Review: Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr + Giveaway
Author: Melissa Marr
Book: Faey Tales & Nightmares
Series: Short Story Anthology
Release: February 21 2011
Reviewer: Day
Source: Harper Teen
Purchase: – Barnes & NobleFaery Tales and Nightmares is a collection of Marr’s short stories. Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen tales of enchantments, both dark and light. Stories of favorite characters from the author’s New York Times bestselling WICKED LOVELY novels mix with seductively lush and chilling accounts of all new characters for readers to fall in love with…or to fear.
FAERY TALES & NIGHTMARES is a fabulous collection of twelve new and old stories by Melissa Marr. These dozen stories come together to create a masterpiece of an anthology that will make readers smile and blush one moment and send shivers down spines the next. And, just look at that cover…it is gorgeous! For fans of Wicked Lovely series there are plenty of treats, but what I found more appealing were the stories that were apart from that bestselling world. A few stand outs were the chilling Transition, the disturbingly captivating Flesh For Comfort, the romantic drama Love Struck and the classically lyrical Winter’s Kiss.
“Where Nightmares Walk” – This story is the shortest in the anthology and if this book was a literary opera, this story would serve as the perfect intro–setting the creative tone for the pieces to follow. The story is at first eerie and creepy but progresses into something more dream-like and imaginative. The setting is a wooded forest and the mood is anxious. An unknown narrator tells the story of being chased by nightmares. This story was lyrical and poetic and leaves much to the imagination. ***
“Winter’s Kiss” (Fairy Tales)- Such a beautiful story! Like a classic fairy tale made new, this is about a princess, Nesha, who holds winters touch in her very breath. Not wanting to be locked away in a tower during the summer to prevent her from accidentally freezing the land, she fleas to find refuge. I could have read a full length novel about these characters. ****
“Transition” (Vampires)- CHILLING. In this story we meet a young girl who has been struck with horrific headaches that just won’t ease. Her guardians don’t want to spend the money for the high cost perscriptions so she has turned to self medication…illegal pills and other drugs supplied to her by the town badboy for the cost of her companionship. But on one night when she sneaks out with the boy they are surprised by a strange girl and things go from bad to worse…dead worse. I really enjoyed this dark story. With it’s provocative characters and general content, it is definitely for the more mature audience. ****
“Love Struck” (Selchies)- A bright young woman, Alana, has hopes and aspirations for her future. One night on a beach she meets a beautiful but scary man that gives her an ominous warning after coming onto her. After fleaing from the man she happens upon another beautiful man in the water but this time she feels fear and attraction. This is the tale of a girl caught between two mythical fae Selchie’s and her learning to discern between the stories her grandmother told her about Selchies and the true tale that she finds herself living in. ****
“Stopping Time” (WL World) – This is one of my all time favorite short stories…period. This is the story of Leslie, Niall and Irial and beautifully depicts the dynamics of their relationships and made me fall hopelessly in love with Irial. I’m such a softy for the tortured anti-hero. *****
“Old Habits” (WL World)- Irial, Niall and the dark court are center stsge in this story that explores the politics of the fae , particularly the Dark Court, and the bond between two best friends that are more like soul-mates and the sacrifices they would make for their kingdom and more importantly each other. *****
“The Art of Waiting” – In a little town tucked in the hollow of the mountains where the towns people are at the mercy of the seasons and the weather they bring…Heavy snow in Winter and flood from when the snow thaws. When a strangers come to town there are many questions among the townsfolk. But, most people that want to settle in a place like the hollow probably have reasons they don’t want to share for living in such a place. Another really great tale that paints vivid pictures and evokes an eeriness that kept my eyes glued to the pages! ****
“Flesh for Comfort”- One of the strangest and most creepy tales in this Anthology is Flesh For Comfort. It is about a girl stuck in a po-dunk town that desires more, wants to be prettier and what she’ll do to get what she wants. This story has unique creatures that are equally as engrossing as they are just plain gross. Loved it! *****
“The Sleeping Girl and the Sumer King” (WL World-ish, the short story that started the series)- This was really interesting, especially when you consider that this was the tale behind the series. In this story we meet the Summer King, Donnchadh and Aisling, the girl who sleeps through the winter whom he loves. Wicked Lovely fans will cherish the insight into their beloved Wicked Lovely world. ***
“Cotton Candy Skies” (WL World)- This story takes place in Faerie and features the Hound of the dark court and some familiar characters from Wicked Lovely world and Radiant Shadows in particular. The title, Cotton Candy Skies, refers to the color of the sky in Faerie and the story is about finding a place in life where your heart feels at home. ***
“Unexpected Family” (WL World)- Unexpected Family is about Seth (Aislinn’s Love) and his place in The Dark Court and feelings about his connection to the mortal world and Fae. This was a good story, I admit Seth isn’t my favorite character from the series, but Irial’s presence in the text made me enjoy it more, plus Aislinn is featured as well. ***
“Merely Mortal” (WL World)- Takes place after the events of Darkest Mercy, so slightly spoilery for those who have yet to finish the series. Keenan and Donia, two of the main character’s from Wicked Lovely series, are settling into their lives together and decide to get away for a vacation. Full of great one-liners on Keenan’s part and sweet romance between him and The Winter Queen, this was a nice and fun inside look at the character’s lives. ****
Win a copy of Faery Tales & Nightmares
Ahhh! I’ve been dying to get my hands on this book! All of the stories sound amazing and each one seems to have a unique spin on it :)
Crossing my fingers bi time to win this one hehe :)
<3
Taylor
I’ve had this book on my TBR list for months! The stories sound great! I loved Melissa’s Wicked Lovely series and I’ m really looking forward to this book. Thanks so much for the giveaway! :-)
I can’t wait to read this! I love anything by Melissa Marr! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
I have the Wicked Lovely series on standby. I would love to be able to read this antho, as well. Thanks!
Big fan of Melissa Marr, can’t wait to read her new book.
Can’t wait to read the Leslie/Niall/Irial short. They are my favorite characters from INK EXCHANGE. How on earth did I miss this book? It’s on my Christmas list now!
YES!!! They were my favorite too :)
I can’t wait to read this! Especially the ones in WL series :) And hooray for Keenan and Donia! <3
If you haven’t read Darkest Mercy yet, you simply MUST! It is one of the best conclusions to a series I’ve ever read!
Oh goodness, I can’t wait for this. :D I really like the idea of the Leslie/Niall/Irial story. I need more of the WL world, and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this!
Irial is my ALL TIME FAVORITE fae character! I ended up loving the Niall/Leslie/Irial story lines more than Aislinn/Keenan/Seth/Donia ones.
Oh, definitely. I liked Wicked Lovely, but Ink Exchange is what solidified me as a fan. Love the Dark Court fae.
I can’t wait to read this!
Can’t wait! I just read her short story in the Enthralled anthology, and look forward to more time in the Wicked Lovely universe <3
love the review and I can’t wait to check it out!!
I want this so bad! I love Wicked Lovely and I’ve read a few of these stories and I really liked them :)
Melissa marr is such an awesome writer. Her perspective of the Fae is simply fascinating.
I remember reading Transition in another anthology and rather liking her embellishment on the vampire lore.
All of these stories sound terrific, but I especially want to read Winter’s Kiss! It sounds like something I would really enjoy:)
Love Melissa Marr. I love the cover of the book. The stories sound amazing. Definitley will read.
This looks great! I’ve only read the first two of the Wicked Lovely series, but I loved them both.
Love the Wicked Lovely series, and I can’t wait for this book to come out!!!
I’m such a fan of Melissa’s short stories. I’m so glad that this book is a collection of them. Uber excited for it.
Such a big fan! I really enjoy everything I read by Melissa and I have been anticipating this book since I first saw it!
Wear the Tory Burch Boots are so comfortable and beautiful.When you wear the tory burch shoes and take the Tory Burch Handbags to go outside,you are the most fashion women.
I loved the Wicked Lovely series. Once I started it I had to get every book the moment they came out. I was sad to see the series end but I was happy with the conclusion.
This book sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read it.
This book looks truly awesome! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win.
I love Melissa Marr’s books, I can never seem to get any sleep once I start. =) I’ve had this book on my TBR list for a while now and was featured for a W.O.W I really enjoy novels that have different twist and when it involves different paranormal aspects would just be a plus!
Thank you for hosting this giveaway!!
GFC Follower: SpadesHighReads
I love Melissa’s style of writing and would love to win a copy :). Thank you so much for the giveaway.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Would LOVE to read.
I love Melissa Marr’s books <3
Melissa: I started reading your books in 2007, when Wicked Lovely came out. I’ve been reading everything with your name on it ever since. Love your works and am looking forward to this one just as much. In YA, it is refresing to stumble across a series that is not only fresh and interesting, with great characters, but well-written, too.
I’ve been waiting for this!! Such a big fan. The wicked lovely series delivers everything on point and it a beautiful timeline.
Hey Melissa I am so looking forward to this anthology! Love what you do.
I LOVEE the Wicked Lovely series sooo much. I own 4 copies of Wicked Lovely <3
Want to read it sooooo bad!
I have loved the Wicked Lovely series since I discovered it when Ink Exchange was published. I rushed out bought both Wicked Lovely and Ink and devoured both books in one day. Her books never disappoint and always leave me wanting more.
woooow~ I’m dying for all the books of Melissa Marr! and…. how badly I want to read this too~!!! <3
I am looking forward to reading this book!
I’ve been waiting for this book for forever… I need some more of the WL world! I love those books so much, I’m not ready to let the characters go.
Love Melissa Marr’s books and hoping the Wicked Lovely world keeps going!
I’ve read a few of these already on my Kindle and they were great. Can’t wait to read the rest of the stories! I’m going through Wicked Lovely withdrawal.
Omg!! I have to have to have this!>.
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Lisa
Can’t wait for this book!
I’m such a huge Melissa Marr fan! I’ve been so looking forward to this collection, would love to win! Thanks!!
Looking forward to another great book by Melissa Marr! Thank you for the giveaway :)
The Wicked Lovely series is by far my favorite serious out there. Melissa is a genius writer and I love to win this book for that fact alone.
Melissa Marr: thank you for creating such wonderful books and sharing them with the world. We all appreciate your creative mind and for creating characters we can’t help but fall in love with.
What a great addition to the genre!
I love Melissa Marr’s work having read almost everything she has published. My particular favorite is Ink Exchange and I can’t wait to read this anthology. Looking forward to the upcoming movie.
While I miss the “Tattoo Faeries” universe, I’m much looking forward to this volume. Can’t wait to see what else you do!
Also, just reading this review is making my mouth water! Good to know what to expect without totally getting spoiled. Thanks, guys. <3
I think this anthology is awesome!
I will have to agree with you! It is a wonderful anthology!
This looks super good! Thanks for the chance to win!
I have been a HUGE Melissa Marr fan ever since her Wicked Lovely Series. I even have her book Graveminder because I just love her writing style. I so need to get my hands on a copy of Faery Tales & Nightmares.
Melissa, I am always amazed with how you are always able to produce such wonderful stories and ideas. You are a phenomenal writer and You are just an inspiration to would-be writers….^_^.
would loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to get this book . super excited forthis giveaway