Rediscovering Magic: A Review of Fairy Tale Retellings, Volume I
It’s fascinating how familiar stories can reshape themselves into something entirely new, isn’t it? When I first laid eyes on Fairy Tale Retellings, Volume I by the incredible Scarlett St. Clair, I felt a pull similar to the magical whispers of my childhood fairytales. As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, St. Clair is known for her ability to weave enchantment with complexity, and this hardcover bind-up of Mountains Made of Glass and Apples Dipped in Gold is no exception.
At its heart, this collection is about breaking curses, discovering identities, and wrestling with the power of love. Mountains Made of Glass introduces us to Gesela, a strong-willed villager burdened under the weight of a relentless curse. Her fate entwines with that of an Elven prince whom she inadvertently curses herself. The dynamic of banishment gives way to a deeper exploration of love and understanding, where guessing a name becomes a challenge laden with emotional stakes. The heart of this narrative is not just about breaking free; it’s about realizing the strength that lies in vulnerability and connection.
On the flip side, Apples Dipped in Gold presents us with Samara, an orphan navigating brutality and betrayal. It’s in her encounter with Lore, the wicked Prince of Nightshade, that St. Clair crafts a captivating tension. The duality of attraction and danger unfolds beautifully through Lore’s longing and Samara’s struggle for agency. This tale unpacks layers of identity as Samara must confront her self-worth amidst familial betrayal, and I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she navigated through a world filled with poison, both literal and metaphorical.
St. Clair’s writing style is an intoxicating blend of lyrical prose and vivid imagery. Each page felt like a painting, with strong brushstrokes that brought the world—and its characters—to life. The pacing felt just right, allowing moments for reflection while still drawing me into the next twist before I ever felt like putting the book down. A highlight for me was St. Clair’s use of internal dialogue that revealed the characters’ thoughts in a way that made me feel their pain and joy acutely.
One quote from Mountains Made of Glass struck me particularly: “To love is not just to feel; it is to see." This resonated deeply with me, reminding me that true understanding can often lead to true liberation. It’s a message that echoes throughout both stories, making me rethink the nature of relationships—how knowing someone fully, flaws and all, is often the first step toward freedom.
For readers who adore reimagined classics with strong emotional cores, Fairy Tale Retellings, Volume I is the perfect companion for cozy evenings or long journeys. It reminds us that beneath the surface of well-trodden tales lie infinite possibilities, waiting to be explored. Personally, I found a renewed sense of wonder in these stories, with St. Clair as my guide through enchanted forests of love and self-discovery.
Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering these characters for the first time, you’re in for a treat. It’s a reminder that every fairytale has its dark corners, but within those shadows, we often find the brightest moments of growth and love. Happy reading!