*hyperventilating*

Is there anything better than reading Bardugo’s work? If you are not too sure what the answer is then allow me to help you, NO! This is a book that you need to buy, love and adore for the rest of your life. These hauntingly beautiful stories were captivating, dark and absolutely delightful. I found myself reading these gorgeous little fairy tales in one sitting and I couldn’t be happier.

I will be keeping this simple and short. I originally wanted to go a break down of every story but I didn’t want to go over board and because you really need to read and experience these stories and I don’t want to ruin the surprise and the overwhelming love that you will discover soon enough.

There are 5 short stories in total:

• The Too-Clever Fox
• The Soldier Prince
• The Witch of Duva
• Ayama and the Thorn Wood
• When Water Sang Fire
• Little Knife

Though I have to admit The Too-Clever Fox was by far my favourite but the others were still amazing and every page was surrounded by beautiful illustrations that built and grew with the story. These stories are inspired from classic fairy tales though they do contain their own brilliant gothic twist that Bardugo could only create.  Disregarding the happy ending that always feels so forced, Bardugo completes the wonderful task of breaking down these happy endings to show that the love of a handsome prince who end all your trouble and being that dolled up, glamourous princess is not all that after all.

Though I would find myself in the future reading the Cleaver Fox again and again I would have to say that the other stories didn’t capture my heart as strongly as that cheeky little fox.

Rating: 5/5

Publisher: Orion

ISBN: 978151004518