Hansel and Gretel and The Witch Sisters
By August Mariner
By August Mariner
About the Author: Born in Ohio, August embarked on his journey of self-discovery by joining the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Ground Equipment (A.G.E.) mechanic immediately after high school—an experience he regards as an honor and a privilege. However, rather than defining him, it illuminated who he was not, sparking a lifelong pursuit of identity and intellectual exploration.
His academic path led him through Missouri State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Louisiana State University at Shreveport, where he earned degrees at various levels, each expanding his perspective and interdisciplinary expertise. August’s diverse talents bridge the practical and the philosophical: a skilled mechanic, carpenter, design engineer, artist, and elementary school educator. Yet at his core, he is a philosopher and poet, deeply influenced by Greek thinkers, Camus, Jung, Erich Neumann, and Nietzsche. His poetry—raw, evocative, and unapologetically authentic—examines love, loss, and the contradictions of human nature, rejecting dogma in pursuit of truth.
A solitary thinker, August thrives in quiet contemplation, yet he equally relishes an impassioned, data-driven philosophical debate. Now residing in Louisiana, he continues to refine his craft, weaving together creativity, inquiry, and an ever-evolving search for meaning.
In Hansel and Gretel and The Witch Sisters, August Mariner breathes new life into the beloved fairy tale, crafting a mesmerizing gothic narrative. Hansel and Gretel, golden-haired siblings brimming with innocence, play in a sunlit meadow, unaware of the sinister forces lurking in the Black Forest’s heart. Their woodsman father, steadfast as the oaks he fells, and their mother, a beacon of warmth, face a creeping evil that threatens to tear their family apart. As the children encounter a mysterious candy-covered cottage, they must summon their courage to confront the dangers within, proving that love and unity can overcome even the darkest threats.
Mariner’s prose weaves a vivid tapestry of gothic imagery, from the eerie cottage glistening in the forest’s gloom to the silvery river whispering secrets to polished stones. The air is thick with the sharp tang of pine resin and the damp musk of moss, creating a world that pulls readers deep into the story’s heart. This tale of suspense and enchantment captures the magic of fairy tales while delivering a fresh, haunting narrative.
A Timeless Fairy Tale Reimagined
In an age of cultural disconnection, this novel revives the power of fairy tales as stories of resilience and unity. Drawing on the Brothers Grimm’s legacy of preserving folklore to strengthen identity, Mariner crafts a tale that speaks to modern hearts. The story’s focus on family and hope reminds readers of the strength found in shared bonds, making it a beacon of light in today’s fragmented world.
Gothic Splendor and Immersive Imagery
Mariner’s Black Forest is a sensory masterpiece. The mysterious cottage, cloaked in the forest’s shadows, pulses with intrigue, while the meadow’s golden haze and the river’s starlit ripples create a vivid backdrop. The scent of pine, the rustle of leaves, and the woodsman’s axe biting wood in a rhythmic pulse immerse readers in every moment, balancing suspense with the warmth of family.
Universal Themes of Courage and Connection
At its core, this is a story of family and resilience. Hansel and Gretel’s bravery, the woodsman’s steadfast love, and the mother’s enduring warmth weave a narrative of unity triumphing over adversity. The tale’s heart lies in the power of family bonds, offering hope to those facing their own challenges. These themes resonate with readers of all ages, bridging young adult and adult fiction.
A Showcase of August Mariner’s Vision
Hansel and Gretel and The Witch Sisters highlights Mariner’s distinctive voice—a blend of gothic storytelling and heartfelt emotion. Fans will look forward to his next work, Lilith: Eden’s Forsaken Queen, a biblical horror epic set in Salem, where courage battles an ancient darkness. Mariner’s eclectic background as a mechanic, engineer, artist, and educator infuses his writing with authenticity, promising a rich literary journey with Velvet Page Books.
Fairy Tale Enthusiasts: Fans of the Brothers Grimm, Angela Carter, or Neil Gaiman’s reimagined myths will adore Mariner’s gothic retelling, which honors tradition while forging new paths.
Dark Fantasy Readers: Those who love dark Gothic horror will be captivated by the novel’s eerie atmosphere and suspenseful narrative.
Young Adult and Adult Audiences: With brave young heroes and mature themes, the book appeals to readers aged eight and up, offering a story that grows with its audience.
Readers Seeking Meaningful Stories: Anyone who cherishes tales of family, courage, and triumph over adversity will find a home in this novel’s heartfelt narrative.
As Mariner notes in the book’s Closing Note, the Brothers Grimm preserved folklore to anchor cultural identity during times of upheaval. Today, when shared narratives are often fractured by digital noise, Hansel and Gretel and The Witch Sisters reminds us of the power of storytelling to unite and strengthen. The tale’s focus on family and hope mirrors our need for stories that ground us against isolation. By reading this book, you’re joining a legacy of storytelling that fortifies resilience and community.