Angela Slatter wowed me recently with [b:Of Sorrow and Such|25819513|Of Sorrow and Such|Angela Slatter|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440038895s/25819513.jpg|45487113] - making me hungry for more of her brand of dark, fairytale like writing. Female characters are Slatter's specialty and she certainly shines in this, a collection of short stories; some fairytale retellings, others original fantasy - all presenting the reader with a great array of female (and a few male) protagonists, antagonists, as well those who sit in between.

My particular favourites were the anthologies titular tale, The Girl With No Hands, The Hummingbird Heart and the Jacaranda Wife. For such short tales each and every one presents the reader with a fully formed cast of characters and a world which sparks with magic. The genders are treated and represented with equal care and consideration, and even the foulest of villains is written in a way which is very far from the cardboard, black and white view presented in traditional tales of their kind.

A beautiful read, highly recommended.