Mirrors & Thorns: An OWS Ink Dark Fairy Tales Anthology

by J.K. Allen, Kerry E.B. Black, C.L. Bledsoe

Where the fairy tales ends and the reflection begins....
A dark fairy tale collection from the twisted pens of:
J.M. Ames, Kerry E.B. Black, J.K. Allen, C.L. Bledsoe, Lucy Palmer, Stacy Overby, T.S. Dickerson, Edward Ahern, Melanie Noell Bernard, Sarah Nour, Paul Stansbury, Cassidy Taylor, and J. Lee Strickland.

Genres: Monsters, Magic

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2017

About the author

JK Allen wrote her first story when she first learned how to write and hasn’t looked back since. Common writing themes that can be found in her work address identity, everyday magic, and the type of strength that can be found in ordinary people. Several of her short stories and four poems are featured in anthologies. Angelborn is her first novel in her debut series with Heavenfire continuing the journey. She is currently working on the trilogy as well as several shorts, while researching for a new series in the works. Her reading tastes are as varied as the genres she enjoys writing, from Jane Austen to Diana Wynne Jones. When she’s not writing, you can find her painting, drawing, or lost in another world between the pages of a book. Or on Facebook.

Reviews

[Darque Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a whole this anthology was unique, dark, deep, and highly entertaining! It was most definitely worth a read, and I am looking forward to reading it again in the future! Each story added depth and dimension to the theme of the anthology, and I could tell that each author put a lot of themselves in to their stories. I really enjoyed reading this, as it was a real pager turner, and fed my faerie tale loving side, and my horror loving side! Out of the 14 short stories in this anthology, there were only 2 that I really did not enjoy like the rest. I would rate the whole collection 4 stars and I have listed ratings for each short story below with some of my thoughts. 

4 STARS
***

Young Blood:

Young Blood was creepy and whimsical at the same time. It was short and straight to the point, and very well written.

4 STARS
***

Nova and Ember:

Nova and Ember was slightly confusing, and had a bit of a slow start, but turned in to an intriguingly creepy tale with a though provoking ending.

3 STARS
***

Inheritance:

Inheritance was very well written and painted an elegantly creepy picture as the tale went on. It was quite suspenseful, and had an interesting twist. It had a lot of depth and was creepy enough to give me goosebumps as I read.

5 STARS
***

Twice-Made Vows:

Twice-Made Vows is incredibly well written. It made me feel like I read an entire book. It had passion, murder, and intrigue! It was suspenseful and had an awesome, horrific ending!

5 STARS
***

The Snow Bride:

The Snow Bride was a little off for me. It was too short and a little confusing. It seems like it would have fit better in a longer story, or with a little background or explanation of the types of characters it held. The saving grace for me was the ending and the fact that it felt like it combined aspects of Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd, and The Thénardiers from Les Miserables. That story twist saved it for me.

3 STARS
***

The Life & Death of Cora Svanros:

This one was really well written. It did  have a few confusing aspects, but the story was deep and suspenseful. It had such an interesting twist and I felt like it could have been expanded on and made in to a book!

4 STARS
***

The Forbidden Mirror:

This is one of my favorites! It reminds me of the story of Queen Ravenna and her sister in The Huntsman: Winter's War. It had a lot of depth and development for its length, and it was creepy, intriguing, had a nice twist, and a fairy tale type lesson attached. 

5 STARS
***

Selkie Cove:

Wow! Selkie Cove was alluring, intriguing, and breathtaking! I really enjoyed the depth of the writing, the plot content, and the story twist! 

5 STARS
***

Roland: 

Unfortunately, this one was not one of my favorites. The writing was done well, I just wasn't too entertained by the story. It seemed to have a fairy tale feel and story moral, I just didn't get in to it like some of the others.

3 STARS
***

Open Window:

I think with any anthology there will always be one or two stories that just don't strike a cord with a reader. This is one of them. I wasn't a fan of the present tense of the story and I just didn't understand it. The author did well with descriptiveness and intrigue, but it just fell short for me.

2 STARS
***

Maria Morevna and the Deathless One:

Maria Morevna and the Deathless One was an intriguing tale full of Russian folklore and mystery. It had depth and dimension, intrigue and power. It was very well written and kept me wanting more!

5 STARS
***

The Falling Angels of Fifty-Six:

This one sure did pack a punch! It was a real page turner. I loved the world building that was done and the unique plot and twists. This one could definitely be expanded on for a full book. It had real depth and a thought provoking ending!

5STARS
***

The Roomate:

I am honestly trying to figure out what I read with this one. I hate to say this, but it made absolutely no sense to me, and half the time I could not tell if the narrator was talking to another character or narrating the story. I didn't understand what the story was about and just felt confused the entire time...

1 STAR
***

Through the Gates of Hell:

I LOVED this one! It was deep, dark, and gritty! This plot would be awesome as a full book. The Nameless One was well developed for his type of character and his journey and struggle were horrifying and though provoking. Bravo to the author on this one! This one was my favorite!

5 STARS
***

Thank you to OWS Ink for providing me with this free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, and as part of the blog tour!

[Heidi Angell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mirrors & Thorns is another great anthology to help you get in the Halloween spirit. With stories of corpse queens, Selkies, Angels, Demons, Baba Yaga, yetis, and more. Some of the stories are a quick page or two, and others go on for 5-10 pages and leave you yearning for a deeper immersion into those worlds!

What I loved most about this collection is that each story was completely unique. A lot of times when you get anthologies, they are so very specific that a lot of the stories feel/ sound very similar. But not so with this collection. Some are clearly based on old-world legends from a variety of different cultures, and others are a unique and wholly original mythos story. Each a delight to read. I found some really fun new authors to follow, and look forward to checking out more of their writing.

If you enjoy Grimm fairy tales, Edgar Allen Poe, and Supernatural, then this collection is definitely for you.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bittersweet pain conceals a deeper beauty.

A fun collection of fairy tale inspired stories, sampling a wide variety of topics. Stories range from youthful tales of children and magical creatures, ancient powers best left undisturbed, and desperate characters driven to the brink by cruel tormenters. The variety of styles adopted by the authors adds an additional freshness to each story. Some truly emulate the classic fairy tales passed down through oral tradition, while others engage their otherworldly topics with a more modern and everyday approach. Frequently audiences may find themselves frustrated that the stories are not longer. Some leave questions unanswered, while others simply have a momentum to them, one that continues even after the final page.
+Strong Variety, United by a Consistent Fairy Tale Style
+Strong Descriptions
+Strong Narrative Voices
*Often Grim/Harsh Tone
*Frequently Familiar Plot Patterns
3.5/5

1. Young Blood by Kerry Black
To escape his younger sister, Jacob would pay any price.
Crisp scenes usher audiences through the essentials, while the resolution hangs overhead, waiting to pounce.
+Strong Opening & Ending
+Good Pacing
*Familiar feel
*Very Brief
3.5/5

2. Nova and Ember by Sarah Nour
On the eve of winter, families gather for the fall festival. It’s a time of celebration, until an old ritual marks two young children for death. Desperate to escape their fate, the children head out in search of the mythical black sow.
Once in a while the story flirts with fear, but always within that safety which often defines childhood.
+Good, strong details. Nice word usage.
+Good sense of rhythm, back and forth between tense and mellow
+Mystery and questions pull audiences right along.
*It is a young story.
*Familiar characters
4/5

3. Inheritance by Melanie Noell Bernard
An ancient house, abandoned and forlorn. A young woman, eager to find her fortune. That night, a strange sound fills the halls, driving her from her bed. She never believed the stories. Now she’ll learn the truth.
Throughout the story, the protagonist looks back at her earlier decisions, debating past choices in a rich inner dialogue that helps to characterize her, and provide some much-needed background information. Carefully chosen details slowly raise the tension; turning what could be a very mundane scene into a suspenseful mystery.
+Strong Details
+Strong Pacing
+Strong Narrative Voice
*Slow, sometimes dense read
-Weak Ending
3/5

4. Twice-Made Vows by T.S. Dickerson
A king, robbed of love, is forced to marry again. The kingdom rejoices, welcoming their new queen, but the specter of loss is not so easily banished. Strange visions haunt the young bride, forcing her to wonder who her husband truly sees when he looks into her eyes.
Crisp dialogue paints a vivid picture of each character; tense threads that combine into a focused conflict, which itself is part of a larger web. Overall the story works, but every so often audiences will catch a glimpse of a larger story, a larger world.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Ideas
*Harsh/grim
-Rough Beginning
-Easily could have been longer
3/5

5. Snow Bride by J.M. Ames
In a cold, backwater inn, a young man fresh from the mine hopes to barter his treasure for a little female comfort. He never considers what she might want, or what she’d be willing to do to get it.
A perfectly sized snippet of storytelling. Strong details manage to simultaneously reveal character and setting without ever slowing down the pace. There’s a reckless abandon about the story; one that made me sorry to see it end so quickly.
+Strong, well-used details
+Dense (in a good way)
+Surprising outcome
+Short but very well done
+Grim and harsh, but also light-hearted
4/5

6. The Life & Death of Cora Svanros by Cassidy Taylor
Two girls, trapped in a deadly game; serving as sport for their cruel master. Time after time they try to escape, and each time they fail. Then a stranger offers them a cryptic hope. His words lead them to a place of lost memories, where the greatest danger may be the temptation to let go and forget.
A familiar pattern, and a fun one, particularly when it’s so well executed, but gradually the story grows into something more. Through her experiences, both the protagonist and the audience explore the nature of identity, memory, and life.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Ideas
+Strong Writing
*Bittersweet
*Strong but familiar plot
4/5

7. Forbidden Mirror by J.K. Allen
Two sisters, born to rule. Crystal, gifted with charm, and Raven, the only one who can see through it. To claim the throne, Raven will turn to magic. Heedless of the warnings, she hurries on to the Great Thorn Palace, where her destiny awaits.
Much of the story is spent simply following instructions, and ignoring warnings, until the conflict reaches its natural conclusion. Summaries help to keep things moving, but also keep audiences at a distance.
+Strong Descriptions
*Reminiscent of a fairy tale
-Overuse of Summary
-Weak Tension
-Underdeveloped Characters
2/5

8. Selkie Cove by Paul Stansbury
A young woman, in search of adventure, finds herself in the middle of an otherworldly story. Does she dare to believe it? Believing, what should she do?
Colorful characters dominate the scene; each with their own unique voice. Some may see it coming, but in the end there’s only one way this story can finish. A cautionary tale, of temptation, and the price we pay.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Dialogue
*Slow pacing
*Dense Middle
-Poor Info Management
3/5

9. Roland by J. Lee Strickland
In the wake of loss, Roland travels to a nearby relative in search of answers, and returns with a gift. Suddenly all of his endeavors flourish, earning him quite a reputation. Soon people flock to his home, eager to share in his good fortune. Roland is hard pressed to hide the secret of his success, and ration its dwindling power.
The slow pacing is balanced by the poetic writing, which often gives the everyday setting an otherworldly feel. It’s a poignant story, with strong ideas, and the patience to let audiences learn gradually.
+Strong Ideas
+Strong Writing/Colorful Language
*Challenging Writing
*Slow, mellow story
*Introspective
3.5/5

10. Open Window by Lucy Palmer
Many dream of finding a perfect partner, but for one woman it has become a nightmare. Desperate to find darkness in him; she will feed her own.
This story feels too large to be conveyed with such brevity. There isn’t enough time to answer all the questions raised by the narrative. Audiences may infer the protagonist’s motives, but more is needed.
+Strong Narrative Voice
*Experimental
*Interesting ideas
-Vague characters
-Too short
2.5/5

11. Maria Morevna and the Deathless One by S.L. Scott
A young woman searches for an equal, and stumbles upon a man who defies all expectations. But to bridle a sorcerer, she will need magic of her own.
Vivid descriptions paint a clear picture, while summaries gloss over most of the narrative; reducing the protagonist to beauty and pride. The story ultimately rewards her iron determination, but leaves her unchanged by the experience.
+Strong Descriptions
*Familiar fairy tale style
*Dominated by Summary
-Weak Characters
2.5/5

12. The Falling Angels of Fifty-Six by C.L. Bledsoe
For generations people have questioned the existence of angels. Now they descend to earth, their only message a hollow roar as they plummet like stones. Most fled from their wrath, but not Bernard. Now he wanders the deserted towns and homes of the Midwest, searching for food, and answers.
The everyday tone and style offsets the otherworldly premise, rooting the story in the very human struggles of its characters. The significance of the angels is not ignored, but the author is wise enough to recognize that some questions cannot be answered within the scope of this story.
+Strong Narrative Voice
+Strong Characters
+Strong Scenes
+Good Pacing
*Some Unresolved Questions
4/5

13. The Roommate by Edward Ahern
An everyday afternoon, interrupted by a strange cat. Once Enid learns of it, Clara knows no peace.
Most of the story is told in a unique style; a kind of one sided dialogue that omits what other characters say and do, using indirect references to establish the rest of the story. Scenes are vivid, but sometimes the distinction between colorful allegory and concrete description can be difficult to make. Many may want to reread it a second time, once they understand what’s really going on.
+Strong Narrative Voice
+Strong Perspective
*Experimental
*Dialogue focused
-Can be confusing at times
2.5/5

14. Through the Gates of Hell by Stacy Overby
A mysterious figure hunts the damned, sealing their souls away so that he might save his own. Countless times he’s captured them, but never one like this. Only the gates of hell can contain such a fiend, a place that even demons fear to tread. But can he succeed where all others have failed, and even if he does, will he have the strength to return?
The opening scene is awash with details; cultivating a strong sense of foreboding without actually revealing what waits the nameless hero. The tension is masterful, with just enough information to give audiences a sense of the story, while leaving some questions unanswered.
As the story moves along, it makes a pronounced shift. Moving away from concrete details and actions; the story instead focuses on the protagonist’s inner struggles. Disorientation and blackouts help to justify the protagonist’s introspections, but are also used to gloss over how the protagonist is moved from one location to another.
The story tries to convey the protagonist’s struggle to continue, to hold on to hope, but without spending more time with the character it’s difficult to feel the connection needed to create a proper catharsis. The ending tries to fashion a proper denouement, but like the rest of the story, it feels rushed and ambiguous.
+Strong Opening
*Interesting Descriptions
*Introspective Conflicts
-Confusing Setting
-Ambiguous Themes
1.5/5

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bittersweet pain conceals a deeper beauty.

A fun collection of fairy tale inspired stories, sampling a wide variety of topics. Stories range from youthful tales of children and magical creatures, ancient powers best left undisturbed, and desperate characters driven to the brink by cruel tormenters. The variety of styles adopted by the authors adds an additional freshness to each story. Some truly emulate the classic fairy tales passed down through oral tradition, while others engage their otherworldly topics with a more modern and everyday approach. Frequently audiences may find themselves frustrated that the stories are not longer. Some leave questions unanswered, while others simply have a momentum to them, one that continues even after the final page.
+Strong Variety, United by a Consistent Fairy Tale Style
+Strong Descriptions
+Strong Narrative Voices
*Often Grim/Harsh Tone
*Frequently Familiar Plot Patterns
3.5/5

1. Young Blood by Kerry Black
To escape his younger sister, Jacob would pay any price.
Crisp scenes usher audiences through the essentials, while the resolution hangs overhead, waiting to pounce.
+Strong Opening & Ending
+Good Pacing
*Familiar feel
*Very Brief
3.5/5

2. Nova and Ember by Sarah Nour
On the eve of winter, families gather for the fall festival. It’s a time of celebration, until an old ritual marks two young children for death. Desperate to escape their fate, the children head out in search of the mythical black sow.
Once in a while the story flirts with fear, but always within that safety which often defines childhood.
+Good, strong details. Nice word usage.
+Good sense of rhythm, back and forth between tense and mellow
+Mystery and questions pull audiences right along.
*It is a young story.
*Familiar characters
4/5

3. Inheritance by Melanie Noell Bernard
An ancient house, abandoned and forlorn. A young woman, eager to find her fortune. That night, a strange sound fills the halls, driving her from her bed. She never believed the stories. Now she’ll learn the truth.
Throughout the story, the protagonist looks back at her earlier decisions, debating past choices in a rich inner dialogue that helps to characterize her, and provide some much-needed background information. Carefully chosen details slowly raise the tension; turning what could be a very mundane scene into a suspenseful mystery.
+Strong Details
+Strong Pacing
+Strong Narrative Voice
*Slow, sometimes dense read
-Weak Ending
3/5

4. Twice-Made Vows by T.S. Dickerson
A king, robbed of love, is forced to marry again. The kingdom rejoices, welcoming their new queen, but the specter of loss is not so easily banished. Strange visions haunt the young bride, forcing her to wonder who her husband truly sees when he looks into her eyes.
Crisp dialogue paints a vivid picture of each character; tense threads that combine into a focused conflict, which itself is part of a larger web. Overall the story works, but every so often audiences will catch a glimpse of a larger story, a larger world.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Ideas
*Harsh/grim
-Rough Beginning
-Easily could have been longer
3/5

5. Snow Bride by J.M. Ames
In a cold, backwater inn, a young man fresh from the mine hopes to barter his treasure for a little female comfort. He never considers what she might want, or what she’d be willing to do to get it.
A perfectly sized snippet of storytelling. Strong details manage to simultaneously reveal character and setting without ever slowing down the pace. There’s a reckless abandon about the story; one that made me sorry to see it end so quickly.
+Strong, well-used details
+Dense (in a good way)
+Surprising outcome
+Short but very well done
+Grim and harsh, but also light-hearted
4/5

6. The Life & Death of Cora Svanros by Cassidy Taylor
Two girls, trapped in a deadly game; serving as sport for their cruel master. Time after time they try to escape, and each time they fail. Then a stranger offers them a cryptic hope. His words lead them to a place of lost memories, where the greatest danger may be the temptation to let go and forget.
A familiar pattern, and a fun one, particularly when it’s so well executed, but gradually the story grows into something more. Through her experiences, both the protagonist and the audience explore the nature of identity, memory, and life.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Ideas
+Strong Writing
*Bittersweet
*Strong but familiar plot
4/5

7. Forbidden Mirror by J.K. Allen
Two sisters, born to rule. Crystal, gifted with charm, and Raven, the only one who can see through it. To claim the throne, Raven will turn to magic. Heedless of the warnings, she hurries on to the Great Thorn Palace, where her destiny awaits.
Much of the story is spent simply following instructions, and ignoring warnings, until the conflict reaches its natural conclusion. Summaries help to keep things moving, but also keep audiences at a distance.
+Strong Descriptions
*Reminiscent of a fairy tale
-Overuse of Summary
-Weak Tension
-Underdeveloped Characters
2/5

8. Selkie Cove by Paul Stansbury
A young woman, in search of adventure, finds herself in the middle of an otherworldly story. Does she dare to believe it? Believing, what should she do?
Colorful characters dominate the scene; each with their own unique voice. Some may see it coming, but in the end there’s only one way this story can finish. A cautionary tale, of temptation, and the price we pay.
+Strong Characters
+Strong Dialogue
*Slow pacing
*Dense Middle
-Poor Info Management
3/5

9. Roland by J. Lee Strickland
In the wake of loss, Roland travels to a nearby relative in search of answers, and returns with a gift. Suddenly all of his endeavors flourish, earning him quite a reputation. Soon people flock to his home, eager to share in his good fortune. Roland is hard pressed to hide the secret of his success, and ration its dwindling power.
The slow pacing is balanced by the poetic writing, which often gives the everyday setting an otherworldly feel. It’s a poignant story, with strong ideas, and the patience to let audiences learn gradually.
+Strong Ideas
+Strong Writing/Colorful Language
*Challenging Writing
*Slow, mellow story
*Introspective
3.5/5

10. Open Window by Lucy Palmer
Many dream of finding a perfect partner, but for one woman it has become a nightmare. Desperate to find darkness in him; she will feed her own.
This story feels too large to be conveyed with such brevity. There isn’t enough time to answer all the questions raised by the narrative. Audiences may infer the protagonist’s motives, but more is needed.
+Strong Narrative Voice
*Experimental
*Interesting ideas
-Vague characters
-Too short
2.5/5

11. Maria Morevna and the Deathless One by S.L. Scott
A young woman searches for an equal, and stumbles upon a man who defies all expectations. But to bridle a sorcerer, she will need magic of her own.
Vivid descriptions paint a clear picture, while summaries gloss over most of the narrative; reducing the protagonist to beauty and pride. The story ultimately rewards her iron determination, but leaves her unchanged by the experience.
+Strong Descriptions
*Familiar fairy tale style
*Dominated by Summary
-Weak Characters
2.5/5

12. The Falling Angels of Fifty-Six by C.L. Bledsoe
For generations people have questioned the existence of angels. Now they descend to earth, their only message a hollow roar as they plummet like stones. Most fled from their wrath, but not Bernard. Now he wanders the deserted towns and homes of the Midwest, searching for food, and answers.
The everyday tone and style offsets the otherworldly premise, rooting the story in the very human struggles of its characters. The significance of the angels is not ignored, but the author is wise enough to recognize that some questions cannot be answered within the scope of this story.
+Strong Narrative Voice
+Strong Characters
+Strong Scenes
+Good Pacing
*Some Unresolved Questions
4/5

13. The Roommate by Edward Ahern
An everyday afternoon, interrupted by a strange cat. Once Enid learns of it, Clara knows no peace.
Most of the story is told in a unique style; a kind of one sided dialogue that omits what other characters say and do, using indirect references to establish the rest of the story. Scenes are vivid, but sometimes the distinction between colorful allegory and concrete description can be difficult to make. Many may want to reread it a second time, once they understand what’s really going on.
+Strong Narrative Voice
+Strong Perspective
*Experimental
*Dialogue focused
-Can be confusing at times
2.5/5

14. Through the Gates of Hell by Stacy Overby
A mysterious figure hunts the damned, sealing their souls away so that he might save his own. Countless times he’s captured them, but never one like this. Only the gates of hell can contain such a fiend, a place that even demons fear to tread. But can he succeed where all others have failed, and even if he does, will he have the strength to return?
The opening scene is awash with details; cultivating a strong sense of foreboding without actually revealing what waits the nameless hero. The tension is masterful, with just enough information to give audiences a sense of the story, while leaving some questions unanswered.
As the story moves along, it makes a pronounced shift. Moving away from concrete details and actions; the story instead focuses on the protagonist’s inner struggles. Disorientation and blackouts help to justify the protagonist’s introspections, but are also used to gloss over how the protagonist is moved from one location to another.
The story tries to convey the protagonist’s struggle to continue, to hold on to hope, but without spending more time with the character it’s difficult to feel the connection needed to create a proper catharsis. The ending tries to fashion a proper denouement, but like the rest of the story, it feels rushed and ambiguous.
+Strong Opening
*Interesting Descriptions
*Introspective Conflicts
-Confusing Setting
-Ambiguous Themes
1.5/5

[Heidi Angell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mirrors & Thorns is another great anthology to help you get in the Halloween spirit. With stories of corpse queens, Selkies, Angels, Demons, Baba Yaga, yetis, and more. Some of the stories are a quick page or two, and others go on for 5-10 pages and leave you yearning for a deeper immersion into those worlds!
What I loved most about this collection is that each story was completely unique. A lot of times when you get anthologies, they are so very specific that a lot of the stories feel/ sound very similar. But not so with this collection. Some are clearly based on old-world legends from a variety of different cultures, and others are a unique and wholly original mythos story. Each a delight to read. I found some really fun new authors to follow, and look forward to checking out more of their writing.

If you enjoy Grimm fairy tales, Edgar Allen Poe, and Supernatural, then this collection is definitely for you.

[Barbara Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed all of these stories, I especially enjoyed “Young Blood” written by Kerry E.B. Black. an intriguing tale about two children, one who is jealous of the other. The ending is not happy – as none of these stories are supposed to be; they are dark tales.

Another favorite of mine, was “Mirror” written by J.K. Allen; one is totally transformed into this story as if you are right beside the characters, watching and listening.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This will most likely be one that I will read over and over again. Each author brings something unique to their story and that I liked.