Now imagine if someone came and STOMPED ON ALL THOSE WONDERFUL THINGS AND THEN THREW UP ON THEM FOR GOOD MEASURE, WHILST YOU HUDDLED IN A CORNER AND PLEADED FOR THEM TO STOP.

This is what "Tender Morsels" is like.

Loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale, "Snow White and Rose Red" (which should not be confused with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves), "Tender Morsels" is rather dark and disturbing rendition of the classic tale. All the essential components are there; magic, bears, two very different girls and a cranky dwarf but DO NOT BE FOOLED GUYS. This is like grabbing a copy of "The Hunger Games", taking a permanent marker, crossing out the title, writing the word "Twilight" above the original title and then giving it to your friend saying, "Here, it's essentially the same thing. Both books have a female protagonist(!!)"

I don't really want to talk about the plot cause really, what is a plot anyway? I mean, it's not going to give you an idea of the quality of the book. But I suppose I have to, just to give you idea.

(This is copied word by word from the blurb)

"Liga's life is filled with dark hearts and terrible deeds, until natural magic creates sanctuary for her and her daughters. But they can't escape the real world forever, and other forces are at work: magicked bears and greedy mischief-man break in and distrub their peace. And what happens when a girl decides she doesn't want to be protected?"

There. That doesn't tell you much does it? But trust me when I say that it was one of the most well-written books I have ever read. Margo Lanagan is such a supremely talented writer. It really was heartbreaking/funny/tragic/beautiful despite the horror and revulsion of the first 50 pages or so. Yes I know I am being ambiguous by not addressing the issues outright but I can't help it. I don't want to turn you off the book by saying what happens. It ruins the fun!

Anyways if you get the chance, read it. It really is a beautiful story but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Don't be fooled by the seemingly-innocent cover guys. IT IS REALLY DECEIVING.

Okay this was probably the crappiest reivew of a book ever. To end off, I'll just word-vomit a whole bunch of words associated with the story, in the hope that they will somehow clear things up. (Don't read if you don't want spoilers)

BEARS GIRLS MAGIC INCEST REALITY WITCH DAUGHTERS GREED FAMILY FORESTS SEWING HOUSE TOWN DAD TERRIBLE HORROR HEAVEN MOON-BABY WOLF CLIFF LAND SEX CREEPY BOYS-DISGUISED-AS-BEARS KISSING GEM FLOWERS MOM DEATH LIFE ESCAPE SORCEROR NO-EMOTION WHITE RED PARADISE TREES LAKE WINDOW MUDDY-ANNIE LIGA HOPE TRANSFORMATION GOLD RUBIES

.... and yeah, I can't really think of any more.