off as the typical Beauty and The Beast tale, Gastile Roche wanting to marry the beautiful Belladonna.
Belladonna wanting much more to life.
For me that is where the similarities end, I went into this short story thinking I knew where this story was going and I definitely knew how it ends. How much more could I have been wrong? Like totally wrong. Without spoiling this marvellous tale let me tell you this twist to a classic tale is one that isn't expected and it's bloody marvelous.
Now onto the writing and style, I feel as with Jessaca Willis' other novels there is a simple form to the writing that just captures you from the beginning. The build up to big twists are filled with suspense.
I just love this style of writing and found myself immersed into the story.
As I said above the twist had me gasping and the ending, well my flabber is truly gasted! I did not see that coming! What an excellent short story!
The Friday Fish Special - Katia Kozar
The Friday Fish Special is a Fish and The Ring retelling, first off let me just say that I have no idea what that story is, So I just enjoyed this story without any comparison and just for what it was. A nice little love story where the not so nice guy got what he deserves at the end.
I enjoyed this little story, it was written well and it had a Romeo and Juliet feel to it - two lovers different sides of the tracks kinda thing.
I kinda laughed at the end where the main characters triumphed, it was almost a moment of woohoo!
I'm all for a happy ending.
The Hidden Soul Beneath - JB Caine
The Hidden Soul Beneath is a Little Mermaid retelling and another one that I was really looking forward to reading.
This mermaid is called Lorelei and our love interest is Erick who is celebrating his 18th in a few days and doesn't want to become King.
Without giving spoilers this story is dark and not mermaid dark. I honest to god sat reading this with my mouth open in shock and horror. I absolutely loved it though! The twist on this story was brilliant and obviously not expected. I love that everything comes with a price and though I'm usually one for a happy ending, I found myself rather pleased if shocked... Happily shocked... with this ending!
I really enjoyed this Wicked Ever After, it had a great selection of short stories and I really enjoyed them all.
I've reviewed as few of the stories separately.
Every thorn a curse - Jessaca Willis
Every Thorn A Curse is a Beauty and The Beast retelling and one that I was really looking forward to reading.
This started off as the typical Beauty and The Beast tale, Gastile Roche wanting to marry the beautiful Belladonna.
Belladonna wanting much more to life.
For me that is where the similarities end, I went into this short story thinking I knew where this story was going and I definitely knew how it ends. How much more could I have been wrong? Like totally wrong. Without spoiling this marvellous tale let me tell you this twist to a classic tale is one that isn't expected and it's bloody marvelous.
Now onto the writing and style, I feel as with Jessaca Willis' other novels there is a simple form to the writing that just captures you from the beginning. The build up to big twists are filled with suspense.
I just love this style of writing and found myself immersed into the story.
As I said above the twist had me gasping and the ending, well my flabber is truly gasted! I did not see that coming! What an excellent short story!
The Friday Fish Special - Katia Kozar
The Friday Fish Special is a Fish and The Ring retelling, first off let me just say that I have no idea what that story is, So I just enjoyed this story without any comparison and just for what it was. A nice little love story where the not so nice guy got what he deserves at the end.
I enjoyed this little story, it was written well and it had a Romeo and Juliet feel to it - two lovers different sides of the tracks kinda thing.
I kinda laughed at the end where the main characters triumphed, it was almost a moment of woohoo!
I'm all for a happy ending.
The Hidden Soul Beneath - JB Caine
The Hidden Soul Beneath is a Little Mermaid retelling and another one that I was really looking forward to reading.
This mermaid is called Lorelei and our love interest is Erick who is celebrating his 18th in a few days and doesn't want to become King.
Without giving spoilers this story is dark and not mermaid dark. I honest to god sat reading this with my mouth open in shock and horror. I absolutely loved it though! The twist on this story was brilliant and obviously not expected. I love that everything comes with a price and though I'm usually one for a happy ending, I found myself rather pleased if shocked... Happily shocked... with this ending!
March 23, 2023
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
⮞ Cloak of Scarlett and Shadows ⮞
This was a quick and fast paced read and I got so invested into the story and I really, really wish the author would continue this story somewhere if she hasn't because this was such a great beginning of something more bigger. This was definitely an amazing Red Riding Hood retelling and I'd love to read a continuation from it.
⮞ Every Thorn A Curse ⮞
This one caught me from the very beginning and the end left me speechless. I legit didn't want to read anymore for at least a day because the ending made me rethink everything I've read and try and figure out what I've actually read. I'd love to see a continuation of this story and see where things might go. The details of the transformation were dark and gruesome and I've enjoyed them so much.
⮞ Rumpelstilskin & True Love's Song ⮞
It was a nice fairytale, quick and fast-paced and full of adventure from the very beginning. I wasn't a very big fan of the relationship in there - especially the romantic time I felt it could've been skipped, otherwise, the story was entertaining.
⮞ Of Magic and Mystery ⮞
An entertaining retelling and I think it'd be really interesting if the story would be continued. I definitely enjoyed the curse side of things.
⮞ The Hidden Soul Beneath ⮞
An interesting life lesson with a cruel ending.
⮞ The Greedy Goblin ⮞
This was a crazy story and I loved how well MC played her cards. I'd love for this story to be continues because the MC is definitely the best villain.
⮞ Red Moon ⮞
I've enjoyed the trope of found friendship and this was another lovely retelling, I felt this was such a perfect short story with a perfect closure. It was definitely interesting to see once again the grandma being evil.
⮞ The Friday Fish Special ⮞
This was such an entertaining read and I loved it.
Follow me on my bookventure:
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Always open to read and review more books🠇
Review Policy
⮞ Cloak of Scarlett and Shadows ⮞
This was a quick and fast paced read and I got so invested into the story and I really, really wish the author would continue this story somewhere if she hasn't because this was such a great beginning of something more bigger. This was definitely an amazing Red Riding Hood retelling and I'd love to read a continuation from it.
⮞ Every Thorn A Curse ⮞
This one caught me from the very beginning and the end left me speechless. I legit didn't want to read anymore for at least a day because the ending made me rethink everything I've read and try and figure out what I've actually read. I'd love to see a continuation of this story and see where things might go. The details of the transformation were dark and gruesome and I've enjoyed them so much.
⮞ Rumpelstilskin & True Love's Song ⮞
It was a nice fairytale, quick and fast-paced and full of adventure from the very beginning. I wasn't a very big fan of the relationship in there - especially the romantic time I felt it could've been skipped, otherwise, the story was entertaining.
⮞ Of Magic and Mystery ⮞
An entertaining retelling and I think it'd be really interesting if the story would be continued. I definitely enjoyed the curse side of things.
⮞ The Hidden Soul Beneath ⮞
An interesting life lesson with a cruel ending.
⮞ The Greedy Goblin ⮞
This was a crazy story and I loved how well MC played her cards. I'd love for this story to be continues because the MC is definitely the best villain.
⮞ Red Moon ⮞
I've enjoyed the trope of found friendship and this was another lovely retelling, I felt this was such a perfect short story with a perfect closure. It was definitely interesting to see once again the grandma being evil.
⮞ The Friday Fish Special ⮞
This was such an entertaining read and I loved it.
Follow me on my bookventure:
TikTok
Always open to read and review more books🠇
Review Policy
February 25, 2023
The retellings are:
- Cloak of Scarlett and Shadows (Red Riding Hood)
- Every Thorn A Curse (Beauty and the Beast)
- Rumpelstiltskin & True Love's Song (Rumpelstiltskin)
- Of Magic And Mystery (Red Riding Hood)
- The Hidden Soul Beneath (The Little Mermaid)
- The Greedy Goblin (Rumpelstiltskin)
- Red Moon (Red Riding Hood)
- Mirror, Mirror (Snow White)
- The Friday Fish Special (Fish and the Ring)
- A FAEted Encounter (Robber Bridegroom)
The short stories are immersive and descriptive, each with their own dark spin on well-known fairytales.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
- Cloak of Scarlett and Shadows (Red Riding Hood)
- Every Thorn A Curse (Beauty and the Beast)
- Rumpelstiltskin & True Love's Song (Rumpelstiltskin)
- Of Magic And Mystery (Red Riding Hood)
- The Hidden Soul Beneath (The Little Mermaid)
- The Greedy Goblin (Rumpelstiltskin)
- Red Moon (Red Riding Hood)
- Mirror, Mirror (Snow White)
- The Friday Fish Special (Fish and the Ring)
- A FAEted Encounter (Robber Bridegroom)
The short stories are immersive and descriptive, each with their own dark spin on well-known fairytales.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
February 11, 2023
Fantastic read! I'm always in awe of how people can make old tales into something brand new! I won't give away any spoilers for anyone but it's going to be one of those cant put down and must finish reads! The perfect bedtime read.
The world, the characters all just so full of heart and personality its hard not to be sucked into it. Can't wait for another one from half the authors. Absolutely great! All the different stories one of the best Anthologies so far
The world, the characters all just so full of heart and personality its hard not to be sucked into it. Can't wait for another one from half the authors. Absolutely great! All the different stories one of the best Anthologies so far
March 1, 2023
awesome anthology !
Every thorn a curse by jessaca Willis
Wow this is one warped retelling of beauty and the beast. I loved it! There was some sadness to this short story. I felt bad for belladonna to be kind of forced to settle for someone you don’t care for . Then going to a manor and trying to run from a beast she steps into something worse . The ending was a shock. I enjoyed reading the rest of this anthology the tales were awesome.
Every thorn a curse by jessaca Willis
Wow this is one warped retelling of beauty and the beast. I loved it! There was some sadness to this short story. I felt bad for belladonna to be kind of forced to settle for someone you don’t care for . Then going to a manor and trying to run from a beast she steps into something worse . The ending was a shock. I enjoyed reading the rest of this anthology the tales were awesome.
March 7, 2023
I was kind of hesitant going on to read this after I finished the first story. It was so good, but then idk if the author was trying to hurry or what, but it switched to being the most asinine ending. I was like "are you effin kidding me?!!". It really irritated me. Thankfully all the others werent like that and I actually wanted quite a few of them to continue on. The one that stuck with me the most was the Little Mermaid retelling. It was just so effed up.
March 14, 2023
4.5 stars over all
Absolutely loved these stories and so did my kids, who are 9 and 11 for reference. I really enjoyed the twists the authors made to the fairytales we grew up reading. They were all well written and clearly edited with care. I can't wait to read more from the authors!
My top three favorites were:
1- Rumplstiltkin and True Loves Song - 5 Stars!
2- Every Thorn a Curse (Beauty and the Beast) - 5 Stars!
3- Red Moon (Red Riding Hood) - 4.5 Stars!
Absolutely loved these stories and so did my kids, who are 9 and 11 for reference. I really enjoyed the twists the authors made to the fairytales we grew up reading. They were all well written and clearly edited with care. I can't wait to read more from the authors!
My top three favorites were:
1- Rumplstiltkin and True Loves Song - 5 Stars!
2- Every Thorn a Curse (Beauty and the Beast) - 5 Stars!
3- Red Moon (Red Riding Hood) - 4.5 Stars!
March 16, 2023
A collection of authors who came together to re-work some classic tales with twists and turns. Great read overall, and while some typos could still be found in the collection as I was given an ARC in exchange for review that is not unexpected. Great fun if you are ready to play along with a turn on the classics many of us grew up with. They are probably not what you are expecting which is part of the fun!!!
February 2, 2023
This review is for Every Thorn a Curse by Jessaca Willis.
What a fantastic retelling! It definitely isn't Disney and that makes me like it soooo much more. It's less than a 30 minute read, dark and I definitely didn't see the ending coming.
Based on this short story alone, I whole heartedly recommend this anthology.
What a fantastic retelling! It definitely isn't Disney and that makes me like it soooo much more. It's less than a 30 minute read, dark and I definitely didn't see the ending coming.
Based on this short story alone, I whole heartedly recommend this anthology.
February 11, 2023
This book is made of several retellings of classic stories. They're dark and different. Most of the stories are short but they're able to tell a great story. My only complaint is how each of the endings was a sort of cliffhanger but this could be intentional to leave openings for additional stories.
February 12, 2023
This is a fantastic anthology brimming with fairy tales each one known to us but told with the authors dark and delicious spin on it and they are so good! With stories from familiar authors to me such as Killian wolf and Jessaca Willis to discovering new authors I will now have to read more from, each story is a great read, captivating and exciting and you will definitely want to read more.
February 16, 2023
This collection combines both into retellings that chill the blood. as much as I wanted to stop, I just could not put this down; the stories grabbed my attention and would not let go. Fans of supernatural horror stories should find these fairy tales riveting and chilling.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2023
This was such a fun book! It included some short stories and some short novellas, and they were all retellings of lesser-known and less-retold fairytales, which I appreciated! Some of them had happy endings, some happy for now endings, some happy endings for the villains, and some twisted endings!
January 10, 2025
3 retellings of Red Riding Hood
2 retellings of Rumpelstiltskin
1 retelling of Besty and the Beast
1 retelling of The Little Mermaid
1 retelling of Snow white
1 retelling of Robber Bridegroom
1 retelling of Fish and The Ring
2 retellings of Rumpelstiltskin
1 retelling of Besty and the Beast
1 retelling of The Little Mermaid
1 retelling of Snow white
1 retelling of Robber Bridegroom
1 retelling of Fish and The Ring
February 14, 2023
An amazing story of retelling of fairytales and folklore. A different twist to make you want more. Will they get a HEA, who knows. Binge reading is a must.
February 14, 2023
A fun collection of twists, really enjoyed reading them all and getting to see so many different authors takes!
March 1, 2023
An anthology of ten reimagined fairytales.
Several stories read more like “teasers.”
Three are versions of Rumplestiltskin.
Several stories read more like “teasers.”
Three are versions of Rumplestiltskin.
December 26, 2024
All of the stories in this anthology were good. My favorites were Killian Wolf's Cloak of Scarlett and Shadows, and Lannie Sheridan's A Faeted Encounter.
September 19, 2025
This is a collection of 10 different stories. They were all very good over all though I have 3 favourites. I do recommend reading
June 17, 2023
Title: Wicked Ever After
Author: Multiple Authors
Release Date: February 10th, 2023
Page Count: 286
Format: Ebook/Paperback
Start Date: April 1st, 2023
Finish Date: May 22nd, 2023
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This is a collection of short stories by ten different authors. They are all retellings of a variety of stories that we all know and love. They all give a different perspective of each of the stories. I really enjoyed them all. I did have some small issues with some of them. I felt like some of the stories weren't really finished. They just felt like an incomplete thought. I also feel like the authors should have gotten together and discussed the stories that they were doing. I just feel like there would have been more of a variety that way. I think it's important to note that this isn't saying that any of these stories are bad. I just feel like there could have been some touches that would have made the stories popped more. I do love the fact that the proceeds of this anthology goes to a charity. It's also a wonderful way to get a glimpse of each of the author's writing. My favorite story is the last one.
Author: Multiple Authors
Release Date: February 10th, 2023
Page Count: 286
Format: Ebook/Paperback
Start Date: April 1st, 2023
Finish Date: May 22nd, 2023
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This is a collection of short stories by ten different authors. They are all retellings of a variety of stories that we all know and love. They all give a different perspective of each of the stories. I really enjoyed them all. I did have some small issues with some of them. I felt like some of the stories weren't really finished. They just felt like an incomplete thought. I also feel like the authors should have gotten together and discussed the stories that they were doing. I just feel like there would have been more of a variety that way. I think it's important to note that this isn't saying that any of these stories are bad. I just feel like there could have been some touches that would have made the stories popped more. I do love the fact that the proceeds of this anthology goes to a charity. It's also a wonderful way to get a glimpse of each of the author's writing. My favorite story is the last one.
June 18, 2023
‘Every story has two sides: it's high time you learned the truth.’
LOVE folk & fairy tale retellings – this is one of the best. I’ll add more reviews later. A great way to find "new-to-you" authors.
Reviews:
*Cloak of Scarlett and Shadows - Killian Wolf
‘Kick ‘em when they’re down. Sympathy for none.’ says the leather-clad Granny with a crossbow, ready to take out the wolf pack.
*Every Thorn A Curse - Jessaca Willis
Mash-up of Beauty & the Beast and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
A strong female who takes her life choices in her own hands.
*Rumpelstiltskin & True Love’s Song - C.J. Piperata
Powerful message for today’s females:
‘A woman of your mind does not need to remove her clothes. Use your mind.’
*Of Magic and Mystery - C.J. Kavanaugh
‘Different is dangerous’
And so is dishonesty…
*The Hidden Soul Beneath - JB Caine
A whole new meaning to “be careful what you ask for”
Don’t let your heart beat your brain into submission
*The Greedy Goblin - Mercy Hollow
Single malt is the best cure to ‘drown the kingdom’s woes’
Waaaay twisted!!!
*Red Moon - Erin Casey
Do not enter the woods unarmed
Listen to the wolf in sheep’s clothing
*Mirror, Mirror - Adalynd Grayves
The truth is darker than fiction
*The Friday Fish Special - Katia Kozar
‘My love language is food’
*A FAEted Encounter - Lannie Sherida
Don’t lose yourself for affection
LOVE folk & fairy tale retellings – this is one of the best. I’ll add more reviews later. A great way to find "new-to-you" authors.
Reviews:
*Cloak of Scarlett and Shadows - Killian Wolf
‘Kick ‘em when they’re down. Sympathy for none.’ says the leather-clad Granny with a crossbow, ready to take out the wolf pack.
*Every Thorn A Curse - Jessaca Willis
Mash-up of Beauty & the Beast and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
A strong female who takes her life choices in her own hands.
*Rumpelstiltskin & True Love’s Song - C.J. Piperata
Powerful message for today’s females:
‘A woman of your mind does not need to remove her clothes. Use your mind.’
*Of Magic and Mystery - C.J. Kavanaugh
‘Different is dangerous’
And so is dishonesty…
*The Hidden Soul Beneath - JB Caine
A whole new meaning to “be careful what you ask for”
Don’t let your heart beat your brain into submission
*The Greedy Goblin - Mercy Hollow
Single malt is the best cure to ‘drown the kingdom’s woes’
Waaaay twisted!!!
*Red Moon - Erin Casey
Do not enter the woods unarmed
Listen to the wolf in sheep’s clothing
*Mirror, Mirror - Adalynd Grayves
The truth is darker than fiction
*The Friday Fish Special - Katia Kozar
‘My love language is food’
*A FAEted Encounter - Lannie Sherida
Don’t lose yourself for affection
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews