Cursed: An Anthology of Dark Fairy Tales

Fairy tales take a weird twist in this anthology compiling stories from an all-star cast of fantasy writers, including stories from Neil Gaiman, Charlie Jane Anders and Alison Littlewood.

Here in this book you'll find unique twists on the fairy tale conceit of the curse, from the more traditional to the modern - giving us brand new mythologies as well as new approaches to well-loved fables. Some might shock you, some might make you laugh, but they will all impress you with their originality.

Many thanks to Titan Books for an copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

When I first heard of this anthology, I knew it was clearly written for me. Dark fairy tales? Curses? Subverted expectations? Helloooo. 100% me.

Anthologies are hard, because you sort of always have to expect a mixed lot. I’ve never read an anthology where I’ve just loved every single one of the stories. But this one came pretty darn close, I have to say.

Cursed is a masterfully edited book from a list of highly talented authors that delivers on its promise of evil curses, dark fairy tale retellings, and twists that are sure to give you goosebumps.

I definitely didn’t find any part of this terrifying per se. I didn’t stay up at night worried that the shadows would get me. This was a more subtle sort of feeling, a pervasive creepiness as you read that you know something’s not quite right. If there’s one thing you should go into this anthology with it’s this: expect the unexpected.

I have to say, the editors did a fabulous job curating the stories, and the authors brought some interesting new perspectives to fairy tales we all know and love.

I actually didn’t know many of these authors going in, but I’m happy to say that I’ve found some new ones whom I’ll be looking into their other work. The stories range from straight up horror to some with a more philosophical bent to even some humorous ones. Because what screams horror more than humor, am I right? But it worked perfectly.

Since I can’t share them all, I’ve chosen some of my favorite stories to highlight.

I mean … it’s my blog, so technically I could share them all … but I think I know you well enough, dear reader, to say with certainty that you’d likely hunt me down with a pitchfork (or other suitably sharp object) and give me a piece of your mind about the length of my review. I mean, you are here, after all. So just a few it is.

But first? Let me leave you with the conclusion of the editors’ introduction, because if this isn’t the most fabulous way to introduce an anthology, I don’t even know what is:

by M.R. Carey

One-Line Synopsis: When an inanimate object confesses to being a demon … you should probably be very careful what you wish for.

Story Soundtrack: The Devil Went Down to Georgia

First Lines:

What I Loved: This is written from the point of view of a snarky demon (and really … is there any other kind?!). The voice is the perfect balance between fun and manipulative, with just a dash of evil. Okay, a healthy dosing of evil. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Jen Williams

One-Line Synopsis: If music is the food of the soul, then this music is the equivalent of spiritual food poisoning. Minus the spew out of all the orifices, thankfully.

Story Soundtrack: O Death by Jen Titus

First Lines:

What I Loved: This one surprised me by not only being darker than I originally thought it would be, but it took an unforeseen turn that I really enjoyed. This takes its inspiration from the Pied Piper, and I loved how the author took the roots of that story and transformed it to something darker and yet still like an arrow straight to the feels.

by Tim Lebbon

One-Line Synopsis: When love conquers all … including death … multiple times.

Story Soundtrack: Somebody to Die For by Hurts

First Lines:

What I Loved: Who knew you could have a love story in a book about curses?! That in itself is enough to make this stand out. I loved the blend of horror and romance here. It was both sweet and creepy, poignant and heartbreaking, especially thinking about all the ramifications of it.

by Christopher Golden

One-Line Synopsis: Uh … just … prepare to have Peter Pan ruined, because … wow. Just wow.

Story Soundtrack: Lost Boy by Ruth B

First Lines:

What I Loved: I think the idea in this isn’t completely unique (as I’ve heard this “theory” about Peter Pan before) but oh my freaking gosh, the creep factor was cranked up so much. This story was dark and freaky and the writing dragged me along reluctantly, especially after I saw where it was going, but it was just so powerful.

What are your favorite types of stories to find in an anthology—atmospheric, plot twists, dark, funny?