Red as Blood - A Deep Dive Review

by Tanith Lee (Author)

Updated at: 04/02/2025

Tanith Lee, celebrated as the "Goddess-Empress of the Hot Read," delivers a chilling reimagining of classic fairy tales in Red as Blood. Forget the Disneyfied versions; this 30th-anniversary edition plunges into the darker, more horrifying possibilities hinted at in the Brothers Grimm's original stories. Lee masterfully inverts familiar narratives, turning Snow White's queen into a wronged innocent and questioning the wisdom of awakening Sleeping Beauty. Expect twisted plots, unsettling characters, and a new Grimmer tale exclusive to this collection. Prepare for a journey into the truly sinister heart of fairytale lore, where the lines between good and evil blur into a terrifying, unforgettable experience.

4.7 / 65 ratings

Review Red as Blood

Tanith Lee's Red as Blood isn't your grandmother's fairy tale collection. Oh, it has the familiar characters – Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Rapunzel, even Little Red Riding Hood – but Lee throws them into a blender with a generous shot of darkness, a dash of sensuality, and a whole lot of unsettling ambiguity. This isn't a collection for the faint of heart; it’s a sophisticated reimagining that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about happily-ever-afters.

What struck me most was Lee's incredible prose. It's poetic, evocative, and at times, almost hypnotically beautiful. The descriptions are lush and vivid, drawing you into these twisted versions of classic stories with such ease that you almost forget the disturbing undercurrents. But it's not just pretty words; Lee's writing is intensely clever and layered. There's a depth to her narratives, a complexity that requires careful attention. I found myself rereading passages, letting the implications sink in, trying to decipher the subtle shifts in power dynamics and moral landscapes she skillfully creates. This isn't a casual read; it's a book that demands to be savored, pondered, and discussed.

Each story is a unique gem, a testament to Lee’s imaginative brilliance. The retelling of Snow White, the titular "Red as Blood," immediately grabs you with its vampire twist, offering a thrillingly unexpected perspective on the familiar narrative. "Thorns," her take on Sleeping Beauty, is genuinely creepy, leaving a lingering sense of unease long after you finish reading. And "Wolfland," my personal favorite, completely subverts the Little Red Riding Hood story, leaving you questioning the very definition of villainy. The author doesn't shy away from exploring themes of female agency, power, and the ambiguous nature of good and evil, often twisting these themes into something far more complex and fascinating than the original source material. Even the shorter pieces, like "The Princess and Her Future," leave a lasting impression, showcasing Lee’s ability to craft compelling narratives even within constrained word counts.

While the book is a delight for dark fantasy fans, its brilliance transcends genre. The sheer artistry of Lee's writing makes it a rewarding experience for any reader who appreciates exceptional prose and thought-provoking narratives. However, I do want to add a note of caution: this is not a children's book. The themes and imagery are definitely for mature readers, those comfortable with ambiguity and disturbingly beautiful narratives that challenge traditional notions of fairy tales. Finding a copy might require some hunting, as it's out of print, but trust me, the effort is well worth it. This collection is a rare and precious find, a testament to Lee's unparalleled talent and a book that I suspect I will revisit many times in the future. It's a book that stays with you, whispering its dark and captivating secrets long after you've turned the final page.