Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark fairy tales feature young women in deadly jeopardy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Collecting a dozen original short stories, TALES FROM THE HINTERLAND offers a new perspective on the author's previous two novels. They all feature female protagonists, and each is filled with anger and betrayal. In "The Skinned Maiden," a prince learns the consequences of stealing a bear's pelt. "The Clockwork Bride" features a young woman who accepts a dangerous gift. There are talking animals, wicked stepmothers, and enchantments galore. But there are very few happy endings.
Is It Any Good?
Supposedly written by cult fantasy author Althea Prosperpine, this collage of dark fairy tales is genuinely mysterious and frightening. Actually written by Melissa Albert, these 12 tales affect a variety of moods, most of them dark. Readers of the first two novels will notice various "Easter eggs" and call-backs. Newcomers are more than welcome, though. Not every tale hits the mark, but each delivers a dose of creepy enchantment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Tales from the Hinterland uses elements of European folklore to create new fairytales.Why do folktales continue to resonate with modern audiences?
Why do folktales so often feature neglected children? Why are stepparents portrayed as untrustworthy?
How do young women fight to control their destinies? How do they differ from those of young men?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jim Tierney
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Flatiron Books
- Publication date : January 12, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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