A easy to read and quite enjoyable group of short stories. These thirteen tales take many iconic myths from the season and twists them into 13 YA Tales of horror. It was a lot of fun, a clockwork puppy that eats people, a machete santa, krampus, killer snowmen, this book has it all. It was also a blast to read.

Stands somewhere between the Bruce Coville's Book of... anthologies and the Gammell-illustrated Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark collections. A good fit for the juvenile or very early young-adult market, although I personally didn't... jive? jive... with the writing styles. (Are sentence fragments supposed to be a young adult thing?)

Oh was this ever a treat to read! It seems geared for a younger group of people perhaps middle school but it is so very good that anyone should enjoy reading it. The title says it all. We think of Christmas as warm and cuddly sitting by a fire with hot chocolate and love all around but we forget that there can be another side to Christmas (think A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens). Every story is completely original and well written and I was so tempted to to let my kids read a few of them but as it was an ARC, I decided to just boast about the book and attempt to find it for them for next Christmas. It is a perfect blend of delicious horror but diluted enough for young people. If your children love scary books like Goosebumps or similar novels or series then take a good look at this one especially for the Christmas season. I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for this treat :) ( )

Oddly, I actually liked these. Some were better than others, as you always get in an anthology, but I really, really enjoyed this book! The stories were short, but the last sentence always stuck with you. Totally worth the time it takes to read this. 4.5 out of 5 stars. ( )

I received this book via LibraryThing as part of their monthly Early Reviewer program.

The anthology is aimed at Middle grade readers. Each of the short stories are quick, uncomplicated reads which deliver a darker side to the typically upbeat Christmas. They all pack a punch as they close their story and are very entertaining. A perfect reminder that frights should continue even at Christmas, and what you wish for may not always be what you want. ( )