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Release Date: October 1, 2026
Size: 7.5 × 9.25 inches, 134 pages
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-57869-331-3
eBook ISBN: 978-1-57869-227-9
Library of Congress Control Number: 2026908598
Booksellers and Libraries: Order Info Here or at Ingram.
Synopsis
An illustrated collection of twenty-five short stories and poems based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, which were sanitized in their time, reducing the violence so they could be read to children—but these new tall tales are not for children. In Beyond Grimm, some stories are simple, others more thought-provoking, but all of them—by twisting known fairy tales to be darker and more amusingly gory and violent—restore for adults the fun of reading about fanciful characters who are demented, bloodsucking, and get the end they deserve. Written by award-winning author, poet, and playwright Alan S. Kessler and illustrated by Kali Kahn.
Praise
“Shockingly funny with touches of horror, irreverence, and snark…Kessler is not only skilled at putting a brilliant, dark twist on a tale, but he can beautifully string a sentence together…Kahn’s offbeat illustrations perfectly compliment Kessler’s twisted takes on ancient stories and poems, creating in “Beyond Grimm” a winning collection for fairy tale aficionados, fans of well-written light horror, and lovers of dark humor.”
—Kathyrn Atwood for Midwest Book Review
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“With a blend of shock, horror, suspense, and intrigue, Beyond Grimm is a scrumptious treat for dark fantasy lovers. I absolutely loved this collection. It's delightfully wicked. Kessler has an amazing ability to pull you in from the very first page, and the twists and turns are so unpredictable and clever that you're completely glued to the pages... These narratives are absurd and surreal, and packed with mystery and tension… you will find yourself constantly surprised by the unexpected reveals and other machinations of these plots… If you enjoy dark fantasy and short stories, this will be right up your alley.”
—Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite, 5-Star Review
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“Kessler takes well-known tales and rhymes such as ‘Little Red Riding Hood,’ ‘Hansel and Gretel,’ and ‘Humpty Dumpty’ and gives them a nightmare-ish gothic makeover. Even knowing what to expect I was still surprised by how quickly the stories turned grizzly… Beyond Grimm is a fun, satisfying collection… amazing artwork… and a hauntingly enjoyable look at what could have happened if our favorite fairy tale characters had chosen different, more bloody, paths.”
—Miriam Atkinson for Lair of Reviews
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“Visceral and unrestrained… stories are reimagined in morally corrupt, violent, or supernatural forms, creating a reading experience that is both familiar and disturbingly new… these stories challenge readers to confront the more primal and unsettling origins of fairy tale tradition… Many tales explore themes of justice, revenge, and corruption, often delivering endings that are harsh but fitting... Kessler’s writing embraces a stylized, almost mythic quality, blending poetic elements with graphic and imaginative storytelling. The result is a collection that feels both literary and deliberately provocative. Kahn’s illustrations further enhance the atmosphere, reinforcing the eerie and unsettling tone of the book while adding visual depth to the narratives… Readers who enjoy horror-infused fairy tales, twisted folklore, and reinterpretations of classic myths will likely find this collection compelling.”
—Jayran Main for Review Tales
Reviews & In the News
Lair of Reviews, July 19, 2026: Book Review: ‘Beyond Grimm’ by Alan S Kessler
Reedsy Discovery, June 30, 2026: Review by Miriam Atkinson “Loved it! 😍”
Review Tales, June 21, 2026: Beyond Grimm: Stories & Rhymes from the Dark Corners of Fairyland By Alan S. Kessler (Book Review #2366)
Readers’ Favorite, May 31, 2026: 5-Star Review
MeET THE AUTHOR & Illustrator
Author photo, courtesy.
Alan S. Kessler (pictured left) is a poet, playwright, and novelist who creates complex and flawed characters in stories exploring the nature of good and evil and the corrosive effect of racism, abuse, and social injustice. His novels have won awards with the Eric Hoffer Book Award and the Faulkner Society. He lives in Central Vermont.
Kali Kahn (pictured right) is a mixed media artist originally from Montpelier, Vermont currently living in Leesburg, Virginia. She studied art at the Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts. Her major influences include the animation of Hayao Miyazaki; the illustrated graphic novel series of Neil Gaiman; and animated series such as Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
Illustrator photo, courtesy.