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Cover of SLASHED BEAUTIES
3.81

Based on 277 Goodreads ratings

SLASHED BEAUTIES

by a wealthy sea captain, Elizabeth is opening her own “genteel” establishment—”a sérail, no less”—offering “entertainment and fine company.” For half of what Eleanor earns “entertaining” rich men, Elizabeth will train, clothe, house, and feed her. Eleanor moves into Elizabeth’s opulently furnished King Street rooms, where she meets and develops an immediate affection for fellow new hire Emily. Needing capital, Elizabeth negotiates payment for the three of them to serve as models for wax anatomical Venuses designed to entice medical students through a local anatomist’s studio door. Meanwhile, in the present day, antiques dealer Alys acquires Elizabeth’s wax form, having already secured Eleanor’s and what remains of Emily’s. Preternaturally captivating on their own, legend has it that when united, the three “slashed beauties” assume human form, hunting and killing “any man who has dared to look at them lustfully.” Alys’ family has a “long connection” with the Venuses, and she knows it’s her destiny to destroy them\u003B however, certain diabolical forces will do whatever it takes to stop her. The first\u002Dperson, present\u002Dtense narration alternates between Eleanor and Alys, their stories informing each other while unfolding in tandem. Though the mechanics of the Venuses’ dark magic are at times confusingly vague, Rushby’s prose is lush and vivid, her characters are tragically complex, and Emily and Eleanor’s mutual devotion proves the perfect foil for the macabre tale’s more gruesome elements."

Book Details

Publisher:In
Published:1769-01-01
Pages:385
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780593954

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This chilling collection of horror stories reimagines classic fairy tales with a sharp, contemporary edge, delivering spine-tingling twists on familiar narratives. The author masterfully blends the c...

Our Review

This chilling collection of horror stories reimagines classic fairy tales with a sharp, contemporary edge, delivering spine-tingling twists on familiar narratives. The author masterfully blends the comforting structure of folklore with genuinely unsettling psychological and supernatural terror, creating a reading experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. Each story serves as a dark reflection of its source material, exploring themes of vengeance, transformation, and the monstrous hiding within the mundane. The prose is sharp and visceral, pulling readers into worlds where happy endings are a distant memory and survival is the only prize.

What truly distinguishes this anthology is its sophisticated character work, giving depth and agency to figures often relegated to archetypes in their original forms. Teen and adult horror fans who appreciate the grimdark reimaginings of authors like Angela Carter or the unsettling fairy tale comics of Emily Carroll will find much to savor here. The collection doesn't just rely on gore but builds a pervasive sense of dread that lingers long after the final page is turned, solidifying its place as a standout in the dark fantasy genre.

Themes

Political participation

Subjects

Political participation