The Girl Who Ruled Fairyland is a lovely short story, a prequel, to CV’s other Fairyland stories.  I’m not going to go into great depth about it in this review because it’s only a very short story that you could devour in one quick sitting.  I don’t advise you to do so however, take your time a little and linger over the words.  In typical Valente style we have a beautiful little story filled with magic, lovely characters and whimsical writing.  Valente is a master of words and it’s a joy to read her stories.  The only problem with this being that it’s so quickly over!  On the other hand of course there’s always the option to reread.

The story features Mallow, who simply wants to stay at home and read her books.  She practices magic, a little.  She likes to be left alone, apart from trading for goods with the other inhabitants of Fairy.  I don’t suppose she’s a recluse, any more than I would be if I had the opportunity to stay at home and do exactly what I want!!  However, times seem  to be changing.  The residents of fairyland are being called to a gathering and a tithe will be called for.  None of them can really recall what a tithe is to be fair as it’s been so long since one was last taken but a general sense of foreboding takes hold.

Rather than say much more I wanted to give a couple of quotes from the book that I loved and highlighted as I read:

“a life is only so long.  It should be spent in as much peace and good eating and good reading as possible and no undue excitement.  That is all I am after”

“Curiosity woke with sharp teeth within her”

I highlighted more but thought better of regurgitating the full book here.  Instead go and buy it and read it for yourself.

A lovely tale, beautifully written.