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A biracial teen is forced into a betrothal with an enigmatic lord. A Latina teen races to recover her stolen identity and escape a dark fae court. A Black teen with forbidden abilities rescues his lover from a dystopian regime.

In Once Upon A Realm, familiar fairy tales are reenvisioned and reborn as six authors from Black and/or Latina backgrounds create novella-length stories that transport readers to fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian worlds. Each story shatters stereotypes and challenges traditional narratives, inviting readers to see themselves reflected in tales of adventure, magic, romance, and strength. Fans of The Lunar Chronicles, A Blade So Black, A Curse So Dark and Lonely, and Cinderella is Dead will fall in love with these fresh, fierce takes on fairy tales.

This collection includes:

Red in the Woods by K. R. S. McEntire, inspired by Little Red Riding Hood

Shadow and Song by Montrez, inspired by Peter Pan

Circuits and Nerve by Alicia Ellis, inspired by Hansel and Gretel

These Sapphire Walls by Krystina Coles, inspired by Bluebeard

A Bloodstained Sun by E. M. Lacey, inspired by Snow White

Waking Up by R. L. Medina, inspired by Sleeping Beauty

Reviews

“his collection fully embraces the darker, twisted themes deep in the familiar stories and exposes them in ways that pierce deep to the core of what it is to be human in all aspects, including the things we run and hide from.” – Amazon Review

“Loved this set of 6 diverse (in ethnicity, culture and unique way of doing things rather than sexuality) retellings, which can also partly go under the bipoc tag. The overall feel for the set is – imaginative, wall-to-wall genres united by a common fairytale retelling thread and quite an enjoyable soundbite read if yu’re looking for new indie authors to pick up. ” – Amazon Review

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