It’s become more fashionable, it feels, to turn fairy tales into snarky, quippy, self-aware, fourth-wall breaking stories. Sometimes it’s done well, sometimes it’s not, and it’s such a fine line to walk. This author, however, does it very well. The stories still have that edge of modern sensibilities while maintaining some of the sweetness and morality. The good guys are good, the bad guys get their comeuppance, and those in between are usually fools who can learn to be better.

I enjoyed all the stories in this collection as well as the illustrations. It’s a good-hearted take that gently pokes holes at the stories, more satirical than snide, and I think it’s well worth the read if you enjoy fairy tales. This is also clean enough that I could see giving this to a younger audience.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Grimm and Grimmer by Mark Russell in exchange for an honest review.

This collection puts a modern twist on Grimm’s fairy tales, mixing dark humor and absurdity with the timeless charm of the originals. Some of the retellings—like Cinderella and Rapunzel—were entertaining and cleverly reimagined, while the lesser-known tales, like The Boy Who Didn’t Know Fear, brought something fresh to the mix. The author does a good job weaving in today’s anxieties, making the stories feel relevant.

That said, it didn’t fully grip me. Some stories had me hooked, while others felt either too over-the-top or lacking the depth I expected. The humor was sharp, but sometimes it overshadowed the darker, more emotional elements I look for in retellings. The uneven pacing made the collection feel hit or miss.

Overall, it’s creative, fun, and worth a read if you’re a fan of fairy tales with a modern bite, but it’s not something I’d find myself thinking about long after finishing.

Grimm and Grimmer by Mark Russell is a delightful collection of fairy tale retellings that breathe fresh life into classic stories. With a playful tone and sharp wit, Russell balances reverence for the original tales with a modern, self-aware edge. Readers will enjoy revisiting beloved favorites as well as exploring lesser-known Grimm stories, all infused with humor and creativity. The vivid artwork complements the stories beautifully, enhancing the magical atmosphere. Perfect for fairy tale enthusiasts and fans of clever reimaginings, this collection is both a nostalgic trip and a refreshing twist on timeless tales.

The art work was fantastic and the reimaginings were phenomenal, this is a must buy for anyone who is a fan of the classics as well

Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I love a good fairy tale, and Grimm and Grimmer offered me some short and sweet versions of my favorites along with a few I was less familiar with but enjoyed reading for the first time. While this is described as a more modern retelling, I did not get that, but there was a pally tone to these stories that has the author arching his eyebrow along with the reader at the absurdity of some of the plots, which gave it the same feeling as a buddy read.

If you love fairy tales and aren’t an aficionado for some of the Grimm Brothers lesser known stories, the tone of these makes them a lot of fun to read!

This was a strong collection of fairy tale retellings, each story worked with what I was hoping for and still had the magic that I was looking for. Mark Russell has a strong writing style and was able to weave a strong story for each of these. I really enjoyed reading this and am excited for more.