Witches and Poppets: Steampunk Vasilisa the Fair: A Steampunk Fairy Tale Short Story

by Melanie Karsak

Just in time for Halloween! From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak comes a spooky retelling of the fairy tale Vasilia the Fair.

Vasilisa's father is dying. When her stepmother sends her to a witch for a cure, Vasilisa knows she must be brave. Rumors abound that the witch eats children, but Vasilisa would do anything to save the father she loves. Even if it means risking her own life.

From the fairy tale world of Melanie Karsak comes a new short story to delight the senses this spooky season.

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairy Tales, Short Stories, Retellings, Magic

12 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2020

About the author

New York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

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Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short 12-page retelling of Visilisa the Fair. I really enjoy Russian fairytales, especially including Baba Yaga, so I found this short story fun and quick. I like the steampunk twist, where Baba Yaga (called Mother Yaga in this story) has a house made of metal. Depending on the fairytale, Yaga can be evil or good, and this one puts her more in the good category whereas Visilisa's stepmother is the villain. My only criticism is that I never felt like I learned much about Visilisa herself, which is typical for fairytales but I would have liked a bit more in this retelling.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story retelling of Vasilisa the Fair. Vasilisa is sent to Baba Yaga’s hut by her stepmother for mandrake root to heal her father, but it will actually kill him. Baba tells her the truth about the root and sends her back home with a present for her stepmother.

This is a classic tale of the evil stepmother getting what they deserve. I really enjoyed this very short story but I do wish it had been longer. I wanted to see more of this world and see more of the steampunk aspects of it. Overall, this was a short spooky read that was perfect for the Halloween season!

This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Marc Rieck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful very short story

Good writing with a feel-good ending. I really like the house that walked.

this is a great super short story to read when you need a break from a longer book.

[Suzee Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Steam Punk novel. The twist used in it kept you on your toes. I like when reading puts me to sleep but I loved this one making me want to stay up and read more! Thank you, Melanie.

[Elysian Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun (short) story and it gives just enough to want more. I liked that the author told a familiar story but added in a few quick steampunk elements and I really loved the way she created a complete story with hints of what really was. The story but it is complete and a fun read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent fairytale retelling!

An excellent story retelling the tale of Vasilisa the fair. I loved the steampunk reimagining of Mama Yaga’s house, which is so much nicer than the original! A brilliant short story I highly recommend.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches and Poppets: Steampunk Vasilisa the Fair: A Steampunk Fairy Tale Short Story by Melanie Karsak – This is perfect for Halloween or for lovers of fairy tales! The Russians really know how to spin a tale, so if you like steampunk with cool leading ladies this is amazing! Happy Reading!

[OldBird · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read, telling Vasilisa the Fair but with more cogs/gears/steampowered castles. Not bad, but also not sure how much it really added to the basic story... I liked it, but it is very short and not exactly Halloween-creepy as advertised.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little scary

This was an Interesting take on an old witch tale. Mechanical legs instead of chicken legs. Also it was a little scary.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super short but I still enjoyed it.

[Rachel Friedland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good! It was short, probably the shortest stand-alone I've ever read, but it wasn't bad! On brand for Karsak, really, so if you like her you won't be disappointed.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a ridiculously long title for such a short story.
When it says short.... it means SHORT. The story was enjoyable, but I'm not sure what was the point of even publishing it.

[Jennifer Frandsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but superb

Loved this fairytale. Went fast but will stay in my head a while. More please, I love this author. Thanks

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fun, short read.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting October off with spoopy/spooky books isn't my usual, but so far it's fun!

It was more the vibes and tone of this that were eerie/creepy and I loved it. That's my favorite kind of 'scary book'.

A steampunk witch, a good ending, and the perfect amount of development to leave you wanting more.

[toinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short , definitely not worth the $3.99 price tag for 8 pages