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Title: Beyond the Woods

Subtitle: Fairy Tales Retold

Author: Paula Guran - editor

Narrator: Angela Dawe, Tim Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-10-17

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Once upon a time, the stories that came to be known as "fairy tales" were cultivated to entertain adults more than children; it was only later that they were tamed and pruned into less thorny versions intended for youngsters. But in truth, they have continued to prick the imaginations of audiences at all ages.

Over the years, authors have often borrowed bits and pieces from these stories, grafting them into their own writing, creating literature with both new meaning and age-old significance. In the last few decades or so, they've also intentionally retold and reinvented the tales in a variety of ways - delightful or dark, wistful or wicked, sweet or satirical - that forge new trails through the forests of fantastic fiction.

This new anthology compiles some of the best modern fairy-tale retellings and reinventions from award-winning and bestselling authors, acclaimed storytellers, and exciting new talents, into an enchanting collection. Explore magical new realms by traveling with us, Beyond the Woods...

Members Reviews:

List of authors and their fairytales in this book:

Great new take on some fairy tales.

Here's who wrote what in this book:

Introduction: Throwing In â Paula Guran

Tanith Lee â âRed as Bloodâ

Gene Wolfe â âIn the House of Gingerbreadâ

Angela Slatter â âThe Bone Motherâ

Elizabeth Bear â âFollow Me Lightâ

Yoon Ha Lee â âCoin of Hearts Desireâ

Nalo Hopkinson â âThe Glass Bottle Trickâ

Catherynne M. Valente â âThe Maiden Treeâ

Holly Black â âCoat of Starsâ

Caitlín R. Kiernan â âRoad of Needlesâ

Kelly Link â âTravels with the Snow Queenâ

Karen Joy Fowler â âHalfway Peopleâ

Margo Lanagan â âCatastrophic Disruption of the Headâ

Shveta Thakrar â âLavanya and Deepikaâ

Theodora Goss â âPrincess Lucinda and the Hound of the Moonâ

Gardner Dozois â âFairy Taleâ

Peter S. Beagle â âThe Queen Who Could Not Walkâ

Priya Sharma â âLebkuchenâ

Neil Gaiman â âDiamonds and Pearls: A Fairy Taleâ

Richard Bowes â âThe Queen and the Cambionâ

Octavia Cade â âThe Mussel Eaterâ

Jane Yolen â âMemoirs of a Bottle Djinnâ

Steve Duffy â âBears: A Fairy Tale of 1958â

Charles de Lint ââThe Moon Is Drowning While I Sleepâ

Veronica Schanoes â âRatsâ

Rachel Swirsky â âBeyond the Naked Eyeâ

Ken Liu â âGood Huntingâ

Kirstyn McDermott â âThe Moonâs Good Graceâ

Peter Straub â âThe Juniper Treeâ

Jeff VanderMeer â âGreensleevesâ

Tanith Lee â âBeautyâ

A great - somewhat dark - read

Beyond the Woods: Fairy Tales Retold is exactly what it sets out to be - a compilation of fairy tales retold for the modern generation. The modern adult generation. Where fairy tales were once cleaned up and made happy and "family-friendly" for the consumption of children (looking at you, Disney), these fairy tales go back to earlier forms when such tales were cautionary tales.

If you were aware that the editor, Paula Guran, edits the annual Year's Best Dark Fantasy and Horror series, you would be prepared for this.

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Title: Ruson, the Vampire Saint & Other Apocryphal Tales

Author: Aaron Hollingsworth

Narrator: Chiquito Joaquim Crasto

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-09-17

Publisher: Eightfold Wrath Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

A weird assortment of religion-based short stories spanning genres of fantasy, horror, satire, and folklore. Set in an alternate version of our solar system, this collection of tales will entertain believer and skeptic alike. From the author of the Four Winds - One Storm series, herein lay tales of vampires becoming saints, a succubi visiting the Nativity, the anecdotal origin of the Easter Bunny, and many other strange stories.

Members Reviews:

An easy listen

This book is a series of short stories that can be listened to individually, they range from in length although none a very long.

I enjoyed all of the stories, they're well written with interesting characters and good plots.

The stories are definitely not child appropriate but are a great listen for adults.

The narration is well done, the character voices are all clear and distinct, the delivery is smooth and natural.

I received this book free from the narrator/publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.

If you found this review helpful would you please take a moment to click yes below, thanks.

Intriguing set of dark paranormal tales

This is an intriguing set of dark folklore-type tales. The stories are odd, frequently gruesome, and occasionally funny. I found the tale of a nicotine-addicted vampire darkly funny, especially when he is faced with the modern world of no-smoking zones that makes it hard to get his fix. There are some original tales, as well as some new takes on old tales, such as the nativity, the story of Job, and the Easter bunny. I thought the explanation of, and attitude toward, the advent of homosexual persons was refreshing. The final "Birthday" story was entertaining and surprisingly light-hearted. Overall, it was an entertaining and interesting listen.

The narration perfectly suited the stories and set just the right tone and ambience.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator

Good audiobook

What made the experience of listening to Ruson, the Vampire Saint & Other Apocryphal Tales the most enjoyable?

The stories are told in an original way.The plots are interesting and the characters also.In summary the overall atmosphere of the audiobook matches the titles.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the main story most.

Any additional comments?

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

Good!

I really enjoyed this collection of really strange but creative stories. This isn't my typical genre but I enjoyed this and I think that anyone who loves sci-fi, horror or fantasy would really appreciate this collection.

**A copy of this audiobook was provided in exchange for an honest review**

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Title: Paternus: Berserker

Subtitle: A Short Story

Author: Dyrk Ashton

Narrator: Nik Magill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-09-17

Publisher: Paternus Books Media, DBA

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Berserker is a stand-alone short story, framed as a missing chapter from Paternus, the urban fantasy, mythic fiction novel, by Dyrk Ashton. It tells of the time when one of the characters finally met his father, many centuries ago.

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Title: Short Stories from the Spiral Galaxy

Subtitle: Featuring Intergalactic Detective Da'Quan

Author: Lawrence Johnson Sr.

Narrator: James Romick

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-03-17

Publisher: Lawrence Johnson Sr.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Three short stories in the Escape 2 Earth Universe, follows the mystery cases of Intergalactic Detective Da'Quan. "Murder on the Eros Star," "Planet of Doom," and "Terror on Telderan." Also included is the first chapter of audiobook one in the Escape 2 Earth series. "Terror on Telderan" is the prequel to the series.

Members Reviews:

Interesting universe

These stories are set in an interesting universe, where many ideas could be developed. The stories themselves are simplistic,with undeveloped characters and basic plots. They are written as if aimed at a YA audience.

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Title: Wild Embrace: A Psy-Changeling Collection

Author: Nalini Singh

Narrator: Angela Dawe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-20-17

Publisher: Orion

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

The 'alpha author of paranormal romance' presents a stunningly sensual collection of four all-new Psy-Changeling novellas in which taboos are broken, boundaries are crossed and instincts prove irresistible....

Echo of Silence: in a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life's work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander....

Dorian: a changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration - until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play....

Partners in Persuasion: still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he's the most fascinating man she's ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him....

Flirtation of Fate: Seven years ago Kenji broke Garnet's heart. Now the wolf pack mates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries....

Read by Angela Dawe.

Members Reviews:

Grade: C+ for entire book

3.5

Two fluffy feel-good stories, one story with a good plot (Garnet & Benji), and one short story that really wasn't a short story (Dorian). I should have waited for the library book instead of spending $13. Lesson learned.

Dorian's story is fulfilling to those who have read his book. It can't stand alone. I'd been looking forward to Stephan's story every since he appeared in the series. His short is very different than other Psy experiences falling in love. In fact, I thought his happy ending came too easily and too fast. I was disappointed but would still give his novella a 3.5.

The dominant leopard/submissive wolf story was light & fluffy. I did like how the hero was very different than all the other male leads in the Psy/Changeling series. The bar scene is where the story 'jumped shark' for me yet I understand what the author was trying to accomplish with this scene.

The only 4 star read was the last story, which was one I had not been too hyped about. Surprise! Garnet and Benji actually had a plot besides their internal obstacles. The murder mystery was a nice way to bring together these two characters and force their issues into the open.

A great addition to the Psy-Changeling world

Interests: Paranormal Romance, Futuristic, Shifters, Psychics

Echo of Silence --- Series: Psy-Changeling #2.1 (Singh states that this one "occurs after Visions of Heat")

What I Liked

This one was a very sweet romance between two people who have never been in a relationship. It's also very isolated from the rest of the story but this provides a new look at the Psy and their struggles outside of the changes that occur after Sascha and Faith leave the Net.

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Title: The Last Unicorn

Author: Sharon Davis

Narrator: Angel Heaven Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-17-17

Publisher: Sharon Davis

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Ruby is just your average girl. Then Colt shows up to take her to her best friend's wedding. Her world is never the same.

Members Reviews:

Loved it

went by so quick. the story was engaging. i have read other works by Sharon Davis. looking forward to listening to more.

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Title: Tainted Steel

Subtitle: Tales of the Weird and Woeful

Author: Aaron Hollingsworth, Cassandra Lee Hollingsworth

Narrator: Danny Montooth

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-17

Publisher: Eightfold Wrath Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Laid out upon these frail leaves is a banquet of delectable misfortunes and savory tragedies. Partake of these melancholy morsels of bile and brine, of wrath and regret. Sample vintages of fermented tears and distilled blood. Lick the sharp edges of cursed blades, and nibble frail hopes set on platters of tarnished silver. Strange sorrows warp the palette of perception and bring about subtle ruin and uncanny vigor. Indulge in the filling robustness of Tainted Steel.

Members Reviews:

Good Collection of Short Stories

Good Collection of Short Stories for quick listening enjoyment. Well done, well narrated. Great short listen.

This book was provided at no cost for a fair and honest review.

Perfectly Re-readable

The stories told within the confines of this book vary in the effect they have on the reader. The narrator was a perfect choice for this reading. Both the author and narrator make me want to experience these stories over and over. I was asked if I have a favorite story amongst them; I cannot decide. They are all entertaining and, in most cases, surprising. If it were possible to wear out the audio track, I am most certain that I would be the one to do it.

Short dark fantasy stories

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was definitely weird and oddly intriguing. A short collection of dark fairy tales. It's short, but entertaining.

Weird and twisted tales

Take many a story you thought you

Knew and be ready for some heavy duty twists. There are also a number of originals. They all showcase the talents

Of the author and narrator. The story of the the golden apple will take you to new places and depths one would never now otherwise while weaving into multiple other tales as well. Fantastic collection. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Twisted Tales

I wasn't sure what to expect when I requested to review this audiobook, but the description intrigued me. The audiobook is true to the description. These tales are definitely wicked and woeful, twisted and tormented, sometimes deliciously so. If you like off-beat, dark fairy tales, this audiobook is for you. I enjoyed these tales, and the narration suited the content. The delivery was well-paced and the voices matched the atmosphere of the stories.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

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Title: Master of the Dead

Subtitle: Zombie Attack!, Book 4

Author: Devan Sagliani

Narrator: Michael Pauley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-17

Publisher: Laughing Crow Media

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Zane's life has been a living hell since Franco and the Blackshirts uprising was put down. He'd been sentenced to death by hanging, but General Moto Macnamara sent him to a work camp instead, chained to Desdemona, the traitorous widow who betrayed them all!

After helping her escape, the two flee to the Fringe lands, between the new society that has sprung up and the infamous badlands. Overrun by bikers, gang members, gamblers, thieves, and killers, Zane is forced to serve as Desdemona's assistant, that is until a mysterious man in all black shows up at the zombie fighting pits and follows him home.

Who is this mysterious stranger and why has he come to the Fringes? Is he a bounty hunter come to collect the reward on their heads? Or something much worse?

The answer leaves Zane stunned speechless, along with the offer to strike back at the people who brought about his ruin...Xander and Moto Macnamara!

Return to the world of Zombie Attack with this standalone novella!

Members Reviews:

great series

It was an enjoyable series...till this one. you just canr change all of the characters.

It was ok

Super short and a lot of typos and errors. It only took me about 45 mins to read this book. I'd like to know what happens to Zane though.

Four Stars

I didn't see the end coming, even with the title staring me undead in the face.

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Title: The Year's Top Ten Tales of Science Fiction 9

Author: Nina Allan, Karl Bunker, Carolyn Ives Gilman, Paul McAuley, Cat Rambo, Robert Reed, Lavie Tidhar

Narrator: Tom Dheere, Nancy Linari, Henrietta Meire

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-30-17

Publisher: AudioText

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

An unabridged audio collection spotlighting the best of the best science fiction stories published in 2016 by current and emerging masters of the genre, edited by Allan Kaster, as narrated by top voice talents.

In "The Art of Space Travel", by Nina Allan, the staff of a hotel prepares for the crew of a one-way mission to Mars on the heels of earlier disasters. An artist and his wife search for fulfillment in a utopian world created by AIs in "They Have All One Breath" by Karl Bunker. In "Patience Lake" by Matthew Claxton, an injured military cyborg helps defend a farm family that has helped him.

In a top-secret job, an all-too-conscious bus driver takes a non-cognizant alien and his human translator on a tour of the United States, in "Touring with the Alien" by Carolyn Ives Gilman. In "My Generations Shall Praise" by Samantha Henderson, a woman on death row is persuaded to have her mind overwritten so that a wealthy relative can use her as a host body. People adapting to a melted Antarctica evolve new folklore, superstitions, and myths in "Elves of Antarctica" by Paul McAuley.

In "Red in Tooth and Cog" by Cat Rambo, a woman acquires a keen interest in the small domestic appliance AI ecosystem that evolves in a park after her phone is stolen. An ancient robot tells a human how it helped build the Great Ship, a planet-sized starship, from hyperfiber in "Parables of Infinity" by Robert Reed.

In "Prodigal" by Gord Sellar, an uplifted family dog questions the relationship between dogs and humans and then takes action. And finally, in a Bradburyesque tale, people go to Mars via cheap, one-person, one-way spacecrafts called jalopies in "Terminal" by Lavie Tidhar.

Members Reviews:

Some Good in This

Enjoyed a few of the stories in this group. Narrators did exceptional job. A good review of the year's stories.

Good stories ... but is it meant to end this way?

Some good stories, generally well read. Love the feral kitchen appliances and renegade bio-engineered dogs. But the book ends so oddly - not just mid-story by apparently mid-sentence, that I can't believe there isn't a technical problem waiting to be fixed.

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Title: Divided

Subtitle: Here We Stand, Book 2

Author: Frank Tayell

Narrator: Theodore Copeland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-15-17

Publisher: Frank Tayell

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

It is a week since the outbreak began in New York. The president has been betrayed. The vice-president is dead. The conspirators are close to victory.

Having narrowly escaped agents of the cabal, Tom Clemens heads to Washington in the hope of warning the president, but it is too late. The highways are impassable, filled with millions fleeing from the cities. As refugees storm the towns, and zombies fill the smoking ruins, survivors become more deadly a threat than the impossibly living dead. Still hopeful he can find the cause of the outbreak and so end it, Tom fights his way through an undead America, unaware that the cabal are searching for him.

From Surviving the Evacuation, this is the second part of Sholto's escape from a collapsing United States.

Members Reviews:

Okay Companion Series

Any additional comments?

This isn't a bad listen but it also didn't hold me like the original series does.

Stand seems to Stagger

Any additional comments?

Tayell is a very good writer and I enjoy his work. This, and the Here We Stand series, is ok but not his best. There are complex plot points, situations and characters here - but they often come across as overthought to the detriment of what is going on in the moment of the story. This brings the Surviving the Evacuation series almost full circle so its worth a listen if you want more background on that.

Copeland, as always, does a very good job with the narration.

great conclusion

to Shelto's story. Tho i would love to hear more about his way to England. So hoping there might be another book in this spin off.