This past month has basically been me engulfing dark fairytales. My favourites of the month so far have been Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid (definitely has its issues, but the ending was so satisfying, and the exploration of trauma was well done and deeply sympathetic) & The Bloody Chamber (& other stories) by Angela Carter (gorgeousss writing). Both of these explore some truly disturbing and taboo topics, often paired with lyrical writing.
Alongside these I also read The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden, however found it more so subpar and very rushed come the end. I was pretty disappointed, I generally really enjoy slavic inspired fairytales – but this one fell flat to me. I did love it’s lead, it’s setting, it’s villains, but I wanted more and it was terribly slow. I definitely longed for something creepier.
I’ve had Naomi Novik in mind for a while, but given how mixed her reviews are I’m hesitant to pick one up.
If anyone has some recommendations please let me know! Many thanks 🙂
by According_Bat_8150