It’s hard to properly rate anthologies and so, I am rating each story individually and then averaging the score.

We start with a poem, Castle Cursed by Jane Yolen, short but vivid. 4/5

As Red As Bood, As White As Snow by Christina Henry: a Snow White retelling, I loved the idea that the Queen is not evil, that she and Snow are on the same side and it is Prince Charming who is the villain. Really, how many men have you met who try that hard to be charming and are not secretly assholes? I would have loved a full novel-length story of this one, I had an: awww, it`s already over?, moment when I saw the ending coming up. Cool story bro. Literally. Literarily? 4.5/5

Troll Bridge by Neil Gaiman: quick easy read. Everyone got what they deserved. 3/5

At That Age by Catriona Ward: WHAT?... 1.5/5

Listen by Jen Williams: That was freaking cool. 4/5

Henry and the Snakewood Box by M.R.Carey: I want more explanations of what the other demons do and what effects they are having on the world, and how many are there and why didn’t Henry ask his demon these questions cause if there were so many that the world was going to shit anyway, he may as well have enjoyed his wishes. I need more info. 3/5

Skin by James Brogden: Super promising start but then a really weirdly disappointing ending. 3.5/5

Faith & Fred by Maura McHugh: I could not get into this one. The ending was super cool. It would have been much better if the “weakness” of the MC had been more elaborated and explained. I couldn’t connect. I also would want to know more about the twins. They’re definitely the better story. 3/5

The Black Fairy’s Curse by Karen Joy Fowler: nope. 1/5

Wendy, Darling by Christopher Golden: Perfect. I want more, but I don’t need more. A dark retelling of Peter Pan. We have Wendy, the Lost Boys, Hook, and Peter, but not at all how you’d expect them. Great story. 5/5

Fairy Werewolf vs. Vampire Zombie: Fantastic. Legends & Lattes vibes. 5/5

Look Inside by Michael Marshall Smith: ”but then I’ve never understood the appeal of reality television or Colin Firth, either, so it’s possible I’m just a bit dim”. This one had a super promising start, giving me creeps and chills. The ending felt rushed, I feel I need a little bit more. 3.5/5

Little Red by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple: Best retelling of Red Riding Hood I’ve ever read. 5/5

New Wine by Angela Slatter: Tragic, excellent conclusion. 5/5

Haza and Ghani by Lilith Saintcrow: meh. 2/5

Hated by Christopher Fowler: Fast paced. Cool idea. 4/5

The Merrie Dancers by Alison Littlewood: meh. 2/5

Again by Tim Lebbon: This was heartwarming, and upsetting, and beautiful, all at once. 5/5

The Girl From the Hell by Margo Lanagan: what a terrible story to finish with. 1/5

We end with another poem by Jane Yolen, Castle Waking, 3/5

With 18 stories and two poems, my average rating = 3.4