Description

You think you know these stories, don’t you?

You are wrong.

You don’t know them at all.

Twelve tales, twelve dangerous tales of mystery, magic, and rebellious hearts. Each twists like a spindle to reveal truths full of warning and triumph, truths that free hearts long kept tame, truths that explore life . . . and death.

A prince has a surprising awakening . . .

A beauty fights like a beast . . .

A boy refuses to become prey . . .

A path to happiness is lost . . . then found again.

New York Times bestselling author Soman Chainani respins old stories into fresh fairy tales for a new era and creates a world like no other. These stories know you. They understand you. They reflect you. They are tales for our times. So read on, if you dare.

Publisher Review

‘Terrifying, chilling, unexpected, and glorious. A must-read for any fairy tale devotee who wants to view classic stories through a new lens’ Medium

‘Sly, subversive and full of teeth – Chainani’s reimagining of classic fairytales is an unsettling homage that transports its readers through tales both horrifying and humorous, sweet and scary, and, of course…beastly and beautiful’ Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves

‘These stories cut straight to the heart and will leave you begging to stay in their shadows just a few pages longer. Prepare to rethink all those happily ever afters . . . and love every minute of it’ Alexandra Bracken, author of Lore and the Darkest Minds series

‘This is what happens when fairytales grow up. Fierce, frightening, satisfying, and empowering, teens will devour this . . . unless it devours them first. I love this book’ Adam Gidwitz, author of_A Tale Dark and Grimm

‘A brillaint reinvention of tales we thought we knew. Soman Chainani gives us the fairy tales we need today. A vibrant and necessary addition to every modern collection’ Tahereh Mafi, author of the Shatter Me series

‘Chainani takes 12 time-honored tales and overhauls their traditional tellings, adding an astonishing amount of depth and beauty in the process. Lush, transporting, and occasionally eerie, easily conjuring fantastical worlds … An intriguing and inclusive update for modern audiences’ Booklist

‘A volume that transports readers to a place where the lines between beastly natures and beautiful appearances can be difficult to discern. Expertly crafted … For any lover of fairy tales who seeks alternative endings’ Kirkus