"Is there a scary story from your childhood that still lives in your heart?"
Name of Book: The Scary Book of Fairy Tales
Author: Tim Rayborn
Publisher: Cider Mill Press
Publication Date: 02 Sep, 2025
No. of Pages: 160
Format: Netgalley ARC
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away . . . Will you dare to unearth the horrors lurking beneath these once-innocent stories?
This spine-chilling anthology weaves together real fairy tales from cultures across the globe, unmasking the eerie and unsettling narratives that have been whispered through generations. From the chilling depths of the Brothers Grimm's Germany to the haunting folklore of Japan, these stories were never meant for the faint of heart.
Discover the true terror of "Little Red Cap," where the woodsman may arrive too late to save the day, or "Bluebeard," a tale of matrimonial horror and secrets lurking in locked chambers. Encounter the chilling "Baba Yaga," a witch from Slavic folklore who feasts on those who dare to trespass, and the sinister "Teke-Teke" from Japan, a vengeful spirit seeking her missing legs.
Perfect for lovers of history, culture, and the macabre, The Scary Book of Fairy Tales captivates with its blend of horror and enchantment. These authentic tales promise to thrill and haunt, inviting you to explore the shadowy corners of global folklore. Are you ready to uncover the terrifying truths behind these timeless stories?
Tim Rayborn is a historian, medievalist, and musician, with an MA and PhD from the University of Leeds in England. He is a writer on a variety of topics in history and the arts, from the academic to the amusing to the appalling. He has written more than 50 books for ten publishers, with more to come. A professional musician with a specialty in medieval repertoire, he plays dozens of musical instruments, has appeared on more than 40 recordings, and has performed in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
My Opinion
The Scary Book of Fairy Tales by Tim Rayborn is a collection that brings together well-known and lesser-known fairy tales from around the world, but sadly, it fails to live up to its intriguing title. While the idea of collecting fairy tales with a spooky twist sounded exciting, the execution was underwhelming. Most of the stories felt extremely rushed, trimmed down to the bare minimum, which made them lose their essence and magic. Classics like Rumpelstiltskin and Cinderella were included—tales that most readers are already familiar with. Unfortunately, even these popular stories didn’t offer anything new or eerie.
The more obscure tales, which had the potential to offer fresh chills, were the most disappointing. They were either too abruptly ended or lacked the haunting depth one would expect from a book marketed as "scary." Instead of building suspense or offering dark reimaginings, the stories felt like simplified summaries, more suitable for a very young audience. As someone who enjoys fairy tales with darker, twisted elements, I was hoping for richer storytelling. Overall, the book felt like a missed opportunity. It could have been a spooky treasure trove for older readers but ended up being more of a children's storybook in disguise.
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