Kate Forsyth's Long-Lost Fairy Tales

by Kate Forsyth

Fairy tales are as old as language itself.

Long, long ago, storytellers all around the world told tales of wonder both to enchant and entertain us, and also to teach us that – if we are good and kind and courageous enough – we can change the world for the better.

For this is what fairy tales do. They give us hope.

As we travel through the dark and dangerous world of the fairy tale, as we fight dragons and outwit ogres and save our sisters and brothers, we learn that we are capable of anything. And then we return to our own world with all that we have learned along the way, stronger and braver than before.

The stories in this book come from all the corners of the world. Some were told in deep time before history was recorded, and some were written not so long ago. All of them have been unjustly forgotten.

In this collection of long-lost fairy tales, author Kate Forsyth and illustrator Lorena Carrington work together to bring tales of wisdom, compassion, and courage to life for the modern-day reader.

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Fiction, Short Stories, Retellings, Historical Fantasy, Folklore

Paperback

About the author

Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.

Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'

Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.

Reviews

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection of fairy tale retellings. I enjoyed the additional information provided about each story, as well as the gorgeous artwork!

'Fairy tales are as old as language itself.'

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most beautiful collection of ancient Fairy Tales retold by Kate Forsyth and illustrated by Lorena Carrington.

There are 21 magical and enchanting tales taken from all over the world. The illustrations are intricate and uniquely crafted.

I don't know which Fairy Tale was my favourite as I loved them all!

Creative and imaginative, made to spellbound you into another world 🌎 ❤️ ✨️ ♥️.

I was lucky to have been 'gifted' this collection of Long Lost Fairy Tales by Kate Forsyth 🧚‍♀️ ✨️ 💖.

[thebookishstephanie]

Kate Forsyth's Long-Lost Fairy Tales is a beautiful collection of fairytale retellings, and lovely accompanying art. The art really helped to hone in on what was being told (I wish we had more art in books!!), and I love that Kate put her own twist on these stories. They both breathe so much life into these stories that I had either forgotten about, or had never heard of before. I really enjoyed reading all of these!

I loved that there were notes from both Kate and Lorena at the end of each story, speaking to what inspired them to include the story and what it means for them.

Thank you to New Dawn Publishing for an arc of this one! All opinions are my own.

[Belinda Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Librofm for the gifted audiobook of Kate Forsyth’s Long-Lost Fairy Tales in exchange for my honest review.

Kate Forsyth’s Long-Lost Fairy Tales is a beautifully crafted and heartfelt collection that breathes new life into forgotten and lesser-known tales. Many of these stories are truly unique, evoking a wide range of emotions from joy and wonder to quiet reflection. What stands out most is how warm and cozy each tale feels. These are not the grim and cautionary stories of the Brothers Grimm. Instead, they offer gentler lessons in kindness, resilience, and morality, all wrapped in a comforting, fireside tone.

Forsyth’s narration of the audiobook is a standout feature. Her voice is captivating, playful, expressive, and full of character. She brings each tale to life with charming and engaging performances, making it feel like you are a child again, listening wide-eyed as a master storyteller spins her magic.

If I have one piece of advice, it is this: do not rush through them. While I listened straight through, I truly believe these stories are best savored slowly, one or two at a time, like a rich dessert. They deserve that space to settle and sparkle in your imagination. Whether you are revisiting your love for fairy tales or discovering new ones, this collection is a cozy delight.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t love this.

I was drawn in by the cover and the idea of sweet fairy tales but I can honestly say that this wasn’t for me. Some of the stories were nice while others were forgettable. I was glad there were illustrations, although they weren’t my cup of tea.

If you enjoy fairy tales and short stories, you may enjoy this book. However, it was not for me.

[jayde virgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

Gosh these stories were amazing, I ate them up and I wished some of them were longer than what they were!!

I absolutely adoreddd the folklore and I learned about so many new different historical fairytales that I had never heard of!! I can’t believe I waited this long to read it 😭

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning collection of fairytales and beautiful art to accompany each story!
One of my favourite things about reading some of these retellings, most of which I’d never heard before and some which date back hundreds and hundreds of years, was noticing the way so many themes and stories from the past have made their way into modern stories and shaped the books we read now, particularly in the fantasy genre.
Kate has put her own spin on each of the stories and I really liked how she created the perfect mix of eerie, emotional, and captivating vibes throughout the book. All the stories are short and quick reads but each story has its own message and meaning, and there wasn’t a single one out of the entire collection I didn’t enjoy!
Also, Lorena’s accompanying art is incredible and adds so much to the overall feel of the book. She brings scenes and characters to life in a way my unimaginative brain could never and her notes in between stories about how she created each one and what props she used etc were mind blowing!

Thank you to New Dawn Publishing for the Advanced Copy of this book!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a strange and marvellous book!

I never knew this book existed until it was listed as a 2025 Children’s Book Council of Australia notable for older readers (generally aged 13-18 years old).

Intrigued, I found myself a copy and started reading. Life got in the way, and for several months this book languished on my bedside table with a bookmark wedged after the second story.

Thank goodness for summer holidays and the opportunity to finish reading this collection of edited and reworked fairy tales.

Each story is followed by a passage from both author, Kate Forsyth and artist, Lorena Carrington with their thoughts and responses to the story.

I genuinely loved reading this book and would highly recommend for readers aged +12 years old.

[Lily]

this is super quirky, not my usual vibe although I kinda liked how it was a little more dark and freaky to push my comfort zone a bit. The folklore stories are kinda out there and not at all disney stories. I also really liked that it included both the author’s and illustrator’s perspective on the story, why it was chosen, how the pictures were created and the history behind the folklore.

A very good read and a delightful gift from miss sophie

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fairytales and this is a wonderful collection of stories. Some I knew, some I didn't but I loved them all and they are so beautifully told. Just wonderful.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely fairytale's

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been such a privilege to dive into Kate Forsyth’s Long-Lost Fairy Tales, a wondrous collection of perilous faery stories as reimagined by Kate Forsyth & Lorena Carrington! A huge thank you goes to both incredible women, as well as the New Dawn team for sending an ARC my way. I’ve long loved the magic Kate & Lorena can create when they team up, & this book is no exception. But let’s give you an overview first, shall we?

Within this novel, there are twenty-one fairy tales which will entice you into a world of enchantments, mischief & hope. This collection is for every dreamer who wants to test their mettle against dragons, as well as the evil that can hide in all guises. Kate & Lorena have combined their immense talents to craft an evergreen novel which celebrates the forgotten fairy tales, bringing them back into the light where they truly belong. If you love the land of faery? Wander these paths with me. We’re in the presence of greatness…

Faery stories are there to give us chills down our spine, to embolden our heart, to make us *feel* what is occurring to the characters. With the talented Kate & Lorena at the helm of this collection of fairy tales? I think someone could only be unaffected by these stories if they had a heart of stone. A whole spectrum of emotions in your heart & soul will dance to a merry tune thanks to what is within these pages!

*** You can read my FULL REVIEW on my blog via this l!nk: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/kate-... ***

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading the forgotten fairytales in this book . Some of the fairytales are old as language itself .

Storytellers all around the world have told the tales if wonder for both enchant and entertain us but it also teach us that if we were good, kind and courageous enough that we could change the world for the better

Fairytales gives us hope as that what they do ... ..


You travel through the dark and dangerous World of fairytales but fight dragons and outwit orges to save our siblings that we learn that we are capable of anything than we have to return to our own world as we have learned along the way stronger and braver than before.

The stories that are in this book have came from all the corners of the world as some were told in dero time before history was even recorded but some were written not that long ago. But all of them have been unjustly forgotten

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me!

I’m always a sucker for a good fairytale and retelling, and this collection of 21 retold "lost" or lesser-known fairytales was no exception. The stories were enchanting, and while I recognised a few, I loved Kate’s unique twists on the originals.

What made the experience even better was the inclusion of additional information about the origin of each tale and commentary from the illustrator. However, I was a bit disappointed with some of the illustrations—they were so dark that it was hard to see all the details. Perhaps it was just the edition I purchased, but if the illustrations had been executed better, this would have easily been a 5-star read for me.

[Sammysreads]

This book is full of short fairytales - pretty well all of them were new to me. It's been awhile since I've read any fairytales and I was quickly reminded how horrifying some fairytales can be 🤣🫣

I loved the frequent illustrations throughout and the details included before each story about where the story originated. It really added a depth to each one starting with some history, then the fairytale, then a quick wrap up of thoughts from the author and illustrator.

Thank you so much to @newdawnpub for sending me a copy of this stunning book

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 reluctantly rounded up

I enjoyed the stories themselves, I love folklore and the oral history fairy tale tradition and have studied it extensively, and there were stories here I'd never come across before. The retellings are in a clear, readable, sometimes dreamy prose.

The book loses value for me with the bleak and unappealing (to me) illustrations throughout. I appreciate the thought of a book like this so richly illustrated but the illustrations are ugly, stark and bleak.

[Tigereno · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of lost/lesser known fairy tales. Each was short enough that you can read one in just a few minutes. I loved the pictures throughout too, but I would read the story then go back to the pictures. I enjoyed that we had a note each from the author and illustrator about why that story was chosen, how it was changed/adapted, how the illustrator created the art etc. A lovely insight.

[Carol Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume holds twenty-one tales from all over the world, re-told by Kate Forsyth. The simplistic writing style made the stories easy to read. It seemed geared more towards a younger audience, but it was still an enjoyable read.

[Dawn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful retelling of fairy tales from around the world. What helps make this book even more special is the beautiful art work by Lorena Carrington. I knew a few of these fair tales but love the way they have been reimagined.

An interesting and easy read, highly recommend.

[Rachel McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these tales - 4.5 rounded up. It truly bought me back to my childhood. The artwork had a wonderful dark, grim feel that matched the stories.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book of old fairy tales with good art. Recognized a few from the after story notes.

[Christine Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting to read so many tales from around the world and their origins. A delightful book

[Carol Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lovely retellings of fairytales, many of which I'd not read before. Beautifully illustrated, gorgeous cover. It is a book to be savored and I very much enjoyed.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of fairy tales - there were stories I'd never heard before and Kate does a beautiful job of crafting the stories and characters.

[Leanbh Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Anneliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, LOVED this book

I think fairy tales are my new favourite thing

[Gaby Meares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read my review of this outstanding collection of long-lost fairy tales at readingtime.com.au.

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite interesting to read - some of the fairy tales I knew, but most were new to me. Unfortunately I was not a fan of the artwork.

[Nayade Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed the retellings

[Adrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some not so traditional Fae tales here. The lore spans Russia and some European nations, making them not so well known. I enjoyed the background and history of them quite a lot.