CW: rape, abuse, self-harm, other disturbing content

This collection of 16 previously published stories and 16 poems (most previously published elsewhere) showcases the dark side of Yolen's work. Within these pages, you'll find fairies and fairy tale monsters, ghosts and things that go bump in the night, vampires, terrifying angels, and more. There are also historical and mundane horrors, such as the Holocaust, pogroms, and serial killers.

This is the third volume of Yolen's collected stories published by Tachyon. If you haven't read the others, I highly recommend The Emerald Circus and How to Fracture a Fairy Tale, as well. I preferred these other collections to this one, but Yolen is a master of her craft and this is a collection worth reading if you're a fan of dark fantasy and horror. My favorites in the collection were the fairy tales, since I found them less disturbing than a lot of the other stories, though I also enjoyed Yolen's supernatural take on the doomed Scott expedition to the South Pole. Keep reading through the notes section at the end for a series of poems to go with each story and insight into Yolen's inspiration for each story.

The Midnight Circus is an anthology chock full of dark twisted fairy tales. It's more Grimm than Disney, full of monsters, both man and beast. These sixteen stories have something for everyone: from people turning into wild animals and running free in Central Park, a seal maiden falling in love with a fisherman, and even a dark secret below the snow in the South Pole.

Anthology stories tend to be very hit or miss for me, and unfortunately, this one missed the mark. As with these types of books, there are always stories that are better than others. I did enjoy one or two, namely "The White Seal Maid", but most of the others just didn't capture my attention. Some felt like they dragged on a little too long, and I ended up finding myself wander and I had to force myself to finish. I think the majority had a lot of promise, but in the end, just fell flat. I also was a bit confused because, from the title, I expected the stories to have a circus element or something that ultimately tied them all together, but that wasn't the case. Sadly, this isn't going to a memorable one for me.

This book was... intense. It wasn't what I was expecting at all -- there isn't anything about circuses, for example -- but I really enjoyed it anyway. The first few stories were magical and left me wanting more, and then the collection took a turn for the dark, and then the darker. Some of the stories I wanted to look away from, some I wanted to forget what I'd just read.

Many of them gave me that shivery feeling I associate with Ray Bradbury's short stories. The one that tells me that those stories *work* in a way that isn't entirely logical but that I recognize deeper than conscious thought.

I don't know if I'd reread many of the stories, but I'm glad to have read them. And *very* glad to have read them in the daylight, because otherwise, I think I would have some difficulty falling asleep.

Also one of the final stories features the creepiest angels I've come across (perhaps rivaling the weeping angels of Doctor Who).

I also enjoyed the poems collected at the end (one for each story) as a way to see another facet of the stories.

This was a great collection of short stories. The craftsmanship is fantastic. The scenes are vivacious. The world is engrossing. Everyone should read this set of stories. They bring a bit of wonder into this (lately) dreadful world. The dark circus theme/aesthetic is my absolute favorite. I want to live in this beautiful creation.

Jane Yolen's career is based on the fairy tale, and there's a pretty big chance that if you're a reader of fantasy you've likely come across one of her 365 BOOKS. Literally, you could read one of her books every day for a year and not run out of material.  The Midnight Circus collects 16 stories from her writing that I wouldn't necessary call horror, but are most definitely on the dark end of the story spectrum.

The Midnight Circus features stories that are frankly, all brilliant (and I'm still mad about that. Yolen, how do you do it?).  They include a story teenagers who go to Central Park to thrill in temporarily becoming wild beasts, but one who almost doesn't make it out after trying to prove that they are stronger than safety precautions. It features a story of an abusive Red Cap and his son learning to fight back. It also features a story of how the Israelites may have fought off punishing angels much like a vicious mosquito or really large pest that they learned to use to their advantage. In short, even with 16 stories there is not a slouch between them. Be aware that these stories have previously been published in magazines and other collections, so if you have taken up my joke challenge about reading a different one of her books per day you'll probably see some familiar content.

The Midnight Circus is a great collection for readers who like their stories a little on the dark side of fairy tales, but with mostly satisfying endings.

Look for The Midnight Circus from Tachyon Publishing October 1, 2020.

I appreciate having had an opportunity to read and review this book. The appeal of this particular book was not evident to me, and if I cannot file a generally positive review I prefer simply to advise the publisher to that effect and file no review at all.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will be available on October first.

Jane Yolen is a big name in fantasy. While she’s written a ton of other books – the incredibly popular How Does a Dinosaur ? children’s book series being some of them – I always think of her fantasy books first. How could I pass up a chance to read her newest collection of short stories?

Overall, this was a solid group of stories. As with any short story collection, some stories were better than others, but the majority were really good. Yolen is comfortable and confident in her ability to weave a tale, and it shows. She includes a plethora of fantastical creatures, and no story was like another.

These are darker stories, so be aware of that. A couple of them actually took a harsh enough tone that I skipped parts. However, they aren’t harsh just to elicit a reaction. Even the hard stories have a purpose behind the content. That being said, be aware that these aren’t your Disney happily-ever-after tales.

I have to mention a few of my favorites in the collection, of course! I loved “Winter’s King,” which felt mysterious and sad. It was beautifully written and felt complete, even though the ending was not exactly a happy one (see my thoughts on happily-ever-afters above). This story showcased Yolen’s ability to create an entire world with just a few pages.

“The Fisherman’s Wife” was another favorite of mine. It felt the most like your typical fairy tale out of all the stories in this collection. I loved the simple, circular feel to it. Plus-selkies!

Finally, I really enjoyed “Wilding.” The best way to describe is bizarre. I can’t really compare, or even explain it, it was so unique. I thought the ending was the perfect beginning for a full-length novel and I’m curious to see if anything ever comes of that.

I consider a short story collection a good one if I like more stories than I dislike. The Midnight Circus definitely ended up in the “good” category for me. If you like your fantasy with a slightly darker edge, check this out.

Full disclosure: I received an advance copy of The Midnight Circus by Jane Yolen from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley in exchange for possibly writing a review.

The original fairy tales were seriously dark and morbid to reflect the time during which they were written. They were meant to teach children the harsh realities of the world. Obviously, they are no longer like that...unless you read Jane Yolen. The fairy tales in this book are not going to be made into Disney movies. These short stories and poems take place all over the world and involve mythical creatures like selkies and vampires. You may recognize the bones of some of the stories as retellings of classics, but many are originals. One of my favorites is about the race to the South Pole. If you didn't think climate change was scary before, you will be terrified after this.

If you like your fantasy dark and twisty, you'll want to check out this book.

Una raccolta che conferma Jane Yolen come profonda conoscitrice delle fiabe e dei loro topoi e come inarrestabile narratrice.
Ha nuociuto un po', forse, l'impronta dark, non nelle corde della scrittrice: alcuni pezzi sono infatti molto belli, altri mediocri, alcuni francamente incomprensibili.
Nel complesso, comunque, una piacevole lettura.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a few novels by Jane Yolen but this is the first book I have read of her short stories. They all have magic, even it for some it is just a smidge. The magic helps make twist in them. I preferred the less modern ones, though the Antarctic Expedition one was quite interesting and unexpected. The Red Riding Hood one was dark. I think my favorite one was the selkie one though there were several ones that were also good.

This was a good collection and I enjoyed reading it.

The Weaver of Tomorrow: 3 stars
The White Seal Maid: 2 stars
The Snatchers: 2.5
Wilding: 2.75
Requiem Antarctica: 4
Night Wolves: 4
The House of Seven Angels: 3
Great Gray: 1.5
Little Red: 2
Winter’s King: 3
Inscription: 1.5
Dog Boy Remembers: 1
The Fisherman’s Wife: 2
Become a Warrior: 4.25
An Infestation of Angels: 2
Names: 3
All together: 2.5
I wish I liked this, but I really didn't. Besides three stories, they were all immediately forgettable, or ones that I really didn't like. I'm sick of stories that are just of women's pain. Almost none of them had plots, and it was just about how the main character (a girl) who has been abused/raped/killed. It seems to be appealing to an audience I do not want to be associated with.

Short stories are can be a mixed bag especially when they are all done by the same person. While this collection did introduce me to Yolen's work and I may pick up something by her in the future, overall, this was a miss for me.

Jane Yolen's a great writer. There is no doubt about that.
The Midnight Circus collects her stories: fairy tales, stories with a dark twist, confusing tales someplace between science fiction and fantasy. With anthologies, it's usually the case that some stories are very good but most are just pkay. Here, most of the stories were very imaginative and good. It's been a long time since I read something so dark and yet so enjoyable.
There were some stories, like The Snatchers, which made me put down my tablet and ask "what?" out loud, because they were so confusing yet so good at the same time.
Yolen finds inspiration everywhere, in old stories her family told her, in classical fairy tales, and in classic horror books like Dracula or Frankenstein (my favorite book of all time). What resonated with me the most where the stories rooted in her European Jewish background, because they had the exact terrifying and dark vibe as the urban legends and stories I heard growing up. Imagine "The Golem" but clearer and with more sense.
This is not a book you can read quickly. Each story requires full focus. Fortunately, they are all bite-sized and can be read within 20 minutes.
This is a book I would recommend to people who enjoy dark fantasy and have already read a number of anthologies. I actually have some friends I would consider buying this book for.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of 'The Midnight Circus'.

I've read LOTS of Jane Yolen's work, both short stories and novels over the years so I knew going in that there was going to be lyrical turns of phrase, serious matters handled in subtle ways and magic! I was not disappointed.

Short stories are not generally my cup of tea, but with so much going on in life and the world at the moment they're about all I can handle. This book is great for reading one or two stories a night and then fishing for the hidden depths and secret eddies of the story.

Some stories are stronger, or hit harder with me than others. This is to be expected in an anthology. Stories that
didn't resonate with me may sing for the next reader.

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone with a dark fantasy and 'get-what's-coming-to-you' lean.

A true spectacle of stories, Jane Yolen’s The Midnight Circus treats readers to a wide variety of acts, from the not-so-familiar-anymore Central Park to the desert of Antarctica. Toss in a few mermaids, wicked beasts, and questionable heroes, and it’s the perfect combination of magical and grim.

My favorite aspect of fairy tales and folktales is that more traditional versions of these stories do not shy away from the gruesome parts of living. Neither do Yolen’s. In these tales, familiar characters find themselves reinvented into more twisted versions that cause the reader to question just how chilling life can be, and even the happiest stories have a tinge of warning laced throughout. Regardless of the story, each of the pieces included in this book draw the reader right in with Yolen’s vivid depictions and sense of character.

One of the most impressive facets of this book is the wide range of the stories within. Yolen has crafted a collection that spans a vast variety of folktale roots, real life inspiration, and settings. Because of this, I particularly liked the Notes section at the end of the collection, which detailed the writing journey behind each tale and a poem. I really enjoyed this book, and it was the perfect read for when I needed a touch of something short and enthralling.

***ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my review.

Jane Yolen is such a fantastic author and has such a way with words. In this collection of short stories she weaves re-imagined tales into gorgeously captivating stories. Some were dark, some were playful, but they are all unique..

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

If you love short stories, this book is for you. These are very quick fairy tales with a Twilight Zone feel.

I wish the stories were just a little longer since they are so well written and intriguing. This book definitely made we want to read more of her longer books.

Thanks Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Jane Yolen’s world of tales based on fairytales, folklore and actual events takes place in the darker part of the forest. This is the realm where terrible things can occur and perhaps the best way out is for the protagonist to exert some type of control. Whether this control augers well or not, is another matter.

The stories take the reader into the heart of the conflict with stunning imagery that is both comforting in its familiarity but also somewhat disquieting and threatening. With each story’s ending, the reader can envision what the main character would next contemplate. At the end of the book, each story has a brief poem and notes about how the tale was crafted. Readers should be advised to skip ahead after reading each tale to read that section. It gives deeper meaning and nuances to each story.

The book title seemed a bit off. Maybe it was just meant to portray an event that is unexpected and possibly showing the underbelly of what is usually considered a benign experience. After all, what does occur at midnight in a circus? Eerie, at best. And the cover art is great!

The standout stories are the ones that linger after the book is read. These include “The White Seal Maid,” an interpretation of selkie lore; “Wilding,” where Central Park events morph into the sinister; and “Dog Boy,” which tracks the worst case of like father like son. Read this book and marvel at Jane Yolen’s imagination and craft. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a review copy.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC! I really enjoyed these stories. Most of the time, for a short story collection, I take my individual ratings for each story, and average them out to get the total rating for the book. For this collection, the average was 3.75, so I’m rounding up to four! I loved the individual fairy-tale vibe each of these had, it’s like something out of a legitimate book of fairy tales, and I think that’s just something that people don’t do very often anymore, so it was refreshing to see! Some of my personal favorites included The Snatchers and Become A Warrior. I will say though, some of the stories did fall flat for me, mostly because I didn’t have any context, or simply couldn’t catch on to what the story was trying to do. I did rate each story individually though, and there were some 4.5s in there along with the lower rated ones. Over all, an enjoyable collection that I was glad to read.

Thank you to Tachyon Publications and NetGalley for the eARC of this brilliant book in return for an honest review.

Do you like ghost stories? Sci-Fi stories? Do you like spooky campfire stories? Stories that give you goosebumps? Fables that teach important lessons? Then you need to get your hands on The Midnight Circus.

Short description from the publisher: "Welcome to the Midnight Circus - and watch your step. The dark imaginings of fantasy icon Jane Yolen are not for the faint of heart. In these sixteen brilliantly unnerving tales and poems, Central Park becomes a carnival where you can - but probably shouldn’t - transform into a wild beast. The Red Sea will be deadly to cross due to a plague of voracious angels. Meanwhile, the South Pole is no place for even a good man, regardless of whether he is living or dead. Wicked, solemn, and chilling, the circus is ready for your visit - just don’t arrive late."

This is exactly the kind of book I hope for and so seldom find. Jane Yolen's short story collection is like if Shirley Jackson, Aesop and Mother Goose had a baby and gave you all the dark fairytales you can handle. Highlights for me were:
• Little Red - a re-imagining of Little Red Riding Hood but way, way darker.
• Wilding - a futuristic Twilight Zone style story with both Sci-Fi and thriller elements.
• The Fisherman’s Wife – mermaids, skeletons and TRUE LOVE..oh my!
• Become a Warrior – revenge is a dish best served with blood and lust.

The story notes and poetry at the end of the book really enhance the experience and I highly recommend reading them. This collection of stories ranges from legends to folklore, mythological to biblical. Yolen’s descriptive writing transports you straight into each tale like it is being told to you in front of a fireplace, cup of cocoa in hand.

I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book. The cover is perfection! I will be recommending this book to anyone who loves dark fairytales and beautiful writing.