This book was a very important volume in the series in relation to the Snow/Bigby storyline. I gave it five stars because the storytelling is really awesome. I was really surprised at the direction Willingham took with their offspring. It totally makes sense. There is some angst associated with the situation because things aren't pointing towards a happy ever after so far for a couple who is starting to become one of my mega ships, especially in comic books. I just love the heck out of both Snow and Bigby, both separately and as a couple. We got to see Bigby's adventures during WWII and his relationship with a soldier he met during that time. I am a huge fan of the supernatural WWII spin and War Stories goes in that direction. I have to say that Bigby reminds me a lot of Wolverine at times. I don't know if that is intentional or not or just a coincidence. All I know is the more I see of Bigby, the more I appreciate his character.

Outside of their storyline, there were other interesting dynamics in this novel. We see Cinderella's secret life and how important a role she plays to Fabletown. There's definitely more than meets the eye with her.

I wish I had felt like writing my review sooner, because I know I didn't do this book justice. However, I can definitely say that don't let my short review convince any readers that I don't have good reasons for loving this book. To me, Willingham has continued his streak of excellent storytelling with this book.

He brings on more of the pain as we see hard choices made in this story and personal sacrifices that have to hurt like heck. Although I had some bittersweet moments, this book experience is of the kind that brings to mind an excellent dessert that lingers on your taste buds long after you finish eating it.

This was such a good GN, I started it and was sucked back into Fabletown and out of my own world. Now, Mr. Willingham, you know how to do a fairy retelling very well. While I found some parts of this book quite graphic and disturbingly violent, it fits in with the storyline and the series and the grim kind of world of fairy tales, and the situations that the characters find themselves in.

I never did like Bluebeard. I was prejudiced by his past of murdering his wives. It's really hard to get past that, especially in absence of a changed life and persona. That Goldilocks has some issues (even outside of her unconventional relationship with the Bear family). As usual, Prince Charming is being a scoundrel and manipulating situations to his advantage.

Can I tell you how much I love Snow and Bigby and their relationship? My fingers are crossed that the forthcoming stories don't take their courtship into the dumpster, especially after the interesting conclusion in this volume.

I remembered why I didn't give this a higher rating. I didn't like Jack's parts as much, although they were good folktale stories. Jack is a rascal and not in a good way. But it's nice to get his in between story.

I feel a whole lot of affection for this series so far. In fact, I picked up the next three volumes and Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland because I couldn't help myself.

Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.