Tuesday, March 20, 2012

New to Ebooks: Swan Sister and A Wolf at the Door



Swan Sister and A Wolf at the Door, both edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, are released in ebook format today. Both have been out of print for a while, so it is quite exciting to know they are readily available again beyond used copies.

Book description for A Wolf at the Door:

Did you ever wonder what happened to the seven dwarfs after Snow White ditched them, or what life was like for the giant in "Jack and the Beanstalk?" Can you imagine a wicked stepsister who really gets what she deserves, and a Cinderella who isn't dainty, but actually rather plump? Then this is the book for you.

All the fairy tales you've heard over and over again are revisted here, made new by award-winning fantasy and science fiction authors: Garth Nix tells a twisted new version of "Hansel and Gretel," Nancy Farmer shows us what life was like for the princess's magical horse, Gregory Maguire provides a side of the seven dwarfs you've never seen, and Neil Gaiman lays out the "Instructions" that fairy tales should have taught you. In all, thirteen new stories are born from old fairy tales, some disturbing and dark, others strange and funny, but each offering something original and unexpected -- and as surprising as a wolf at the door.

Book description for Swan Sister:

Just as fairy-tale magic can transform a loved one into a swan, the contributors to this book have transformed traditional fairy tales and legends into stories that are completely original, yet still tantalizingly familiar.

In this book you will find:

• a Rapunzel whose most confining prison is her loneliness

• a contemporary rendering of the Green Man myth

• two different versions of Red Riding Hood

• a tale that grew out of a Celtic folk song

• Sleeping Beauty's experience of her enchantment

• two works inspired by the Arabian Nights

• and more

In the follow-up to A Wolf at the Door, thirteen renowned authors come together with a selection of new and surprising adaptations of the fairy tales we think we know so well. These fresh takes on classic tales will show you sides of each story you never dreamed of.
For full disclosure, I am particularly fond of Swan Sister because it was dedicated to me, an honor I am still amazed and a little shocked by nine years later. But even without that, these books are wonderful and shouldn't be missed!

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