TWISTED WINTER edited by Catherine Butler

 

Twisted Winter by Catherine Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The other day, we found a cute (and really nice) Happy Holidays bag from the local library inside one of our favourite Street Libraries, and found a copy of this book inside.

After really enjoying the spooky introduction, I got stuck into the stories...

· DARK by Katherine Langrish:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The story of an unhappy boy, the bully terrorising him, and the unwanted dog that changes his life.

Really enjoyed this well written, spooky story featuring a cemetery and the creepy glow of streetlights.

· THE PARTY by Susan Cooper:⭐⭐

A Halloween party for young and old turns into a spooky situation when everyone is wearing masks.

This one was just okay for me. I liked the message behind not disturbing the trees, but the creepy factor lacked intensity.

· THE GATES by Liz Williams:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Hannah moves to the country with her mum, she doesn't expect to find the mythological gates of the dead.

Loved this one! Not only did Hannah's lovely and honest voice hook me in, but her wondrous experience was a delight to share.

· FLAWLESS by Frances Hardinge:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chloe spends most of her day cleaning hotel rooms to help her mum and looking after her annoying little brother. Until an encounter in the snow changes everything.

Another great and creepy story because this one actually destroyed a lot more than I was expecting. Pretty dark. Love it!

· LOSERS by Frances Thomas:⭐⭐

Brad is a jerk and a bully with a cruel plan.

Spending time in his head wasn't a nice experience.

· A DOG IS FOR LIFE by Catherine Butler:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nell's brother is a wild troublemaker, she just didn't realise how wild he really is.

Oh. I enjoyed this one because it's so darn twisted. I didn't expect that to happen to her brother. 😳 Bittersweet ending, too.

· HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Rhiannon Lassiter:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The story of Persephone is sad and melancholy. It's also one of my favourites.

And this version is exquisite. Absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking. Wonderful and so very cruel. The writing is lush, full of dark imagery and the confused thoughts of a girl whose life was stolen from her. Absolutely loved this!


This turned out to be such a great collection!

Like all anthologies, some tales were better than others and I had my favourites--The Gates and Home for the Holidays--but it was interesting, spooky and intriguing.

I also loved that all seven stories were written by women. And I love the cover.



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