I adored this translated YA collection of feminist takes on folk tales and fairy stories from Dutch author Annet Schaap, translated by Laura Watkinson.

Schapp kicks things off with Mr Stiltskin, and it’s a terrific start. We follow the path of the traditional tale, but the surprise ending is absolutely perfect.

Wolf, a twist on Red Riding Hood, is fascinating, with a wolf constrained by a collar that only allows him to stray into designated areas. Frog, an interpretation of The Princess and the Frog, teaches us that turning an amphibian into a prince isn’t necessarily an upgrade.

Blue, a retelling of Bluebeard, is a fascinating insight into the relationship and jealousy between two sisters. The theme of sisters continues in Sleeper, where a twin gets sick, and is placed in an eternal sleep.

Monster Girl, the final story, is especially moving. A princess who doesn’t exactly fit the visual stereotype is sent to an island with her governess, to wait for a prince who may or may not arrive. However, when a sailor washes ashore, the princess begins to question the limitations placed upon her.

A wonderful collection, which I have dubbed “baby’s first Bloody Chamber”. Schaap’s illustrations to accompany the tales are gorgeous. Recommended for young people and adults alike.

I love the fairy tale retelling of this collection of books, each story felt like they belonged in this genre. It uses the concept perfectly and was enjoying the overall feel of this collection. Annet Schaap wrote this perfectly for the modern generation and still have that magic that I was looking for.

Many authors, from Anne Thackeray Ritchie on, have adapted and retold fairy tales in ways that modernize them for girls. I think Annet Schaap is one of the more successful ones with <i>Girls</i>. Rather than overtly deconstructing the tales, she instead twists them just so, pointing out small details that keep them timeless while also leaving the original themes largely intact. This is most successful in "Mr. Stiltskin," which has an ending I never saw coming (and absolutely love), but "Blue" and "Monster Girl" also both do excellent things with their original tales. Themes of agency, of self-sacrifice that doesn't need to happen, and children who learn what's really in the forest all come together to form an original and unique collection of folklore.

Sometimes there are wolves. Sometimes sleepers never wake. And sometimes we can find a way to overcome them all.

A twisted tales type book on some old fairy tales. Darker. more rebellious and modernist. These are a collection of short stories, which are good for a quick read. I finished the book in less than an hour, but enjoyed the book. Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

Like many readers, I keep a list of books that aren’t in my possession but that I would like to read. While some of the titles on it are ones yet to be published that have been added as a reminder to preorder them, others are ones that have been recommended to me on social media and form a rolling list of reads to provide my family with ideas for birthday and Christmas presents.

One such title on the list is this one – a book that was published in hardback a little over a year ago that I really liked the sound of but somehow never got round to reading. Deciding to check out the YA titles on NetGalley after not spotting anything I fancied in the children’s section, I was thrilled to spot this and when I saw it was available to download immediately, took it as fate that I was meant to read it. A wonderful collection of seven fairy tales – most of which will be familiar to readers – brought up to date for a modern audience, this is a great read for anyone who is a fan of folklore, short stories or both, and one I very much enjoyed.

Turning the original stories on their heads, here the author has given us a series of female protagonists who are not the stereotypical, beautiful princesses waiting patiently for a handsome prince to sweep them off their feet that I grew up with, but young women who know their own minds and are determined to follow their own rules, whether that be in order to find true love or simply to stay alive.

By renaming all of the stories that have been included, each has been given a new identity and a fresh lease of life so that when we encounter characters such as Little Red Riding Hood within the book’s pages we very quickly know not to expect the usual what big eyes you have Grandma but can only read on to see just what will happen – not just to the protagonists but also those that they encounter, such as the Wolf or the Frog Prince.

While some readers will associate fairy tales with the Disneyfied films that they may have watched at some point or the stories that they read as children, these are not the sort of fare enjoyed by those at primary school. Much darker in their content, and certainly not the fluffy, sanitised versions that are most often aimed at young readers, these have been written with a teenage audience in mind – one that is more aware of the problematic nature of some of the old texts and one that is better able to read between the lines to enjoy these stories more fully.

As well as creating these new takes on the stories, the author has also given readers some wonderful illustrations, a rarity in those reads aimed at high school students, many of which have a sinister feel to them to encourage those picking this up to see that this is not the stuff of their younger days but a treat for their more mature, discerning selves.

Perfect for readers in KS3 upwards, at just under 200 pages and comprising seven short stories, this is ideal for those readers who want or need a shorter title than many of those that are available. Sadly, there seem to be no current plans for a second volume, which I think is a very great shame. With so much source material to work with, I really hope Annet Schaap can be tempted to give us another selection of tales to enjoy.

My enormous thanks, of course, go to publisher Pushkin Press and to NetGalley for my virtual read of this title. Girls is on sale now in both hardback and paperback formats.

A collection of reimagined fairytales which twisted expectations. I loved the imagery used throughout and the pacing kept you engaged in each story well. There were some I enjoyed more than others but they all had an interesting and fresh take on tales you thought you knew.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin for sending me this ARC. This was truly a gritty, intense and intricate retelling of seven fairytales. I enjoyed the little mermaid, rumplestilskin and the Hansel and Greta’s retelling. Some of the other stories were a little confusing or just really short and I wanted more. Otherwise it was a fun, interesting and quick read! Great for people who love gritty, dark comedic stories

This was a little gem of a book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading these fairytales, each from the point of view of a girl, each facing their own struggles and experiencing their own triumphs, in whatever form this takes. I loved the unexpected twists some of the tales took too.

I can see this appealing to younger adult readers (some of the stories were a little dark, but not too dark for children to appreciate)

3.9 Stars
One Liner: Darkish but suitable for YA readers

There are many fairytale retellings, right? This one, as the title suggests, focuses on the girls in these tales while pointing out that life is not a fairytale. Naturally, we can conclude that the collection of seven stories will have a darker note. However, the target age group seems to be young adults, so the content isn’t gruesome or graphic. There are some triggers (at the end) but nothing terrifying.
The book was first published in Dutch in 2021. Annet Schaap is an author and an illustrator. She included a few rough illustrations in the book. The sketches are in black and white (pencil or charcoal) and represent a character or an item in the story. Each story has about 3-5 illustrations. They don’t particularly add to the story but do create a sense of creepy vibe.
I reviewed each story after reading (as I always do).

Mr. Stiltskin – 3.5 Stars
(Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin)
The storyline is pretty similar to the Grimm’s version with a few changes. However, it’s the ending that makes all the difference. A rather good one; understated but good.
Wolf – 4 Stars
(Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood)
The story uses the core elements of the original and presents it with a fresh perspective. It is set in the future where technology is a bit more advanced than now. We get the girl’s and the wolf’s POVs, making it an interesting read.
Biscuits – 4.5 Stars
(Retelling of Hansel and Gretel)
Oh, this is really good! Another modern retelling set in a city but the presentation of human nature is terrific. The kids did what they had to, and the adults did… well what they are known for! My favorite from the collection.
Frog – 3.5 Stars
(Retelling of The Frog Prince)
It took a while to determine if this was historical or contemporary but I did find out! Here, the girl already has a frog that now needs to turn into a prince. She will soon realize that life isn’t a fairytale! It was good but not great.
Blue – 4 Stars
(Retelling of Bluebeard)
I didn’t read the original so I wondered what this was about (found it after finishing the story). This retelling has quite a few changes and works as a standalone as well. It’s the characters (Anne and Lisa) that stand out.
Sleeper – 4 Stars
(Retelling of The Sleeping Beauty)
It seems the book is also about sisterhood in various forms! What if Sleeping Beauty had a twin sister? Do parents love one child more than the other? Much to think about but it has a hopeful ending. I like this.
Monster Girl – 4 Stars
(Retelling of Beauty and the Beast)
This is the longest of the collection and quite detailed. It moves between the past and the present, showing many elements of social standards and expectations without being OTT. The ending is unexpected too and well done.

NGL, I finished the stories much sooner than I expected. The writing style is easy to follow and the narration flows well even between different POVs and timelines.
To summarize, Girls: Life Isn't a Fairy Tale is an interesting take on fairytales and leaves readers with much to think about. There’s a lot that’s unsaid but left for readers to feel. Despite the darkness, quite a few stories have hopeful endings. I like the overall vibe. Will definitely look up more books by the author.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Children's Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin for selecting me for this ARC.

A thoroughly enjoyable book of darker fairytale retellings perfectly accompanied by beautiful etchings.

I found the writing flowed incredibly well and I finished the book quickly, would be ideal for teens or adults alike.

The cover is stunning! I really liked these retellings of famous fairy tales. My favorite was the one based on Hansel and Gretel. The pacing is nice and it's easy to follow the plot. Nicely done!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A brilliant collection of updated fairy tales! I speed though this book hoping it would never end!
Every story offered a new perspective with a modern twists that I adored!

This was a great collection of fairy tales with an alternate perspective than the ones we may be used to. I really enjoyed the narrative voice and the way each one was told. It made the collection really readable and quite a quick read with I like. My favourite had to be Mr Stiltskin. The way that Stiltskin and the King were described, and behaved, only to have the story turned on its head as soon as they, and the reader, realise that we were never told her name. That was a wonderful twist, and something I will think about for a long time. It made me think about how female characters in fairy tales are often portrayed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press, Pushkin Children's Books for my arc in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

"Girls" by Annet Schaap is a collection of seven dark fairy tale retellings. Each retelling ends with a twist you may not expect and in doing so, subverting your expectations. Instead of the dainty and traditionally "feminine" fairy tale girls, we get girls who are rough around the edges, selfish, and no longer waiting around to be rescued. There was one or two stories that I felt didn't work as well, but for the most part, I really enjoyed this collection. Each story felt fresh and new despite the familiar story beats and fairy tale traits, but Schaap's vivid imagery and handling of writing really does kind of take you somewhere else.

I would definitely recommend this since it is quick read and each story has something fun and new to offer a reader.

This collection of dark, funny updated retellings of 7 classic and familiar fairy tales with a more female focus is a fantastic collection for young adult readers giving them a new perspective for navigating everyday challenges without being too dissimilar to the original tales.

I really enjoyed how each story had a little twist to its ending and how its heroines weren't the traditional dainty girls of yore but were a little rough around the edges with foibles and quirks that most young readers will be able to identify with.

Not all the stories are truly memorable but the collection is more hit than miss and the Rumpelstiltskin and Hansel and Gretel tales were favourites as they felt truly fresh and with endings that really stuck with me.

A great option for that younger reader in your life!

Thank you to Netgalley and Pushkin Press | Pushkin Children's Books for this digital review copy of "Girls" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

In this new, English translation of the Dutch anthology of reimagined fairy tales, we see seven short stories of GIRLS - they may be young but they are not in need of a hero to come save them. This is a fun twist on the tales you grew up with, and I had fun figuring out which tale was being retold. We had Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, The Frog Prince, Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast (I was not familiar with the story in the middle).
I enjoyed the modern elements that were added as well as how the tales had a different outcome than you were expecting, while still having a good message. The stories were dark without being morbid and each ending left you feeling better.

Thank you to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Girls by Annet Schaap is a mesmerizing collection that breathes new life into classic fairy tales. With modern, thought-provoking twists, each story feels fresh and engaging while still capturing the magic of the originals.

Here’s a breakdown of each tale in the collection:

Wolf (Little Red Riding Hood)

In Schaap’s version of Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf isn’t the terrifying predator we know. Instead, he’s restrained by a collar that keeps him in designated areas. Red, on the other hand, takes on a more dominant role, turning the original power dynamic on its head.

Frog (The Princess and the Frog)

What if turning a frog into a prince wasn’t the upgrade it’s made out to be? That’s exactly the question Schaap explores in this witty retelling. With sharp humor and a touch of cynicism, this story pokes fun at the idea of romantic transformations and happily-ever-afters.

It’s clever, funny, and leaves you questioning those perfect fairy-tale endings.


Blue (Bluebeard)

This retelling of Bluebeard moves the spotlight from a dangerous marriage to the complex and messy relationship between two sisters. Schaap weaves a story full of jealousy, love, and betrayal that feels emotionally raw and incredibly real.

Sleeper (Sleeping Beauty)

This take on Sleeping Beauty isn’t about a prince waking a princess with true love’s kiss. Instead, it’s about twin siblings, one of whom falls sick and is placed into an eternal sleep. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of grief, sacrifice, and what it means to hold on to someone who’s no longer fully present.

Bittersweet and deeply emotional, this story hits all the right notes.

Golden Threads (Rumpelstiltskin)

In this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, a girl must spin straw into gold to meet impossible expectations. Unable to do so, she turns to a magical being who demands increasingly personal sacrifices in exchange for his help.

This tale is a sharp critique of the pressures to be perfect and productive at any cost. It’s a reminder that relying too much on others to solve our problems can come back to haunt us.

Lost Sisters (Hansel and Gretel)

Schaap reimagines Hansel and Gretel as two sisters whose father is so consumed by his work that he neglects them entirely. Left alone for weeks with no food, they set out to find him and face danger along the way, crossing paths with people who aren’t exactly kind.

It’s a story about survival and resilience, as well as the emotional scars of neglect. Dark, gritty, and powerful, this retelling offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale.

Monster Girl

The final story, Monster Girl, follows a princess who doesn’t look or act like the ones in traditional fairy tales. Banished to an island with her governess to wait for a prince who may never come, her life takes a turn when a shipwrecked sailor arrives.


This story is all about breaking free from expectations and learning to define yourself on your own terms. It’s bold, empowering, and the perfect way to end the collection.


Girls isn’t your typical fairy-tale retelling. It’s a smart, thoughtful deconstruction of the stories we all grew up with, showing us how much more there is beneath the surface. Schaap’s characters are complex, flawed, and deeply human, making each story feel grounded despite its magical elements.

If you love fairy tales but crave something fresh and meaningful, this collection is a must-read.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars