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Gossamer
Be still… can you see them?
You stand upon the threshold, where moonlight lingers, revealing a path into the land beyond — where kingdoms have been forgotten, curses endure, and magic has not entirely faded.
Not all are invited.
Not all understand.
Perhaps you are one of the chosen few who can see them.
But will you follow the gossamer threads?
A collection of eight gothic fairytales, both original and retold.
You stand upon the threshold, where moonlight lingers, revealing a path into the land beyond — where kingdoms have been forgotten, curses endure, and magic has not entirely faded.
Not all are invited.
Not all understand.
Perhaps you are one of the chosen few who can see them.
But will you follow the gossamer threads?
A collection of eight gothic fairytales, both original and retold.
529 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2026
About the author
Danielle Hughes
11 books68 followersBusy mum to four gorgeous kids, Danielle loves reading, watching and writing fantasy stories for middle-grade and YA readers. She also dabbles in sweet, cozy romance and loves a classic Hallmark movie.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 26, 2026
✨ Book Review — Gossamer by Danielle Hughes ✨
There’s something quietly magical about this book.
Gossamer feels like stepping into a candlelit collection of dark fairytales whispered just before sleep — haunting, ethereal, and beautifully written.
Each story carries that old-world fairytale feeling…
the kind that makes you feel like a child again, listening wide-eyed to one more story before bed.
Only this time, the tales are darker, stranger, and threaded with something almost dreamlike.
What I loved most is that every story felt like it opened a door into a bigger world… and left me wanting to keep walking through it.
Honestly, my only complaint?
I wanted more.
I kept wishing each story would continue, unfold further, become even larger.
That, to me, is the mark of compelling writing.
Danielle Hughes has such a beautiful way of writing atmosphere — delicate and eerie at once — and I would absolutely devour a full trilogy set in this kind of world if one ever appears 👀✨
If you love:
🖤 dark fairytales
🌙 lyrical fantasy
✨ short stories with old folklore energy
📖 books that feel like bedtime stories for grown-ups
…this one is worth experiencing.
And now I want more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There’s something quietly magical about this book.
Gossamer feels like stepping into a candlelit collection of dark fairytales whispered just before sleep — haunting, ethereal, and beautifully written.
Each story carries that old-world fairytale feeling…
the kind that makes you feel like a child again, listening wide-eyed to one more story before bed.
Only this time, the tales are darker, stranger, and threaded with something almost dreamlike.
What I loved most is that every story felt like it opened a door into a bigger world… and left me wanting to keep walking through it.
Honestly, my only complaint?
I wanted more.
I kept wishing each story would continue, unfold further, become even larger.
That, to me, is the mark of compelling writing.
Danielle Hughes has such a beautiful way of writing atmosphere — delicate and eerie at once — and I would absolutely devour a full trilogy set in this kind of world if one ever appears 👀✨
If you love:
🖤 dark fairytales
🌙 lyrical fantasy
✨ short stories with old folklore energy
📖 books that feel like bedtime stories for grown-ups
…this one is worth experiencing.
And now I want more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2026
What a great collection of Gothic Fairytales!
As soon as I started to read the Prelude, I was pulled into the collection. I adore fairytales, always have and these really are beautifully written. The story of the two friends—one light, the other dark and how they end up changing as they grow up and grow apart. The young woman who lost her family to the soldiers’ fire and decides to go after vengeance. Not only are the stories beautifully written, but they have definite plots as well, even the really short ones. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to be carried away, not only by beautiful words, but by beautiful, meaningful stories as well.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As soon as I started to read the Prelude, I was pulled into the collection. I adore fairytales, always have and these really are beautifully written. The story of the two friends—one light, the other dark and how they end up changing as they grow up and grow apart. The young woman who lost her family to the soldiers’ fire and decides to go after vengeance. Not only are the stories beautifully written, but they have definite plots as well, even the really short ones. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to be carried away, not only by beautiful words, but by beautiful, meaningful stories as well.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2026
was given an Ecopy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Fairytales and retellings. I love fairytales and love checking out retellings.
I went into this book totally expecting to be swept off into a world that was so different. The prologue sounded lyrical and whimsy and I felt so relaxed and ready to jump in.
There are 9 stories in this 350 pages. Each one has a whimsy but serious lesson attached. You can dip in and out of this book as the stories are short and succinct you feel that it is complete, but you want more. This could become a classic collection, because I need more.
The characters are both strong and weak at the right time.
I had never heard of this author but so glad I gave here my time.
Worth reading and savouring. I even purchased a physical copy of this book.
Go read and feel satisfied with a short story
Fairytales and retellings. I love fairytales and love checking out retellings.
I went into this book totally expecting to be swept off into a world that was so different. The prologue sounded lyrical and whimsy and I felt so relaxed and ready to jump in.
There are 9 stories in this 350 pages. Each one has a whimsy but serious lesson attached. You can dip in and out of this book as the stories are short and succinct you feel that it is complete, but you want more. This could become a classic collection, because I need more.
The characters are both strong and weak at the right time.
I had never heard of this author but so glad I gave here my time.
Worth reading and savouring. I even purchased a physical copy of this book.
Go read and feel satisfied with a short story
May 17, 2026
This collection of fairytales have many twist and turns which run seamlessly one after the other so that the reader effortlessly follows the Gossamer trail !
Beautiful descriptions, entwined with many emotions makes this a must read for any fantasy reader. Loved the short tales so it can be lifted and set down but in truth, hard to set down when the reader wants to find out what happens next!
Highly recommended - please read!
Received this as an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beautiful descriptions, entwined with many emotions makes this a must read for any fantasy reader. Loved the short tales so it can be lifted and set down but in truth, hard to set down when the reader wants to find out what happens next!
Highly recommended - please read!
Received this as an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2026
I absolutely loved these fairy tales each one different and lovingly written. I really adored the princess and the fawn that was my favourite. Really hope everyone loves them as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
This compilation of fairy tales is thoroughly delightful. Some have a darker underlayer but are still enjoyable. The final story is a wonderful tale. Takes you back to childhood. Thoroughly enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2026
Gossamer has fairytales and retellings. I enjoyed each of the stories.
April 18, 2026
My favourite story is Never Wonder. I can't wait to see where Danielle goes next!!
April 12, 2026
Be still… can you see them?
You stand upon the threshold, where moonlight lingers, revealing a path into the land beyond — where kingdoms have been forgotten, curses endure, and magic has not entirely faded.
Not all are invited.
Not all understand.
Perhaps you are one of the chosen few who can see them.
But will you follow the gossamer threads?
A collection of eight gothic fairytales, both original and retold.
Gossamer is An Ethereal Collection of Fairytales by Danielle Hughes.
Gossamer is a collection 9 of short stories by Danielle Hughes, the collection of stories include:
The Raven and the Dove
By the Light of the Moon
Salt Daughter
The Princess and the Fawn
The Gossamer Witches
Of Moonflowers and Dust
Breaking the Spell
Never Wonder
A Lingering Thread
I really enjoyed all 9 of these short stories. Each one of these stories were magical from beginning to end. And I now know that this is a collection that I’m going to be returning to whenever I need a reminder that magic can be found in the beauty of words, in fairytales, and in all the different worlds that authors create in their works.
The Prelude is the perfect opening and it sets the tone for the 9 stories that will follow and the Prelude draws you in making you want to keep reading and turning the pages and reading the short stories that follow the prelude. And from there everything flows seamlessly from one short story to the next.
I loved how each of the short stories fit their own unique length and needs. They can range from just a few pages in length but regardless of the length of each of the stories you can feel the emotions each story takes you on through the journey.
I will say that this book is suitable for all ages but if you are a fan of ABCs “Once Upon a Time”, I can promise you, you’re going to love this book.
I will confess that my favorite line of the entire book comes from the prelude: ‘Follow the gossamer threads…’ It really made me feel like I was starting a journey into this series of books that were so creatively different and yet were linked by a gossamer thread. This book truly made my fantasy loving heart so happy to read and I know without a doubt that all these short stories were meant to be read together, this book wouldn’t be the same without one of these books.
I will say that I would recommend this book. I really enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.
You stand upon the threshold, where moonlight lingers, revealing a path into the land beyond — where kingdoms have been forgotten, curses endure, and magic has not entirely faded.
Not all are invited.
Not all understand.
Perhaps you are one of the chosen few who can see them.
But will you follow the gossamer threads?
A collection of eight gothic fairytales, both original and retold.
Gossamer is An Ethereal Collection of Fairytales by Danielle Hughes.
Gossamer is a collection 9 of short stories by Danielle Hughes, the collection of stories include:
The Raven and the Dove
By the Light of the Moon
Salt Daughter
The Princess and the Fawn
The Gossamer Witches
Of Moonflowers and Dust
Breaking the Spell
Never Wonder
A Lingering Thread
I really enjoyed all 9 of these short stories. Each one of these stories were magical from beginning to end. And I now know that this is a collection that I’m going to be returning to whenever I need a reminder that magic can be found in the beauty of words, in fairytales, and in all the different worlds that authors create in their works.
The Prelude is the perfect opening and it sets the tone for the 9 stories that will follow and the Prelude draws you in making you want to keep reading and turning the pages and reading the short stories that follow the prelude. And from there everything flows seamlessly from one short story to the next.
I loved how each of the short stories fit their own unique length and needs. They can range from just a few pages in length but regardless of the length of each of the stories you can feel the emotions each story takes you on through the journey.
I will say that this book is suitable for all ages but if you are a fan of ABCs “Once Upon a Time”, I can promise you, you’re going to love this book.
I will confess that my favorite line of the entire book comes from the prelude: ‘Follow the gossamer threads…’ It really made me feel like I was starting a journey into this series of books that were so creatively different and yet were linked by a gossamer thread. This book truly made my fantasy loving heart so happy to read and I know without a doubt that all these short stories were meant to be read together, this book wouldn’t be the same without one of these books.
I will say that I would recommend this book. I really enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spoilers Ahead for the short story The Raven and the Dove.
P.S. this is my Arc review that I sent to the author in exchange for giving me this book for free. :)
Hi Danielle, I just wanted to follow up and let you know that the book you provided so far has been amazing. I just finished the first short story and I loved it so much. I rlly liked the battle of the light and dark forces and how both of the girls balanced each other out. I rlly liked the relationship between the two girls and was so sad when their friendship almost broke up over the one girl finding her boyfriend and not spending any more time with her old friend. When Dain stole her away, I was so sad that something bad was going to happen to her and I'm so happy they had the necklaces to make sure each other were safe. Then when her wedding came around and she was kidnapped again by Dain omg, I was freaking out of my seat, because Ik he could easily hurt her. And then when her friend killed Dain and turned him into Ash, omg I wish the story wouldn't have ended right after that, but I'm really glad that they were both safe. I thought it was great how the two of them could transform into birds, I'm so sick of most shifter types in books, because they just seem so cliche, like enough of paranormal/vampire/werewolf nonsense. So thank you for actually creating a good shifter story, I rlly loved how their transformation symbolized their magic, like how one of the girls turned into a Dove, and then I think it was the other girl who turned into a Raven. Anyways, great work I loved all of the vocabulary you put in there it truly felt like a dream. Lastly, just let me know when/where this book will actually be published so that I can leave another review on Goodreads or Amazon. I just thought I'd leave a review here as you so graciously sent me an Arc copy.
P.S. this is my Arc review that I sent to the author in exchange for giving me this book for free. :)
Hi Danielle, I just wanted to follow up and let you know that the book you provided so far has been amazing. I just finished the first short story and I loved it so much. I rlly liked the battle of the light and dark forces and how both of the girls balanced each other out. I rlly liked the relationship between the two girls and was so sad when their friendship almost broke up over the one girl finding her boyfriend and not spending any more time with her old friend. When Dain stole her away, I was so sad that something bad was going to happen to her and I'm so happy they had the necklaces to make sure each other were safe. Then when her wedding came around and she was kidnapped again by Dain omg, I was freaking out of my seat, because Ik he could easily hurt her. And then when her friend killed Dain and turned him into Ash, omg I wish the story wouldn't have ended right after that, but I'm really glad that they were both safe. I thought it was great how the two of them could transform into birds, I'm so sick of most shifter types in books, because they just seem so cliche, like enough of paranormal/vampire/werewolf nonsense. So thank you for actually creating a good shifter story, I rlly loved how their transformation symbolized their magic, like how one of the girls turned into a Dove, and then I think it was the other girl who turned into a Raven. Anyways, great work I loved all of the vocabulary you put in there it truly felt like a dream. Lastly, just let me know when/where this book will actually be published so that I can leave another review on Goodreads or Amazon. I just thought I'd leave a review here as you so graciously sent me an Arc copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
A beautifully written collection that feels like stepping into a dream and not wanting to wake up
This one completely swept me away. There is something so enchanting about a collection of fairy tales that feels both familiar and entirely new at the same time, and this book captures that feeling perfectly. Even before turning the first page, the classically gorgeous, ethereal cover sets the tone for the magic inside.
Each story is rich with detailed, atmospheric writing that pulls you straight into its world. What I loved most is how every tale feels like it could have been expanded into a full-length novel. The ideas are so strong and the characters so intriguing that you find yourself wanting to linger longer in each one.
The reimagined tales are particularly special. They take elements you recognise and gently twist them into something fresh, sending the story down a different path. Characters are not always what you expect either, which adds an extra layer of depth and surprise.
There is a real sense of magic running through the entire collection, delicate but powerful, like something just out of reach. And then that final piece, not quite a story but more of a promise, felt like the perfect way to close. It leaves you with the sense that there is still more magic waiting just beyond the page.
Gossamer by Danielle Hughes is a stunning collection, imaginative, immersive and full of wonder. I would happily read full-length versions of every tale within it.
My thanks go to Danielle Hughes and Four Moons Publishing for the ARC of this book.
This one completely swept me away. There is something so enchanting about a collection of fairy tales that feels both familiar and entirely new at the same time, and this book captures that feeling perfectly. Even before turning the first page, the classically gorgeous, ethereal cover sets the tone for the magic inside.
Each story is rich with detailed, atmospheric writing that pulls you straight into its world. What I loved most is how every tale feels like it could have been expanded into a full-length novel. The ideas are so strong and the characters so intriguing that you find yourself wanting to linger longer in each one.
The reimagined tales are particularly special. They take elements you recognise and gently twist them into something fresh, sending the story down a different path. Characters are not always what you expect either, which adds an extra layer of depth and surprise.
There is a real sense of magic running through the entire collection, delicate but powerful, like something just out of reach. And then that final piece, not quite a story but more of a promise, felt like the perfect way to close. It leaves you with the sense that there is still more magic waiting just beyond the page.
Gossamer by Danielle Hughes is a stunning collection, imaginative, immersive and full of wonder. I would happily read full-length versions of every tale within it.
My thanks go to Danielle Hughes and Four Moons Publishing for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC reader just before the official release. I have loved Danielle's other books so was excited to see how this collection of Novellas would read as one book and wasn't disappointed.
100% would recommend to anyone who likes fantasy or fairy tales and readers who love having their imagination taken on a journey.
The books are all their own stories, so could be read as stand alone novellas but what I discovered and really enjoyed was the prelude setting the scene with the opening line: Follow the gossamer threads... and finishing with the last lingering thread. It made me really feel like I was entering a journey into a series of books that all had wonderful creative differences and made my fantasy heart happy to read and felt like they were meant to be read together like this.
100% would recommend to anyone who likes fantasy or fairy tales and readers who love having their imagination taken on a journey.
The books are all their own stories, so could be read as stand alone novellas but what I discovered and really enjoyed was the prelude setting the scene with the opening line: Follow the gossamer threads... and finishing with the last lingering thread. It made me really feel like I was entering a journey into a series of books that all had wonderful creative differences and made my fantasy heart happy to read and felt like they were meant to be read together like this.
April 13, 2026
If you enjoy fairy tales this is a good collection of some new and old. A lot of these I'm not familiar with and it could just be the way they are reimagined. What I like best about fairy tales is that they are a great tool for understanding the human psyche. The Raven and Dove deals with two friends who are polar opposites but very close and as they grow they learn to accept those differences in themselves in each other. The Princess and Fawn are two siblings who support each other through thick and thin. In these tales, kingdoms unite through marriage to bring peace. There are some siblings that help each other and some that are against each other in trying to destroy each other. Right always find a way to overcome the dark.
I was given a free copy from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh this was magical from start to finish! This collection of eight stories is going to be something I know I'll return to whenever I need to believe in magic. The introduction sets the perfect tone and draws you in, leading you seamlessly from one world to the next. The stories range from a few pages to a few chapters in length but the emotional journey each one takes you on is real. Suitable for all ages, anyone who was a fan of ABCs "Once Upon A Time", will definitely love this.
I genuinely loved this book and the fact that I received it as an ARC does not impact on my review. For anyone who wants a fanatsy escape... start here!
I genuinely loved this book and the fact that I received it as an ARC does not impact on my review. For anyone who wants a fanatsy escape... start here!
April 23, 2026
Great set of dark fairytales
A lovely set of dark themed fairytales. I had previously read "The Princess and the Fawn" (the 4th in this collection) and enjoyed reading this again, along with the others, all well written with great plots.
"Most people just buy flowers or jewellery. But a mission to save an entire kingdom from a maniac works too."
I really enjoyed reading these and found them hard to put down. A great collection to pick up if you enjoy fairytales, good for children and adults alike, with some great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely set of dark themed fairytales. I had previously read "The Princess and the Fawn" (the 4th in this collection) and enjoyed reading this again, along with the others, all well written with great plots.
"Most people just buy flowers or jewellery. But a mission to save an entire kingdom from a maniac works too."
I really enjoyed reading these and found them hard to put down. A great collection to pick up if you enjoy fairytales, good for children and adults alike, with some great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2026
Danielle Hughes has a rich imagination and a poetic way with words, but she really needs to get more eyes on her copy before she published. A lot of little mistakes and errors add up to really detract from the experience, which is a shame, because I really enjoyed a lot of these stories - especially “Never Wonder,” which was far and away the crown jewel (and I would gladly read a full novel following Lyra and Riven).
Good, but unpolished.
Cry count: 0 times.
Good, but unpolished.
Cry count: 0 times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A collection of eight gothic fairytales I found the volume deeply cohesive. I particularly enjoyed how the prelude’s "Follow the gossamer threads" theme unified the diverse stories into a single journey. I would highly recommend this collection to any fans of fantasy and imaginative retellings. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2026
This is a collection of stories that are fantasy, fairy tale, or fable based and a bit dark at times. But each one was interesting and had trouble and drama to overcome. Some I could point to the story they were based on but with some interesting changes from the original. Overall I liked them all and enjoyed them. Plus all were quick reads.
April 14, 2026
What a wonderful collection of short stories. Never Wonder was my favourite. I've always loved tales of Wonderland and Never Never Land. Breaking The Spell was a close second.
I'm sure there is something for everyone who enjoys a good faerytale, within these pages.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksprout, and have chosen to leave a review.
I'm sure there is something for everyone who enjoys a good faerytale, within these pages.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksprout, and have chosen to leave a review.
May 2, 2026
An ethereal collection of dark fairytales, some retold and some new.
It’s a wonderful collection, magical, a little darker but still captivating and totally enthralling as we dive into incredible world building and storyline lines that are gripping and draw you in. Each novella is enjoyable as we enter kingdoms and lands that time has forgotten but where magic and curses still live on.
It’s a wonderful collection, magical, a little darker but still captivating and totally enthralling as we dive into incredible world building and storyline lines that are gripping and draw you in. Each novella is enjoyable as we enter kingdoms and lands that time has forgotten but where magic and curses still live on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the best collection of fairytale retellings I have ever read. I kept thinking I would get to a story I wouldn't enjoy and I was wrong. If you enjoy gothic fairytale retellings you will love this.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2026
loved it !! love this collection of dark gothic fairy tales re-imagined... wonderful quick stories... perfect for lunch time or just before bedtime... these were so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2026
Great set of dark fairytales
A lovely set of dark themed fairytales. I had previously read "The Princess and the Fawn" (the 4th in this collection) and enjoyed reading this again, along with the others, all well written with great plots.
"Most people just buy flowers or jewellery. But a mission to save an entire kingdom from a maniac works too."
I really enjoyed reading these and found them hard to put down. A great collection to pick up if you enjoy fairytales, good for children and adults alike, with some great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lovely set of dark themed fairytales. I had previously read "The Princess and the Fawn" (the 4th in this collection) and enjoyed reading this again, along with the others, all well written with great plots.
"Most people just buy flowers or jewellery. But a mission to save an entire kingdom from a maniac works too."
I really enjoyed reading these and found them hard to put down. A great collection to pick up if you enjoy fairytales, good for children and adults alike, with some great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews