The Grimm Diaries Prequels volume 15 - 18: Snow White Black Swan, The Pumpkin Piper, Prince of Puppets, The Sleeping Swan

The Grimm Diaries Prequels #15-18

by Cameron Jace

4 new Prequels in the Grimm Diaries.

The latest bundle of prequels in the Grimm Diaries reveals great secrets and contain the following diaries:

1) Snow White Black Swan
narrated by the Queen of Sorrow
2) The Pumpkin Piper
narrated by Jack Madly
3) Prince of Puppets
narrated by Pinocchio
4) The Sleeping Swan
narrated by Angel Von Sorrow

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Paranormal, Fiction, Horror, Young Adult, Short Stories

107 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2013

About the author

Bestselling author of the Grimm Diaries and Insanity series. A traveller and collector of out-of-print books from all over the world, obsessed with the origins of folk tales and the mysterious storytellers who spread them. Many of his books made Amazon's Top 100 Customer Favorites in Kindle 2015 & Amazon's Top 100 kindle list. Cameron lives in Yerba Buena San Francisco California. When he isn't writing or collecting books, he is playing music or enjoys the silence.

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of this, getting a deeper glimpse into a few characters and enjoying the revelations.

My favorite of the bunch was Pumpkin Piper .. it was a fun and different origin of sorts for Peter Pan .

The whole thing with Wendy Darling being Snow White's sister/Black Swan and destined to be this great evil was very creative and I can't wait to see what else he does with it.

There's also someone who makes a small appearance in another story that has a twist to him I thought was fitting.. how this one will interact with a certain someone will be..interesting to say the least.

I didn't care for the Prince of Puppets , it was a nice idea but I didn't care for it. It wasn't bad, just something off about it for me.

An appearance from The Swan Queen had me smiling. It was one of my favorite movies when I was younger and what was done with the swans and the explanations I loved and made sense in it's own way.

I'm glad we got a glimpse into Angel von Sorrow as well. I understand why he did what he did.

Off to the next, almost caught up now:)

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Michelle Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

SNOW WHITE BLACK SWAN: Carmilla with a tale of her inception as Queen and mother. In this prequel, I can truly feel for Carmilla; no matter what I know she's capable of, she has suffered. Depending on where the 3rd regular Diary, Blood, Milk and Choclate goes, I could see Mr. Jace building a case that Carmilla is less evil and jealous than percieved, but rather, misguided and suffering. Carmilla is probably my favorite narrator. 5*


THE PUMPKIN PIPER: The story of a second Piper, as told to Marmelade the Mermaid by Jack Madly. This second piper is really Peter Pan. 2.5*.


PRINCE OF PUPPETS: A colorful episode fron the life of Lucifer. This prequel had some good bits and bad bits; a little more swearing than is usually used, but I guess if you keep it in the context that Satan is the narrator, than I guess it's not really outstanding. 2.8*.

THE SLEEPING SWAN: A confession by Angel Von Sorrow, a sort of extenuation of the first story. A touching thing Angel did, even if it was misguided. 4*.

Overall, I found the first and last stories great; the middle ones were just OK. Nevertheless, though, the whole thing is very readable and addicting. I'll keep reading this series till the cows come home.

[Lisa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite #17 princess of puppies
Least favorite #18 the sleeping beast

I enjoyed hearing from some of the characters again in this segment of prequels. I found that some of the little insights and tidbits were interesting and something to think about. Makes you wonder how things could actually be wrapped together. How people can be more than one thing. I think it was very interesting how he created the characters and tied all the elements and other characters together.

Will never think of Pino the same way. Wow. Just a crazy thought that is how he came to be. But I mean it could have been the real deal and makes sense. Haha.

Also: favorite little extra: the 3 stooges haha. That was pretty funny.

[Shalonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry but I wasn't too fond of this series. I think it was the Pinnochico story. The devil hidding in a puppets body. The story seemed long and boring. But that's just me.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another fascinating collection of fairy tales far more twisted and surreal than Once Upon a Time. The world creation on the back of a whale reminded me more than a little of Terry Prachett’s Discworld being on the back of a turtle. The world creation is completely fascinating, through too surreal for my tastes. But still the tale does create fabulous images of the black and white swans and the lady in the tower weaving worlds and the creations of the sun and moon of Sorrow. The Pumpkin Piper was a fun romp, though rather obvious in who the Piper was supposed to be, and then by the end it felt like it was trying to ram it home with who he was (not to mention a bit out of place since the character had never worn a pumpkin head till this point, so there’s no real explanation of why he stopped wearing one or why he started wearing one in the first place). Of the group of stories, Prince of Puppets had the most typos. (I really had to laugh on the sentence that started with “Though shall not…” and was trying to come off as a commandment. The sentence really should have started out with “Thou shalt not…” I started to wonder if this is a case of auto-correct being turned on and then not checking the story through afterward). I will say, there wasn’t much of the original Pinocchio tale kept intact here, aside from a puppet that could move on his own and Gheppto and the whale. It seemed like he had more in common with Chucky than Pinocchio, but nowhere near as evil (which is laughable when considering who the soul is supposed to be). Still, it was interesting seeing Pinocchio connected to Hook and Moby Dick. Out of the bunch, I loved The Sleeping Beast the most. I loved the narrative voice of Angel (finally a character who didn’t cop an immature attitude or jarringly reference things from the modern world!) I loved him wrestling with the thought of who he was supposed to be and who he had strived to become and it really made me wonder how he had met his wife and fell in love with her (hoping it doesn’t turn into a Twilight remake, though it seems like it might veer into Buffy territory with his name even borrowed from the romantic vampire). Not to mention the emotional pain of losing the idea of his other daughter, what she could have become and seeing his own struggle in her. I definitely hope we see more focus on Angel Von Sorrow in the future.

Though we have reached the last of the prequels, I do hope there are more to come. Admittedly I picked up Snow White Sorrow and couldn’t stand Loki or the talking animals (which seemed really oddly placed since the animals didn’t talk in any of the prequels except for Prince of Puppets).

[*Book Euphoria * · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was able to finish this book sooner, it was a bit shorter then the last one. And we got to read about are fave characters.

In Snow White Black Swan we learn about the twins, the twins the Queen of Sorrow was suppose to have, one good and one evil. You feel bad for the Queen because at this time she is good and naive. She wants a safe place to live with her husband Angel ( we also learn her real name later on). She wants it to be safe, bright and happy, so they get a Sun and a Moon. But the way Angel gets them, it was so secretive and mysterious, cus he wouldn't say anything, it made me wonder about him. The Queen wanted a family but couldn't have on less she had twins, one good and one evil, to balance the universe, the bad thing is that they would end up fighting each other until one is dead, and we know that only one was born, but is Snow the good, or the bad? who knows.

The Pumpkin Piper was kind of cute, we learn who it is and what he does. I get that the parents were being strict but the Piper was just spoiling the kids. And the kids got what they wanted, the real Piper showed up, so why did they run.. anyway, Jack is getting closer to Marmalade, but Marmalade really needs to be more independent, she's too clingy, she really wants Jack to like her and Jack is still thinking about the hooded girl.

Prince of Puppets was a very different story of the devil and of Pinocchio, including many other well known fairy tale characters. You know you want to hate the devil because he's evil, but you feel bad for some of the things that happened to him, everyone around him seemed to be more evil then him,( well according to him) they did do crazy things, but he was always thinking about being bad and evil soooo idk

The Sleeping Beast was told in Angels POV. We get to see what really happened to the other twin and what Angel secretly did. We also learn who the twin is, and it doesn't surprise me but it that's why I'm still wondering who is suppose to be the good and the evil one. We know some of what Snow has done but the Black Swan is also a biatch, and I've never liked her but that doesn't necessary mean she's the Evil one...

maybe because it was shorter it was missing something, I don't know, I like when you get to learn more about the characters but yeah I know these are just short stories so I guess it's alright. I like them, they are all different, you never know who will be in the stories and what will happen.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!! This book! This book! I loved it!!!!!

Snow White Black Swan
The Queen of Sorrow has been one of my favorite characters in these diaries, i love her thought process and I understand why she does what she does, even if its not the right thing to do. I just love her in her kindness and evilness.

This tale is about Carmilla (The Queen of Sorrow), is how she becomes a mother/Queen and her struggles. In her diary you really get emotionally connected to her and realize that no ones perfect, and we can go wrong accidentally, including our intentions.

The Pumpkin Piper
Jack Madly I've got to say is one of my favorite characters too, as well as Marmelade. I love that there are two Pipers, not one but two! yes! And I'm so happy I guessed right on who he was! Peter Pan His flute was such a giveaway!
This one felt more like a Halloween special/book episode, and I love Halloween!

Prince of Puppets
I love that Pinocchio is Lucifer, the prince of darkness, or as he is known as in this series, the prince of puppets! I did enjoy Pinocchio in his true form and I found him to be cool. I enjoyed his adventures and I agreed with him on a lot of things he said.

The Sleeping Swan
This one is narrated by Angel Von Sorrow, He's point of view hasn't been told in the prequels before, and I felt for him so much and i forgive him for the decision he made in the end.

It was just a fathers heart and believing in the best of his people and family, and believing they can change their fate. Which I find courageous of him, he was brave for confessing to his choices that others would believe him evil for doing so.
He got to my heart when he sore the similarity's between his dead daughter and himself and believing that because he became a force of good: rather becoming evil, then so can his daughter because she's just like him. I love his boned with his unborn child and that he would die for her in a heart beat. It shows his soul.

I love it all, some of the stories I enjoyed more than others but I still had a lot of fun.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this long ago apparently i will have to reread 1 thru 14 to rereview them after i read any ARCs so wow . i had this read in 2 to 3 hours give or take and could not put it down and boy is it very interesting too . like the small diaries here and there and very interesting to find out certain characters that are related to each other in some way and to find out that some characters you thought were innocent really are not and to find the ones who should be innocent not to be but to find out what i mean you must first buy the books though in order before buying this one read 1-14 before this or buy all 4 prequel book sets as well as the two novels of snow white and cinderella books to be up to date on all characters until the 3rd novel comes out or 19 thru 22 prequels come out so you can buy this and all other books and read then review and keep on reading if you love the brother's grimm books you will love this ... until next time review read on ...

[♣ Spacey♣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I read these after Snow White Sorrow. Not that they ruin the book, but some of the little tidbits from that book that are explained here I feel were better to learn afterwards. Again, its nothing that would really matter if you read these before SWS, but I'm still glad I read that first. The secrets that come out in this set, especially about the day Snow White was born, are great. I love how all these stories intertwine and that the author can keep track of them so well. I noticed a bit more typos in this set then in any of the prior ones, a minor grievance though. Overall I'm highly invested in this series and really love the world building.

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best prequel so far.

The Black Swan took my breath away, the story was just awesome.
The Pumpkin Piper, Prince of Darkness was 5 stars to.

The Sleeping Beast, the short story, gives me goosebumps and tears in my eyes,
just like Snow White Black Swan, I LOVE it.

Cam, you did it again, thanks so much, I could read these books every day.
Please make more and more...
Don't you ever stop!!!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is the Black Swan?...what a shocker with Snow White's birth! The Queen is warming my heart. I feel for her she seems to be tortured by the decisions she has made. I cannot wait to see where the third book goes! The scene with the Queen and the Black Swan was so hard to read.


Final Review Posted Here

http://chillreviews.blogspot.com/2013...

[Dominique Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the prequels. I had a very hard time putting my kindle down once I started the first set. I enjoyed the bloody Mary, Sweeny Todd addition. very creative twist on each story tying multiple characters together. I've always been a fan of fairy tales with a twist. much praise Cameron!!

[Beril · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories about black swan are gorgeus. Cameron you have to write more about her. By the way I have to say that prequels are better than main books. Maybe the characters are more interesting in prequels. Less Loki more Carmilla and others pls:)

[Andrea Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel was very interesting. I really liked the story of the Queen of Sorrow and how the kingdom of Sorrow was created. The others were just as interesting and to see how all charges as fractured are intertwined. I can't wait to read the next chapter in their lives.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

... the end...

Scattering up the pieces as my mind just got blown away.. What an ending, such an impact on the story line.. I just have to say, thank you for the opportunity to have read all of the prequels.. Don't stop writing...

[Shody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great twists and turns of the fairy tale world. These are more mini stories to prepare you for the major series that Cameron Jace comes out with. He's a great storyteller and these books and short stories are great reads.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairy tales

I enjoyed this book and the different stories more than the previous book. I found out more about sleeping beauty,Pinocchio and Peter Pan. That helped understand the characters more. Definitely a series I would recommend and cannot wait to continue in the series. Xx

[Nancy Xyooj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm dying to know what happens in the main series!! When is the next book????

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read!!!!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished with the last of the prequels and I have to say, I love them. It's like a sampler of something tasty, little bites and nibbles of a savory platter. Now to start Snow White Sorrow!

[Cliff Townsend · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think I enjoyed the last set better but this one sure had some cool twists and ideas....can't wait for more.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinocchio is the devil and Snow White & Wendy Darling (aka Sleeping Beauty) are sisters....interesting.

[Alyssa Droghei · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing!!

I am absolutely in love with the series!!! I can't stop reading!!! I recommend them to all of my family & friends

[Kamaiki Aloha · Rating 5 out of 5]

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[Laura Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this

The stories were engaging, though there were some typos and word usage mistakes. I look forward to the next book.

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Robert Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not perfect but close

I love the idea and stories but it still for of misplaced words and misspellings. If he could of had a better editor they would be perfect.

[Maritza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still confuse

So much info! Need to find out more!
Great stories, twisted stories, dark stories, and who is the piper I wonder…