Fairy Tale Riot: GIVEAWAY and Mini Reviews

I mentioned a while back that I've been published again! I have two stories in this anthology of twenty-eight fairy tales. I just finished reading through my contributor copy, and so I thought I'd share mini-reviews about each of the stories. 

First, I'll say that I didn't do well keeping track of content. Quite a few stories had language, and I think I remembered all which stories did. But I can't be certain. It wasn't an overload of language, though, so I don't think it will bother most of you. I believe the whole book had one or two B*** and a handful of D*** and then a few other crude words. 

And now onto the stories themselves! 


The Gingerbread House - Karen Over
"Hansel and Gretel" retelling.
I really loved this story—perfect way to start this collection of fairy tales! While large parts of it stayed true to the original there were many surprised in store. In some ways, this story was less dark than the original, and in other ways, it was darker.
Content: A few swear words, but they felt as if they were used appropriately.

The Emperor's New Contract - Allen Baird
A modern-day retelling of the "Emperor's New Clothes".
Another one of my favorites! But then, I've always loved this little tale. But I really loved the ending. Though it was different from the original, the twist at the end somehow only heightened the message of the original tale even, making this story even more profound. Also, the author's name just sounds very much like a fairy tale author's name ought to.
Content: Nothing that stands out to me.

Ashley - Lynne Lumsden Green
"Cinderella" retelling.
LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH! As some of you may know, I don't really like the original story thus I've rewritten "Cinderella" several times myself. I loved how there wasn't really a villain in this tale. I loved the humor. And I even loved how Ashley (Cinderella) was a germaphobe and cleanaholic. The best part, as in all short stories, was the ending. As in the last line. So hilarious!
Content: Nothing that stands out to me.

All That Glitters - Robina Rader
"Rumpelstiltskin" retelling.
Only two pages long; this story is really an alternate ending to the original tale. But a lovely alternate ending. Also has a hilarious twist at the end!
Content: Nothing.

Fait Accompli - NB Williams 
A modern "Beauty and the Beast" meets the three Fates retelling.
This story was somewhat dark, but I really enjoyed it. Especially the beginning and ending parts with the Fates. The "Beauty and the Beast" parts had some very unique twists but were also the darkest section of the story.
Content: Somewhat dark.

The Piper's Last Song - Keturah Lamb
"Pied Piper" meets early Waldensian Church history.
This is my story, so of course, I love it. It has poetry, dancing, faith, danger, and children. And someone needs to decide if complacency or righteousness is the path they will dance.
Content: Some mild graphic violence.

The Bremen Town Musician's - John M. Olsen 
A modern retelling of "Town Musicians of Bremen".
So, I actually wasn't familiar with this fairy tale and had to look it up, but once I did I'd realized that I'd watched a cartoon based on the original tale. This story is about four older people that meet up and connect over old music. I really loved how the author portrayed older people being left behind by their children/ grandchildren.
Content: Nothing that I can remember.

Tears on the Sword - Catulle Mendès (translated by Patricia Worth)
Original 1885 fairy tale translated from the French.
This was such a great moral tale! Not very long, but holds a great lesson about what happens to cowards.
Content: Mild violence - I doubt it'd bother anyone.

Meadowland - Justine Johnston Hemmestad
A mythical retelling of Hades and Persephone.
I love mythology, so of course, this was fun! But also a little sad.
Content: Nothing that I can remember.

Kat, The Jailer, and Jack - Christa Conklin
A retelling of the Indian folktale "The Tiger, the Brahmin, and the Jackal"
I'd never heard of the original tale, so I looked it up and I've linked it above. The retelling is centered around humans, not animals, but other than that it's pretty true to the original but with an added moral that I found interesting.
Content: Nothing.

Necromancer: Deal With the Dark Gods - Jakob Morris
Mythical retelling.
A man sells his soul to the devil and seeks counsel for a way out, but doesn't like what he hears—in some ways this story reminded me of the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18:18-30, except this tale, is darker as it's about death and magic and such.
Content: Some might find this tale too dark.

Jehovah❤ Gaia Skian McGuire
A mythical retelling of Hebrew and Greek lore/gods.
I've always loved Jewish mythology, so I was familiar with some of the characters in this story. I found the story interesting, but also slightly disturbing because of how God (Yahweh/ Jehovah) is portrayed. I loved how the two different gods created the Earth together and how they each viewed their creations differently. And I always enjoy a tale that includes Lilith.
Content: Sacrilegious toward God; some language; some references to sexual activity, but in a vague way that younger that would puzzle younger readers; dark romantic elements.

The Road - Christine Cassello 
"Jack and Jill" retelling.
This is a two-page poem about Billy and Milly, two rambunctious kids who rile up the town.
Content: Nothing.

The Crowning Temptation - Justin Fowler
A modern retelling of "Snow White".
Definitely a different sort of Snow White—the evil stepmother is Hillary Clinton and the Dwarves "mine" Bitcoin. And there's an APPLE iPhone. Funny as that all sounds, this story is not really humorous but takes itself seriously.
Content: Some language.

An Investment Returns - Lela Markham 
Modern Alaskan tale. (I read somewhere that it is based on "Beauty and the Beast", which I kinda see).
Not sure what story this one was based on. Did some googling with no luck? A story about a young man and woman meeting up during a storm, and how a good deed done may return in a time of need.
Content: Nothing, that I can remember.

The Katydid and the Katydidn't - Genesis Mickel
A poem based on Aesop's "The Ant and the Grasshopper"
I have always loved the original story because it teaches a very important ethical moral that I strive to live by. And, so, I really enjoyed this poem retelling. Plus it had an added lesson involving communism—who doesn't like that?
Content: Nothing.

The Fairy Mothers - DonnaRae Menard
Fairy tale.
Here's another one I wasn't familiar with so googled, but sadly came up with no results. BUT I LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH! Definitely read as a true fairy tale, had a fun ending, and an endearing writing style. One of my favorites.
Content: Nothing.

A Tale of Two Boots - Jackie Ferris
Modern story.
Again, I googled this story and couldn't find what the original tale might be. The title makes me think of "A Tale of Two Cities" and while the story had a bit of revolutionary spirit in it, I don't think that's what it is. It's about a boy that finds a shoe, and how that shoe shows him the world, especially a part where there is suffering.
Content: Nothing that I can remember.

Frogs - Marie Anderson
A modern retelling of the "Princess and the Frog".
I think what made this story was the ending ;D Very unique. About a young woman wanting love, but first, there are questions to be answered ...
Content: Nothing.

The Big Bad Elephant - Andrew Bundy 
A retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" with a bit of "Goldilocks" and "Three Little Pigs".
This story reminds me of "Legally Correct Fairy tales" a little. I loved it because it was unique and had a fun ending. Also, it was randomly funny (forest animals disappearing, except for the ones playing "stalking" or "dramatic" background music".
Content: Mentions cigarettes (a funny reference to the wolf "huffing and puffing my way into lung cancer"), drugs, etc.

Artie the Millennial - Alexandra Faye Carcich 
A modern retelling of Arthurian legend.
Artie is a young man without purpose or care. But his foster brother, Merlin, claims that Artie is destined for greatness—beyond video games. And so unfolds the story of the young boys trying to find that greatness in the halls of the mall.
Content: Nothing.

Prince Perfect - Keturah Lamb
A meshing of "Rapunzel", "Sleeping Beauty", "Cinderella", and other fairy tale tropes.
A Prince decides it's time for him to find his perfect bride, but alas, before he even departs on his journey he knows there are few that can measure up to his expectations. Another of my stories, so yes I'm biased! But I actually laughed while reading my own story, so does that say anything? Satire and humor, with a touch of moral. That's my trademark, after all ;)
Content: Mild violence; and there's a whore.

The Turtle and the Rabbit - Cameron Metrejean
A retelling of the "Tortoise and the Hare".
Most of the animal fairy tale retellings in this book changed used humans in the retellings, but this remains about animals. It seems like the normal tale ... until you get to the ending. And hear some fun statistics.
Content: Nothing.

The Inn - Ronel Janse van Vuuren 
Modern/ Urban Fantasy retelling of "Fitcher’s Bird".
Another one I had to google to find out the story and to be honest I didn't seem much in common with the original and retelling—each are their own, unique story. This story is full of twisted but fascinating proverbs and ghost-like scenes. Lots of fantastical creatures, too. And includes the Angel Gabriel (I assumed from the Bible, but I don't actually know).
Content: Dark themes, some violence, blood.

Sonic Sam of Boston - Billie Holladay Skelley 
A modern retelling of the "Pied Piper".
This story made me excited because it paired nicely with my own retelling of this sad, but great tale! The story is set in Boston 2016 and is about a mayor trying to figure out what to do about the town's rat infestation, when along comes this Gothic looking fellow who promises a solution ... for a price.
Content: Nothing that I can remember.

The Red Shoes - Cara Schulz 
A modern retelling of the "Red Shoes".
I wasn't familiar with this fairy tale, so googled it and it's definitely added to my favorites by Anderson. This story is about a young woman in politics who allows greed to control her when she first gives into the curse of a pair of red heels.
Content: Lesbian romance, some language.

Godiva - Blake Jessop 
Based on the historical figure of Godiva and the myths around her.
I found I actually liked this story. It made a strong point, in which the main characters were willing to humiliate themselves in order to help others. I am still slightly confused about the alternating scenes and who the other lady was, but still enjoyed the story. Also, the mention of a "peeping Tom"was interesting. I'm not sure if that phrase originated from this story, but it was also apart of the original tale.
Content: Nude women protesting,

Vision In Action - G.R. Lyons 
A retelling of the "Little Red Hen".
Ever since I can remember, I have always loved this tale for the same reasons as the "Ant and the Grasshopper". The author did a good job creating a new tale, about four brothers who watched their older brother make a fortune without offering a helping hand, but expecting a handout nevertheless. Also, the ending made me think of "Les Miserables" just a little.
Content: Nothing.

It's pretty exciting having three fairy tales out there. Review for my other short story is here. The funny thing is I don't really write that many fairy tales, though I love them. I wonder how my other genres will do? Well, that's my next goal! Publish something that's not a fairy tale, and hopefully, it's a novel.

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And now for the giveaway! Open internationally, because I don't like leaving anyone out.

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Do any of these stories look like your cup of tea? What genre can you not imagine yourself published in?