Title: Rags & Bones
Author: Various
Release Date: October 22nd 2013
There are some stories that will always be told, tales as timeless as they are gripping.
There are some authors who can tell any story.
In RAGS & BONES, award-winning and bestselling authors retell classic fairytales and twisted tales in the way that only they can. With magic and passion, they bring these stories - whether much loved or forgotten - back to life.
Read 'Sleeping Beauty' as only Neil Gaiman can tell it. See'Rumpelstiltskin' through the eyes of Kami Garcia. And hear of Rudyard Kipling's 'The Man Who Would Be King', from the inimitable Garth Nix.
Julies Thoughts :
Most anthologies are a mixed bag, a taste of new-to-the-reader authors, a little bit of something for everyone, and Rags & Bones is no different. Did I read all of the stories? I’ll admit that I didn’t. However, I did read the opening of every story in there, and then continued on if my interest and intrigue was piqued. And whilst I’m going to decline from rating this book, as my opinions of the stories differ too much to judge, I have included my thoughts on each of the tales I read. See below.
That the Machine May Progress Eternally
This was a thought provoking tale, not only about a man’s reliance on technology becoming ever greater, but also on the willingness to ‘follow’ a belief. Parts of this story reminded me, albeit obscurely, of Wall.e.
The Sleeper and the Spindle
I went in expecting another Sleeping Beauty retelling, but this adaptation had a nice twist on the overall story and the outcome, as well as an interesting intertwining of fairy tale characters.
The Cold Corner
A somewhat bizarre tale. To begin, I was kind of enjoying it because it intrigued me, but then the fact that the resolution wasn’t really any kind of resolution at all, and there being no explanation for the oddness of what was happening, left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled. As a result, my thoughts on this story are still a little unsure.
Millcara
I loved this story. The haunting quality, the unfolding awareness of the situation and characters, everything that was pertained to (because none of it was confirmed outright) …. Loved the voice and the style in which it was written. I haven’t read any Holly Black before, but I shall definitely be checking out more by her now.
Sirocco
Bizarreness merged with normality, and a curse that lacked a decent explanation for what the curse actually is or where it originated from, left this one feeling slightly unresolved.
Awakening
I loved the writing ‘voice’, the main character, and Robert, and I felt Eden’s plight from start to finish. Though, it did make me think of Sleeping with the Enemy quite a lot (could’ve just been the setting, maybe).
New Chicago
This was a gripping tale, with great world building done with so few words. Also, the post apocalyptic slant seemed to heighten the modern approach to this adaptation. BUT … in all honesty, I’d expected to enjoy it simply because it’s a Kelley Armstrong.
The Soul Collector
I really enjoyed this one. The dark undertones set a great atmosphere, and the twist at the end takes it from a tale of sad truths to the bittersweet edge of romance. A great read.
Without Faith, Without Law, Without Joy
Another one I enjoyed, from the underlying messages to the inner strength of the MC. Even though the world building was minimal and the explanations almost nonexistent, it didn’t detract from the story or hinder the delivery of its message within in any way.
So, as you can see, my thoughts have varied, but I’ve definitely enjoyed getting to visit the minds of this collection of authors. If I had to pick a favourite from the anthology, it would be a pretty close call between Millcara and The Soul Collector.
Have you read it? Which was your favourite?
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