Tales From the Hinterland by Melissa Albert; narrated by Rebecca Soler
Macmillian Audio
Release date: January 12, 2021
ISBN: 9781250791023
A collection of short, creepy fairy tales set in the horror filled world of the Hinterland. These tales made their first appearance in Albert’s Hazel Wood books, but here they are fully captured in gory detail. The stories involve revengeful daughters, women coveting death and deadly magical toys. All the stories blur the line between good and evil with blood, magic and monsters on every page.
These are not Disney fairy tales full of true love, saved princesses and happy endings. These dark tales are full of princesses who fight back, evil monsters who triumph and terrible parents who murder their children. These gruesome tales become more sinister through Soler’s dramatic narration. Soler uses various voices, pitch, pacing and tone to add a creepy vibe. She knows just when to speed up and when to whisper to keep the momentum going.
For other sophisticated, girl power scary stories try Rules for Vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall and What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo. Listen to Among the Beasts and Briar by Ashley Poston for another twisted, spooky fairy tale.
-Rachel Adams
Other Nominated Titles
- Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall; narrated by Karl O’Brian Williams (January 19, 2021)
- The Gilded Ones: The Deathless Book 1 by Namina Forna; narrated by Shayna Small (February 9, 2021)
- Once Upon a Quinceañera by Monica Gomez-Hira; narrated by Frankie Corzo (March 2, 2021)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten. The previous years’ lists are available on The Hub.