Title: Puss
Author: Esther M. Friesner
In: Snow White, Blood Red (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fairy tales
Dates read: 28th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Signet
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: Wizard? My sister asked, nose wrinkling with greed.

A dark, adult twist on the classic fairytale of Puss in Boots. One that I find far more interesting and fun.

I kind of loved this version of Puss-in-Boots. After all, the original was so PG, and kind of didn’t explain just why the cat was so loyal and giving to his owners. There was just something a little too innocent about it, and I don’t love the idea of a character who is obviously powerful and intelligent from weighing hand and foot on such a horrible, selfish and downright irritating man. This short story put that all to rights.

I loved the idea of a contract and a blood oath to keep puss tied to his owners. The dark pacts that are made in a way that kind of surprised me, but definitely made me incredibly happy. It also added this great fantasy element to the fairy tale that I wasn’t expecting. One that I wish could be expanded on. After all, there is a whole race of beings that are able to help humans, make pacts with them and be changed. Something that intrigues me… and makes me yearn for more.

<- A Sound, Like Angels Singing Review

The Glass Casket Review ->

Image source: Amazon