This collection of fairy tales retold in all its politically correct glory, at first refreshing, quickly gets old and cumbersome to read. More of a statement on society’s struggle for politically correctness than creativity, but still original and worth a look. (more…)
Wen Wen 
Once Upon a Retelling: Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale
Posted August 9, 2009
This Old West-esque retelling (and continuation) of the Rapunzel is refreshing, packed with adventure, and complete with a side-kick, Jack. While this graphic book was shelved in the juvenile section, there is nothing childish about it. (more…)
Once Upon a Retelling: Fables by Bill Willingham
Posted July 26, 2009
Our beloved fairy tale characters have been pushed out of their homelands by the Adversary and are living in exile in New York City. Murder, love, war, magic and heroics doesn’t cover half of it. (more…)
Once Upon a Retelling: The Rose and the Beast by Francesca Lia Block
Posted July 12, 2009
Nine short stories retelling fairy tales with gritty, modern twists. Hit-or-miss stories, but the hits are well worth checking out.
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Once Upon a Retelling: Beauty by Robin McKinley
Posted June 28, 2009
A classic, but personally unsatisfactory, retelling of Beauty & the Beast with no bad guys.
Once Upon a Retelling: The Stepsister Scheme by Jim Hines
Posted June 14, 2009
My interest in fairy tales has led me to read a great deal of retellings of fairy tales. This is the first book in my Once Upon a Retelling review series.
Happily ever after — what a lie! The book picks up Cinderella aka Danielle’s story right after the wedding/honeymoon with an attempted assassination by one of Danielle’s stepsisters using her new found magical powers. Though Danielle survives that attack only thanks to Thalia, a supposed castle servant, she learns her prince has been kidnapped. With the Queen’s blessings, she stubbornly sets out with Thalia (who turns out to be Sleeping Beauty from the Middle East) and Snow (White) to rescue the prince. Yes, a prince needs saving, but it quickly becomes so much more complicated. (more…)