A Midsummer's Night Giveaway: An Introduction

Fairytales have captured the world for ages. Classicists put them in the same categories as Myth, Legends and Folklore with similar reoccurring themes and use as both explaining nature and teaching lessons.

The most famed collection of fairytales is that of the Grimm Brother's. Their collection of tales include oral folklore, previously published and popular tales (Rapunzel being an example), and stories that they even wrote themselves. Many of the tales had gruesome bits to them, as was the style of tales such as them.

Most of what Western Society thinks of when they think of fairytales are those collected by them. Other tales however are for the most part from the European region, some possibly originally written by authors, others a version of a oral retelling.

The tradition of retelling tales and putting one's own spin on them has never died down, even in modern society. The biggest example is that of Disney, who starting with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, created a legacy of fairytale retelling. There were many novels that set out to retell the tales as well, in the late  80's and early 90's there was a boom where several fairytale adaptations were published in a collection.

Once again, however, fairytales are starting to regain their popularity, more coming out every year (the big one this year of course being Cinder). This is especially true in the age group of Young Adult.

Which brings us to my focus this Midsummer Week. I adore fairytales, completely obsessed, I am slowly but surely making my way through most of the YA retellings that are even available out there. This week for example I'm reading a version of "Red Riding Hood" by the name of Sisters Red, a version of "Toads and Diamonds" called Once Upon A Toad and then finally a free-for-all retelling by the name of The Grimm Legacy.


I wanted to spend this week discussing the different ways YA authors adapt fairytales, the tales that are the most common (Did you know there are over five versions of "Twelve Dancing Princesses" that have been published of late?). The posts will be focused on each of the five prizes winners will be able to choose from.

Monday: Focus on The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Tuesday: Focus on Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

Wednesday: Focus on Wrecked by Anna Davies

Thursday: Focus on Toads and Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson

Friday: Focus on Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

These five books are so incredibly different and at least three of them rank a some of my all time favourite books that I have ever read.

As I post about these Rose over at The Cosy Dragon will be posting some posts and reviews related to fairytale retellings (and fairytale inspired books).

Now for the Giveaway which starts TODAY! First of all this giveaway is International since I know many of my followers aren't from the USA like myself, my wallet may try and argue with me, but I'd die to not be able to open it to everyone.

There will be 3 winners, which means that even the 3rd winner should have a bit of a choice between the prizes available. All the books available for prizes (except Enna Burning, The Goose Girl's sequel that I have an extra of, so I'm throwing it in as well) will have reviews that I will link to on their focus post so that you guys can know at least my opinion on each prize.

All in all, Have a Happy Summer Solstice and Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway