Who doesn’t like a twisty fairytale, and could use a bit of comic relief these days?

What to Expect

Sixteen re-telling of classic stories, from The Frog Prince to Alice and Wonderland. These aren’t your traditional versions, but tongue-in-cheek wild twists, rife with pop-culture references. They are funny with mildly risqué humour, and are sure to bring a chuckle.

Expects twists like Hansel & Gretel being very good at navigation as they try to rescue their brother Charlie (who loves chocolates), or Maryanne who get mistaken for a Princess and tested by sleeping on a Pea (luckily she’s a mind-reader, which makes navigating that court easier).

What I liked

I loved Barak’s turns of phrase and way of building surprising descriptions. Her imagination is riotous, and yet even the raunchy subtext feels light and wholesome. In the spirit of the originals, there are some lessons one can learn about life as well.

I loved how the tales flows into one another, and characters from one story reappear in the background of others. In particular, the magic mirror deserves a place of honour. Snow White, for example, was quite ugly which is why the mirror was such a tease telling the queen she was the fairest.

Felix’s and Jack’s Reviews

Both Felix and Jack are familiar with the classics, of course, and both tremendously enjoyed the new take. Felix appreciated the modern humour and references, and Felix in particular appreciated the twists of keeping characters moving from one story to the next.

Summary

It’s funny, modern, risqué-yet-wholesome, and turns the old legends into stories relevant to the modern adult reader. Highly recommended.

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Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.

Come meet Felix and Jack on the free short stories and novels!