Review of "The Taking Tree" by Emily C. Skaftun

"The Taking Tree" by Emily C. Skaftun appeared in Daily Science Fiction on May 6, 2013.  "A chopped down apple tree comes back to life and reaps revenge on the little children with whom it comes into contact."

I am partial to stories that feature trees, having written more than one myself.  I also enjoy original faerie tales and stories that give a new twist to or insight into a old faerie tale (which Ms. Skaftun does for "The Giving Tree").  "The Taking Tree" is flawed by the mention of the memory of a boy who used to play in the tree and some confusion as to whether that boy grew up to be the old man who chopped down the tree; however, the story is otherwise well-told.  The ending could have been creepier, but that is just a matter of taste.  I'll give this one 4 out of 7 rocket-dragons.