[Grimm and Grimmer 02] • Grimm and Grimmer

In the second volume of our Grimm and Grimmer series of retold fairy tales, we present six new or established writers who bring together a collection of tasty treats.

Reading the original tales, you realise how many of those tales were simple lessons about behaviour and survival. Some were lessons we could still agree with; be kind to those who seem poor and dirty and powerless. Behave pleasantly to those around you. Keep your eyes open. Note what happens to others who have gone on this quest before you. Be brave. Be crafty.

In this anthology our six tales present alternate versions of these lessons. In Matthew Sylvester's Death's Messengers, a futuristic soldier makes a choice that extends his life. In Ed Ahern's Happily Ever After, the stereotypes of Prince and Princess are subverted, just as 'One Hundred Lost Years' by Jennifer Loring teaches us not to judge a book by its cover. In Ready or Not by Nancy Brashear, we see a dark version of Hansel and Gretel, whilst Paved with Gold by Ed Fortune, shows us that all that glitters is not gold. And in Stewart Hotston's Rumpeltrollskin, the lesson is . . beware a fool's bargain. So step in and enjoy these brand new twisted fairy tales.