Tales of Arilland by Alethea Kontis ~ Review

Title: Tales of Arilland (Books of Arilland #5)
Author: Alethea Kontis
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Re-Telling
Length: 196 Pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: June 10, 2015
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 2 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

In the fairy tale realm of Arilland, stories are told at children's bedsides--and not the stories you think you know.

Tales of Arilland is a collection of fairy tales, presented in the magical topsy-turvy way that only Alethea Kontis can do. Discover the story of Bluebeard's first wife ("Blood From Stone"), what really happened to Snow White in those dark woods ("The Unicorn Hunter"), how dangerous the Little Mermaid might have been ("Blood and Water"), and just how far Little Red Riding Hood was willing to go ("Hero Worship"). Included in this collection is "Sunday," the original novelette that inspired the award-winning novel Enchanted, as well as "The Cursed Prince," the previously untold history of Prince Rumbold of Arilland…and more.

Woodcutter enthusiasts will rejoice at this opportunity to delve into the secret worlds beyond Kontis’s intricately woven fantasy novels. And if you are not a fan yet, you will be!

I was a bit disappointed in this edition in the world of Arilland. The short fairy tales were a lot of fun, I especially enjoyed the story Blood and Water, but it just wasn't what I had expected from the series. Many of the stories were just a couple pages long, which I know is true of some tales, but they just didn't seem to have anything to them.

On top of that, half the book is the novella that was turned into the book Enchanted, so I really felt like I was reading the book all over again - only in summary form. I think most of these tales would have been better as stand alone stories in the world of Arilland or given as little extras througout the series.

However, if you're just looking for a taste of something fanciful, or want to see a little more about Arilland before diving into the series - then this will be just up your alley.

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