Once Upon A Twist

by Laura Greenwood, Skye MacKinnon, Arizona Tape

From USA Today & Amazon Bestsellers and Award-Winning Authors comes a collection of Unusual Fairy Tale Retellings.

With everything from dystopias, to paranormal romance, sci-fi & fantasy to reverse harem, there's something for everyone as they retell lesser known fairy tales in stories full of magic, space travel and more!

1. Snakes and Ladders by Laura Greenwood (Paranormal Romance)
2. Alone by Skye MacKinnon (Sci-Fi Reverse Harem)
3. Grimm's Dweller by Arizona Tape (Urban Fantasy)
4. Of Soot And Ash by Gina Wynn (Paranormal Fantasy)
5. Plain Jane by Alison Ingleby (Dystopian)
6. Skye Wolf by S.M. Henley (Dark Urban Fantasy)
7. Raising Demons by Amara Kent (Paranormal Romance)
8. Where the Wild Roses Grow by K.C. Carter (Fantasy)
9. Out Among the Stars by D Kai Wilson-Viola

Genres: Anthologies, Reverse Harem

554 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2018

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Marquise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like any of the stories.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful retelling of lesser known fairy tales. Helped to make the day a little brighter after a long day at work. Love any kind of fairy tales. Hopefully there’ll be more by this superb collection of authors.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Twist is a collection of short stories inspired by lesser known fairy tales. These are not your Disney HEA fairy tales but more like the original tales full of warnings for small children. They are certainly entertaining.

Snakes & Ladders by Laura Greenwood
This is a prequel novella. Autumn is a headstrong dryad who get her adrenaline fix as a thief. Her father has decided that it's time for her to settle down and get married. He has issued that there will be challenged that must be met to win her hand. If no one can complete the challenges she will be given to the man of his choice, Rylan. Nathair (Nate) is a snake that was magically made into a handsome male shifter. He now works in Autumn's parent's garden while trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Seeing Autumn and overhearing her father's marriage demands, decides he is going to win her hand in marriage. With his brother, Austen's help Nate completes the competition. He has won her hand but Autumn has other plans for her life. I am eagerly looking forward to the first book.

Alone by Skye Mackinnon
Louise is the last human alive on Mars after a horrible illness kills the rest of the settlement. She is alone for 2 months until 6 men arrive in cryogenic tanks. They were on their way to Mars when the illness hit. Now Louise needs to figure out a vaccine so that they don’t die as soon as they are removed from the tanks and awakened. She has 7 weeks. I love the exchanges between Louise and Earth Command. Quite lively! I love what comes next. Louise is working to save the guys and to figure out how they all survive on their meager supplies after they are awake, but at the same time, she's creating a fantasy life with the guys. After reading their files, she creates nicknames, personalities, relationships. I can see myself doing exactly the same thing. Wonderful!! I can’t wait for more of this story. I need to know what happens when they are all awake! How different is reality?!? My favorite story in the Anthology.

Grimms Dweller by Arizona Tape
Grisella is a dweller. A dweller, not a storyteller. She enters author's minds to wander around in their ideas, their imaginations, their fictional worlds to make sure that no one unwanted sneaks in, that the stories work. However, while working with her friend Will she starts crossing the lines of being a dweller. She becomes part of his story, wanting to become part of his world. But it's not meant to be. Heartbreaking. The story doesn't take expected paths or turn out like I expected or wanted. It turned out like it was meant to and I look forward to more. Another favorite.

Of Soot & Ash by Gina Wynn
Ash is injured, scared, but strong. She's attacked by ghouls on her way back from war and dying when she meets Lorn, the devil's son. He offers her a deal she can't refuse even though it means 7 years. Lorn takes her back to hell with him and gently cares for her. As he does the two are drawn together despite Lorn's wishes. One kiss, regrets, a release. Heartache and resolve and hope. This one is bittersweet.

Plain Jane by Alison Ingleby
Jane is used to being ugly. It's what she's always known but when her disfigurement starts to disappear her life changes. She once dreamed of being normal and now she's accepted as a pretty person. Now she sees that their lives weren't perfect at all. There is a high price to pay for beauty. This story is inspired by the Ugly Duckling but demonstrates how external beauty isn’t everything. This is a story about choices, sacrifices, and love.

Skye Wolf by SM Henley
This is a prequel novella. Sowilo is magical. She fills her client's greatest desires day after day, night after night. John, a wolf-man needs her help to save a baby. Along the way, he shows her a world she thought was the stuff of legends or nightmares. He's on a holy mission and invites her along as they start to care for one another. The ending leaves us waiting, waiting for 150 years to be exact. I felt like I was playing catch up in this story, like I had missed the beginning.

Raising Demons by Amara Kent
Inspired by the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Esmerelda is a demon turned demon hunter to keep the human enjoyments of her existence. There are plans to release Malphas, one of the Horsemen, who will destroy her life. Quinn is a demon-hunting gargoyle. When they cross paths they decide to work together combining their strengths. Strength they have, trust they do not! Attraction they have in spades. Just as they act on their desire Esmerelda's past comes back to destroy her. Secrets are revealed, spirits are destroyed, lives are ripped apart. The ending slayed me. I want more.

TBR still:
Where the Wild Roses Grow by KC Caner
Out Among the Stars by D. Kai Wilson

[Laura Greenwood]

My story from Once Upon A Twist, Snakes and Ladders, is now available in Stories From the Paranormal Council Universe: Six Paranormal Stories: books2read.com/pcstories

You can also join my Goodreads Reader Group for new release alerts, spoiler threads, and more!
==> https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[TipseyBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Anthology!

This is a collection of stories inspired by fairy tales, but they are more like Grimm’s fairy tales vs Disney style fairy tales in that they don’t necessarily have a happy ending. However they do get you in the feels! Overall, I really enjoyed this anthology!

Snakes & Ladders by Laura Greenwood - 5 stars
This is a prequel novella. Autumn is a headstrong dryad and part time thief. Her father says she has to get married. Nathair (AKA Nate) is a snake that was made a shifter. I love Nate! He sees Autumn, and decides he is going to win her hand in marriage. We also meet Rylan, who is Autumn’s fathers first pick and is devoted to Autumn. I also liked Nate’s brother, Austen. Austen was fun. I can’t wait to see more of Autumn’s story.

Alone by Skye Mackinnon - 5 stars
Louise is the last human on Mars after an illness wiped out the rest of the settlement. However, 6 guys were enroute to Mars when the illness hit. They are in a cryogenic state and she needs to figure out a vaccine so that they don’t die when she “wakes” them. The story takes place over the course of 6 weeks. I love the dialogue between Louise and the Command guys back on Earth. Louise has a fantasy life with the guys! Mackinnon says we are going to see more of Louise and the guys story in the future and I can’t wait! I need to know what happens when they are all awake!

Grimms Dweller by Arizona Tape - 5 stars
This one really gets you in the feels. We meet Grisella, who is a dweller. She is kind of a muse but really walks through authors stories/worlds to make sure they are strong enough to survive. She starts pushing boundaries of what she should be doing with one author, Will. The ending though is not what you expect! I really want to see more of Gris!

Of Soot & Ash by Gina Wynn - 4 stars
This is the first story by Wynn that I have read, but I will definitely be checking out more. Ash is strong, but broken after being attacked by ghouls on her way back from war. She meets Lorn who is the devils son, and offers her a 7 year contract. I love Ash, she is strong, but yet burnt out. Lorns actions are caring, but we don’t really see his internal thoughts. He seems to be hiding something. I really want to see more of Lorn and Ash!

Plain Jane by Alison Ingleby - 4 stars
This story is inspired by the Ugly Duckling, but really focuses on how external beauty isn’t everything. This is a complete story vs. being a prequel. Jane is a sweet character and has a quiet internal strength. She is protective of those she cares about. I like Rafe as he loves her and will fight for her, even in impossible odds. I love the message in this story about beauty.

Skye Wolf by SM Henley - 2.5 stars
This is a prequel novella. While I like the writing voice, I had a difficult time following the story. It felt like we were dropped in the middle of Wilo and John’s story, and by the time I figured out what was going on the story was ending.

Raising Demons by Amara Kent - 4 stars
Inspired by the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Esmerelda is a demon, but also a demon hunter. Quinn is a gargoyle and demon hunter. Esmerelda is tough, and is looking out for herself, but in her own ways is also good and looking out for humanity. Quinn doesn’t trust Esmerelda because she is a demon. I like the push and pull between them. And that ending! I need more!

Where the Wild Roses Grow by KC Caner - 3 stars
This is a short, short story. Tamlin and Janet have a forbidden love and have to fight to be together. I wasn’t really emotionally invested in their story, and I think this was largely due to the length of the story.

Out Among the Stars by D. Kai Wilson-Viola - 2.5 stars
This is a short story. There is a lot of information given considering this is a short story. Just when I was figuring out what was going on the story ended, rather abruptly.

[Candy Robosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Twist is not at all what I expected. It takes some lesser known fairy tales and a couple of well known ones and rewrite them as if they were written for the first time right now or even in the future. I really enjoyed many of the stories. They were similar enough to the originals to be recognizable while still being different enough to bring a new twist to an old tale. Alone, Plain Jane, and Skye Wolfe were my three favorite ones.

Based on a lesser known Grimm tale The Six Swans, Alone focuses on a sole survivor of the Mars colony, Louise, who has received some new colleagues but can't take them out of their pods until she finds a vaccine for a virus that wiped out all of the other colonists. She is torn because the six men that have been sent to her are the only human she has been able to see in months and she finds them all attractive in their own way. She must make some decisions as well as stay sane while she and those left on Earth decide it is the best time to wake them before their oxygen levels deplete. Louise goes through many moments where she questions her mental stability, her physical weaknesses, and her morality. Does she rush the vaccine just so she can finally have some physical contact, does she have the right to choose who is least important and possibly kill him, and does she follow all the guidelines set forth by Earth and chance losing some of the men sent to Mars? Also whoever wakes up must be told what has happened while they have been asleep. And she thought her life on Mars was rough before.

Plain Jane is based on the popular Ugly Duckling tale. Alison Ingleby does a wonderful job of focusing on what is must be like for those who are “beautiful” by society's standards while also giving some insight into how it is not all perfect and wonderful to be a “beautiful swan.” Jane has had a birthmark her whole life that has kept her plain and marked by others as ugly. Right before she turns 18, she is old a secret about her parents and herself. She also is promised by her best friend that he wants to marry her. Shortly after her 18th birthday selection day happens where the prettiest are chosen to go be swans at the castle. Jane is given a way to become “beautiful” but should she change? Should Jane take a chance on being a swan to help her family or stay where she is and risk losing her father and their farm? Does she leave all she knows and loves to save all she knows and loves? Ingleby focuses on how things are not always as they appear, was Jane really the ugly one that should be pitied or was she beautiful with a beautiful life?

Henley did a great job with Skye Wolfe. I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. The characters surprised me with their honesty and caring. Sowilo is a hooker who is searching for love and her daughter, while John is a werewolf looking to also do God's work. In this story they must battle Trader for a baby's soul. Henley does a great job of exposing both sides of our heroines and even exposing a glimmer of good in some of the villains.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some known to me authors and some i hadn't read before. And there were some absolutely amazing stories, with a fairytale twist. Some of them stories you may know and some not so well known. There was also a few i did not like but the majority i liked were fantastic. And i liked that some of them were related or would set up future stories/series.

My standout favourites were:

Alone by Skye McKinnon
Plain Jane by Alison Ingleby
Grimms Dweller by Arizona Tape
Raising Demons by Amara Kent

Alone was definitely different from your usual fairytale. It's actually a spin-off from The Drowning series. But our MC is on Mars after surviving a horrible disease that killed everyone. And she's trying to do everything and save the lives of men in capsules that she started developed feeling for but shes running out of time. And going a little mad...

Plain Jane was simply fantastic, taking the Ugly Duckling fairytale and making it a more dark and brooding where beautiful women become part of The Swans but there are dark sinister secrets and lies and awful truth. There are consequences to being beautiful....

Grimm's Dweller featured Grisella, a Dweller who enters worlds. and she has befriended one of the Grimm's brothers, Will. And enters his stories. Until she becomes trapped in one...

Raising Demons stars the wonderful and Sassy Demon, known as Esmerelda and the the Gargoyle Quinn. Funny while sexy and fighting off demons that want to bring the apocalypse. Very hot. So glad theres more to be had from this storyline!

In all a great group of short reads to get you introduced to a new to you author and fall in love. Fairytale style!

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Jane by Alison Ingleby - part of the Once Upon A Twist Anthology

This is a story of a girl growing up from birth with a facial birthmark and scarring. She is shunned by the other people and especially the girls in her village.

She is about to turn 18 and have to take part in a ceremony to see if any of the girls are beautiful enough to become ‘Swans’ - a well sought after position in the city, thought to bring status and reward to their families.

A Swan is taken to the city to provide company for the well off men, lords and even the Prince. The full facts of what services they provide are not known to basic village folk, nor what happens to tem once they reach the village as they never leave the city.

The story follows her life in the farm running up to this event which comes with a few unexpected turns. Matters change upon news she receives from her parents and she believes her future may change. A life in the farm with her boyfriend may no longer be her future - but no spoilers here.
What happens on her 18th birthday alters her life - whether that was for good or bad you will have to read to find out.

Some serious aspects to this story and told in a very easy to read manner, covering birthmarks, disfigurement and disabilities in a world that looks for perfection in all.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

I have purchased the actual anthology and will read the rest of the stories as soon as I can.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review only for Grimm's Dweller by Arizona Tape.
This was a lovely and unexpected story and my first experience of this author. Needles to say, I have become a fan immediately. The author writes beautifully and consistently, and interweaves parts of famous fables into her own fantasy world. The atmosphere the author created is simply amazing.
Grisella is a dweller, not a story teller, a magical being in charge of making sure that tales are consistent and have good foundation. She travels through magical passages and observes characters of the stories. She is an interesting and somewhat tragic character, but she does the best she can. Grisella's adventures were as fantastic as the stories she visits. And incredibly exciting. And although there is no cliffhanger, I immediately started reading the next story.
The reading order is Grimm's Dweller (Grimm's Dweller Trilogy Book 1), Grimm's Witness (Grimm's Dweller Trilogy Book 2), and Grimm's Keeper (Grimm's Dweller Trilogy Book 3).

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anthologies because there is usually something for everyone. That is why I gave it four stars because I didn't love every story but enjoyed them all. The first story snakes and ladders was very interesting. I like nathair and how he was truly a snake who became a man not the other way. Autumn is going to be a lot fun to continue reading about. I can't wait to learn more about her and her hopefully three men.
The second story alone was another one of my favorites. I can't imagine being alone on a planet for months I would probably go crazy. Louise had a whole life planned out and I hope Skye MacKinnon writes more of her story so I can find out if it happens.
The third story grims dweller is like every fantasy about reading i have. To be able to enter the universe that a book or story is set in is amazing. I love that gris helps will write the story and fix where the mistakes are. I want to be a dweller in my next life.
Definitely read this anthology it's a lot of fun.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't yet read the entire anthology but have just finished "Plain Jane" Alison Ingleby's contribution, and it was a very enjoyable read! I did receive a free advance copy to provide a review. An alternate telling of the Ugly Duckling, I found it to be thought-provoking, challenging the original moral of the story and asking some contempory questions about the value of appearance particularly as it relates to women and their role in society.
But it wasn't a dull or boring read at all!! :) as with all good fairytales the moral is wrapped inside an interesting well told story. I look forward to reading the rest of the book.

[Cailin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much imagination packed into these pages!!

I received an ARC of this anthology in exchange for an honest review, but I enjoyed it so much I bought it, too!

This anthology is a book of imaginative novella-lengthed retellings of fairy tales; some classics, some a bit more obscure. I loved the majority of them, both for their creativity and rereadability. Most of them appear to be prequels, or set in preexisting worlds, and my curiosity was definitely piqued regarding the full novels/series.

I do recommend this book, a lot! Its always fun and exciting to see what some of your favourite authors cook up, plus its a great introduction to new-to-you authors, as well!

[Chelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great anthology!

This anotholgy is full of unique retellings of obscure or lesser known fairy tales. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every one of the stories. But my favorite was definitely Alone by Skye Mackinnon. I had read the story of the seven swans before and loved it so it was amazing to see a retelling. If you're unfamiliar with the original, don't worry because she gives a short synopsis at the beginning. I won't lie, when she started talking about space I couldn't for the life of me figure out how it was going to the back into the fairytale. But she did it so well. My only complaint was that it was so short! I need more!

[Stephani Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting collection

I didn’t realize how short some of these were, but several of them were good. This is definitely a collection of novellas and shorter. The last story only took me 10 Minutes to read, though it was interesting enough I would appreciate a longer story by that author.

My favorite was definitely the Dweller tale. Many of these tales were dark, and that’s not really my style. Plain Jane was probably my second favorite, but it was still a heavy tale.

The one about the demon and gargoyle had a bunch of swearing and some explicit content I was not expecting and didn’t appreciate.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an anthology of stories based on original fairytales but all with a twist! A very clever idea and Executed beautifully. I enjoyed all the stories and loved how the writers portrayed their version of the fairytale they chose to write

Each story is a different fairytale and unusually for an anthology I loved each and every one, I have now sampled the writing of new authors to me as well as some that I have read works by already and there are a number of follow up books I am hoping will be written

An unusual and fresh collection of stories which I thoroughly enjoyed

[Ola Adamska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alone by Skye MacKinnon (Sci-Fi Reverse Harem)
The retelling of Swan Princes. Completely different. Full of doubts.
I liked The way The author did it.

Raising Demons by Amara Kent (Paranormal Romance)
Demon female wants to stop escape it another demon. As she likes Her Life. She Has 2 parts - demon and Human.
For the debute author, it was a pretty Good story that I would like to continue in book 2.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthology of twisted Fairy Tales. Well, mostly, Fairy Tales that are usually not heard of or not famous. It took me some time to finish this book and I'm glad that I was able to finish it today! I'm kind of confused to the last two stories but I like the rest. My favorites are Alone, Grimm's Dweller and Raising Demons. Go Esme! Though, it's such a cliff-hanger! I'm thinking of reading Breaking The Myth next. But for now, 3.5 out of 5 stars for this book!

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairy tales are a fun part of childhood. These fairy tales are not the ones we grew up with. These are fun adult fairy tales from authors with vivid imaginations and a unique twist. This book has several authors I read a lot and I couldn't resist. Some I had never heard before and I loved the brief description of the original tales at the beginning. This was a wonderful and fun read and that recommend. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly interesting collection! It certainly was very twisty and unusual. Ms. MacKinnon wrote one story that was both humorous and very deeply complex! No doubt a ton of thought went into the world that she created... the what ifs! If you're a fan of life in space be sure to read her story ♡

[Brittany VanLanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this retelling!

This is such an awesome retelling if a lot of lesser known fairy tales! I really enjoyed them all. Each was different but the stories flowed together nicely. I can’t even pick a favorite out of all of them. I can’t wait to read the continuations of some of the stories or the next books in the series!

[Amy Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anthologies and this one didn't disappoint. Each story is an interesting twist on classic fairy tales. I will say there are a couple of stories that will have you throwing a epic toddler tantrum, but I'm sure the authors plan on continuing the stories. One reason I read anthologues is they introduce me to new authors and I can't wait to read more from each of these authors

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If it is a collection, anthology or boxset I am always buying them and hoping that I find new authors to read! So when I seen that several of the authors that I like was in this collection it was a 1-click. In this collection the short stories are inspired by lesser known fairy tales. While these fairy tales do not necessarily have happy endies they do get you in the feels.

[Rachel Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

If u like fairytales with a twist u will love this collection

Each retelling is told with such a twist you are trapped in there story. When u finish you will be left wanting more. I loved each and everyone.

[Courtney Borgstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this Anthology. It takes classic fairy tales and the authors add their own unique twist. By far Sky Mackinnon, Arizona Tape and Laura Greenwood went above and beyond with their stories. I've never read Amara Kent before, but I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Calm Your Pits · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting group of stories but nothing really grabbed my attention

[Elizabeth Bracker · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!

I really enjoyed reading the twist on each of these fairy tales!!! I definitely recommend reading this book. Im hoping that some of these are made into full length books!!!

[Kate Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

stories written, which such a twist on the original tales! perfect for quick reading.

[Craig · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely atrocious proof reading and editing.
The book is so riddled with spelling and grammatical errors that they distract from the actual story.

[Tricia]

Laura Greenwood - Snakes & Ladders: Short story that is planned as the prequel to a series yet to be written. Good characters and storyline.
Skye MacKinnon - Alone: set in the same universe as the Claiming Her Bears series, this looks at other characters and situations involved with that. Good characters and storyline
Arizona Tape- Grimms Dweller: Good story and characters.

[Amanda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible collection of unique stories. They were based in different fairy tales, many I’ve never heard of. All of the stories are fantastic
Snakes and Ladders was such an intriguing story. I loved Autumn and I can’t wait to read more from her
Alone was so much fun. I got so caught up in her crazy and loved it. I need more!
Grimm's Dweller was a very unique story, it’s definitely bittersweet. Again, I need more
Of Soot And Ash was so good, I loved Lorn. I’d love to read more about these two
Plain Jane, I loved. I love the way the beautiful swans are portrayed and how you never know who you can trust
Skye Wolf I liked more than I thought I would. I am definitely interested in reading more
Raising Demons was a fantastic read, especially for a debut author. I am looking forward to more from her 
Carterhaugh was was super quick but interesting
The Hound of Ul'star was really quick as well but I enjoyed it