Reviewed by The Compulsive Reader for TeensReadToo.com

In this mesmerizing book, seven classic fairy tales have been retold; presented in a mature, yet still very magical, way.

Learn the truth behind Rapunzel's imprisonment, and what really happened to Hansel and Gretal in the candied house in the woods. You'll discover what happened to the children the Pied Piper stole away, and how Cinderella and her prince lived after "Happily Ever After." Find out why the harp wanted to stay with her monstrous giant of a master rather than go with Jack, and how the Seven Dwarves fared after Snow White left to be with her prince. And, most intriguing of all, you'll learn the true reason behind Lady Godiva's legendary ride.

So immerse yourself in this wonderfully written collection of some of the best known tales of all time and their wonderfully human characters, who are passionate, fallible, and not all as they seem. They are different, a bit more true to life, and better suited for the more mature and thoughtful reader, but won't fail to evoke the same feelings they did when you heard first heard them as a child.

Stirring, sad, triumphant, and poignant, you'll devour each and every artfully portrayed tale. ( )

Wow, talk about dark and dizzying! Warning: This book is not bed-side reading. Through clearly drawn characters with complexity and depth, Hawes lures the reader into the "Bizarro World" versions of classic fairytales. You just have to pick up this page turner to find out if Rapunzel really was the poor prisoner of a wicked witch or if perhaps Rapunzel is wicked. Hawes' version of Cinderella is equally shocking and gritty. Was Cinderella the perfect "Stepford" wife or did she marry the prince with grisley revenge in mind. ( )

I really enjoyed reading these redone fairy tales, some extending from the ending of them and others simply changing them. It's nice to see a different perspective on the tales we have heard so many times. ( )

Mesmerizing dark retellings of many standard fairy tales. For example, in this Cinderella, the prince finds out that his fairy princess is really a self-absorbed brat and they most definitely do not live happily ever after. I loved this book! ( )

A retelling of seven fairy tales, told from different perspectives. For example, Snow White is retold from the perspective of one of the dwarfs. A little darker spin is put on many of the tales. ( )