A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

This story is actually a series of retellings of the original Grimm fairy tales with commentary by a narrator. The stories are all connected by the main characters, Hansel and Gretel, who leave home after their father cuts off their heads (and their mother is ok with it) and then find a witch in a house made of cake. But it doesn't end there; Hansel and Gretel travel far and wide, staying with several families, going on adventures, and even going to Hell and back. But all they really want to find are parents that love them and a home where they can be happy...

Although I generally prefer lighter versions of fairy tales, this was certainly an interesting retelling of Hansel and Gretel as well as several lesser-known stories. As retellings of the original Grimm stories, this book is quite a bit more violent and bloody than most fairy tales, though the author doesn't focus significantly on gore and it's a fairly quick read. The narrator has a strong presence, so if you're bothered by frequent interruptions of the plot or editorial interjections, you may want to pass on this book. I would recommend this to younger teens and fantasy fans who are looking for more unusual retellings of fairy tales or stories that are a little less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Poison, The Wish List, The Last Apprentice,or Black Pearls

Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand by Louise Hawes

This book is a series of short stories, retelling the tales of Rapunzel, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and Lady Godiva. Although the book is not long, none of the stories feels overly short and each includes an illustration. Several of the stories are told from non-traditional points-of-view: Rapunzel from the witch's perspective, Jack and the Beanstalk from the golden harp's perspective, Snow White from a dwarf's perspective.

Overall, I very much enjoyed these retellings although each one ends on a somewhat bittersweet note. For the most part, none of the stories is significantly changed from the traditional plots, however, each one shows a bit more humanity in the characters than fairy tales usually relate. These stories have no happily-ever-after even though Rapunzel escapes, Cinderella and Snow White marry their princes, and Hansel and Gretel's witch is defeated. I definitely recommend this book to fans of fantasy and fairy tale retellings in particular.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these:The Fairy's Return and Other Stories, Snow, Bound, or Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms