Step into the enchanting world of Alma Alexander’s Triads series, where magic, mystery, and raw human emotion weave unforgettable tales! This collection of seven short story anthologies blends fantasy with poignant storytelling, offering grown-up fairy tales, ghostly encounters, and meditations on love’s complexities. With her lyrical prose, Alma Alexander invites readers to explore realms that linger long after the final page.
Known as the 'Duchess of Fantasy,' Alexander crafts stories that feel like a connoisseur’s box of chocolates—dark, bittersweet, and meant to be savored. Whether you’re drawn to feline mysteries or the ache of lost love, the Triads series promises a literary journey unlike any other.
How Alma Alexander Triads Began
Alma Alexander, a scientist by training and a storyteller by passion, launched the Triads series in 2011 with Once Upon a Fairy Tale. Inspired by the dark, twisted fairy tales of Oscar Wilde and the emotional depth of Hans Christian Andersen, she sought to create stories that defied simplistic happy endings. Born in a country that no longer exists and shaped by a life across four continents, Alexander infused her tales with a global, timeless sensibility. The series grew over two years, each anthology of three stories exploring distinct themes, from mythical wonder to the supernatural.
The Heart of Alma Alexander Triads
The Triads series comprises seven books, each a trio of stories that delve into unique corners of fantasy and human experience. Once Upon a Fairy Tale, the first, reimagines classic fairy tales with a mature, poignant twist—think mermaids with tragic passions rather than predictable happily-ever-afters. Cat Tales, the second, celebrates the enigmatic bond between humans and cats, with stories ranging from sci-fi to young adult fantasy, all infused with feline magic. Haunted, the third, explores ghostly narratives, weaving tales of spirits that have haunted stories since antiquity. Finally, A Sense of Love, the seventh, dives into the irrational, sensory nature of love, portraying it as an ocean that engulfs the heart.
Alexander’s style is poetic and evocative, blending lush imagery with profound themes like sacrifice, courage, and the bittersweet nature of existence. The settings vary—some stories unfold in fantastical realms, others in worlds eerily close to our own—but all share a folkloric quality, reminiscent of ancient myths retold by a modern bard. Fans of Patricia McKillip or Guy Gavriel Kay will find a kindred spirit in Alexander’s ability to craft emotionally resonant, non-traditional narratives.
Why Alma Alexander Triads Resonates
Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the Triads series has carved a niche among fantasy readers who crave depth and originality. Its blend of fairy-tale nostalgia with adult complexity appeals to those seeking stories that challenge conventions. Alexander’s work, translated into 14 languages, reflects her universal appeal, drawing readers who appreciate her Middle Eastern and One Thousand and One Nights-inspired flair. The series’ lasting charm lies in its ability to make readers feel—whether it’s the ache of a lost love or the thrill of a cat’s secret knowledge.
The Triads also stand out for their brevity and precision. Each story is a polished gem, delivering emotional impact without excess. For readers tired of sprawling epics, this series offers a refreshing, bite-sized alternative that doesn’t sacrifice depth.
- Publication Years: 2011–2013
- Number of Books: 7
- Notable Themes: Magic, love, sacrifice, folklore
Grab Once Upon a Fairy Tale and dive into Alma Alexander’s Triads series—a world of fantasy where every story sparks wonder and introspection!