Honeycomb is a fun and macabre series of short stories. If readers are fans of twisted fairytales or anthologies in that vein, than Honeycomb maybe the books for you. The way Harris weaves her tales is very literary with some fun word play. As much as loved the stories, this collection may not be for everyone. I took plenty of time to read Honeycomb because I enjoy digesting each story as I go, but some readers may not enjoy the short story format as much. Overall, a great book for those who wonder what happened "Long ago and far away..."

Honeycomb was interesting read but I took my sweet time reading it. It was not the type to keep you gripped in its fantasy world and I am of opinion fantasy world are met for you to lost in it.

It's a collection of short stories of fantasy world called nine worlds. And the bees sings the story of all time.

This book follow the story of a fairy Princess starting from a story telling how he was born . Inbetween the story about him , there's story of clockwork princess, story of an animal farm or other random stories.

Some story seems to give some moral value, whereas other seems like just some fragment of life going on.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You can also see my review on my blog https://ladyofbooklot.wordpress.com/2021/01/27/honeycomb-by-joanne-harris-review/ and on Goodreads, as well as a photo and mini-review on my bookstagram @ladyofbooklot.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars / 7/1o

I was very excited to receive a copy of Honeycomb as I love Joanne Harris' other books live Chocolat and The Gospel of Loki. Honeycomb was different from Harris' other works, of course, but it was magical in its own right.

Within the span of more than 400 pages, the author weaves (pun intended), one hundred dark fairytales, some of them loose retellings or last-minute twists to stories we think we know, some distinctly her own. From main characters that consistently appear in most of the tales, like the Lacewing King, to those who only make a few appearances in-between stories, like the wayward princess with her clockwork tiger, Honeycomb is an intricate tapestry of memorable portraits, each of whom stirs different images and feelings.

What makes the tales of Honeycomb stand out is, first and foremost, its language. Poetic and lyrical yet very readable, the writing style gives birth to visual and auditory imagery readers are likely to remember long after closing the book. Through strategic repetitions - which however bear slight but important changes - the author creates a haunting, dark atmosphere. But not one without hope.

While many of the chapters are self-contained, structured almost as traditional fairytales meant to teach a moral or comment on society, Honeycomb has an overreaching plot that ties most tales through a delicate thread: the first part is largely concerned with the Lacewing King, a type of faerie king who starts off as an adventurous but cold and cruel character, prepared to steal and murder to get what he wants. While it takes a bit for his atrocities to catch up with him, the Lacewing King makes many powerful enemies but also - surprisingly - some friends. And when, in the middle of the book, the reader feels they have grasped Harris' pattern and what the book is about, everything changes in a violent twist that forces us to see the story in a new light. Could there ever be any kind of redemption for a character like the Lacewing King? And if traditional fairytale villains get what they deserve, what can be said about a villain protagonist in a modern fairytale, who tumbles between pure villainy, anti-heroism and anti-villainy? Honeycomb attempts to provide some answers.

The writing is beautiful throughout, but perhaps a little difficult to get used to at first, largely due to the particularities of the Lacewing King. After a few chapters, I was tired of reading about him doing mean things, with the occasional one-shot fairytale interlude, but as more layers were added to his character I found myself compelled, not to forgive him but to keep reading, especially when his ward became an important character in her own right. I particularly liked the way Harris played with the readers' expectations about a fairytale atmosphere, to eventually create one that is very much her own. The steampunk elements that became increasingly prominent as the story went on, were an unexpected addition, giving the fairy realm a unique flavour. As we got to know the main characters more, a few of the single-chapter tales felt a bit distracting, as they were similar to ones narrated before, and I found myself wanting to read them quickly, to see the main plot's culmination.

Was that culmination satisfying? Yes and no. After such a long, intricate story I had expected something more. Some characters' fates could be explored a little further, but given the conventions of the fairytale, from which Honeycomb borrows, even if just to twist it, perhaps the ending was just what it was meant to be.

And of course, I can't finish this review without commenting on the illustrations by Charles Vess. They are a very beautiful addition that really enhances the reading experience and fits the atmosphere perfectly.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Honeycomb. I didn't like all 100 stories equally, but a lot of them were surprisingly insightful, even moving. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy dark, adult fairytales with interesting twists. The pacing was a bit distracting at times, but overall, the fairytales are woven in an interesting, memorable pattern that stays with the reader after the last page.

I only got 6% in. The book read well and was interesting. I have no complaints about it. That said it wasn’t quite my cup of tea so I figured I’d review it as it was rather than continuing on.

What a fun collection of dark fairytale stories! I loved all of them, I loved the connections between stories and the beautiful artwork!

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mesmerizing, Dark, Macabre, Lyrical, and Delicious
This collection of related fairytales is like if Bugs life written by Tim Burton and Stephen King.
An excerpt of the writing style: “The Harlequin cared only for prey. Living, helpless, delicious prey; the younger and sweeter, the better. And the young King smelt of privilege, and honey, and damselfly comfits, and mealworm candies, and summer nights, and that subtle, fleeting scent of youth that clung to him like a perfume.”
Each of the faerie tales a short, usually a page or less and tells of the foibles of man, disguised as one of the denizens of the Silken Folk. Each story is interwound with others and reminds us that greed, desire cruelty will be met with a fitting end, and that the biggest loss is missing beauty of the life you live for the one you desire.

While this book is not my usual genre, I like a more linear story, with a protagonist I can root for (and I didn’t care for the lacewing king). I enjoyed the creativity that went into it, and can see how for some readers it would be a treasured classic.

Joanne Harris does an awesome job writing this collection of fables/short stories in Honeycomb. This was the perfect read for me over the holidays as December already has a magical feel and this fit perfectly. The stories range in length but they come together very nicely, very much worth the read! I'm not into fairy tales, I prefer to spend my time reading science fiction books but this book really got me hooked! Maybe it was the stories dark tones or the magnificent story telling. I really liked the characters in this fantasy world. I think this book will really appeal to fans of fantasy and folk stories. Equally as awesome was the art work by artist Charles Vess. His work really complimented the book really well and set the tone for the whimsical feel.

I want to thank Joanne M. Harris, Charles Vess, Gallery Books, Saga Press and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Joanne Harris nails the tone and atmosphere for these dark fairy tales, which feature multiple worlds of insect-inspired fairies, with these fantastic worlds overlaying our own but invisible. The ethereal, Art Nouveau-style illustrations by Charles Vess evoke classic fantasy art, supporting Harris's words visually. In the book's 100 stories, some directly contributing to the narrative arc, others contributing tangentially, the author carefully constructs a whole out of many moving parts. The Lacewing King is the unifying character, the narrative arc's mortar, but many characters and stories are its bricks, or more appropriately, its honeycomb cells. "They look like separate chambers, but really, they're just part of the whole, linked by a narrow wall of wax. All we need to pass through the wall is to listen to the bees."

Dark fairy tales? I am in!
This collection of stories was such a pleasure to read. I liked every bit of it as well as the illustrations, they were an invaluable addition and made this book whole.

This is a very elegant and magical book. I fell in love with the descriptive writing styles and the overall atmosphere of the story. Definitely something I see myself picking up a physical copy for and just going back to reread many times over in the future.

I’ve been reading this book slowly a little every night before bed and have been absolutely loving it. It is such a thoughtful, clever, and creative collection of different English-style fairy tales featuring all sorts of faerie creatures based on the insect world. While some of the tales are standalone, there is one overarching storyline that goes through the whole book featuring the same cast of characters.

I actually don’t even have anything negative to say about this book and I am really excited to get a copy of it when it is finally released as I especially love all the beautiful illustrations that are sprinkled throughout.

The worldbuilding reminds me a little of Holly Black’s Elfhame but darker and more insect-like.

This was a delightful book of “short stories” that really flow together as chapters in a longer tale. The story of the Lacewing King is woven together with stories of other characters and other stories that provide moral lessons and social commentary. I enjoyed the first part of the book superbly, but felt that the second half slowed down a bit, and I was slightly disappointed with the ending. However, this book is a solid 4 stars for me, and is one I would recommend to those who enjoy fantasy and fairy tales.

Joanne Harris (author of Chocolat), offers a creation myth frame around a compilation of updated morality tales and fables in her upcoming release, Honeycomb. The beautiful and emotional illustrations are by renowned artist Charles Vess. Split into two “Books,” the collection presents a world of insect-like fairies that is parallel, but invisible, to the human one. Book One, “Long Ago,” describes the formation of the insect universe and its various tribes. Most of the action in the chapters centers around the development arc of the main hero, The Lacewing King. In a nod to Ulysses, the Lacewing King embarks on a long journey of self-discovery and eventual redemption and reconciliation. His path intersects with a cast of characters that mirror the villains and heroes of traditional lore (but in insect form). There are rivalries and games of dominance, feats of endurance and bravery, and challenges to the King’s fatal flaw of hubris. Death and Dishonesty are incorporated as the main adversaries in the King’s quest, but it is his own inability for compassion that continually defeats him. The second book (“Far Away”) continues the Lacewing King’s journey after a particularly grueling battle. Having ceded his strength and power, he needs redemption and forgiveness by others to complete his journey home. Themes include balancing power with empathy, what it means to be able to “see” truth, the genuine versus the fabricated/manipulated, self-sacrifice and the value of artistic creation. The ability of stories to communicate across worlds is embodied by the bees, who act as the collective conscience and chorus buzzing throughout the book. With Honeycomb, Joanne Harris alludes to numerous motifs that have been integral to all stories for centuries: ideas culled from international sources of mythology, fables, folklore and parables. While Harris’ main storyline provides cohesion, it is the smaller asides and micro tales interspersed throughout that provide the most delight. Honeycomb will appeal to folklorists and fantasy fiction lovers, and would be a good choice for anyone looking for a new interpretation of the universal tales that continue to course through our shared language today.

Thanks to the author, Saga Press (Simon & Schuster) and Edelweiss for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

A lovely collection of fairy tales with a darker, macabre side, interspersed with some beautiful illustrations. The narrative and descriptions are wonderfully written, and there are stories that will appeal to everyone. A wonderful read for anyone who loved reading Grimms' fairy tales while growing up.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

"Long ago, and far away,
Far way and long ago.
The worlds are honeycomb, we know;
The world's our honeycomb."

I like to say these words, it's kind of magic and mysterious like you're going to see a goup of bees appearing behind you!

Well this book was so long with so many short stories, there is book one, then book two but the main story divided into many short adventures is the one about The Lacewing king.

I loved the story of the Lacewing king and his adventures and misadventures, it was so long, really I don't see why the author didn't give it its own book. The stories were kind of dark about and with plenty of characters which some were important for the story of the Lacewing king like the Clockwork Princess and the watchmaker's boy and the Harlequin and some characters ,with their stories, were irrelevant. Sometimes, I felt like the author was just writing whatever came in her head and created some sort of a story to add in this book.

The story of the Lacewing king was what made me carry on which was pretty interesting with a crazy developement, the author took her time to finish it and between each adventure of the lacewing king you have a number of short stories that you must read because it could be related to the main story of the Lacewing king. That's why I really took my time reading this book and the ending was not what I expected.

I'm giving 4 stars because the process of creating such a number of short stories and trying to relate them with each other, I'm sure it wasn't easy for the author and also because I liked the Lacewing king and some of the other stories. I loved the author's style and her nice story telling ways. The illustrations were just amazing, I just hoped for much more.

This collection of fables and short stories seemed to revolve around one focus on the Faerie world of the Lacewing King and a series of stand-alone stories, some of which were independent, others which crossed paths with the faerie world. Some of these characters are really nasty, and there are some painful parts, but that’s what is often expected of life in the world of Faerie.

First, I have to say the drawings looked amazing. I can’t wait to see a print version because reading on a small screen didn’t do them justice. Next, following the life of the Lacewing King, from the beginnings of his mother, the Honeycomb Queen, to his birth, and following throughout his life was an amazing journey. The Barefoot Princess was my favorite character, she was the purest character in Faerie. The stories with the Clockwork Princess were the best feel-good stories. I didn't like every story, but I really enjoyed most of them and overall these are stories that will stay with me for a lone time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing this ARC; this is my honest review.

I'm sorry to say that I could not finish this book. I read 50 percent or more and realized I wasn't enjoying it. Many of the stories were the length of a chapter, and there wasn't much cohesion between them.
thank you netgalley for the chance to review this.

I got a digital ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First, I'm looking forward to seeing a print copy because Vess's illustrations are gorgeous.

Honeycomb is a collection of what seem to be whimsical tales, some of which are about the Lacewing King and his adventures, others of which seem disconnected (but fun nonetheless). I loved "The Bookworm Princess" and the farmyard tales.

But as I read on, I realized that the book is also about growth, transformation and redemption (told through fairies, clockwork princesses, and girls who fix and ride mechanical tigers as well as harlequins and spider queens). Throughout the earlier chapters, the Lacewing King is self-centered, selfish and utterly unlikeable. Why is there an entire set of stories focused on such a spoiled boy-king protagonist? I wondered. But there are enough stand-alone tales that are whimsical and wonderful that I kept reading.

Slowly, throughout the tales that make up the main plot, the reader starts to see changes as the Lacewing King grows. (I'll stop here to avoid inadvertent spoilers.)

Liked the first half after that things started to get bland to me so I skimmed alot. Characters were unable to hooked me. The main king was so annoying and boring.

I cannot believe that this book is currently available to just READ on NetGalley. It's a beautiful collection of fairy tales, some relevant to an overarching narrative and others left there to make you think. Add in the beautiful illustrations drawn for the pivotal moments, and it's perfect. I'd recommend this to fans of The Starless Sea or The Invisible Life of Addie Larue.