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Once Upon A Quest
Fifteen brand new fairytale twists from the bestselling and award-winning authors who brought you Once Upon A Curse and Once Upon A Kiss! With inspirations ranging from The Ugly Duckling to Snow White, and everything in between (including trips to Camelot and Oz), these fabulous tales are full of adventure, magic, and a touch of romance.
WEST OF THE MOON by Annie Bellet
When her twin brother sacrifices his freedom to save their starving family, Lina embarks on a quest through a magical forest to save him and restore their fortunes.
A BELL IN THE NIGHT by Evelyn Snow
For Stevie Silver, waking the beautiful boy in the glass box is only the beginning, as her mysterious past catches up with her.
MISTRESS BOOTSI by Anthea Sharp
A girl sets out to seek her fortune - and luckily, she has a clever cat for a companion…
WHITE ROSE by Phaedra Weldon
Jack Frost must find his true love and save her from the Snow Queen’s icy shards before he loses her - and his chance at humanity - forever.
THE GOBLIN AND THE TREASURE by Alethea Kontis
Out-of-work soldier Kira Kobold is handpicked by the High Wizard Zelwynn to go on a quest. Her companions? A growly ogress, a surly dwarf, a dimwitted troll, and an overly optimistic goblin. This wasn’t exactly the quest she was looking for…
THE RUINS OF OZ by Alexia Purdy
The Land of Oz was the last place Thea thought she’d find herself after falling through her mother’s enchanted mirror. If the stories she’s been told are real, why is the Emerald City in ruins?
A TOUCH OF GOLD by Rachel Morgan
When Tilly helps two strangers escape from danger, she becomes part of their quest to keep a powerful magical ability out of the wrong hands ...
MAGIC AND MACHINERY by Jamie Ferguson
Maude works with machinery, not magic. Can she find a way to escape the magician’s grasp and free her beloved brother?
BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN by Nikki Jefford
In a brave new world, three wizards journey through wild shifter territories to find somewhere to begin anew.
BANE AND BALM by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
When the stream providing healing water to Claire’s sick aunt dries up, she must venture into the dreaded Dorcha Forest, where she discovers a stranger willing to risk his freedom in order to help her on her quest.
CAT WHITE by Kay McSpadden
He thought he was following the music, but a white cat led him to realize life held more adventure than he’d guessed.
KING ARTHUR AND THE CHALICE OF LIFE by Julia Crane
Camelot may be at peace, but betrayal and death lurk within the mists surrounding it.
FEAR OF FALLING by Shawntelle Madison
Cast from her griffin’s nest, Ireti is forced into the cruel world of the ground-walkers below. Before she can fly, Ireti must find the strength to walk, and the key to acceptance lies in an undiscovered place—between two worlds.
THE MERROW’S GOLDEN RING by Sara C. Roethle
Ailios was taught to never believe a promise from one of the Faie, but that doesn’t stop her from doing it anyway.
TAKE MY MONSTERS by C. Gockel
In the wilds of the barbarian north, Roman slave Margusa meets a warrior enchanted and enslaved by an Elf Queen. To set him free, Margusa must first confront the monsters within herself...
WEST OF THE MOON by Annie Bellet
When her twin brother sacrifices his freedom to save their starving family, Lina embarks on a quest through a magical forest to save him and restore their fortunes.
A BELL IN THE NIGHT by Evelyn Snow
For Stevie Silver, waking the beautiful boy in the glass box is only the beginning, as her mysterious past catches up with her.
MISTRESS BOOTSI by Anthea Sharp
A girl sets out to seek her fortune - and luckily, she has a clever cat for a companion…
WHITE ROSE by Phaedra Weldon
Jack Frost must find his true love and save her from the Snow Queen’s icy shards before he loses her - and his chance at humanity - forever.
THE GOBLIN AND THE TREASURE by Alethea Kontis
Out-of-work soldier Kira Kobold is handpicked by the High Wizard Zelwynn to go on a quest. Her companions? A growly ogress, a surly dwarf, a dimwitted troll, and an overly optimistic goblin. This wasn’t exactly the quest she was looking for…
THE RUINS OF OZ by Alexia Purdy
The Land of Oz was the last place Thea thought she’d find herself after falling through her mother’s enchanted mirror. If the stories she’s been told are real, why is the Emerald City in ruins?
A TOUCH OF GOLD by Rachel Morgan
When Tilly helps two strangers escape from danger, she becomes part of their quest to keep a powerful magical ability out of the wrong hands ...
MAGIC AND MACHINERY by Jamie Ferguson
Maude works with machinery, not magic. Can she find a way to escape the magician’s grasp and free her beloved brother?
BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN by Nikki Jefford
In a brave new world, three wizards journey through wild shifter territories to find somewhere to begin anew.
BANE AND BALM by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
When the stream providing healing water to Claire’s sick aunt dries up, she must venture into the dreaded Dorcha Forest, where she discovers a stranger willing to risk his freedom in order to help her on her quest.
CAT WHITE by Kay McSpadden
He thought he was following the music, but a white cat led him to realize life held more adventure than he’d guessed.
KING ARTHUR AND THE CHALICE OF LIFE by Julia Crane
Camelot may be at peace, but betrayal and death lurk within the mists surrounding it.
FEAR OF FALLING by Shawntelle Madison
Cast from her griffin’s nest, Ireti is forced into the cruel world of the ground-walkers below. Before she can fly, Ireti must find the strength to walk, and the key to acceptance lies in an undiscovered place—between two worlds.
THE MERROW’S GOLDEN RING by Sara C. Roethle
Ailios was taught to never believe a promise from one of the Faie, but that doesn’t stop her from doing it anyway.
TAKE MY MONSTERS by C. Gockel
In the wilds of the barbarian north, Roman slave Margusa meets a warrior enchanted and enslaved by an Elf Queen. To set him free, Margusa must first confront the monsters within herself...
443 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2018
118 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Annie Bellet
83 books838 followersAnnie Bellet is a full-time speculative fiction writer. She holds a BA in English and a BA in Medieval Studies and thus can speak a smattering of useful languages such as Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Welsh.
Her books include Avarice (Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division: Book 1), The Gryphonpike Chronicles series, and the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series.
Her interests besides writing include rock climbing, reading, horse-back riding, video games, comic books, table-top RPGs, and many other nerdy pursuits.
Want to be notified when her next book is released, receive free stories and books, and be notified about sales and other goodies? Sign up for Annie Bellet's mailing list
Or if you want sneak peaks, regular updates, and exclusive stories, consider supporting her Patreon. Patreon is here!
Her books include Avarice (Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division: Book 1), The Gryphonpike Chronicles series, and the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series.
Her interests besides writing include rock climbing, reading, horse-back riding, video games, comic books, table-top RPGs, and many other nerdy pursuits.
Want to be notified when her next book is released, receive free stories and books, and be notified about sales and other goodies? Sign up for Annie Bellet's mailing list
Or if you want sneak peaks, regular updates, and exclusive stories, consider supporting her Patreon. Patreon is here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 21, 2019
3. 5 stars. From this collection of retold fairy tales, I'd highlight "West of the Moon" by Annie Bellet (An East of the Sun & West of the Moon retelling), "The Goblin and the Treasure" by Alethea Kontis (inspired by The Goblin & the Shoemaker), and "The Merrow's Golden Ring" by Sara C. Roethle (based on Scottish merrow/selkie tales) as my favourites, getting 4 stars each from me.
February 12, 2018
Truly outstanding collection of Tales and adventures, all who love magic and fantasy will love this collection.
I must say the one that stood out most for me and I completely adore was by Alethea Kontis 'The Goblin and the Treasure.' I believe is inspired by Hans Christian Anderson, these two factors are probably why I adore it so much I do love Althea way of story telling as a well as adoring Hans Christian Anderson from my childhood is definitely what made it a beautiful match aswell as Alethea gift of story telling that is truly magical, it draws you in and definitely a fantastic story.
Thank you Alethea and your fellow authors for this collection and for the honour of reading it ♥.
I must say the one that stood out most for me and I completely adore was by Alethea Kontis 'The Goblin and the Treasure.' I believe is inspired by Hans Christian Anderson, these two factors are probably why I adore it so much I do love Althea way of story telling as a well as adoring Hans Christian Anderson from my childhood is definitely what made it a beautiful match aswell as Alethea gift of story telling that is truly magical, it draws you in and definitely a fantastic story.
Thank you Alethea and your fellow authors for this collection and for the honour of reading it ♥.
March 18, 2018
I wanted to read this collection for the Creepy Hollow story by Rachel Morgan. I love anything she writes for the series! It did not disappoint apart from being so short, I would love to read more about Tilly. Another of my favourites was A Bell in the Night by Evelyn Snow. I'll be looking out for more by this author.
February 12, 2018
An entertaining anthology who’s story origins are loosely based on various fairytales and classic stories. Among my favourites are:
WEST OF THE MOON by Annie Bellet. A tale that warms your heart. An adventure that’s full of sacrifice, love, strength and kindness.
FEAR OF FALLING by Shawntelle Madison is a beautiful story of kindness, love and determination. Of freedom and the ability to see past differences and imperfections.
RETUN TO OZ by Alexia Purdy. Is an entertaining tale based in the land of Oz. It tells the story of Dorothy’s granddaughter who discovers family secrets when she finds herself thrown into the ruins of what was once the Emerald City.
KING ARTHUR AND THE CHALICE OF LIFE by Julia Crane is an intriguing story that puts a different spin on the tale of Aurthor, Lancelot and Guinevere.
All the short stories in this book are great reads; especially if you like different takes on classic tales. I received an early copy but this in no way influenced my review and all opinions expressed are solely my own.
WEST OF THE MOON by Annie Bellet. A tale that warms your heart. An adventure that’s full of sacrifice, love, strength and kindness.
FEAR OF FALLING by Shawntelle Madison is a beautiful story of kindness, love and determination. Of freedom and the ability to see past differences and imperfections.
RETUN TO OZ by Alexia Purdy. Is an entertaining tale based in the land of Oz. It tells the story of Dorothy’s granddaughter who discovers family secrets when she finds herself thrown into the ruins of what was once the Emerald City.
KING ARTHUR AND THE CHALICE OF LIFE by Julia Crane is an intriguing story that puts a different spin on the tale of Aurthor, Lancelot and Guinevere.
All the short stories in this book are great reads; especially if you like different takes on classic tales. I received an early copy but this in no way influenced my review and all opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 13, 2018
Once Upon A Quest, an anthology of adventure tales put together by fifteen remarkable authors
Here are just a few:
Ruins of Oz by Alexia Purdy tells of Thea, Dorothy’s granddaughter, as she returns to Oz via a magic mirror. With the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, she revolves to return the Emerald City to its former glory. But she has to get through Mombi to do it, and Mombi has other plans. This is a tribute to L. Frank Baum’s wonderful series.
West of the Moon by Annie Bellet is a story of love and sacrifice, family and unflinching loyalty as Lina goes east of the sun and west of the moon to rescue her brother from the evil Bear King.
A Touch of Gold by Rachel Morgan tells of Tilly, an adventurous fairy, and her quest to rescue a woman with the Midas Touch. Set in Morgan’s Creepy Hollow world, it teaches that being brave doesn’t mean your not scared.
I know many of these authors’ works, but there are some who are new to me and I’m delighted to expand my author base. I’ll update this review as I read more stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Here are just a few:
Ruins of Oz by Alexia Purdy tells of Thea, Dorothy’s granddaughter, as she returns to Oz via a magic mirror. With the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, she revolves to return the Emerald City to its former glory. But she has to get through Mombi to do it, and Mombi has other plans. This is a tribute to L. Frank Baum’s wonderful series.
West of the Moon by Annie Bellet is a story of love and sacrifice, family and unflinching loyalty as Lina goes east of the sun and west of the moon to rescue her brother from the evil Bear King.
A Touch of Gold by Rachel Morgan tells of Tilly, an adventurous fairy, and her quest to rescue a woman with the Midas Touch. Set in Morgan’s Creepy Hollow world, it teaches that being brave doesn’t mean your not scared.
I know many of these authors’ works, but there are some who are new to me and I’m delighted to expand my author base. I’ll update this review as I read more stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
February 15, 2018
As a gamer myself the theme of Quest was something that made me chuckle. I enjoyed most of the books in this anthology a few more than others. I specially enjoyed Alexia Purdy's Ruins of Oz, Anthea Sharp's Mistress Boots, Phaedra Weldon's White Rose and C. Gockel's Take my Monsters.
February 27, 2018
Once Upon a Quest
I have not finished reading them all and I will post some additions when I do. This is a really good collection of stories.
TAKE MY MONSTERS C. Gockel
I have always loved the story of Tam Lin having read it in different versions over the years. What Ms. Gockel did with her telling was unique and very well told. To use the history of Rome in Scotland was a great way to tie in reality to a story about the Fae. She was also very good about including some of the Scandinavian ties with the Norse mythology. Excellent rendition of the Tam Lin story. If you have read other versions or not, you will enjoy her story.
THE RUINS OF OZ Alexia Purdy
I have read a few different versions of the story of Oz including Baum’s original and “Wicked”. There are other stories that revolve around the Emerald City but this one is a much darker one that any of those. To see that Oz is in ruins is very sad. Thea falls through a mirror to find herself in Oz and goes on to find her own tale. I will not tell you any more because it will spoil the story for you. Well worth the read if you like stories about Oz.
WEST OF THE MOON Annie Bellet
A very interesting story that tells how much can be accomplished by love, especially love of family. It is very interesting on how Lina goes about to save her twin brother. I really enjoyed this story and how a human can outwit those who consider themselves to be smarter.
A BELL IN THE NIGHT Evelyn Snow
This story is based on Snow White but it really takes off in a different direction. The only part that relates to Snow White was Stevie finding a boy asleep in a sealed box. This was not a very long story but it really kept me intrigued and makes me want to know a lot more about Stevie, Jack, JD and the rest. I am going to be on the look out for her series when it comes out because if it is as good as this short clip, it will be well worth the read.
I have not finished reading them all and I will post some additions when I do. This is a really good collection of stories.
TAKE MY MONSTERS C. Gockel
I have always loved the story of Tam Lin having read it in different versions over the years. What Ms. Gockel did with her telling was unique and very well told. To use the history of Rome in Scotland was a great way to tie in reality to a story about the Fae. She was also very good about including some of the Scandinavian ties with the Norse mythology. Excellent rendition of the Tam Lin story. If you have read other versions or not, you will enjoy her story.
THE RUINS OF OZ Alexia Purdy
I have read a few different versions of the story of Oz including Baum’s original and “Wicked”. There are other stories that revolve around the Emerald City but this one is a much darker one that any of those. To see that Oz is in ruins is very sad. Thea falls through a mirror to find herself in Oz and goes on to find her own tale. I will not tell you any more because it will spoil the story for you. Well worth the read if you like stories about Oz.
WEST OF THE MOON Annie Bellet
A very interesting story that tells how much can be accomplished by love, especially love of family. It is very interesting on how Lina goes about to save her twin brother. I really enjoyed this story and how a human can outwit those who consider themselves to be smarter.
A BELL IN THE NIGHT Evelyn Snow
This story is based on Snow White but it really takes off in a different direction. The only part that relates to Snow White was Stevie finding a boy asleep in a sealed box. This was not a very long story but it really kept me intrigued and makes me want to know a lot more about Stevie, Jack, JD and the rest. I am going to be on the look out for her series when it comes out because if it is as good as this short clip, it will be well worth the read.
May 22, 2018
Exciting offerings from cherished authors and new discoveries
The stories are clean and several of them are a gateway to authors I'm unfamiliar with. Unlike some (read many) anthologies there wasn't a single story I disliked. Every last one is an excellent story.
The stories are clean and several of them are a gateway to authors I'm unfamiliar with. Unlike some (read many) anthologies there wasn't a single story I disliked. Every last one is an excellent story.
April 15, 2018
Welcome, adventurers! 🗺️
⚔️ I am thrilled to be part of another spine-tingling Once Upon Anthology. In the Quest volume, my story, Blow Your House Down is set in the Wolf Hollow Shifters world. It is both a quest of discovery, and a quest of the heart where 3 young women (representing straw, wood, and brick) are put before Lazarus (Tabor's father in Wolf Hollow).
The inspiration came from one of my favorite fairy tales growing up: The Three Little Pigs. 🐖🐖🐖 While working on Born Wild, book three in the Wolf Hollow Shifters series, I wanted to explore how the wizards of Balmar Heights—in particular Lazarus—happened upon the beautiful gated community in the mountains and took it from the bear shifters. This project presented an ideal opportunity to explore that quest and put a twist on yet another childhood tale that painted the wolf as The Big Bad. 🐺🐻
I read and enjoyed all the stories in this collection. For anyone who enjoys fairy tale spin-offs, adventure, and romance, these are sure to delight and entertain.
Thank you for reading,
Nikki
⚔️ I am thrilled to be part of another spine-tingling Once Upon Anthology. In the Quest volume, my story, Blow Your House Down is set in the Wolf Hollow Shifters world. It is both a quest of discovery, and a quest of the heart where 3 young women (representing straw, wood, and brick) are put before Lazarus (Tabor's father in Wolf Hollow).
The inspiration came from one of my favorite fairy tales growing up: The Three Little Pigs. 🐖🐖🐖 While working on Born Wild, book three in the Wolf Hollow Shifters series, I wanted to explore how the wizards of Balmar Heights—in particular Lazarus—happened upon the beautiful gated community in the mountains and took it from the bear shifters. This project presented an ideal opportunity to explore that quest and put a twist on yet another childhood tale that painted the wolf as The Big Bad. 🐺🐻
I read and enjoyed all the stories in this collection. For anyone who enjoys fairy tale spin-offs, adventure, and romance, these are sure to delight and entertain.
Thank you for reading,
Nikki
March 12, 2018
I've read about half of these short stories now and have thoroughly enjoyed each of them! I got them to review for a couple of authors that I just love to review for but fell in love with the whole collection. There is a wonderful mix of stories, none of them very long but all of them will catch your attention and you will want more from these authors.
I really hope some of them make these prequels to new books of theirs. The book about the griffin and how the siblings stayed together and helped each other was touching. I want to know what happened to each sibling now! Does Dorthy's granddaughter go back to Oz again? Some of these are questions I really want to know more about. It makes me want to buy these author's books just getting a little taste of their writing.
It was a 5/5 for me. I have loved all the stories I've read and fully intend to finish all of them!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I really hope some of them make these prequels to new books of theirs. The book about the griffin and how the siblings stayed together and helped each other was touching. I want to know what happened to each sibling now! Does Dorthy's granddaughter go back to Oz again? Some of these are questions I really want to know more about. It makes me want to buy these author's books just getting a little taste of their writing.
It was a 5/5 for me. I have loved all the stories I've read and fully intend to finish all of them!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
February 12, 2018
I'm leaving this review as a work in progress since I have not yet finished all books in this collection. I was given this set for free in exchange for a review of Alexia Purdy's short story Ruins of Oz. I think the theory behind the story is interesting, and Alexia did write it in a short succinct manner. The story is her version of the world of Oz many years after the original books were cast, and I think she did a commendable job adding her own twist to the same or similar characters from the original story. Personally, I do not enjoy spin-off stories by other others based on original books from a different author, which is why I can't leave a glowing review of this story. It was a bit too reminiscent of fan-fiction for my tastes, and lacked some of the key elements from the original story, which I can only imagine is because of copyright laws. I wish the story had a bit more depth to it, but I can understand how others would enjoy this twist on a classic tale.
February 19, 2018
Mistress Bootsi by Anthea Sharp is the first story I really liked. A very special heroine and a nicely flowing story around her with lots of "Easter eggs" from other known stories - I really enjoyed this one!
Alethea Kontis spun an enchanting tale too, I will remember that Rowst did well done (he touched my heart, he did!) and Kira and Soot have a place in my heart too. I hope their adventures end well.
Rachel Morgan's story had interesting characters and a good story idea but it didn't really grip me - though I would like to read more about Tilly.
The last story was very interesting, C. Gockel made an intriguing anti-hero and a survivor to find and love him that has my respect.
All in all the anthology wasn't for me this time but that is purely personal and it may well be that another person just loves all of the stories.
Alethea Kontis spun an enchanting tale too, I will remember that Rowst did well done (he touched my heart, he did!) and Kira and Soot have a place in my heart too. I hope their adventures end well.
Rachel Morgan's story had interesting characters and a good story idea but it didn't really grip me - though I would like to read more about Tilly.
The last story was very interesting, C. Gockel made an intriguing anti-hero and a survivor to find and love him that has my respect.
All in all the anthology wasn't for me this time but that is purely personal and it may well be that another person just loves all of the stories.
March 5, 2018
This is a new take on some fairy tale you grew up with by various authors and each story has its own special author spin. If you loved fairy tales growing up then as an adult you will enjoy this collection.
West of the Moon by Annie Bellet
A Bell in the Night by Evelyn Snow
MISTRESS BOOTSI by Anthea Sharp
WHITE ROSE by Phaedra Weldon
THE GOBLIN AND THE TREASURE by Alethea Kontis
THE RUINS OF OZ by Alexia Purdy
A TOUCH OF GOLD by Rachel Morgan
MAGIC AND MACHINERY by Jamie Ferguson
BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN by Nikki Jefford
BANE AND BALM by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
CAT WHITE by Kay McSpadden
KING ARTHUR AND THE CHALICE OF LIFE by Julia Crane
FEAR OF FALLING by Shawntelle Madison
THE MERROW’S GOLDEN RING by Sara C. Roethle
TAKE MY MONSTERS by C. Gockel
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
West of the Moon by Annie Bellet
A Bell in the Night by Evelyn Snow
MISTRESS BOOTSI by Anthea Sharp
WHITE ROSE by Phaedra Weldon
THE GOBLIN AND THE TREASURE by Alethea Kontis
THE RUINS OF OZ by Alexia Purdy
A TOUCH OF GOLD by Rachel Morgan
MAGIC AND MACHINERY by Jamie Ferguson
BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN by Nikki Jefford
BANE AND BALM by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
CAT WHITE by Kay McSpadden
KING ARTHUR AND THE CHALICE OF LIFE by Julia Crane
FEAR OF FALLING by Shawntelle Madison
THE MERROW’S GOLDEN RING by Sara C. Roethle
TAKE MY MONSTERS by C. Gockel
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
March 12, 2018
** WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE REVIEW AS EACH STORY IS READ**
~~ Ruins of Oz - by Alexia Purdy ~~
This story was a really creative look at what happened once Dorothy returned home. I loved the perspective of what happens to each of her friends, what happens to Oz itself, and what her life is like back in "the real world". In the story we most commonly know, there are a few important things left out -- an evil person, the source of the most important magic, and the importance of Dorothy and her bloodline. This story almost made Oz feel more realistic, and the possibility of Dorothy being there less of a fairytale. I really enjoyed this outlook, and how one person's presence could affect an entire land. This was definitely a great read!
~~ Ruins of Oz - by Alexia Purdy ~~
This story was a really creative look at what happened once Dorothy returned home. I loved the perspective of what happens to each of her friends, what happens to Oz itself, and what her life is like back in "the real world". In the story we most commonly know, there are a few important things left out -- an evil person, the source of the most important magic, and the importance of Dorothy and her bloodline. This story almost made Oz feel more realistic, and the possibility of Dorothy being there less of a fairytale. I really enjoyed this outlook, and how one person's presence could affect an entire land. This was definitely a great read!
February 11, 2018
I got this boxset because one of my favorite authors is in it Alexia Purdy, I kept reading more because it was a nice blend and twist to the fairy tales we know and love. Oz isn't the Oz we grew up with and neither is the Puss in Boots. A nice twist to the old tale of Snow White instead it's a guy and he isn't quite right. The list goes on with each story a little different than you expect and a note to tell why or how they came up with it.
The stories are short but give you just enough to enjoy them some of course more than others.
The stories are short but give you just enough to enjoy them some of course more than others.
February 12, 2018
This is a great addition to the Once Upon A anthologies these writers have put together. I enjoyed all of the tales, some more than others. They are well edited and have the author telling a bit about the tale they wrote and why they wrote it after each story, as well as a bit about the author. The nice thing is they are short stories that let you sample each author's individual writing style while reading a wonderful version of a fairy tale they love. I really like reading new versions of old tales
June 2, 2020
As with most multi-author anthologies, you win some, you lose some. Despite their brevity I found several of the tales quite engaging with compelling characters. Some stories were merely okay and others were laughably bad. (The Arthur/Guenivere/Lancelot retelling in which the adult trio acted like nothing so much as angsty high school students comes immediately to mind for the latter.) I read a few of the bad ones in their entirety, skimmed one or two, and outright did not finish a few. Of the 15 stories I’d only rate five as done well and held my interest, so not a great outcome.
February 13, 2018
This is a great group of short stories from some amazing writers. They are fresh twists on some of our fave fairytales. I enjoyed all of the stories and was introduced to some new Authors which is why I like getting these types of collections. The stories I loved most and would love to possibly see turned into longer stories are The Ruins of Oz by Alexia Purdy, White Rose by Phaedra Weldon & Take My Monsters by C. Gockel.
May 3, 2018
A Fantastic Selection
Once Upon a Quest offers a wide choice of quests in various fantasy worlds. The heroines and heroes are heroic in the best sense. They face and ultimately complete their quests. Their virtue and bravery is justly rewarded with the requisite happy ending. Each of these short stories compress the essentials into a handful of pages without sacrificing adventure, threat, romance, or a satisfactory ending. And each one leaves the reader wanting more......
Once Upon a Quest offers a wide choice of quests in various fantasy worlds. The heroines and heroes are heroic in the best sense. They face and ultimately complete their quests. Their virtue and bravery is justly rewarded with the requisite happy ending. Each of these short stories compress the essentials into a handful of pages without sacrificing adventure, threat, romance, or a satisfactory ending. And each one leaves the reader wanting more......
February 22, 2018
Wonderful collection
I loved these books because of the way everyone had their own take on different fairy tales. I have to admit that my favorite story was Alexia Purdy's twist on The Wizard of Oz. I could not help but smile as I read that one.
Even thought these aren't the types of books I usually read this was a great collection.
Until Next Time... Tabi
I loved these books because of the way everyone had their own take on different fairy tales. I have to admit that my favorite story was Alexia Purdy's twist on The Wizard of Oz. I could not help but smile as I read that one.
Even thought these aren't the types of books I usually read this was a great collection.
Until Next Time... Tabi
June 10, 2018
I didn't enjoy "Once Upon A Quest" as much as I did "Once Upon A Kiss: 17 Romantic Faerie Tales" for mostly personal reasons.
So, the good about it is, there was not one story in this collection that I wanted to skip.
The reason I didn't like it as much is that some of those stories are sort of depressing.
There's not always a good wins over evil in them (just the opposite to one of them and playing in a very uncomfortable gray zone in the other), or a conceivable happy ever after for our heroines.
The best out of this collection is doubtless "The Goblin and the Treasure" by Alethea Kontis.
Building on a Andersen fairy tale I haven't heard of before the author spins a story that has all the marks of great quest fantasy.
Followed "The Merrow’s Golden Ring" by Sara C. Roethle, I'd say, and "The Ruins of Oz" by Alexia Purdy.
"Take my Monsters" by C. Gockel is among the darker ones.
Slavery and sexual abuse are topics touched upon in this one. It's also the only one of the more gritty stories that really worked for me. It's based on "Tam Lin", a Scotish tale I'm not familiar with.
"A Bell in the Night" by Evelyn Snow feels like an unfinished piece, it's a sort of opening chapter for a series and makes read on its own not a lot of sense.
"Blow your House Down" by Nikki Jefford is one of the above mentioned where there's no "good wins over evil", as is "Fear of Falling" by Shawntelle Madison.
One dealing with abuse of power, the other with slavery, both in ways that I found difficult to like because they end up rewarding the abuse in one way or other.
It's essentially these last three stories that bring down my overall rating of the collection.
So, the good about it is, there was not one story in this collection that I wanted to skip.
The reason I didn't like it as much is that some of those stories are sort of depressing.
There's not always a good wins over evil in them (just the opposite to one of them and playing in a very uncomfortable gray zone in the other), or a conceivable happy ever after for our heroines.
The best out of this collection is doubtless "The Goblin and the Treasure" by Alethea Kontis.
Building on a Andersen fairy tale I haven't heard of before the author spins a story that has all the marks of great quest fantasy.
Followed "The Merrow’s Golden Ring" by Sara C. Roethle, I'd say, and "The Ruins of Oz" by Alexia Purdy.
"Take my Monsters" by C. Gockel is among the darker ones.
Slavery and sexual abuse are topics touched upon in this one. It's also the only one of the more gritty stories that really worked for me. It's based on "Tam Lin", a Scotish tale I'm not familiar with.
"A Bell in the Night" by Evelyn Snow feels like an unfinished piece, it's a sort of opening chapter for a series and makes read on its own not a lot of sense.
"Blow your House Down" by Nikki Jefford is one of the above mentioned where there's no "good wins over evil", as is "Fear of Falling" by Shawntelle Madison.
One dealing with abuse of power, the other with slavery, both in ways that I found difficult to like because they end up rewarding the abuse in one way or other.
It's essentially these last three stories that bring down my overall rating of the collection.
March 23, 2018
A pretty decent mix of short stories
There are a few gems that present ingenious perspectives on otherwise played out tales. White Cat describes a world I'd like to investigate further lol...
There are a few gems that present ingenious perspectives on otherwise played out tales. White Cat describes a world I'd like to investigate further lol...
March 29, 2019
Great stories and you may discover new favorite authors as I did. Originally, got this because of the story included by C. Gockel (whose writing I’ve enjoyed previously) but I also liked several others in this set.
July 17, 2019
This was a cute anthology with some stand out stories and some that weren't so good. (Like all anthologies really) I loved how they all linked to fairy-tales and have lots of new authors to potentially check out!
February 14, 2018
Very good set
A lot of really good stories. As with many boxed sets some were not my favorite but most were very good and ended too soon.
A lot of really good stories. As with many boxed sets some were not my favorite but most were very good and ended too soon.
February 28, 2018
A good read
I have. New authors to follow from different genres. For the most part I enjoyed the whole book I recommend
I have. New authors to follow from different genres. For the most part I enjoyed the whole book I recommend
April 20, 2019
Easy-on-the-mind fantasy short stories, very enjoyable in today's fantasy craze!
May 11, 2021
This was a interesting book. I really liked a few of the stories. The last few were the best
July 15, 2021
This was a good compilation. Some stories left you wanting. A few I would definitely read if they were a series!
February 13, 2023
A great collection of new takes on some great stories
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