Once Upon A Scream (paperback edition)

Name: Once Upon A Scream (paperback edition)
Price: 13.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781786957450

✍️ Dorothy Davies

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$13.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of dark retellings exposing the horror in classic fairy tales.

This anthology reimagines well-known myths through a lens of visceral terror. Davies focuses on the predatory nature of magical beings and the vulnerability of children caught in their webs. The text highlights specific instances of deceit, such as the grim outcomes for the stepsisters and the perilous journey of Hansel and Gretel. By examining these traps, the book reveals the violent realities hidden within seemingly innocent narratives. The collection emphasizes the role of trickery and the failure of adult figures to protect the young. It serves as a compilation of frightening tales that challenge the reader's perception of traditional folklore.

Key Themes

shape-shifting predators child safety warnings Cinderella violence

Literary Context

Published in 2022 by Gravestone Press, this paperback edition draws on the rich tradition of European fairy tales. It recontextualizes classic stories for modern readers seeking darker interpretations of folklore.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Shelley Jackson · Angela Carter · Caitlín R. Kiernan

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Gravestone Press 📅 2022 📖 208 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781786957450

📝 Description: Once Upon A Scream (paperback edition)

Dorothy Davies presents a collection that examines the darker undercurrents of traditional fairy tales. This volume strips away the sanitized veneer to reveal the hidden depths often overlooked in classic narratives. The stories focus on the mysterious creatures and the deceitful interactions between children and shape-shifting entities who orchestrate horrific fates for the young. The anthology includes specific retellings that highlight the cruelty inherent in these myths. Readers will encounter the brutal fate of Cinderella's ugly stepsisters, a tale that underscores the violence lurking beneath the surface. Another entry revisits Hansel and Gretel, framing their adventure as a stark warning about child safety in the face of predatory traps. These narratives demonstrate how trickery operates within familiar settings, often deceiving those who should have been vigilant. Davies curates this selection to showcase outrageous crimes committed against victims who fall into these magical snares. The collection brings together wild selections of nastiness from both animals and people alike. It offers a new perspective on fairy lands and strange inhabitants by compiling works from skilled writers. This book suits readers interested in the psychological horror behind folklore. It may not appeal to those seeking gentle bedtime stories or purely historical analysis without supernatural elements.

💎 Our verdict on Once Upon A Scream (paperback edition)

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Davies successfully strips away the sanitized veneer of classic fairy tales to reveal hidden depths often overlooked. The anthology effectively highlights the predatory nature of magical beings and the vulnerability of children caught in their webs. By focusing on specific instances of deceit, such as the grim outcomes for stepsisters and the perilous journey of Hansel and Gretel, the text underscores the violence lurking beneath the surface. This collection serves as a compilation of frightening tales that challenge traditional folklore perceptions. It is best suited for readers who enjoy exploring the psychological horror behind familiar myths rather than seeking gentle narratives or purely historical analysis.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a visceral departure from gentle bedtime stories will find this collection compelling. It appeals to those interested in the psychological horror behind folklore, offering a stark warning about child safety and predatory traps. The book suits individuals who appreciate the examination of deceitful interactions between children and shape-shifting entities. By stripping away the sanitized veneer of traditional myths, it reveals the violent realities and cruelty inherent in these tales. This volume is ideal for fans of dark fantasy who wish to challenge their perception of familiar narratives through a lens of terrifying truth.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Davies successfully strips away the sanitized veneer of classic fairy tales to reveal hidden depths often overlooked. The anthology effectively highlights the predatory nature of magical beings and the vulnerability of children caught in their webs. By focusing on specific instances of deceit, such as the grim outcomes for stepsisters and the perilous journey of Hansel and Gretel, the text underscores the violence lurking beneath the surface. This collection serves as a compilation of frightening tales that challenge traditional folklore perceptions. It is best suited for readers who enjoy exploring the psychological horror behind familiar myths rather than seeking gentle narratives or purely historical analysis.