Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun
Cornelia Funke and Guillermo del Toro
8.5
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This enthralling novel, inspired by the 2006 film, illustrates that fantasy is the sharpest tool to...
Miss Havisham Says Yes
8.0
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Kind-hearted redhead Cindi has a lot on her mind: Gran, college exams, bills, and what to wear at...
Contemporary FF Romance LGBTQIA+
The Women of Troy
9.0
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Following her bestselling, critically acclaimed The Silence of the Girls, Pat Barker continues her...
Mythology Greek Mythology Folk Tales Myths and Fairy Tales
postapocalypticplayground (27 KP) rated The Hazel Wood in Books
Feb 28, 2018
To retrieve her mother, Alice must venture first to the Hazel Wood, then into the world where her grandmother's tales began . . ."
I'm not to sure how to start with this review. I found The Hazel Wood a real book of 2 halves, one half was very contemporary and not what I would have traditionally expected from a fantasy whereas the other was dark, twisted and incredibly chilling to read at times. I found that not only did I feel this way with the story but also with the characters too. I struggled immensely with the main protagonist Alice, I really couldn't warm to her at all and given her character arc perhaps there is good reason for her being written that way. Whilst she has clearly had to build up walls from the nomadic existence she has had with her mother, I just found her very frustrating in her manner. Juxtaposed with Ellery Finch, her partner in crime of sorts, it really brings out her brattish qualities. Ellery is fabulous though and despite his privilege and flaws I just really enjoyed his character. His fanboy status in relation to the book written by Alice's grandmother also gives us an insight into a few of the dark stories themselves, as he re-tells them to Alice in his own words.
For me the contemporary element was a bit too overwhelming, the breadcrumbs had to be laid and followed in true Hansel and Gretel style but I felt that it took a bit too long to get to where it needed to go. However, when it reached that point I really started to enjoy it more, the pace picked up and I got a sense of both excitement and dread as I was reading. The story telling becomes darker and you know you are very much in the Grimm fairy tale camp rather than Disney. Tricks and twists are plenty as Alice tries to fulfil an almost prophetic course to an ending which isn't quite what you may be expecting.
Whilst I enjoyed it immensely in places, at times I found it a bit of a slog - I need more fantasy in my fantasy. I think it would have been lovely as well to actually have more of the "Tales from the Hinterland" stories within the book as I feel that could have really added an extra dimension to the latter part of the story. From me, The Hazel Wood gets 3*
Merissa (13255 KP) rated Princess of Athelia (Unfinished Fairy Tales #1.5) in Books
May 8, 2023
Kat is still bumbling her way through the atrocities of royal etiquette, in equal parts both charming and horrifying the court and the members of parliament. I love this about Kat - she is learning that things she took for granted could have a real impact here. Her heart is in the right place, and Edward is certainly keeping it safe for you.
I loved the insight into their relationship before they got engaged or married, although I'm not sure if I would be as strong as Kat is and be able to have a happy face on considering that she knows that she will have to leave when they get married.
Well-written and smoothly paced, this took me right back to the joys and woes of Athelia. Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to Ever After.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 8, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The year’s best Fantasy and Horrror 2006 19th annual collection in Books
Dec 19, 2021
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The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror 19th annual collection
An anthology of stories edited by Ellen Datlow, Gavin J Grant and Kelly Link
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The legendary anthology is back, with witches and warlocks, fairy rings and gothic tales. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 presents the best short stories and poetry published in this genre, and takes readers into the most fantastic realms imaginable. Culled from thousands of annuals, acclaimed writers and genre specialists Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant offer a broad range of fantastical and horrific fiction, including work from Jeffery Ford, China Miville, Bruce Sterling, Mark Samuels, Barbara Rhoden and many more. In addition, this critically renowned series offers an extensive overview of the year in fantasy and horror. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 is the best source for fans or nascent readers of fantasy and horror.
There weren’t many that I actually enjoyed reading if I’m completely honest. Loved Adam Nevill’s short but this is one I’ve read a few times. These are great for finding authors I have a few on my tbr list now. Overall it was very average.
Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1)
10.0
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Blossom Frane is only weeks away from her transformation. On her eighteenth birthday, she’ll find...
Paranormal Romance Fairy tale Retelling
Crimson Jewel
9.0
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A Deadly Game of Dating. Choose One. FEE. FIE. FOE. FUM. Bea spends her days fighting to stay...
Post Apocalyptic Dystopian Fantasy Romance
The Mad, Bad Duke (Nvengaria, #2)
10.0
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London, 1820 Miss Meagan Tavistock doesn’t believe the talisman her friend purchases from a...