Book Review--Once: Six Historically inspired Fairytales

 Through My Window

Overall, an excellent collection!! I was so excited to read this set of stories and I was not disappointed!

The Mountain of the Wolf--5 stars--This western completely transported me back to that rugged time era and I eagerly rode alongside our hero and heroine to unravel a mystery and see justice done. Buuuuut.....for the life of me, once I was done, I had *noooo* idea which fairytale I had just read a retelling of. It wasn't till a few hours later that I was like, "OH.....duh....the answer is in the title" Still, even though I did eventually recognize it, it was a very subtle background tone.

She But Sleepth--3 stars--weeeell.....I was a little thrown off by the heroine of the tale and got disgruntled by several turns in the story, especially the ending. But it was very cool to read about the true historical legend....its such a strange sad one and perfectly fitting for a Sleeping Beauty retelling.

Rumbled---4 stars---I liked the voice of this tale and it is certainly an exciting new setting on the classic tale. However, it is still very much like the original which is great but also.....well, frustrating for those who found the original frustrating. But it was also more deeply and emotionally explored.

Sweet Remembrance--5 stars--This. is. so. sad. Anyone who has read or watched The Little Match Girl already knows its sad. But have that girl grow up a bit, throw in a tragic love story, and set the story in the world of Polish Jew ghettos under the cruelty of the Nazi.... and yeah.....you get a reeeeally sad story. But also, it is touched with the eternal hope that lights up even the darkest places.

Death Be Not Proud--3 stars--I certainly loved the authentic and surprising feel to this era. But the tale was a murder mystery and I'm not incredibly fond of murder mystery. It also likes to completely leave out important parts until later so you are mislead on what is actually happening. Aaaaand while I love that in movies and in certain books, I got confused by this one. Possibly because I was reading too fast, lol. (Come on, how are you supposed to read slow in a murder mystery?)

With Blossoms Gold--5 stars--So I am already a very big fan of Hayden Wand. 90% of the reason I bought this book was so that I could read this story at the end. Which is why I read the story first. And of course, I loved it! Sweetly written, epically fraught, satisfyingly paced and concluded! A work of storytelling art!