Dark & Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults

A Classic Collection of Dark, Deranged, and Intriguing Fairy Tales Retold

Young Adult - Fantasy - General
216 Pages
Reviewed on 04/15/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Dark & Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults: A Classic Collection of Dark, Deranged, and Intriguing Fairy Tales Retold is a work of fiction in the fantasy, anthology, and fairytale subgenres. It is suitable for older YA and adult readers alike. Author Count Fathom presents a chilling and atmospheric reinterpretation of beloved fairy tales. Jack and the Beanstalk, The Pied Piper, and Red Riding Hood undergo modern revitalization, shedding their traditional personas. Hansel and Gretel, The Frog Prince, and Cinderella break free from victimhood, embracing their agency in narratives tailored for mature audiences. With chilling allure, these tales captivate, challenging conventional moralities and leaving readers spellbound. From melodic rhyme to frenetic prose, each story haunts the mind like a twisted lullaby, prompting a reevaluation of happily-ever-afters. This collection, designed for those who crave forbidden thrills, amplifies the moral echoes of fairy tales for a new generation.

Author Count Fathom uses dark imagination to craft a captivating journey into the depths of darkness, drawing on those secrets fears, hints, and clues that are already deeply embedded within the stories we find so familiar. This collection of brilliant reinterpretations breathes new life into classic tales, offering unexpected twists and unsettling revelations, yet there’s always a through-line of truth to them that makes sense in the original story world. The narrative style, ranging from lyrical, ethereal moments of wonder to intense psychological thrills, kept me engrossed from beginning to end, challenging my perceptions of classic characters and making them into realistic people with real burdens to bear. Each story unfolded like a grim, nightmarish version of the original, yet there were plenty of moments of light and shade and everything felt well-paced. I also enjoyed the dialogue and narrative style, which was well-balanced to offer modern concepts and sensibilities, yet still keep everything feeling appropriate to the period. Overall, Dark & Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults is a gripping, thought-provoking book that lingers long after the final page is turned, and I would certainly recommend it to fans of accomplished dark fantasy writing.

Essien Asian

Most of us are familiar with the stories of Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and countless other children's fairy tales. One characteristic unites them all: happy endings that appeal to younger audiences. Have you ever considered what might have happened to those stories if they had been slightly more realistic? If someone decided to reimagine some of those classics with a distinctive twist, taking into account the opinions of older people. Get ready to be amazed by Count Fathom's Dark and Twisted Fairy Tales For Adults, where Cinderella gives her ugly sisters a dose of their own medicine, and Little Bo Peep discovers the other side of being a lady of the night.

Count Fathom's Dark and Twisted Fairy Tales For Adults examines several well-known fairy tales from a sobering and realistic perspective. The goal is to reimagine them by eliminating the childlike elements and substituting these with horror. To make this collection come to life, Fathom is open to spilling blood. Sometimes, he lets it flow like a river, as in the case of Hansel and Gretel and the shocking ending of Cinderella. Each story in this remarkable anthology rhymes, highlighting the lighthearted aspects of a collection so gleefully dark that one must think outside the box to appreciate Fathom's singular presentation. This is the book for you if you enjoy stories with a realistic edge or if gore and blood are more your style. I must caution, though, that after reading this delectably dark work of art, you will never look at your favorite characters the same way again.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Dark and Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults by Count Fathom takes readers on a captivating journey through classic fairy tales told from a sinister point of view. Through these dark and eerie retellings, the narrator challenges readers to see beyond the surface of classic tales and imparts moral lessons that resonate in our modern society. The book has well-developed characters and lets readers know their deeper perverted, manipulative, and corrupt thoughts. See fairy tale heroes and villains in another light in Jack and the Beanstalk, Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, Momotarō (a popular Japanese folktale), and many more. The stories teach valuable lessons about hope, love, childhood innocence, justice, and the dark nature of humans.

I really enjoyed reading Dark and Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults because its unique elements made it entertaining and unforgettable. First, the premise completely flips everything you thought you knew about fairy tales, presenting a dark version that offers a new understanding of these familiar stories. Second, the narrator, Count Fathom, captures the reader's attention and keeps them engaged throughout. His sense of humor and self-awareness in avoiding excessive characterization of the heroes and villains makes for an amusing read. I loved the moral lessons at the end of every tale because they make you contemplate the deeper truths hidden beneath the surface of seemingly simple narratives. Fairytales are part of our collective consciousness; they are timeless stories passed down through generations, with different cultures and authors creating various versions of these classic tales. Their enduring themes and messages continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, ensuring that they will remain a cherished part of the storytelling tradition for years to come. This collection continues the tradition with well-written and suspenseful plots. Great work!

Christine Nguyen

Dark & Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults: A Classic Collection of Dark, Deranged, and Intriguing Fairy Tales Retold by Count Fathom is a modern spin on many of the classic fairy tales people grew up with. The fairy tales are given a very adult perspective that does not adhere to the puritanical and moral standards that the formula usually follows. Beloved stories and characters such as Lil’ Bo Peep and Little Red Riding Hood are not innocent and virginal characters; they are bold heroines who are self-reliant and complex women doing the best they can in a harsh and cruel world. The male characters are also nuanced and multi-faceted individuals who can be good men, but at the same time with human flaws that make them more compelling as heroes.

Count Fathom is an author with a unique talent for spinning words to rhyme and flow which will keep readers spellbound and even confused. 'Dark and twisted' are apt words to accurately convey the new telling of these fairy tales. Fathom is an expert in building a manic momentum that is delightful and dizzying to follow. Many universal themes about mankind are touched upon and underlie the whole book. These are very insightful, such as his Hell’s Press chapters that advocate freedom of speech, individual freedom, fate, and much more. An open mind and dark humor are essential in appreciating Dark & Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults, but readers will come out entertained, amused, and wanting to delve deeper.

Doreen Chombu

Dark and Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults by Count Fathom is a collection of classic fairy tales retold from a sinister and deranged perspective. The author introduces readers to dark versions of heroes and humanizes the villains. You can meet a greedy and ambitious Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk, a perverted Little Red Riding Hood, and a lustful prince and opportunistic Cinderella. Meanwhile, the Big Bad Wolf is referred to as Wolfie, and the troll from The Three Billy Goats Gruff is just a civil servant serving the people. Each tale has a moral lesson that applies in our modern world. The book encourages people to work hard, be truthful about the dark realities of life, and be hopeful for a better tomorrow. Enjoy these amazing, wicked tales.

Dark and Twisted Fairy Tales for Adults is one of the most captivating books I have ever read. Count Fathom is the mysterious author and interactive narrator of these stories. He showcases his creativity by flipping the fairy tales' narratives and infusing various social issues into them. He talks about corrupt officials, racism, and violence, and includes themes of hope, freedom, growth, and love. The writing style is poetic and rhythmic, giving the narrative a smooth flow and making it engaging to read. I enjoyed this book because not only is it dark, but it also has modern elements, which will appeal to readers who love something unique and different. The author skillfully develops the characters, giving them depth and complexity, which makes them more relatable and engaging. The seamless blending of fantasy and reality creates a captivating atmosphere that kept me hooked until the very end. This is a great piece of work, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark and grim stories.