
Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert
Publisher: Penguin Books
Publication date: 14 January 2021
Genre: YA fantasy short stories
Page count: 223 pages
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
Finally, the book I had been waiting for is here! I liked Albert’s debut The Hazel Wood well enough, but I remember thinking that I’d love to get my hands on a copy of Tales from the Hinterland – the book of dark fairy tales featured in the novel. It is here and it does not disappoint!

Tales from the Hinterland is a collection of 12 dark fairy tales, some mentioned directly in The Hazel Wood and some new stories. These were right up my alley — I love dark fantasy books and this was exactly what I wanted.
Favourite stories include:
-Alice Two-Times
-Twice Killed Katherine
-The Clockwork Bride
-Isla Waits
I think that anyone looking for dark fairytales that don’t necessarily end in a happily ever after (although it depends on your definition of such a term) and fans of Melissa Albert’s books. If you read The Hazel Wood and wanted to actually read the stories featured in that book, you should absolutely pick this up!
CW: suicide, gore, death, animal death
Want to try Tales from the Hinterland for yourself? You can find it at the following sites (affiliate links):