Some Kind of Fairy Tale by

Some Kind of Fairy Tale is a captivating story that blends family drama with elements of the supernatural. Tara, a woman who disappeared into the woods 20 years ago, returns unexpectedly on Christmas afternoon, sparking both joy and suspicion within her family. Her stories of global travels don't quite add up, and her unchanged appearance raises questions about her true experiences. As the story unfolds, Peter and his friend Richie grow increasingly uneasy about Tara's presence. The woods seem to hold a lingering influence over her, and the family is drawn into a mystery that blurs the lines between reality and the mystical. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the enduring power of the natural world.

Reviews

Run Along the Shelves · 2022-01-24

bewitching 4.25

The tale is bewitching and captivating, with a strong start that grabs the reader's attention. The reviewer appreciates the solid and normal world-building, which makes the fantastical elements more compelling.

Run Along the Shelves' review describes the tale as suitably bewitching and captivating, with a strong start that grabs the reader's attention. The reviewer appreciates the solid and normal world-building, which makes the fantastical elements more compelling. The story is praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, which create a rich and immersive reading experience. The reviewer highlights the unique and enchanting nature of the story, which stands out in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

This is a suitably bewitching tale. The start grabs you with Tara's arrival and Joyce worked hard to make Peter's world feel solid and normal.

The narrative is engaging and well-developed, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

The story stands out in the fantasy genre with its unique and enchanting nature.

Fantasy Faction · 2013-12-28

delightful 4.50

The writing is intelligent, complex, and imaginative, making the story delightful and enthralling. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, which is both satisfying and illuminating.

Fantasy Faction's review praises Graham Joyce's writing as intelligent, complex, and imaginative, which makes the story delightful and enthralling. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, which is both satisfying and illuminating. The story is described as fast-paced and well-written, with a focus on character development that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer highlights the unique and captivating nature of the story, which stands out in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

Graham Joyce's writing is intelligent, complex and imaginative. That's what really makes this story so delightful and enthralling.

He managed to create a narrative that is both satisfying and illuminating, with a focus on character development that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The story is fast-paced, well written, and plumbs the depths of its characters in a way that is satisfying and illuminating and rarely ever bogs down.

The Guardian · 2012-07-04

enchanting 4.00

The story is ethereal yet grounded, with a charming protagonist who takes the reader to a strange and captivating land. The narrative is both enchanting and thought-provoking, blending elements of fantasy with a deep exploration of human nature.

The Guardian's review highlights the ethereal yet earthy nature of the story, focusing on the character of Hiero, a handsome stranger on a white horse who takes the protagonist to a strange land. The review praises the enchanting and thought-provoking narrative, which blends elements of fantasy with a deep exploration of human nature. The story is described as both captivating and intriguing, with a unique take on the fairy tale genre. The reviewer appreciates the way the story balances fantasy and reality, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

Quick quotes

An ethereal yet earthy story of having been charmed by Hiero (pronounced "Yarrow"), a handsome stranger on a white horse who took her to a strange land.

The story is both enchanting and thought-provoking, blending elements of fantasy with a deep exploration of human nature.

The narrative is captivating and intriguing, with a unique take on the fairy tale genre.

Appears in Lists

Top 100 Fantasy Books