Member Reviews

A compilation of multiple fairytales that are commonly themed around 'not that typical girl'. A bit hilarious and a lot adventurous, this book was filled with new stories and no retelling of our childhood ones. Almost all the stories are quite short and even the overall length of the book is also very short.

My favourite was 'The Warrior Queen and the Wizard' and 'Maada the Mountain Dweller'. Another unique thing about this book was that it was based globally, with each story across a different country. Great for children, good for adults.

Genre: #fairytales
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

Thankyou @netgalley @arcturusbooks for the digital ARC

Was this review helpful?

Bedtime tales, traditionally told about non-traditional young women.

The length, structure and language of a typical fairy tale is present. But the characters are oh-so-different. And it's telling that when the first girl is offered a hand in marriage by a king, I was jolted out of my reverie by the 'no'. Yes, I knew what to expect. But it seems I remember too well the tales I read and watched when young and am much too used to the happy ending being the marriage and safe conclusion. More fool me.

I'm glad a new generation have the chance to be exposed to stories where it isn't just young, brave men fighting monsters, standing up to evil, adventuring, outwitting. This is a selection of short tales where young women go out and make their mark on the world, perfect and use skills to save the day, use their guiles to overcome tricksy foe.

You won't know their names yet, but the stories will seem familiar with a gender squint. I loved seeing girls turn down offers, citing their need to explore and be free, no need to be tied down or rely on anyone else.

What better lesson can we teach both boys and girls than this, that they are not confined by their gender or start in life? That we do not expect 'only x' of them? That marriage is not the be-all-and-end-all?

Enjoyed the audio retelling as well - nothing is missed by not reading this on paper - and hope other parents and children enjoy this and take in the life lessons contained therein.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.

Was this review helpful?

Even as an adult I love fairy tales, especially the originals like Grimm & Hans Christian Anderson but the thought that the girl has to wait forlornly until a man comes along to save them and then fall in love at first sight is quite outdated in todays modern world, where anything is possible so, this collection, Fairy tales for fearless girls is a good modern style of fairy tales for todays new generations of children, Each story isn't overly long and it showcases the power that young people can have, not just girls. I listened to the audiobook version, and I found the narration from Isabel Adomakoh Young a little distracting as there was not much inflection in her voice to keep my attention and i feel a book like this will work better with illustrations, but that is just my personal preference.

Was this review helpful?

What a fun way to modernize fairytales!
In my opinion every story had a unique way of telling young children that old stereotypes should be forgotten and everyone can do as they like, you can be funny, witty and strong.

Was this review helpful?

I love the concept behind this audiobook -elevating the role of females in fairytales from the subservient role they have traditionally played to being strong, clever and independent people in their own right.

Had I reviewed this book by myself I would have thought it too complex in terms of the vocabulary used, however I listened to it with an 8 year old and a 5 year old and both enjoyed it. Indeed it sparked some great conversations between us! This is a lesson to me that children are capable of understanding and processing so much more that we might anticipate.

The narrative was excellent, the narrator having a voice that is pleasant to listen to.

Overall this is an audiobook I would be very happy to recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this audiobook in exchange for an advance copy.

Was this review helpful?

Ohhh I loved this! Kickass women, epic tales and amazing adventures- it was a great compilation of stories.

It definitely has replayability (or re-readability) as I would happily pick this up again and read it from start to finish.

I loved all of the tales and there wasn’t a single one I didn’t like. Normally with a mix of stories, there will be some you like more than others, but that definitely wasn’t the case here. It was immersive with fab storytelling and exciting adventures. Nothing you couldn’t love!

Was this review helpful?