🌙 Paranormal

Tagging the Moon: Fairy Tales from L. A.

✍️ S P Somtow
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$25.00
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Ten short stories reimagining fairy tales in downtown Los Angeles by S P Somtow.

This collection brings together ten previously uncollected short stories that transpose classic narrative structures into the contemporary setting of Los Angeles. S P Somtow utilizes the city’s downtown area as a backdrop, replacing traditional fairy tale landscapes with urban environments like back alleys. The author is recognized for his contributions to speculative fiction, and this volume highlights his ability to adapt mythic themes for modern audiences. Night Shade Books, operating under its Talos imprint, released this edition to serve readers of horror and fantasy. The stories do not rely on historical periods or distant lands but instead focus on the immediate supernatural presence within a major American metropolis. This approach distinguishes the work from standard folklore retellings. It appeals to those who enjoy grimdark elements and urban fantasy tropes. The compilation offers a concentrated look at Somtow’s stylistic choices in blending the old with the new.

Key Themes
urban fairy tales downtown Los Angeles supernatural fiction
Literary Context

Published in 2005 by Night Shade Books, this collection sits within the tradition of urban fantasy and horror. It reflects a period where publishers like Skyhorse Publishing expanded their imprints to include diverse speculative fiction titles for American readers.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Neil Gaiman · Clive Barker · Tananarive Due · Urban Fantasy Anthologies
🌙
Paranormal
🏛 Night Shade Books 📅 2005 📖 280 pages 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781892389060

📝 Description: Tagging the Moon: Fairy Tales from L. A.

S P Somtow reimagines classic fairy tale motifs within the gritty urban landscape of Los Angeles in this collection of ten short stories. The narratives move away from traditional forests and castles, placing characters in the shadowy back alleys of downtown L A. This volume gathers these tales together for the first time in a new edition published by Night Shade Books under its Talos imprint. Somtow is known for his work in speculative fiction, bringing a distinct perspective to familiar themes. The stories explore the intersection of myth and modern city life, offering a fresh spin on supernatural elements. Readers interested in contemporary urban fantasy and horror will find this compilation appealing. It suits collectors seeking unique takes on genre conventions. Those preferring traditional rural folklore settings may find the urban environment less engaging. The book presents a diverse array of characters navigating a world where the magical intrudes upon the mundane. Somtow’s prose adapts old structures to fit new contexts, creating a cohesive yet varied reading experience. The collection stands as a notable entry in the catalog of Night Shade Books, which publishes works across science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. This edition provides access to Somtow’s specific vision of fairy tales rooted in American urban decay and wonder.

💎 Our verdict on Tagging the Moon: Fairy Tales from L. A.

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Somtow effectively transposes classic narrative structures into the shadowy back alleys of downtown Los Angeles, creating a distinct departure from traditional forests and castles. The collection highlights his ability to adapt mythic themes for modern audiences, focusing on immediate supernatural presence rather than historical periods. This approach offers a fresh spin on familiar genres, appealing to those interested in contemporary urban fantasy and horror. By replacing distant lands with an American backdrop, the book stands as a notable entry in speculative fiction, providing a cohesive yet varied reading experience for fans of dark fantasy and grimdark aesthetics.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy grimdark elements and urban fantasy tropes will find this compilation appealing. It suits collectors seeking unique takes on genre conventions, offering a concentrated look at Somtow’s stylistic choices in blending the old with the new. The work provides access to Somtow’s specific vision of fairy tales rooted in American urban decay and wonder, distinguishing it from standard folklore retellings that rely on rural settings. Those who appreciate the intersection of myth and modern city life will gain from this exploration of supernatural presence within a major metropolis.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Somtow effectively transposes classic narrative structures into the shadowy back alleys of downtown Los Angeles, creating a distinct departure from traditional forests and castles. The collection highlights his ability to adapt mythic themes for modern audiences, focusing on immediate supernatural presence rather than historical periods. This approach offers a fresh spin on familiar genres, appealing to those interested in contemporary urban fantasy and horror. By replacing distant lands with an American backdrop, the book stands as a notable entry in speculative fiction, providing a cohesive yet varied reading experience for fans of dark fantasy and grimdark aesthetics.

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