*I received a free DRC of this book via NetGalley, with thanks to the authors and Titan Books. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: From the fun of the fair to the depths of hell, experience sixteen more curses in this sequel to the bestselling Cursed: An Anthology. A blend of traditional and reimagined curses from fairy-tales to Snow White, from some of the best names in fantasy.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Take a trip to a terrifying carnival and uncover the secrets within, solve a mysterious puzzle box and await your reward, join a travelling circus and witness the strangest ventriloquist act you've ever seen.
In this follow-up to the bestselling Cursed: An Anthology, you'll unearth curses old and new. From a very different take on Snow White, to a new interpretation of The Red Shoes, the best in fantasy spin straw into gold, and invite you into the labyrinth.
Just don't forget to leave your trail of breadcrumbs…
Featuring stories from:
Joanne Harris
Neil Gaiman
Joe Hill
Sarah Pinborough
Angela Slatter
M. R. Carey
Christina Henry
A. C. Wise
Laura Purcell
Katherine Arden
Adam L. G. Nevill
Mark Chadbourn
Helen Grant
Kelley Armstrong
A. K. Benedict
L. L. McKinney
This is an expertly curated anthology of expertly-written, dark, short stories. Each story has roots in fairytales and folktales that feel familiar (Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, witches, monsters, princesses, orphans and first-born or youngest children) but each has a unique twist to it, a new flavour, a fresh perspective.
There is not a single dud tale in this collection!
Although every story is different in content and style, they are linked not only in theme but in the beautiful writing and clever weavings of plot and characters that will disturb you while reading and haunt you afterwards.
Many of these stories linger in my mind long after other books and stories have passed through, and they carry with them an atmosphere of eerie otherworldliness that seems to confirm that the usual old stories have been tamed and toned down in their many retellings, while these tales sing wild warnings of blood and darkness and fear.
I definitely recommend this collection for any grown-ups looking for fairytale horror to remind them that wolves and witches await those who stray from the woodland path on a dark night.
Listen carefully.
The ancient tales are spells designed as entertainment. At the heart of the maze of the telling lies enchanted gold, a hidden treasure that will transform with one curious glance. This is by design. For the crafters of those stories understood this simple and profound truth: only knowledge earned can change a person.
Truths offered easily are forgotten or ignored.
- Mark Chadbourn, 'The Old Stories Hide Secrets Deep Inside Them' in Twice Cursed
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