Fairy Tale for Adults
938715
I really enjoyed The Wishing Coin, it gives the reader a warm feeling at the end of

I really enjoyed this tale, it leaves the reader with a warm feeling at the conclusion. Super Read.
3573739
The tune from the Disney version of the Fairy Tale croons in my ears as I read the blub for this story. I love twists on Fairy Tales and Cinderella is a classic. Except this one doesnt want to get marriedand shes not a poor scullery maid.
Interesting.

I love Charlie (aka Cinderella) from the instant she steps out of the cab into the rain. Shes no pitiful poor-me, covered-in-ashes, awaiting her fairy God-mother version thats for sure. Shes a quip-cracking, spit-fire with a head on her shoulders, talent in her fingers, a dream in her heartand a pair of red shoes.
With tongue-in-cheek story telling (Kings, Royals, and the main male lead with the nickname of Prince Charming) the author launches into a humorous light read that isn't easy to put down. The characters are given a contemporary makeover, (figuratively as well as literally) and are pleasingly three dimensional. Yes even the wicked step-mother who, while I don't agree with her reasoning or her greed, gets to be a real person and not totally a villain for the sake of being a villain...mostly. (Shes still a villain and winner of the not a very nice person award, so she gets the part.)

I enjoyed the fact that the story doesn't waste time with copious amounts of sex-scenes and just gets on with the story. Thats not to say there isn't the sexual tension that a romance novel is famous forthere is. And poor Alex (aka Prince Charming) is not a saint.

In my opinion, there is only one point of contention within the story and thats the decision Alex makes (on his own!) for the solution to their problems. That decision came out of nowhere, with not even his thoughts (as written by the author) to give a foretelling of the bombshell. It made the climax a little stiff, but apart from that minute stumble, the story was brilliant, well-written and well-executed.

I also love, that like all good fairy tales, there is a moral to this story. A warning to ensure that the dream we have and are working towards is, in fact, our dreamand not a dream we inherited from others.

And there is even a taste of Book 2 in the series Waking Sleeping Beauty at the end of this story. While Im not off to find any sort of wizard, I am off to find the second bookand I hear tell  there is a third.
465709
The description for this book stated that "Fairy tales aren't just for children anymore!" I feel that the author definitely meant this fairy tale for children.

Throughout the book the author interrupts the story to give vocabulary lessons or thoughts on the fairytale genre. As an adult, I found this pretty annoying and unnecessary. I didn't need to be told that when characters were retiring for the night it meant they were going to bed.
Getting past the interruptions, the story wasn't bad. There was a lot of humor and likeable characters. I would be comfortable letting my child read this story alone.

I felt that the character of Prince Rupert was the most well developed and real person in the story. He seemed to be very intelligent and understanding.
The title character of Princess Paisley seemed to lack maturity and depth. She is supposed to be 21 years old but seemed more like a young teenager. She was very independent, so much so that I didn't feel that she truly cared or connected with much or anyone. Her reaction to the events of the story didn't seem very realistic. It was great that the princess wasn't a carbon copy of every other princess and only interested in clothes and boys though.
The villain's plot didn't make much sense but it also wasn't the major problem that the main character's wrestled with in the story.

The religious elements felt like they were thrown in but not an integral part of the characters or plot.
3241422
I was attracted by the cover of this book. I took a vacation to Maui last year and loved it so the title drew me in. This book is an adult fairy tale- think Cinderella gets a second chance after her first prince turns out to be a frog after all. Two women, friends and moms, struggle with their marriages. They decide to escape their rural Michigan town with a vacation in Maui. Enter a tall handsome stranger. This book addresses issues many women face in a light humorous manner.
149772
"My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales" is a collection of fairy-tales for adults who haven't lost their child-like wonder in the world. The authors and their tales are of myriad variety, but all bring a new twist on a fairy tale you may know by heart. Please suspend belief and join these authors in a trip through the looking glass. One thing to keep in mind - the new fairy tales don't follow the source material to the letter and are all the better because of it.
4496349
The blame should fall upon me, mostly, because I mistakenly thought this book was a badass fantasy for adults. I prefer my characters to have foul mouths and brutal scenes during battles, etc.

This book is fine for young people. When I first started reading it, I only got a few paragraphs before saying to myself, "Is this a kid's book?" The language is very simple, there's no cussing, nothing adult about it. It reads like a fairy tale.  I made it half way through the book before putting it down with a sigh.

Nothing against this author, it's a fine book and has fun ideas. It's just not what I expected or wanted, that's all.
4415544
Stardust is a genuine faerie tale for adults filled with extraordinary tales of unicorns, falling stars, witches, pirates, ghosts and, of course, romance. Fans of The Princess Bride will appreciate the droll sense of humor and nod to the absurd. It's a bit bawdy in places with a hint of The Canterbury Tales, but it's magical, adventurous, and unexpected. Great fun! Recommended for anyone who loves fairy tales.

Favorite words:

soporific
kirtle
plangent

Quotes:

"The squirrel has not yet found the acorn that will grow into the oak that will be cut to form the cradle of the babe who will grow to slay me" (p. 131).

"There is something about riding a unicorn, for those people who still can, which is unlike any other experience: exhilarating and intoxicating and fine" (p. 139).

"You are young and in love," said Primus. "Every young man in your position is the most miserable young man who ever lived" (p. 163).

"It has occasionally been remarked upon that is as easy to overlook something large and obvious as it is to overlook something small and niggling..." (p. 229).
154293
I have to say this is one of the best "new" fairy tales I've read in years. And being a hopeless dragonfly-lover, I particularly enjoyed the Princess in the story having dragonfly wings which she could sprout at will when she felt the urge to fly.  (Would that we all could sprout dragonfly wings!)  The original illustrations were refreshing and the moral of the story was perfect for adults and children of all ages.  I plan to pass this book along to my grandchildren to read.

If you're looking for a fairy tale with an excellent moral that isn't the same old, same old, then this book is for you!!  I hope Mr. Gorfien plans to write more stories similar to this one.
2723036
This is a beautiful tale for children and adults alike, with illustrations that draw you into the story.
2297375
Growing up, a long, long time ago, I cut my teeth on fairytales.  I have often felt we needed more of them, not only for our children and grandchildren, but for our own enjoyment.  I must admit, many of the tales presented by the Brothers Grimm, read to me in my youth by my mother, scared me half silly, being a child with an over active imagination. (Actually, not much has changed over the years in this area).  No fear here though.  This is a delightful tale of love, friendship and the magic that is in all of us.  This is a point well made in the story.  Most, if not all, of us have that magic in us, we have it around us and it is ours to have for the taking if we just look in the right places.  This little story points that out in an absolutely delightful way.  The author's mellow syntax is an absolute delight to read and I did not find one page that did not leave plenty of room for discussion with your child or grandchild as the book is being read.  I must admit to have greatly enjoyed the style of the illustrator also, Janet Mattison-Prise.  It was executed in a manner that I find particularly pleasing.  This book, as others have pointed out, is a great bed time book or a rainy afternoon book.  I hardly think you could go wrong.  The story is pretty straight forward, the lessons learned by the little prince are quite worthwhile and it does foster the imagination.  What more could you want?  Recommend this one highly. I do hope this author gives us more of the same in the future.
2716086
One of my favorite fairy tales is Beauty and the Beast and I adore the original tale by the Brothers' Grimm. The illustrations renew the story, despite the fact I've read it several times. Definitely good for all ages.
2139445
I loved fairy tales as a child, and would spend hours pouring through the original Hans Christian Anderson and Brothers Grimm I found in my mom's study. These stories were very dark and years too old and mature for me, but I didn't care. Now, as an adult, I'm still hooked on the growing genre of novels that seek to recreate and pay homage to these childhood tales. Beastly is a great example -- a modernization of Beauty and the Beast told from the perspective of the Beast, a 15-year-old boy that's been turned into a monster by an enchantress because of his ugly-on-the-inside behavior and his focus on physical beauty.

The book follows Kyle Kingsley through his transformation over the course of two years, which he spends in solitude reading and becoming a real person. In the course of this, the story recreates the key plot points of the original fairy tale. The best needs to find a girl to love him and share a kiss of true love within two years -- a tall task when you're covered in fur. One night, a drug addict crashes into the Beast's brownstone to rob him, and when he's caught, offers to give his 16-year-old daughter to the Beast as a companion. The girl turns out to be a shy scholarship student at Kyle's former school, and of course, they do eventually fall in love and get their happy ever after.

This is a fun and fast read that fairy tale lovers of any age will enjoy. My favorite modern element added to the story was chat transcripts with other mythological beings -- funny stuff.
2844372
I loved this story. The poetry and style of writing created some very colourful imagery, which flowed well into some beautiful moments. Elements of humour added a grown up feel to some parts of the story, which I feel highlighted the young authors move through life.
I read this to my friends children and they loved the magic and also the modern elements that they could relate too. I am looking forward to reading more from this young author, as this was a classic modern fairy story with a difference.
459369
What the Faeries Left Behind is a quick, fun read...an urban fairytale for adults. Abigail's voice captured me right from the start and had me rooting for her until the end. Who doesn't relate to wanting an escape from a nine-to-five rotten existence?

Although I had anticipated the twist ending, Abigail's changed perception on life in the last two pages was well done and satisfying. Scattered passages throughout could have used some tightening, but didn't hinder the overall theme of seeing magic in a mundane world - which was beautifully captured in the bubble wand scene. A great read for those adults with little time and wanting to sprinkle some faerie dust in their life.
2665289
I was surprised by how much a loved this book.  I was thinking I'd give it a quick look-over before reading it aloud to my kid, but I was immediately pulled into the story.  It's magical and fantastical and reminded me most of an exciting and colorful fairy tale.  One of the reviews said it wasn't plausible - it's a fairy tale.  I don't think plausibility is really a requirement as a kid reader.  At first I was a little shocked at some of the more gory parts of the plot, but I realized that most kids want to explore this at this age.  I know I read fairy tales with abandon from age 8 on and I think this is very comparable "gore".  As an adult, some of the plot turns surprised me and some, reading as an adult, I could see coming but that's fine - I'm an adult reader!  I loved it and even had my husband read it - I really can't wait to dive into it aloud with my kids.  A wonderful book that sticks with you.
2576554
This is def NOT a fairy tale from your childhood!

I liked this story, I really did, but....I think the play on Little Red Riding hood is a bit....played out...I did although like the authors new plot additions to the old fairy tale.

If you are into erotica, than the sex is quite hot. If you like a good love story than this is a novella for you, I especially enjoyed the ending, I think it was a good way to cap the story.

This is my confession: I wish there was enchanted forests around my neck of the woods!
264143
I received an Advance Reader Copy from Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

Spelled follows the story of Dorothea, the Princess of the Emerald Castle. She has lived a charmed life, always getting the newest Hans Christian Louboutin shoes and designer ball gowns. Dot, as her closest friends call her, finds out that her parents have arranged a marriage for her with the gross Prince Kato. Dot gets so pixed off that she makes a wish on a (secretly) cursed star that sends her world tumbling through a tornado of changes.

Good Grimm, you can really tell that Betsy Schow had fun writing this book. It's full of funny and creative fairy tale puns, mixing up many different fantasy worlds to create a story where a spoiled princess must grow to be the heroine that can save her country, her family, and herself. While Spelled has some adult themes, it is written for a young adult audience. Spelled will take you on a magical adventure that will keep you on your red-ruby-heeled toes.