TaleSpins

TaleSpins #1-3

by Michael Mullin

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! Check out the reviews for the first of the 3 stories (no longer available individually) here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Short Stories, Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Retellings, Anthologies

124 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2013

About the author

Fictional worlds can teach us so much about the one we live in. The experiences you bring back from the escape are what give stories their value. That's why you read, and that's why I read – and write.
​
My author career began with a twisted fairytale retelling about the unknown 8th dwarf which turned into a trilogy of such tales. Over the years I've received book awards and industry recognition for which I'm very grateful. I'm currently working on a business plan for an educational company that uses the fairytale trilogy, TaleSpins, as curriculum to teach things like empathy and anti-bullying.

I've written marketing materials for the merch divisions of Disney, DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, and Universal, but I gave all that up because I was tired of selling people junk that was just going to end up in a landfill. Before I was a writer, I was a preschool teacher and college professor, two positions I found disconcertingly similar.

I live in Pasadena, CA with my wonderful wife Dani and our ridiculously cool dog Finn. Our twins, Sophie and Max are finishing up their college careers. I couldn’t be more proud and amazed. Even though I've been in California since 1996, all my sports allegiances remain in my native New England.

Reviews

[Irina Elena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantastic as a concept, and with some really clever lines and twists, but could've used a lot more polishing up.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Kimber Wheaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I love fairy tales. Most of my regular readers know this. But did you now I also love Dr.Seuss and Shel Silverstein? I was blown away when I opened TaleSpins and began reading. Author Michael Mullin combined my love for fairy tales with verse poetry.

Anyone who's had a poetry assignment in school can understand how difficult rhyming, metered verse can be to write. I'll be the first to admit that by college, my poetry assignments had turned to mostly free verse. So I enjoyed this book on two levels. First, I loved the stories; they are thoughtful and cute. Second, the writing, the time and thought that went into this book is awe-inspiring. Michael Mullin is a talented guy.

Creepy the dwarf is a hilarious creation. Not only that, but the story itself was quite enjoyable. That's Creepy on the cover (which I also love--BTW). The second story was my favorite. I loved Princess Penny; her sarcasm was second to none. The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny was an interesting story with a great moral. The last story was a bit chilling. Jack'd is an inventive re-telling that gave me the shivers toward the end. It's quite eerie.

I highly recommend TaleSpins to everyone middle-school and up. If you wish Dr.Seuss had written something for the older crowd, I think you'll really enjoy this collection of stories. I absolutely loved them!!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Won this one at a giveaway. Thanks to Book Briefs for the chance and Michael Mullin por providing the ebook!)
I really enjoyed this one! I love re-tellings and loved the beautiful writing.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. I think my ADHD brain is incompatible with things that rhyme, simply because I'm paying more attention to whether it rhymes, and what words rhyme, and what the rhyme pattern is. Majorly bummed, because it's narrated by Paul Giamatti and he's simply the best.

Two stars.

[Joseph Nunez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good short story concepts, I admit 8 was my favorite but it was short but very light hearted and enjoyable.

[Tippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. So much fun. 3 short stories-rewritten fairy tales- written in rhyme, beautifully done. Funny lines throughout, but not silly.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).


I love alternate takes on fairy tales, so I was super happy when I was asked if I wanted to review TaleSpins (TaleSpins #1-3) by Michael Mullin! I must say that I loved this book!

The three stories are all short and are written in rhyming verse and can be bought individually. TaleSpins (TaleSpins #1-3) is just the collection of three stories in one place.

I must say that I do like the cover! It has to do with the story of 8th Dwarf.

For my review, I will be reviewing each story individually.

*
8th Dwarf

This is a retelling of Snow White. In this story, there was an eighth dwarf called Creepy who was locked int he basement so he'd be out of sight and out of mind. He was disfigured and lived up to his name. Creepy tells us the story of what really happened.

I enjoyed the story of 8th Dwarf. I felt bad for Creepy though because all he wanted was to be treated like a normal person and not like a criminal. He tries to save Snow White from the evil witch so many times, yet Snow White is too thick to realize that the witch is taking advantage of her. I enjoyed the rhyming, and I loved the font changes and little pictures during the story. I don't know if this is included in the ebook version, but it is in the paperback version.

8th Dwarf gets a 5 out of 5.
*
The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny

This is the story of a 15 year old princess named Penny who is bullied at school by a girl named Darcy. Penny is tired of being bullied by Darcy and seeks out a witch to help her get back at Darcy. Along the way she meets a troll named Jink. Jink warns her to stay away from the witch, but Penny will not listen. When Penny steals from the witch, Penny is taken prisoner by her. It's up to Jink to help Penny.

The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny references many fairy tales. I enjoyed all the references because it took me back to back to my childhood, especially the reference to Hansel and Gretel. While I didn't find this story as interesting as 8th Dwarf, it was still fun to read. Sometimes, I felt as if it had gotten to be a bit long winded and found my eyes were starting to glaze over. However, the pacing would pick back up, and I'd be enthralled in the story once again. I believe this story helps to teach us that nothing is ever as it seems.

The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny gets a 3.75 out of 5.
*
Jack'd

Jack'd is a take on the original Jack and the Beanstalk story. A doctor comes home to find a valuable treasure of his has been stolen by a teenager named Jack. While trying to locate Jack, the doctor comes across an elf like person who spray paints choices as doors for the doctor to make/take. The doctor becomes responsible for what happens to Jack.

Wow, wow, wow! This is definitely my favorite story in the book! Mr. Mullin sure did save the best for last! Jack'd read like one of those old film noir detective stories....at least, that's how it read to me. I found it interesting the way that the doctor had the choice as to what would happen to Jack...kind of like those choose your own ending books. I also loved how the verse was written in this story. I never even saw the plot twist coming!

Jack'd gets a definite 5 out of 5.
*

TaleSpins (TaleSpins #1-3) is a fantastic take on classic fairy tales. Michael Mullin brings in his own style of writing to make the fairy tales we've all come to know become fresh again.

I'd recommend this book to anyone aged 8+ (except Jack'd due to the theme. Jack'd, I'd recommend to those age 13+) who wants to get a thrill out of fairy tales again.

TaleSpins (TaleSpins #1-3) by Michael Mullin gets a 4.5 out of 5 overall.

(I received a free paperback copy of this title from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review).

[CCAM&GZM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must start this review with: "I loved it"!

I liked the "retellings" so much that I not only read them, but I read them out loud; some parts of them for several times.

I was very amused by the delightful contrast between the Nursery Rhymes type lyrics and the delivered messages, directly or subliminally, but also by artifices that spice them. Artifices in the sense of various forms of irony (even self irony), that reach sometimes sarcasm. But they cannot upset, because they are told in an extraordinary and gentle manner and author’s inspiration and delicacy leaves no room for lour.

"It’s become quite a trend to take a known story and tell it a different way
That’s all well and good, for we can assume every author has something to say."

Author’s originality comes out also through the difference between the three stories although linked by the dark style in which they are told. Their presentation way is a perfect upward gradation of the strangeness and seriousness that characterizes them and of the messages that they convey. The fact that each of them brings something new made me curious and did not allowed me to put the book down.

The first story perfectly defines the antihero. Funny and sad at the same time, it shows us that although those that are around determine us how to behave, in the end we are what we choose to be. Creepy has become one of my favorite antiheroes. I loved the "sincerity" in which Mullin portraits him and the way he did it, with good measure and taste.
"Her bare feet were covered with cuts and scrapes,
But beyond that were far more intriguing shapes.
A layer of wrinkled-up cotton and lace
Covered gentle curves in the negative space.
His mind raced with thoughts not entirely clean
Seeing that which was clearly not meant to be seen.
He thought that perhaps he should look well away
Then answered, “Why should I? They made me this way!”

The second tale is the "ordinary" story of the discovery of the first and perhaps the true love. The originality comes from how it is told, from the messages you do not even realize that you've received and from the way in which the modern and the fairy worlds meet together in a consonant dash. The vivid memory of fairy tale world from the first work is shaken by words or references to technical and contemporary "habits".

"It was one of those oddball, storybook kingdoms that doesn’t have a name.
In fact the only thing she knew was its location “far away”."

This story also has its share of humor and irony.

“Can’t we splash her with water? If she melts, that would be ideal.”
Jink took a small bottle from a fold in his sock, and said:
“Focus. And please . . . get real.”

The next night Penny hung out by herself, which was pretty much routine. (A decaf tea and a YA novel about a vampire who was half machine.)

Regarding the third story ... it’s entirely another story.

The style is different, more abstract. The fantastic is not one (quite so) accessible, and the game of changing sets and characters emphasizes the strangeness, but also the charm of the story. Is an odd and inspired retelling, in which the mystery is kept well hidden. The author plays fair enough and gives us sufficient clues, but these are not just offer to us, they must to be discovered. Personally I had the impression of a Dali painting or of those works that are playing with optical illusion.

"I didn’t like the idea, or the darkness ahead, but I’d get no welcome mat. So I started down a path with fear and caution, clearly the mouse to his cat."
If I have not convinced you to read it, I tell you directly: read it. The risk I take, for you to not like it, is minimal.

"Just keep in mind when you hear any story on this or another day,
There may be a better than average chance that it didn’t really happen that way."

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulously twisted little set of fairytales. Paul Giamatti does a great job on the audiobook. 4 stars.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story 1 - 8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Michael Mullin.)
This is a short story about the 8th dwarf from the story ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’. The 8th Dwarf is called ‘Creepy’ and he doesn’t get along with the other dwarves!
The story is told in verse, and is actually quite funny. I often think it’s difficult to re-tell a fairy-tale in a new and interesting way, but the author pulls this off in style!
I thought this was really fun and inventive, and I think it could be even better read out loud to kids! This is one that parents will enjoy also though, especially as there were a couple of tongue-in-cheek lines, and really did make me smile!
Overall; a fun and refreshing fairy-tale story that will make you laugh!
8 out of 10.


Story 2 - The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny
This is a short story, written in rhyme. Princess Penny is not popular at school, and wants to get revenge on her arch rival Darcy. After seeing an advert for a witch in a magazine, Penny sets off to find her and to get a spell for revenge on Darcy, but things don’t go according to plan, and Penny finds herself in hot water.


This was an okay story, but I didn’t like it as much as the first story in the series.
Penny seemed a little immature, and didn’t seem to realise that at times her own behaviour was similar to that of Darcy’s, and she didn’t really have time to spend on people who weren’t involved in her revenge plan.
I think the main problem with this for me, was that the lines were too long. This may sound weird, but I found it hard to keep the pace of the lines so that they rhymed properly, and often had to read the lines twice or more to get the effect that I thought the author was going for. Because of this, the poetry aspect felt a little like hard work, which was a shame.
The storyline was okay, but I think it would probably be more suited to a younger reader, as overall the pace seemed quite slow, and the ideas were quite simplistic. I personally wanted to read faster to find out what happened more quickly, but couldn’t because of the issues with the length of the lines as mentioned earlier.
Overall; this was an okay story, but it felt a little slow.
6.5 out of 10.


Story 3 - Jack'd
This is a bit of a strange retelling of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, in which Jack is a thief, and the giant is a doctor who lives in a penthouse apartment. The story is once again told in verse, only this time the prose is split into parts – the doctor’s point of view, and Jack’s point of view, and each has a different style of poetry.
I actually found that it took me two tries to get through this story, the first time I got fed up with trying to read the doctors parts so that they rhymed (the doctors verses were much longer sentences that rhymed) and I found it quite difficult to get the right rhythm. Jack’s parts were a lot easier to read though, and so I appreciated those verses more. I did go back to this story though, and I had more luck the second time.
I did think the story was quite strange, and it wasn’t your average re-telling of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Instead there were some interesting little twists, and a moral that ‘crime doesn’t pay’.
I did appreciate the story once I got through it, but I did have problems again with the longer-line style of the doctor’s verses.
Overall; an interesting poetic retelling of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.
6 out of 10.

[Kathryn Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful book of three short fairy tales with a twist. Each one is told from a non-traditional point of view. You’ll laugh at the way these tales differ from the way you heard them growing up.

I particularly liked that the stories were told in rhyme rather than in prose. I thought it was a very creative addition to the stories. They were also told with some unexpected humour.

The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown Eighth Dwarf: This was the retelling of Snow White. It was told from the point of view of Creepy, the eighth dwarf who was not well liked by the other seven dwarves. Poor Creepy does not have a very happy life and his recounting of the coming of Snow White gives you a very different look at Snow White’s character.

This tale was my favourite of the three and the humour in it had me laughing aloud.

The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny: Michael Mullin’s version of The Frog Prince, updated and included elements of Three Billy Goats Gruff and Hansel and Gretel. This tale was not as easily recognizable as the fairy tale it was taken from, but it was engaging all the same. Princess Penny and Darcy are rival schoolmates. Penny wants to get her revenge on Darcy, so she visits a witch to buy a potion. When she uses one she steals from the witch instead, and it doesn’t work as expected, Princess Penny ends up with more trouble than she bargains for.

I found myself a little confused as to why it was the retelling of The Frog Prince since there were no frogs to be kissed in the story.

Jack’d was an interesting story. I admit I had to read it twice before I fully understood what was going on. It was confusing at first as the poetry had two different rhythms and was almost written as a play, in that it was divided into Acts.

I thought it was brilliant that Mr. Mullins chose to tell the story from the Giant’s point of view as a rich man living in a penthouse apartment suite who had been robbed of a valuable artifact. Again, this fairy tale has been updated with modern elements in the story and puts Jack in a very different light from the traditional fairy tale.

I think that these fairy tales would be more suited to teens and young adults (if they are reading them to themselves) because of the readability level. Even with just listening, young children (younger than 9 years) might have a difficult time understanding some of the language. However, adults will be delighted with these tales as they will bring back memories of childhood when they read them with their middle-grade readers (age 9-12).

I thoroughly enjoyed these fun, alternative fairy tales. I gave them 4 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the author, Michael Mullin for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

[BookLoversLife · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Talespins is a 3 story fairytale retelling told in verse.

First Story up is 8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf. This is the story of Creepy, the 8th Dwarf. He lives with his brothers in the house but because of his odd behavior his brothers decide to lock him in the basement. He has a little eye hole he can see out of and one day when a beautiful girl comes in he spies her through the hole. And so a different tale of Snow White comes to life!!

My Thoughts on this one :

I have to say that reading a book told in verse was so odd to start with but after awhile I didn't even know I was doing it. Its a real quick read with plenty of laugh out loud moments. I loved how the author took a well known story and added something extra to it. He has created a witty, funny and enjoyable story that any age will enjoy though it is geared at older kids.

Second story is The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny. This is about a Princess, who goes to a witch in the woods to get something to take revenge on her school bullies. She travels through the woods and comes to a bridge. There she meets an ugly troll who seems very helpful. When Penny steals from the witch though her life takes a dark turn.

My Thoughts on Story #2 :

This is another awesome story. Penny may be a princess but everyone treats her badly. She dresses as a goth and is a loner. She wants to get revenge but does she know the price she will have to pay?
Much darker than the first story but easily as good. Michael Mullin sure knows how to verse a great story. This will appeal to over 13s I think because of the issues it deals with. It also teaches us a valuable lesson, that revenge isn't always sweet!! He tackles bullying and social standing with wit and understanding.(See I can rhyme too ;)) Lol.

Final Story is Jack’d. This is about a doctor who lives in a penthouse. There is always an old man manning the elevators but one day there is a boy there called Jack. When the doctor goes to his penthouse he realised he was robbed and takes the elevator down to try and find the thief. He thinks he knows who it was since Jack was the only one there. Jack'd is told from alternating POVs which I liked. An original retelling that captures and enthralls you, Jack'd is thrilling and darker still than the first 2. I really enjoyed this one!

Overall a fun quick thrilling read. I enjoyed the fact it was told in verse and the stories were really enjoyable.

[Danelle Our-Wolves-Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was giggling within minutes of starting the first of three stories in this book. To be honest I think this first story was also my favorite! I have always known that nursery rhymes, fables, legends, and fairy tales have throughout time been altered. This was first brought to my attention when I read the real account of "The Three Little Pigs", while not a story portrayed in TaleSpins, it was a true rather horrifying lesson for me.



As I was saying, the favorite for me was "8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf". This is the one that after giggling and finishing the story I felt the need to read it aloud to my older kids. Who in turn also laughed through it!



I love that 8th dwarf, even though his life ends up being full of nasty tragic treatment. I almost fell off my chair at the portrayal of Snow White entering the house, and her encounters with the "witch" were absolutely priceless! The ending however caught me off guard, as well as the kids. We NEVER thought about that when Snow White went into her sleeping slumber.



This is a story that caused our family to open up and talk about how stories that get handed down can easily be altered by a sentence or meaning, and how it continues until we have the more innocent looking ones that you hear today.



I read the other two stories alone, and they were equally as fascinating. I enjoyed fitting each tidbit or clue to different characters or Fairy Tales. Although I am going to come off as a complete idiot for not catching it sooner- the last story "Jack'd", it took me a bit to realize the first words from the graffiti artist's.



The middle story, "The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny", showed me more of some very valuable lessons to be learned. This story or lessons were much more entertaining than what I could preach to my kids, especially my daughters.



I absolutely loved reading TaleSpins and I would/will recommend it to anyone. If you enjoy a quirky twist on the good ole fashioned fairy tale, then you will enjoy it too.

[Vonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't read poetry or books that rhyme, but I do enjoy reading spin-offs on fairy tales. Though this one was written as verse poetry, the idea of fairy tales having a twist grabbed my attention. I was very glad that I gave this book a chance because I came to adore it!

"8th Dwarf"
This one was perhaps my favorite out of all three stories. It centered with the story of Snow White. Instead of seven dwarves, there were eight. This eighth dwarf was shunned for his weirdness and was locked up underneath the cottage to live the rest of his days.

I loved his character so much even if he was a "creeper." I loved how humor was used as he witnessed Snow White coming to the cottage and how he was stunned by her dumbness and beauty. It had me giggling from beginning to end.

"The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny"
This was my least favorite of the trio but it was still very good. It didn't really center on one fairy tale but it did make reference to a few. Princess Penny sought revenge on her ex-best friend for making her life miserable, and she went to a witch to cast a curse. This witch was the famous one who turned a prince into a frog and another one into a beast.

I did find myself a little confused on some parts but I was still able to enjoy it. I really liked how there was a moral message at the end.

"Jack'd"
This was a very interesting take on Jack and the Beanstalk. It was set on modern time and Jack was a thief. Jack stole from a doctor and traded the stolen item for some magical beans.

When reading this, I was a bit confused as the story jumped from Jack's point of view to the Doctor's. It was still very engaging because I really wanted to know what was going on. I was very stunned at the end to find out who was the giant and to find out the answers to things that made everything confusing.

In the end, I really enjoyed this book! I was enthralled by it from beginning to end. I found myself having fun with the rhyming and absolutely loved how everything flowed smoothly. It was fast paced and quick to read.

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally convinced that Mr. Michael Mullin is amazingly wonderful. My 10 year old daughter and I purchased this book during our Elementary School's Book Festival to which Michael graciously agreed to come. He went into the classrooms and discussed his books and what it's like to be an author. My daughter was so excited about his presentation that she wanted to buy his book. I really had no idea what kind of a book it was or if it was worth spending my money on, but I decided that supporting his endeavors to educate young people and taking personal time out to talk to them about his career was important enough that it did not matter if the book would end up being bad or boring.

Fast forward a few months.... summer starts and my daughter decides that now is the perfect time to read this book... I thought, "okay, here we go... this is going to be either really great or really horrible" as she disappeared into her bedroom with the book in hand. Two days later, she beamed up at me with a humongous smile, "Mom, you HAVE to read this book. It was amazing." So with that recommendation, I picked up the book and read it too.

I must say, that I'm in love. The book is a compilation of three short stories, each a re-write of a classic fairytale. After reading the first story, I thought, "wow, that's my favorite"; but then, I read the next story and changed my mind. Now that I have finished reading all three stories, I decided that they are all my favorites. They are funny and sad, witty and serious. They have lessons to learn and silliness to enjoy. And the BEST part - they are all written in beautiful poetic language. I loved the way Michael was able to reinvent the stories from their originals and give them new life and new meaning. I truly enjoyed every work of this book and I highly recommend this book for all children.

[Lizzy Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that the stories were told in verse; although a little difficult to read at the start in terms of getting your head round, once you do you get lulled into a soothing read that twists and turns.

The first story is so very clever as it allows the author to play with a number of different events in the story including the way the princess is poisoned, the way she is awoken and also the happy ending. It is a lovely little story but has a dark edge that makes it an utterly fascinating read. This is the same for all of the stories which helps to create similarities between them. The plot moves with pace and isn’t too long in length so it keeps the reader interested throughout.

I also loved that all of the stories had the same type of feel and that it ran throughout which helped to connect the stories creating a streamlined story. Overall I loved the updated versions of the fairytales but with an inclusion of well-known factors that helped to connect the stories back to their original stories. I loved the idea of Penny being an alternative almost ‘scene’ character, with piercings and lashings of eyeliner but also suffering with the same socially awkward events such as social cliques.

I thought that by bringing the stories up to date they allow the reader to connect more with the stories and place themselves in the characters shoes. I thought the rhyming verse was a really good showing of quality writing and I liked the simple reminiscent childhood nursery rhymes that they reminded me of. I did think that at times the verses did falter a little especially in the second story but the joy of the story overwrote this. I cannot wait to see what Michael Mullins writes more because his work is both refreshing, dark and overall wonderfully original.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Sher A. Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read a book of fractured fairy tales in verse because I know how much effort it takes to meter rhyme. I didn’t expect the witty humor and clever storytelling. I read the first story on the plane on the way to see my mother and wished I’d waited to read it to her. Instead I read her the second story, and although it was too long to read her in one session, she chuckled and enjoyed it. A lot!

The innuendos in the first story make the book more appropriate for age twelve and up. Mom asked me pointed questions about the relationship of the witch and the whole revenge scheme in the second story that made me think children younger than about ten might need similar explanations. The last story took more puzzling out, especially since the sections rotated between different points of view with no warning or labels to know who was talking. It was mentally satisfying to me but might lose younger children. I would recommend this more as a read aloud to kids younger than ten if they're not already too independent for that.

All of the tales have the traditional moral, a good thing. To me, the best strength was creativity and the worst problem was the meter. Natural meter doesn’t require forcing into the correct rhythm pattern, and the last story in particular had multiple sentences where I couldn’t find the meter in one try. Reading aloud, you don’t go back and beat the words into submission. But the creative storytelling with witty humor and the twists more than made up for the flaws. 4 stars and loads of fun for anyone who is young at heart.

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These book is quite clever and was fun to read. There are three stories and they're all told in rhyme. We first learn about the 8th dwarf, Creepy, who has been banished to the basement. He tells the story of Snow White from his perspective and he does live up to his "Creepy" name.

The second is about Princess Penny who has a bad reputation. She feels that one person, Darcy DeLupus, is responsible for starting the lies being told about her. One day she sees an ad from a witch and decides to get revenge on Darcy. On the way, she meets a troll named Jink. They have quite an adventure and learn a few things about each other along the way.

The third is the true story about Jack and the Beanstalk. The POV switches between a doctor and Jack. The doctor is wealthy and lives on the top floor of a high-rise. Jack steals something from him so the doctor chases after him. We hear the story from each of their perspectives and end up learning what really happened.

This is a quick read but since the stories are on the darker side, I won't be reading them with my children anytime soon.

Mel's Shelves

[Mareena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is actually a trilogy of fairy tales, retold from a different perspective. The first fairy tale is called 8: The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf. You may think you know the tale of Snow White backwards and forwards, but Creepy - the eighth dwarf who lives in the cellar - is going to set you straight.

The second fairy tale is called The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny - where a teenage princess named Penny hires the same witch who cursed 'The Frog Prince'. Penny wants to exact revenge against a Mean Girl who's been harassing her.

The third fairy tale is Jack'd. So, how did the giant, the boy thief and those magic beans actually cross paths? Learn how that entire tale truly went down.

I must say that while most of the books I read generally have adult story lines, I also like reading young adult books on occasion. It doesn't matter to me, just as long as the story is interesting reading. Anyway, this book is a trilogy of fairy tale re-tellings - which is a type of fantasy that I really enjoy reading. I also thoroughly enjoy reading stories that happen to have a moral behind them. So, I give TaleSpins by Michael Mullin an A+! and will certainly keep my eyes open for more from this author in the future.

[Felicity Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another surprise read and one of my favourites of 2013.

Not usually enamoured of either re-tellings or poetry I was totally taken aback by just how much I relished this trilogy of alternative fairytales and re-tellings aimed at the Young Adult market.

Comprising three tales told in verse. TaleSpins tells the story of Creepy (the eighth dwarf) who, locked in the basement, endeavours to save a rather dim Snow White from her fate at the hands of an 'old visitor'. Followed by that of Penny, a teenage princess who hires the Frog Prince witch in order to get revenge on the school's Mean girl, the book ends with the adventures of Jack, a 'punkish teen' thief.

Fresh, funny and not just for young adults, I'm sure this will be appreciated by a much wider audience. I know I laughed until I cried at the exploits of Creepy the 8th dwarf in particular.

Copyright: Pen and Paper.
Disclaimer: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author I was merely asked for my honest opinion, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.

[Stephanie (Gorelenore) Cover2CoverBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tale Spins are a few retellings or alternate fairy tales, dwarves, princesses, witches, it is just what you expect of fairy tales; only these are so much more fun. They are written as poetry, rhyming and very witty. They kind of make you want to talk in verse after reading them. At first I thought they were for a middle grade audience but it turns out they are geared for young adult, and I am not quite sure how sold I am on that. Yes, they are entertaining and have some moments of raunchiness that only teens and adults would understand, but the fashion in which they are conveyed -- the rhyme, verse thing is very childish. I loved it, but it was a more child friendly way to write the tales.

The tales are all very short at about 10-20 pages each and quick, fun reads; I would recommend them for the YA audience more than the MG one, but they are a little confusing in the sense of how they are put together. I think many will enjoy these creative retellings. The 8th Dwarf story was my very favorite, so interesting how things could have happened.

[Randy White · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Michael Mullins's "TaleSpins," three stories or fairy tales are presents in "somewhat" poetic verse. Actually these stories are more like prose poems rather than poetry. The three stories are present in couplets that rhyme at the end of each couplet with the preceding couplet. For me this rhyme ruined the three tales and did not add any value to the stories. I often found it difficult to keep the rhyme alive while reading it. This type of work is out of balance especially in Part IV which has each couplet rhyming internally, unlike the rest of the poem or prose poem in 'Jacked.' Also the works seem wordy as if the author filled in the blanks to create a certain 7-8 beats rhyme which doesn't work that well. The works are also infused with white-space for a page count of 123 pages which could have been condense or reduced to 50 pages on spacing as well. As a reader I felt cheated by the spacing of this work. I would not recommend this book for those who want rhyming fairy tales or poetry.

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress...

I received an e-review copy of this book from I Am a Reader, Not a Writer blog, in exchange for an honest review.

Ten second synopsis:
Creepy the 8th dwarf finds that life really does favour the beautiful people, Princess Penny attempts a revenge-based coup on her school's resident mean-girl, and the Giant finds that little boys with magic beans are generally up to mischief.

If you're looking for a new spin on the fractured fairy tale genre, this could be a great choice. The three retellings here are done in rhyming verse, and I must say that I'm heartily impressed that the author has managed to maintain some realy good storytelling while being restrained by the limitations of working within rhyming stanzas.

This will certainly appeal to independent middle grade readers and younger YA readers looking for a reasonably quick, fun and quirky read.

Recommended.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best fairy tale retelling I have ever read. All three stories were really fun. The verses were clever and well thought out. I really enjoyed this book.

I especially enjoyed Jacked, which created a whole new spin on the story in a very witty way. I loved the various perspectives taken.

Of the three stories included in the book, The Plight and Plot of Princess Penny was my least favorite. While it was still entertaining and well written, the story was really just a modernization of the fairy tale whereas the other two stories added something completely new to the well known tales.

Having read 8: The Untold Storybefore this one, I was happily surprised at how well done the original version of Creepy's story was. The verse added a necessary element that was missing from the graphic novel.

A pretty quick read even if you don't like poetry.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

This is three short tales of familiar or should be familiar retelling of Fairy tales. It is such a breath of fresh air to the stories. They are told in a poetry form that gets the message told in a singing style.

The first tale is from the point of view of the 8th Dwarf. He has a different point of view. It is not what I expect. It is so much better with his view.

The second is the Plight and Plot of Princess Penny. I did not guess what tale this was from. Even Princess's can get bullied in school. It has some good lessons in it.

Jack'd was really a different story.

I enjoyed reading these three short stories. It is only 77 pages long. They can be read by any age and enjoyed.
Good clean fun.

I was given this ebook to read for purpose of reviewing and being part of Tale Spins blog tour.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting spin on a few fairy tales. Instead of a short story that takes the idea of the fairy tale and gives it a twist the author wrote each in a sort of poem format. It was difficult to read at times because I couldn’t get the flow, there didn’t seem to be a set number of beats for each line.

I think of the three I enjoyed 8, The Previously Untold Story of the Previously Unknown 8th Dwarf most. It was a clever take on Snow White and highlighted how really clueless that princess was. Thank goodness for Creepy!

If you enjoy reading fairy tale retellings and need to kill some time in a waiting room or at a doctor’s, this is a perfect book. Each story is short and sweet.

3.5 out of 5 stars

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved TaleSpins! The stories are cute and funny - each putting a different twist on classic characters. I thought each one would be my favorite until I started to read the next. The Eighth dwarf was well named (in many ways), and I loved his interactions. The Princess Poppy was just a great character, and this new version of Jack and the Beakstalk really had you thinking. The writing style is part of what made this book so wonderful. Told lyrically, like a nursery rhyme, you couldn't help but keep reading and the pages flew by. I would recommend this to fairy tale lovers, or anyone who is just looking for something a little different. - See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

These re-tellings were a little darker than your normal fairytale, however, I really enjoyed the way that they were told. They were told in a rhyme, which I found very unique and fun.

The first story is about the 8th dwarf, Creepy, in Snow White. It was fun to see the situation through his eyes. I felt for him and the way he was treated.

The second story told about a princess seeking revenge. It was fun to see the way that story unfolded.

In the third story, we got an alternate to Jack and the Beanstalk. I liked how it had different Acts, instead of chapters.

These were great spin-offs, but might scare very young readers. I would recommend them for older readers who are fans of fairy tales told in a fun, poetic way.

[Jill Swanson-Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talespins is a short collection of imaginative, fairytale re-tellings. I have always been a fan of re-tellings, but usually go for the Grimmesque type. So, this was my first time taking on a more comedic approach to fairy tales. Mullin has a fresh and quirky presentation. His rhythmic writing is spot on. I really enjoyed stepping out of my norm to take a chance of Talespins. 8 (The Untold Story of the 8th Dwarf) was my favorite out of the three contained in this compilation. Creepy had me laughing out loud at his antics. Talespins, although targeted at a YA audience, will definitely be adored by adults as well. The author definitely has found his niche with this book!