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Apple
From World Fantasy Award finalist L.S. Johnson comes a fairy tale retelling about revenge, grief, and healing.
In lush, elegant prose, Johnson tells the story of Apple, a thirteenth fairy born for an unknown purpose. A violent encounter with a king changes her life forever, and sets her on a journey that threatens herself, the newborn princess Rose, and the future of the kingdom. But even the darkest promises can have unexpected consequences.
Weaving together elements of both popular and obscure tales, Apple is for all of us who found ourselves in the dark woods of pain and grief.
In lush, elegant prose, Johnson tells the story of Apple, a thirteenth fairy born for an unknown purpose. A violent encounter with a king changes her life forever, and sets her on a journey that threatens herself, the newborn princess Rose, and the future of the kingdom. But even the darkest promises can have unexpected consequences.
Weaving together elements of both popular and obscure tales, Apple is for all of us who found ourselves in the dark woods of pain and grief.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 5, 2021
There is so much more to this story than can be conveyed in a few words.
L.S. Johnson noted in the afterword of this short story that the reason she released "Apple" as a standalone from the anthology it was originally seen in was because of "the many women who wrote to me after 'F is for Fairy' was published, thanking me for writing this story, for giving them a tale they didn't know they needed".
This story is about tragedy, the personal transformation inside of the soul of a person that follows in the aftermath, going from the dark to light. It's a bittersweet tale that ends on a loving high note.
And even more interestingly, this story is written from the point of view of the thirteenth fairy that cursed Sleeping Beauty. "Apple" goes deep into the character of that thirteenth fairy and allows us to see why she placed a curse instead of a blessing. And there's nothing to be done by a reader except to ache for her and to root for her. Luckily, the author wraps up the story with the biggest hug she could've offered.
For anyone who has read L.S. Johnson's "Misses Chase & Daniels" series (i.e. "Harkworth Hall", "Leviathan", and "The Painter's Widow") or have read any of her other short stories then you will know that she is incredibly good with atmosphere, making her stories, whether they be shorter or longer, completely immersive. Her tales are haunting and impactful. I've really fallen for the talents of this author and place her on par with the likes of S.D. Simper.
If you haven't read this author yet then definitely check her out. Absolutely recommend.
Note: There is an offscreen or fade to black sexual assault warning on this story.
L.S. Johnson noted in the afterword of this short story that the reason she released "Apple" as a standalone from the anthology it was originally seen in was because of "the many women who wrote to me after 'F is for Fairy' was published, thanking me for writing this story, for giving them a tale they didn't know they needed".
This story is about tragedy, the personal transformation inside of the soul of a person that follows in the aftermath, going from the dark to light. It's a bittersweet tale that ends on a loving high note.
And even more interestingly, this story is written from the point of view of the thirteenth fairy that cursed Sleeping Beauty. "Apple" goes deep into the character of that thirteenth fairy and allows us to see why she placed a curse instead of a blessing. And there's nothing to be done by a reader except to ache for her and to root for her. Luckily, the author wraps up the story with the biggest hug she could've offered.
For anyone who has read L.S. Johnson's "Misses Chase & Daniels" series (i.e. "Harkworth Hall", "Leviathan", and "The Painter's Widow") or have read any of her other short stories then you will know that she is incredibly good with atmosphere, making her stories, whether they be shorter or longer, completely immersive. Her tales are haunting and impactful. I've really fallen for the talents of this author and place her on par with the likes of S.D. Simper.
If you haven't read this author yet then definitely check her out. Absolutely recommend.
Note: There is an offscreen or fade to black sexual assault warning on this story.
May 5, 2021
Odd short story on Kindle unlimited.
Reminiscent of Maleficent, and how a villain isn't necessarily so. What made them that way and how names and judgements can have more power than we know.
Reminiscent of Maleficent, and how a villain isn't necessarily so. What made them that way and how names and judgements can have more power than we know.
January 12, 2021
What a lovely little chapbook! I heard the author read part of the story of Apple, the 13th fairy who searches for a purpose and her true name, last year. That tidbit didn't encompass the power of this devastating and beautiful spin on the Sleeping Beauty/Briar Rose fairy tale. Reminiscent of Disney's Maleficent, Apple explores the power men have to break things without reckoning the damage they do and the healing power of friendship between women.
Grab a copy quick! The author is only selling them for one year.
Grab a copy quick! The author is only selling them for one year.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews