Some like it dark, but these authors like it darker. Hitting while the iron is hot, the collective authors of the Dark Macbe are back with Darker Than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2, which has been released. Volume 2 features brand new indie authors and some returning favorites with extremely twisted original fairytale retellings.

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved: Volume 2 (An Indie Author Collective)

Published: April 26, 2025

Genre: Anthologies, Collection/ Fairytales/ Dark fantasy/ Dark fairytale retellings

Featured authors include:

Brooke Eisenhauer (debut)

Isaac Lotharius

Zaryn Finch

S.D. Paine

Ellen Winter

Alex Upchurch

Bille Nicks

Grace Vice

Hannah L, Evens

Memo Rable

S.A. McDaniel (debut)

Emmy Crimson (debut)

Gareth Davies

Selina Shaw (debut)

Synopsis

Once upon a time, the unloved found solace in the dark.

In this collection of original fairytales, fourteen authors weave stories where love is lost, hope is twisted, and happily-ever-afters rot beneath gilded lies. Here, innocence is devoured, monsters wear familiar faces, and the cruelest wishes come true.

These are not tales of warmth. They are whispers from forgotten corridors, nightmares stitched in ink, and warnings etched in shadow.

Turn the page, but tread carefully–some stories never let go.

Content Warning: For Mature Readers

REVIEW

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved  Volume Two once again mixes classic fairytale retellings, such as the twistedly romantic retelling of Hansel and Gretel in “Blood Maidens” (Billie Nicks) or the beautifully brutal Sleeping Beauty revenge tale “Greenbrier” (Brooke Eisen) 

Along with original fairytale-inspired tales, including the succulent “Feed Me Honey” (Ellen Winter) or the fiercely Fem-rage “ Forest Trials” (S.D. Paine). Or the dementedly disturbing pixie popping forever seared in my mind, “Don’t Curse Me This Way” (Isaac Lotharius). 

I think the only story with a maybe happily ever after is “Whispers of a Goblin Heart” (Zaryn Finch) that will make me look at Groot in a whole new way. I also have to mention  “The Path” because of the ending…I nearly dropped my Kindle with a scoff. It was horrifyingly brilliant, I loved it. So, have I enticed you enough?

Surprisingly, I enjoyed volume two a bit more than the first volume. I can honestly say Volume 2 traumatized me a tad, and I liked it. Darker than Dark Fairytales‘ goal was to go darker, and they did. They did it superbly, too, as these stories will definitely haunt my mind and soul.

⭐  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ( 5 out of 5 stars)

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2 is an Indie author collection. To learn more, follow them on Instagram. 

@authorkisarayen_amitygrey

@author.mehdi_fakhrahmad

@authorhannahgardiner

@author.garethiandavies

@gracevicebooks

@authorbillienicks

@opheliasts

@ellenwinter_author

@everafterauthor

@authorfortunalux

This will also be the debut in the author world for: 

@the_moonlite_writer

@sabineamcdaniel

@shawberrytart

@a.heather.renee_emmy.crimson