Two and Twenty Dark Tales Review

Two and Twenty Dark Tales

Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes

Expected Publication Date: Oct. 16, 2012

In this anthology, 20 authors explore the dark and hidden meanings behind some of the most beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes through short story retellings. The dark twists on classic tales range from exploring whether Jack truly fell or if Jill pushed him instead to why Humpty Dumpty, fragile and alone, sat atop so high of a wall.

These authors include:

Nina Berry, author of the Otherkin series

Nancy Holder, author of the Wicked series

Karen Mahoney, author of The Iron Witch series

Gretchen McNeil, author of Ten

~ MY REVIEW ~

Beautiful and mesmerizing. This anthology is a wonderful addition to any fairy tale collection. Each story will entrap it's reader, leaving them with chills. Preceded by well known Mother Goose Rhymes, such as Little Boy Blue and  Jack 'n Jill, these stories dig deep down into the darkness behind every nursery rhyme. When I was a child I had a big book of nursery rhyme favorites. I often sang them to my sisters. Reading these retellings now, I have a new perspective on what I sang as a child. It is great to see the different interpretations these authors have created. Each author did a wonderful job writing a unique and fascinating tale. Some stories were more captivating than others, but overall I liked each one a good deal. These stories inspire fear and a sense of wonderment all at the same time. These stories leave a great deal of interpretation up to the reader and they will leave your brain churning for a good while after you finish. 

All though meant for a young adult audience, I believe this anthology will appeal mostly to older readers and those all ready familiar with Mother Goose. I truly loved this anthology and will most likely be re-reading it from time to time. This is a must read!