Review: Not really damsels in distress,
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 31, 2012
I adore fairytales, especially those retold. It's always interesting to see the different takes on these classic stories. One of my favorites is Rose and the Beast by Francesca Lia Block, which had a much darker side. And so I was pleasantly surprised by the darkness of these fairytales.  Often we think of Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Cinderella and others as victims. However, Lucy Pireel takes these characters and transforms them into the bad guys. Who can hate the Big Bad Wolf when Red is on her way to becoming a home wrecker? And what about Cinderella, who seeks out revenge on her father and sisters? Snow White is a drug dealer who seeks to return home, but is not welcome. And let's not forget about Rumpelstiltskin...and his wicked deals, but perhaps some people deserves the tricks he plays?These short stories are fast paced and easily read. Rosie, AKA Red, meets up with her friends to hear all about their great news. Jealous, she seeks out one of her friends boyfriends, and bribes him. She finds more than what she bargained for. Cinderella seeks freedom at any cost, but she doesn't realize what that price is. Snow White has broken her fathers heart in dealing "euphoria" and is banished from home, where she meets little men whom she lives with. These men she demands and bosses around. Rumpelstiltskin, well, he may not be that bad after all.If you enjoy fairy tales, especially those with a twist, I recommend this short collection of stories. It's fun, easy read, and it puts a spin on classic tales that we all love.