I’ve got to say 'What-the-Dickens' surprised me. It’s got that rare quality where it feels timeless—like it could’ve been written 50 years ago or yesterday. The protagonist, this clueless but endearing tooth fairy, bumbles through his adventures with this wide-eyed curiosity that’s impossible not to root for. The book’s got this quiet magic to it; it doesn’t shout its themes but lets them unfold gently.
What stood out was how Maguire contrasts the tooth fairies’ industrialized world with the raw, messy reality of human life. There’s a scene where What-the-Dickens watches a family through a window that’s just achingly tender. It’s not action-packed, but if you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of melancholy and a lot of heart, you’ll probably adore this. Perfect for fans of 'The Graveyard Book' or 'Coraline'—it’s got that same vibe of being slightly eerie but deeply comforting.
I picked up 'What-the-Dickens' on a whim, mostly because I adore Gregory Maguire's twisted takes on classic tales. This one’s no exception—it’s whimsical, dark, and oddly heartwarming. The story follows a rogue tooth fairy named What-the-Dickens, who’s basically a scrappy underdog trying to find his place in a world that doesn’t quite understand him. Maguire’s writing is lush and imaginative, weaving together folklore with modern struggles in a way that feels fresh. It’s not as epic as 'Wicked,' but it has this cozy, fireside-story vibe that makes it perfect for a rainy day read.
What really stuck with me was how the book plays with the idea of belief. It’s not just a kids’ book; there’s layers here about how stories keep us going during tough times. The frame narrative—a family weathering a storm while telling this tale—adds this meta layer that I loved. If you’re into books that mix fairy-tale charm with a dash of existential musing, this is totally worth your time. Plus, the tooth fairy lore is hilariously inventive—who knew they had unions and bureaucracy?
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about a tooth fairy story at first—it sounded too cutesy. But 'What-the-Dickens' won me over with its wit and weirdness. Maguire’s world-building is delightfully odd, full of details like tooth fairy dialects and supply-chain logistics for collected teeth. The rogue fairy’s journey is basically a coming-of-age tale with wings, and his misadventures had me grinning more than once.
The framing device—a family telling the story during a storm—adds stakes that keep things grounded. It’s short enough to read in one sitting but leaves you with that warm, satisfied feeling of a good fable. If you like your fantasy with a side of humor and a pinch of philosophy, give it a shot. It’s the kind of book that makes you peek under your pillow afterward, just in case.
2026-01-12 14:20:14
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Fairy-Struck
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"I keep the world safe from his people, but now he's the one protecting me.The Sluagh has come for me and nothing stops them. The monsters of Fairy chitter and cackle and screech all around us while Tiernan holds me tightly, hiding us within his magic. Under the cover of some roots, his body laid over mine, we wait. His lips brush my cheek. Our rapid breaths merge. My palms press against his chest, molding to his muscles and pulsing with his heartbeat. The terrifying sounds around us echo into silence but as I stare into his silver eyes I know the danger hasn't passed. This man—this fairy hunter—could tear apart my world.Fairy-Struck is created by Amy Sumida, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author."
Seven Classic Faery Tales are given a very adult makeover.
You are entering a world of myth, magic, and Immortals.
Throw in the humans for the added spice of erotica and violence.
Mix together and you have dark adult faery tales ........
Do not read if easily offended!
Why does Cinderella have to marry a prince?
May Holden, an independent, expressive young woman, finds herself thrown into the deep end of Hollywood. Just two months after graduating high school, she has become a household name. However starring as the lead role of the biggest book-turned-movie of the century is harder than it looks.
Will May hold onto the little bit of independence she has left or will the hypnotic allure of fame brainwash her into thinking that she needs a man to be successful?
Will her title as "The Wrong Cinderella" remain or will she lose sight of her true self when two dashing princes come her way?
Beryl and Daryl are excited that they can finally attend University and live together but things complicate when Beryl’s cousin shows up to hide at their residence. The cousin is half-fairy and the three end up growing close while protecting her secret.
Things start to complicate when the close trio encounter other Half-Myths and try to navigate between Schoolwork, possible romances and life-threatening situations.
A certain group is out to kill her and all others like her. Will Daffodil, the Half-fairy, survive and also continue her romance with a Half-Myth of higher standing than herself?
The Good Witch was born unlike her family. She wants to help people and she finds a few friends that help her along the way. Each adventure is a new challenge. She hopes to one day free her family from the curse they placed on themselves. For these are the stories of the Good Witch.
Everyone deserves a second chance at happiness... even a killer.
Serendipity Fizzlestitch wants nothing more than to be left alone. In a small cabin a stone's throw from the house where her sisters and mother breathed their last, Serendipity toils away, making the dolls her late father was working on when he disappeared beneath the ocean waves. Serendipity is content to spend the rest of her existence here, trying to atone for the mistakes of her past by creating the dolls that bring joy to so many others.
When a mysterious letter arrives in her fireplace, an unusual stranger shows up at her door, and her favorite mouse friend goes missing, Serendipity is forced to face the outside world--and the ghosts from her past. Will she accept the opportunity to join the most famous toymaker of all time, or will her guilt prevent her from finding the happiness everyone deserves?
The Doll Maker's Daughter at Christmas is a whimsical romantic fantasy that proves everyone deserves a second chance, no matter how horrific our past. Perfect for Christmas, or any time of year, The Doll Maker's Daughter at Christmas will bring back the magic we can only find when we truly believe.
I stumbled upon 'The Story of Snaggletooth' while browsing through a list of lesser-known fairy tale retellings, and it completely caught me off guard. The way the author reimagines the Tooth Fairy as this mischievous, almost gothic figure named Snaggletooth is so refreshing. It’s not your typical whimsical children’s story—there’s depth here, with themes of loss, childhood fears, and even a bit of dark humor. The illustrations, if you get the edition with them, are hauntingly beautiful, like something out of a Tim Burton sketchbook.
What really sold me was how the book balances folklore with originality. Snaggletooth isn’t just a collector of teeth; she’s a guardian of memories, and the way her backstory unfolds ties into larger myths about forgotten creatures. If you enjoy twisted fairy tales like 'Coraline' or 'The Sleeper and the Spindle,' this one’s a hidden gem. I lent my copy to a friend, and they couldn’t stop raving about it either.
I adore Gregory Maguire's whimsical writing style, and 'What-the-Dickens' is such a gem! It’s this quirky, heartwarming tale about a rogue tooth fairy trying to find his place in the world. The book’s got that perfect blend of fantasy and humor, like a darker 'Coraline' meets 'Peter Pan' vibes. Now, about reading it online for free—I totally get wanting to dive in without breaking the bank. While I can’t link anything here, you might find luck with platforms like Open Library or checking if your local library offers digital loans through apps like Libby. Sometimes, authors or publishers share excerpts too, so keep an eye out!
That said, if you end up loving it, consider supporting Maguire by grabbing a copy later. His world-building is just chef’s kiss—especially how he twists folklore into something fresh. I reread it last Halloween, and the spooky-yet-cozy atmosphere still holds up.
Ever since I stumbled upon Gregory Maguire's 'What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy,' I've been enchanted by its whimsical yet slightly subversive take on folklore. If you loved the blend of dark humor and heartwarming oddities, you might adore 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman. It’s got that same balance of eerie and endearing, with a boy raised by ghosts instead of rogue fairies. Gaiman’s knack for twisting familiar myths into something fresh feels like Maguire’s signature style—just swap teeth for tombstones.
Another gem is 'The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making' by Catherynne M. Valente. It’s packed with lyrical prose and a rebellious protagonist who, like What-the-Dickens, questions the rules of her fantastical world. Valente’s fairyland is just as richly layered, with a touch more poetry. And if you’re into the 'misunderstood creature' angle, 'The Last Unicorn' by Peter S. Beagle has that melancholic magic—though it’s more bittersweet than silly.