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The Ugly Duckling: Story 2 of Fairytales for Freaks
Dylan, a school shooter to be, incel, easy target to brutal bullying at school and at home, turns to an EXTREME gore-soaked murder spree.
Fairytales promise transformation. But when a heart is starved of kindness long enough, it does not sprout wings.
It grows bullets.
Fairytales promise transformation. But when a heart is starved of kindness long enough, it does not sprout wings.
It grows bullets.
- GenresHorror
22 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2026
6 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 5, 2026
Gnarly extreme horror (4.5)
This was a quick one, but it never stops hitting. It’s one of those stories where things get viler and VILER with each turn of the page. Pinches of dark humor are scattered throughout, but for the most part, it maintains a very bleak tone. It goes into some seriously dark territory. Being a short story, it doesn’t delve too deeply into the characters/subject matter, but it works effectively as a sorta ‘snapshot’ of ferocious revenge.
I haven’t read the other book (books?) in this series, but Fairytales for Freaks sounds like an awesome concept. Going to be great to watch Anne Snow’s voice grow in the genre.
Check it out if you’re into that really hardcore extreme horror, but as always, check your triggers if you’re unfamiliar/just starting in the genre.
This was a quick one, but it never stops hitting. It’s one of those stories where things get viler and VILER with each turn of the page. Pinches of dark humor are scattered throughout, but for the most part, it maintains a very bleak tone. It goes into some seriously dark territory. Being a short story, it doesn’t delve too deeply into the characters/subject matter, but it works effectively as a sorta ‘snapshot’ of ferocious revenge.
I haven’t read the other book (books?) in this series, but Fairytales for Freaks sounds like an awesome concept. Going to be great to watch Anne Snow’s voice grow in the genre.
Check it out if you’re into that really hardcore extreme horror, but as always, check your triggers if you’re unfamiliar/just starting in the genre.
April 16, 2026
Oh this is dark, like full on brutal, sucker punch to the stomach kind of dark! For a short story it packs a nasty punch!
March 18, 2026
Good for him.
Also, “Poseidon’s kiss” lololol
Also, “Poseidon’s kiss” lololol
April 12, 2026
This authors writing style is so unhinged…..but I love it!
March 22, 2026
A very short read only 22 pages but what a devastating story. Dylan is abused at home and school and one day he's had enough. This story is fast paced but has so much tension. Highly recommend
March 16, 2026
Okay this was actually so good. I found myself feeling sorry for the MC (Dylan) as he has had a shit life, had shit parents and he’s constantly been a victim of bullying.
This was a more extreme and gross take on Tyler from ‘13 reasons why’ if you’ve ever watched it. Dylan literally reminded me of him.
I’m not gonna say much more, just go in blind with this one!
This was a more extreme and gross take on Tyler from ‘13 reasons why’ if you’ve ever watched it. Dylan literally reminded me of him.
I’m not gonna say much more, just go in blind with this one!
April 5, 2026
This is not your childhood fairytale.
This is what happens when a fairytale rots.
The Ugly Duckling: Story 2 of Fairytales for Freaks takes a story we all grew up with and drags it through broken glass, trauma, and rage until it becomes something unrecognizable and unforgettable.Dylan isn’t just an “ugly duckling.” He’s what society creates when cruelty is constant and kindness is absent. The horror here isn’t just the violence (and yes, it gets extreme) it’s how real it feels. The bullying, the isolation, the slow psychological fracture… it builds like a pressure cooker until it explodes.
What hit hardest for me:
• The raw, uncomfortable realism behind Dylan’s descent
• The way the story flips the idea of “transformation” into something dark and irreversible
• That lingering question: was he always this way… or did the world make him?
This isn’t a feel good read. It’s not meant to be.
It’s brutal, bleak, and deeply unsettling but that’s exactly why it works.If you’re into:
• extreme horror
• dark psychological spirals
• twisted fairytale retellings
…this one will stick with you long after the last page.
⚠️ Check trigger warnings this goes hard.
This is what happens when a fairytale rots.
The Ugly Duckling: Story 2 of Fairytales for Freaks takes a story we all grew up with and drags it through broken glass, trauma, and rage until it becomes something unrecognizable and unforgettable.Dylan isn’t just an “ugly duckling.” He’s what society creates when cruelty is constant and kindness is absent. The horror here isn’t just the violence (and yes, it gets extreme) it’s how real it feels. The bullying, the isolation, the slow psychological fracture… it builds like a pressure cooker until it explodes.
What hit hardest for me:
• The raw, uncomfortable realism behind Dylan’s descent
• The way the story flips the idea of “transformation” into something dark and irreversible
• That lingering question: was he always this way… or did the world make him?
This isn’t a feel good read. It’s not meant to be.
It’s brutal, bleak, and deeply unsettling but that’s exactly why it works.If you’re into:
• extreme horror
• dark psychological spirals
• twisted fairytale retellings
…this one will stick with you long after the last page.
⚠️ Check trigger warnings this goes hard.
March 11, 2026
I absolutely love her writing. This book hits hard.
Dads- hug your kids, tell them you love them or at least lock your guns up better.
I’ve never wanted someone to succeed at a school shooting as much as Dylan.
Also, “five-knuckle shuffle” made me laugh out loud.
Can’t wait for Ms Snow’s next masterpiece.
Dads- hug your kids, tell them you love them or at least lock your guns up better.
I’ve never wanted someone to succeed at a school shooting as much as Dylan.
Also, “five-knuckle shuffle” made me laugh out loud.
Can’t wait for Ms Snow’s next masterpiece.
March 30, 2026
The Ugly Duckling follows Dylan, a depressed and lonely teenager who has only ever felt pain and despair his entire life. With an awful family and relentless bullying at school, there is no place for Dylan to feel any relief or love. After another day of relentless and revolting abuse, Dylan decides he is finally done with it all. But why should he be the only one to go out, and why not take his bullies with him. This story is revolting, brutal, and doesn’t hold back.
March 25, 2026
3.5. Ack! I would have loved the ending a little more fleshed out but ack!
March 13, 2026
⚠️ this is an extreme horror with lots of trigger warnings and dark themes- your mental health matters ⚠️
Author Anne Snow has done it again and pushed me right outside my comfort zone with this retelling of the ugly duckling- following Dylan- a lad who’s abused by his dad, bullied and abused to the extreme at school and has a miserable life. It explores how much a person can take before they reach the end of the line and explode in an act of revenge!
At only 23 pages, this story is fast, unapologetically brutal and packed with action, gore and emotion! Snow doesn’t hold back on the descriptions and has an active imagination when it comes to forms of ASSault! I think this is the perfect length for the story because if it was any longer it would lose the tension to the build up of events!
Author Anne Snow has done it again and pushed me right outside my comfort zone with this retelling of the ugly duckling- following Dylan- a lad who’s abused by his dad, bullied and abused to the extreme at school and has a miserable life. It explores how much a person can take before they reach the end of the line and explode in an act of revenge!
At only 23 pages, this story is fast, unapologetically brutal and packed with action, gore and emotion! Snow doesn’t hold back on the descriptions and has an active imagination when it comes to forms of ASSault! I think this is the perfect length for the story because if it was any longer it would lose the tension to the build up of events!
March 18, 2026
rating: ★★★★☆
I actually really enjoyed this
It’s short, but it’s heavy. definitely not an easy read, and not something that tries to soften what it’s doing
It just drops you into it and lets everything unfold in a really direct, uncomfortable way
For how short it is, it hits hard and sticks with you longer than you’d expect
It’s not something I’d recommend to everyone, but if you like darker, more intense horror, this does exactly what it sets out to do
definitely check trigger warnings before going into it
I actually really enjoyed this
It’s short, but it’s heavy. definitely not an easy read, and not something that tries to soften what it’s doing
It just drops you into it and lets everything unfold in a really direct, uncomfortable way
For how short it is, it hits hard and sticks with you longer than you’d expect
It’s not something I’d recommend to everyone, but if you like darker, more intense horror, this does exactly what it sets out to do
definitely check trigger warnings before going into it
March 22, 2026
This was my first school shooting book, and it was good! The ending was satisfying. I also personally appreciated that the part about the kitten wasn’t detailed or graphic.
I read on Reddit that Anne Snow will be writing 4-5 more of these short stories and compiling them into a storybook called “Fairytales for Freaks”, which will also be on Audible. This is really exciting because I’ll be reading anything she writes from now on! Great work!
I read on Reddit that Anne Snow will be writing 4-5 more of these short stories and compiling them into a storybook called “Fairytales for Freaks”, which will also be on Audible. This is really exciting because I’ll be reading anything she writes from now on! Great work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
Downloaded this from KU. Was a bit hesitant to read as I thought it would be animal abuse my only trigger!
But definitely wasn’t that! The gore of this book was super next level! Super fast paced! Only 22 pages but very well written
Felt so sorry for the poor MC Dylan Really pulled at my heartstrings this one! For someone who has always been bullied. It’s pretty shit but love his revenge story!
Highly recommend and will be checking out the authors other books!!
But definitely wasn’t that! The gore of this book was super next level! Super fast paced! Only 22 pages but very well written
Felt so sorry for the poor MC Dylan Really pulled at my heartstrings this one! For someone who has always been bullied. It’s pretty shit but love his revenge story!
Highly recommend and will be checking out the authors other books!!
April 10, 2026
Dylan is used to being everyone’s punching bag - at home, at school, everywhere. There’s no escape, no safe space… just constant cruelty. And after one particularly brutal stretch, something in him finally snaps.
This one hits differently at first. There’s a sadness to it that actually makes you pause before the horror kicks in. You feel for Dylan… which somehow makes what comes next even more brutal.
And when it turns? It goes dark fast. Gory, vicious, and completely unforgiving.
This one hits differently at first. There’s a sadness to it that actually makes you pause before the horror kicks in. You feel for Dylan… which somehow makes what comes next even more brutal.
And when it turns? It goes dark fast. Gory, vicious, and completely unforgiving.
April 11, 2026
Another Take on an Old Classic
There is a special place for those of us that enjoy these stories and this one definitely pushed the envelope. From the vile descriptions of experiences the MC went through, to the final heartbreaking moments. This doesnt glorify or applaud the actions of the MC, but instead give a reason.
Another dark and demented trip into the mind of Ms. Snow, one which I am thankful I was able to take.
There is a special place for those of us that enjoy these stories and this one definitely pushed the envelope. From the vile descriptions of experiences the MC went through, to the final heartbreaking moments. This doesnt glorify or applaud the actions of the MC, but instead give a reason.
Another dark and demented trip into the mind of Ms. Snow, one which I am thankful I was able to take.
April 10, 2026
This review is for both Two little piggies and The Ugly Duckling and they’re both great gross out shorts. With so many bodily fluids and gross detail while also exploring the ugly side of body weight and bullying they’re both pretty good. Great for quick short grossness. 🐖 🪒🔪🐤🔫🎒
March 20, 2026
3.5
The random zingers 💀 the vibe of the blurb is so different from the writing lmao
The random zingers 💀 the vibe of the blurb is so different from the writing lmao
April 15, 2026
absolutely horrifc.
this book is so sick and sad in so many ways. It portrays a teenager, builled and abused by everyone around him, failed by the system, which was meant to keep him safe.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and also times where I wanted to VOMIT
this book is amazing.
this book is so sick and sad in so many ways. It portrays a teenager, builled and abused by everyone around him, failed by the system, which was meant to keep him safe.
I had a lot of fun reading this book and also times where I wanted to VOMIT
this book is amazing.
March 19, 2026
Violent & angry. A very good read.
April 16, 2026
Im so torn on this book .... I follow this author on Instagram and wanted to try this story as it intrigued me the most out of the series so far. She's a newer author and this is a shorter tale so I truly wanna give her benefit of the doubt!
You have to suspend your disbelief for this story A LOT. Teachers are mandated reporters no matter the age, they don't just ignore students with bruises/injuries on them consistently and oh my god the bullying is so stereotypical.
Another thing is I would have liked to see this book not paint Dylan with so much sympathy. School shooters and incels, while they may have reasons to do what they do, do NOT deserve sympathy for their depraved actions.
I like the gore but i will pay you a million dollars for splatterpunk authors for no more shit stuff. PLEASE ITS SO GROSS.
You have to suspend your disbelief for this story A LOT. Teachers are mandated reporters no matter the age, they don't just ignore students with bruises/injuries on them consistently and oh my god the bullying is so stereotypical.
Another thing is I would have liked to see this book not paint Dylan with so much sympathy. School shooters and incels, while they may have reasons to do what they do, do NOT deserve sympathy for their depraved actions.
I like the gore but i will pay you a million dollars for splatterpunk authors for no more shit stuff. PLEASE ITS SO GROSS.
April 15, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
A fantastic short revenge story filled to the brim with violence, gore and stuff to make you question what the hell you're reading.
Anne is very quickly proving herself as an icon in the world of extreme horror, can't wait for whatever is next!
A fantastic short revenge story filled to the brim with violence, gore and stuff to make you question what the hell you're reading.
Anne is very quickly proving herself as an icon in the world of extreme horror, can't wait for whatever is next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of receiving an advance copy of this latest release—the third publication from the emerging Splatterpunk and extreme horror author Anne Snow.
The story centres on Dylan, a young man regarded as a failure by his father, his school peers, and himself. Following one final, devastating episode of bullying and abuse, he reaches a breaking point and unleashes catastrophic violence in the form of gunfire.
As a British reader and educator working in a school environment, the concept of an active shooter incident remains mercifully distant from my daily reality. However, it forms a grim and recurring element of life for many American students and school staff. This cultural context lends the story a heightened sense of immediacy and authenticity for certain audiences. Regardless of one’s background, the narrative delivers a visceral, darkly humorous, and unapologetically grotesque reading experience—precisely what readers have come to anticipate from Snow’s work.
Prospective readers are strongly advised to review the trigger warnings in advance; the content is intensely disturbing and not for the faint of heart.
The story centres on Dylan, a young man regarded as a failure by his father, his school peers, and himself. Following one final, devastating episode of bullying and abuse, he reaches a breaking point and unleashes catastrophic violence in the form of gunfire.
As a British reader and educator working in a school environment, the concept of an active shooter incident remains mercifully distant from my daily reality. However, it forms a grim and recurring element of life for many American students and school staff. This cultural context lends the story a heightened sense of immediacy and authenticity for certain audiences. Regardless of one’s background, the narrative delivers a visceral, darkly humorous, and unapologetically grotesque reading experience—precisely what readers have come to anticipate from Snow’s work.
Prospective readers are strongly advised to review the trigger warnings in advance; the content is intensely disturbing and not for the faint of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to be given an ARC from the author. I recently found her work and the depravity of it really pulled me in.
Fair warning, there are many triggers and this isn't for the faint of heart. However, if you are looking to explore outside your comfort zone.. proceed with caution!
A brutal story of revenge and justice
following the rapid descent into the breaking point of a boy named Dylan who is taunted and tortured by his peers and family. This is an extreme reminder to be kind, because you never know how much someone is going to take.
With that being said, it is a gut wrenching and fast paced 23 pages that will quickly find you rooting for the protagonist. If you are a fan of extreme horror and splatterpunk, Anne Snow is an author you don't want to sleep on.
Fair warning, there are many triggers and this isn't for the faint of heart. However, if you are looking to explore outside your comfort zone.. proceed with caution!
A brutal story of revenge and justice
following the rapid descent into the breaking point of a boy named Dylan who is taunted and tortured by his peers and family. This is an extreme reminder to be kind, because you never know how much someone is going to take.
With that being said, it is a gut wrenching and fast paced 23 pages that will quickly find you rooting for the protagonist. If you are a fan of extreme horror and splatterpunk, Anne Snow is an author you don't want to sleep on.
April 25, 2026
Anne Snow is really limiting my diet.
First they ruined fudge and brownies. Now they've ruined coffee AND parmesan cheese. My doctor is going to be very happy. My taste buds are not.
Dylan is a boy terrorized on two fronts: at school by his peers, and at home by his father. Beaten down from every direction, he reaches a breaking point. His logic is brutal and simple: "If you're going to die, take people with you."
What follows is Snow doing what Snow does best: unhinged.
But underneath the gore is something worth sitting with. This is a commentary on bullying and the psychology behind why people snap, not justifying it, but probing it.
Trigger warnings are very much advised here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There once was an Ugly Duckling, who’d endured way too much. One day he’d had enough and he SNAPPED.
This short little book (23 pages) of horror at the level of abuse, neglect, bullying and torture one kid goes though really shoves it in your face about society and how nasty humans can be. Anywayyy.
Watch your gag reflex reading this one as it’s pretty grim!
If you’re a fan of the splatterpunk and extreme horror genre, Anne Snow is one to watch out for, her writing style is evolving with each book when you think ‘it can’t get any more fucked up’ IT DOES.
Morale of this gross book.. BE KIND.
This short little book (23 pages) of horror at the level of abuse, neglect, bullying and torture one kid goes though really shoves it in your face about society and how nasty humans can be. Anywayyy.
Watch your gag reflex reading this one as it’s pretty grim!
If you’re a fan of the splatterpunk and extreme horror genre, Anne Snow is one to watch out for, her writing style is evolving with each book when you think ‘it can’t get any more fucked up’ IT DOES.
Morale of this gross book.. BE KIND.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This lovely little story follows main character and ugly duckling, Dylan, and his spiral (to say the least) after being brutally bullied by pretty much everyone in his life.
What will Dylan do? Think you know? YOU DON’T. Because Anne Snow goes there, and then goes beyond. I cackled, I was horrified, I read a paragraph to my partner and he was mortified. If you love disgusting, and disturbing with bits of comedy, READ THIS. Read it to someone you hate, read it to someone you love, just read it.
What will Dylan do? Think you know? YOU DON’T. Because Anne Snow goes there, and then goes beyond. I cackled, I was horrified, I read a paragraph to my partner and he was mortified. If you love disgusting, and disturbing with bits of comedy, READ THIS. Read it to someone you hate, read it to someone you love, just read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another mighty, hard hitting, horrific story has blessed us and Anne Snow knows just how to keep you hooked and wanting more.
Our dear Dylan has endured but how much can one truly endure before one finally snaps and rains bulletshells?
Spend some time with Dylan and see. The whole 23 pages of quality time.
Dylan will take you on a painfully heartbreaking journey full of gore, dark humor and violence.
But believe me when I say you will not blame him one bit for it. Actually you might even cheer him on.
Our dear Dylan has endured but how much can one truly endure before one finally snaps and rains bulletshells?
Spend some time with Dylan and see. The whole 23 pages of quality time.
Dylan will take you on a painfully heartbreaking journey full of gore, dark humor and violence.
But believe me when I say you will not blame him one bit for it. Actually you might even cheer him on.
April 4, 2026
I thought Two Little Piggies was vivid and grotesque, but this one was on another level. Still, the way Anne Snow writes is absolutely incredible and I am a huge fan!
Shock and horror at it's finest, Anne delivers it all in this one. Morbid, revolting, monstrous, and frankly made me take much needed breaks while reading. A short story that is fast paced and unapologetically brutal.
Another amazing piece of work, highly recommend!
⚠️⚠️However please, please read the trigger warnings before proceeding⚠️⚠️
Shock and horror at it's finest, Anne delivers it all in this one. Morbid, revolting, monstrous, and frankly made me take much needed breaks while reading. A short story that is fast paced and unapologetically brutal.
Another amazing piece of work, highly recommend!
⚠️⚠️However please, please read the trigger warnings before proceeding⚠️⚠️
April 10, 2026
Quackers! This book is a combination of Marquis de Sade's 120 Days of Sodom and 13 Reasons Why if everyone was on bath salts. If you were abused in high school, check your triggers. The torment Dylan suffers from the jocks and his father is pretty brutal.
Anne Snow reminds us how so many of these tragic school shootings occur: when you're born in a world of constant abuse, and all you know is pain and anger, and all you can see is darkness...sometimes, you become the darkness. Gritty and disturbing. Not for the squeamish or light of heart.
Anne Snow reminds us how so many of these tragic school shootings occur: when you're born in a world of constant abuse, and all you know is pain and anger, and all you can see is darkness...sometimes, you become the darkness. Gritty and disturbing. Not for the squeamish or light of heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews