TaleSpins by Michael Mullin

October 17th, 2013 Kimberly Review 82 Comments

17th Oct
TaleSpins by Michael Mullin
TaleSpins
by Michael Mullin
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads

A trilogy of alternative fairytales and retellings. Discover the real Snow White story through the eyes of Creepy, the unknown 8th dwarf! Meet a teen princess who hires "The Frog Prince" witch to get revenge on a Mean Girl at school! And learn how the giant, boy thief and magic beans tale truly went down!

Michael Mullin’s TaleSpins is a trilogy that offers alternate telling of some of our favorite fairy tales. The tales in this short novel share versions of Snow White, The Frog Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk. Filled with humor and moral lessons, Mullin delivers each tale in a sing-song verse that I thoroughly enjoyed. Three word review: original, humorous and engaging.

The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf– This was a clever tale about Creepy the 8th dwarf from Snow White. Creepy isn’t well liked by the other seven dwarfs,and his life is quite sad. Creepy shares with us his encounter with Snow White and I found myself laughing aloud. The reader gets to see her in a whole new light.

The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny– Mullin’s version of the Frog Prince, Three Billy Goats Gruff, and Hansel and Gretel. A young princess named Penny is tired of being an outcast and decides to seek revenge against her former friend Darcy. Finding an ad for a witch she seeks her out to cast a potion on her way she meets Jinks at a bridge and the tale that unfold was funny and filled with lessons.

Jack’d– This was a clever modern day twist on Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack is a thief who robs the giant. The giant is a doctor who lives in the penthouse of a building downtown. Mullin tells the tale from both POV’s and gives them a unique voice by changing the tempo of the verse. Jack’d was a darker story than the other tales and more complex. I truly enjoyed it.

TaleSpins, while geared to young adult offers clever verse that even the most jaded adult will have difficulty keeping a straight face while reading this. It has been a while since I read a book in verse, and Mullin does a fine job. Of the three, the Eight Dwarf’s tale had the most simplistic verse but was the funniest. It flowed easily from the tongue and had me giggling. My favorite tale was Jack’d. I loved the dime store detective tone and complex verse. The tales are short and perfect for reading during a Halloween party or around a campfire. Each offers a moral, some humor and clever twist on our beloved fairy tales.

Fans of retellings and darker humor will get a kick out of TaleSpins. Perfect for young and old readers alike.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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82 Responses to “TaleSpins by Michael Mullin”

  1. Michael Mullin

    Thank you EVERYONE who showed an interest in TaleSpins and Congrats to our winner! I hope the rest of you decide to check out the book as well. Again Thanks! – Best Mm

  4. Lori Ha

    Yes I do and have seen reviews for several books with a similar idea. It seems to be the “in” right now.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was unique from the verse to the take on tales. I hope you get a chance to try them, thanks Lori 🙂

  7. Jess

    I love fairytales and retellings. This book sounds like such fun and each tale interests me. Thanks so much for sharing! I would love to read these- so winning would be awesome. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Jess, these were fun and win or lose I hope you get to read them 😉

  9. Berls

    OH this sounds like so much fun – I love fairy tale retellings and I love the funny ones. Great review as always 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you get a chance to read them Shelly, and good luck!

  12. Evie

    This sounds absolutely delightful! I love Michael Mullin, he is a fantastic storyteller! Plus, I just adore re-rellings of old tales, and these ones here sound really good! Thanks for a great review!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Me too Pamela, and with it’s verse and dark humor this was a fun, easy read.

  14. Holly Letson

    I haven’t really read that many, but this sounds interesting.

  16. Anita Yancey

    I like fairy tale retellings if they are done well. I would love to read this book. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Anita, I love them too. This was unique and I loved that it was in verse.

  17. Braine Talk Supe

    His take on Jack’s story sounds interesting. Is it funny? I found the tale version morbid but funny in some ways. I usually steer clear of retellings, there’s only a handful that’s good but this one sounds dark with a touch of humor. I think I’ll enjoy reading the stories.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is both dark and funny, there is snark throughout the tales that made laugh. While it is geared towards young adult, it is like Shriek where there is adult humor mixed in.

  20. Heidi

    I bought a copy of this awhile back because Christy said so. I haven’t had a chance to read it and I am looking forward to a bit of dark humor.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was fun, and a fast read due to the verse. Enjoy Heidi!

  21. Michele

    I’m not sure why I haven’t read this yet; I really want to — darn overwhelming TBR list. Thanks so much for breaking it down and reminding me how great this sounds!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was fun, and had even snark to appeal to adults as well.

  22. Mary

    This sounds adorable! I’ve always enjoyed retellings, especially when there’s a bit of a twist to the tale. Jack’d definitely gives me the best vibe but that could just be because I like detective novels and you’re so enthusiastic about it! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ha, I enjoyed Jack’d and Creepy was equally delightful. Thanks Mary 🙂

  23. Candace

    I do like books in verse though I feel a little uncertain whether I would like this. Although since it’s funny I might enjoy it. I hadn’t heard of it before so thanks for letting us know!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Christy and Love of Books first introduced me to it, and it is fresh and unique. Hope you get a chance to try it.

  24. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I do enjoy retellings. I think it is fun to see what someone comes up with in their imagination. This sounds like a good one and I already have a smile on my face just reading the review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was so unique from the verse to the characters. It is an easy read and will appeal to young and old. Thanks Melissa!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Debbie this was fun, I loved that it was in verse 🙂

  27. Kim { Book Swoon }

    You know I love re-tellings, and Tale Spins sounds great with the addition of humor. I’m sitting here picturing what might a 8th dwarf named Creepy think of Snow White- lol. thanks for sharing – perfect for this time of year. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      poor Creepy 🙁 Thanks Kim, this was perfect for fall 🙂

  28. Traci

    Love, love, love!!!! The stories sound fab!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

  30. Andrea

    I don’t generally love fairy tale’s, or retellings, but this does seem very cool. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kim!

  31. BornBookish

    I never enjoy Fairy tale re-tellings as much as I think I will. The thing that intrigues me most about this is that it’s in verse! I’ll definitely be checking it out =)

  32. Michelle

    I love fairy tale re-tellings and the story of the unknown 8th dwarft is something that I can’t pass up. This book looks great Kimba!

    Thanks for the great review!

    Michelle @ Book Briefs

  34. Hillary R.

    I love fairy tale retellings! But the only type of retelling I’m into right now is Beauty and the Beast the show on tv because I haven’t read anything yet. I would like to start soon though! 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was so different, from the prose to the snark, I think peeps would be surprised at how much they enjoy it.

  37. Jenea

    Being such a sucker for re-tellings, I like the sounds of this and I haven’t seen it before either. 🙂 Great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Glad I could introduce you to them Jenea and hope you enjoy them!

  38. Nick

    I like how the author put a spin on fairy tales with the inclusion of humor. I think I would really enjoy these.
    Thanks for sharing, Kim!

  39. Tanja

    I didn’t have much success with retellings so I tend to stay away from them, but this sounds like a nicely done one. I love the humor and originality in it. Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These are short, and lyrical and quite different from any retelling..i loved the snark.

  40. Lauren

    I really love fairy tale retellings and this sounds delightful! So glad to hear you enjoyed it. I’ll have to give it a read soon!

  41. glass

    I haven’t heard about this book before, but it sounds so fun – I like this kind of retellings.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was fun Glass, and different. Hope you get to try them 🙂