With my new fairy tale novel on the way, I thought I’d take a moment to share some of my personal favorite fairy tale retelling novels!
Experiencing various adaptations of folklore is one of my favorite pass-times, so it will be no surprise to say this is one of my most-read genres. I had a lot of books to sort through before settling on this list, but when I think back on the many fairy tale novels I’ve read over the years, these are the ones that stand out the most in my mind. Each one of these books had something that really got my attention, and I can confidently recommend them as memorable and enchanting reads for anyone who likes fantasy, fairy tales, or just… good stories.
So without further ado, here are my Top Six Favorite Fairy Tale Retellings!
By Stacy Jay
Inspired by Briar-Rose and The Seven Swans
Combining two fairy tales into one YA adventure, this book follows Aurora, a princess carrying the burden of a terrible blessing, and Niklaas, a prince who is desperate to avoid a dreadful fate.
I liked this book for its compelling action and uniquely flavored world; it was easy for me to slip into the story and stay there through every chapter. I liked the two lead characters, even though they did at times make me want to pull my hair out due to decisions they made. I can’t blame them–they lead complicated lives. The way their respective magical difficulties are set up made for a rather delicious and awful conflict, but I won’t share more than that.
Part of the plot involved a quest to save a lost sibling, and I am a huge fan of that device in fiction. Having several younger siblings myself, I appreciate when an oldest child demonstrates a level of devotion that will drive them from safety to save the one who was lost.
5. FAIREST SON
By H.S.J. Williams
Inspired by Snow White
This loose, gender-swapped adaptation of Snow White follows Idris, a prince of the fae courts, and Keeva, a human huntress with a mission, as their lives are drawn together in what will be a life-changing adventure for both of them.
The way Williams re-arranged the elements of this fairy tale was really cool to see. Idris, the Snow-White figure, is a beautifully kind and innocent individual, something that’s unusual for fictional male characters, and quite refreshing to experience as a reader. Keeva, who by contrast is a bit more worldly and disillusioned, has a good dynamic with him that I found very interesting.
There was quite a lot of Biblical themes threaded throughout this novel, which I very much like. In the tradition of Tolkien and Lewis, H.S.J. Williams is an author who always finds a way to weave truth into her writings.
4. THE WORKS OF SARAH PENNINGTON
(almost all of them inspired by fairy tales)
I’m kind of cheating with this entry, but Pennington’s works were really tripping me up as I tried to compile this list. They’re all just SUCH good retellings, I couldn’t decide between them! So here’s a quick run-down of some of her best.
The Bastian Dennel, PI series is set in a fantasy world inspired by 1920s-era city life, with hints of detective-noir. If you like stories that feature the twisty, magical culture of the Fae, this series is for you. Pennington frames classic fairy tales such as Cinderella, or East of the Sun and West of the Moon as missing-person mysteries, which is a really delightful idea and it plays out very well. My favorite is the second of the series, Gilded in Ice.
Through a Shattered Glass is a standalone novel that takes the story of the Snow Queen and reimagines it in the world of Wonderland, with a dark twist that made it a very stressful but wonderful read. I loved the two leads in this one–they were both such good characters, and even though the book was short, all things considered, I felt I really knew them by the end. This book also has a trope that I adore; a young woman who sets out on a quest to find her true love. Mmmm… that’s a great way to sell me on a story. I don’t know, I think it’s the bravery and initiative that appeals to me.
The Daughters of Atirse series follows a family of sisters, all princesses of a Irish/Celtic-inspired land. Each book so far follows a different sister as they make their way in the world, living through combinations of fairy tales that are masterfully blended. What sets these books apart is the way that the author does her cultural and historical research! Even though they are set in a fantasy world, the books still hold quite a few informative nods to real historical customs and traditions. Illusion’s Reign is Pennington’s most recent book, retelling the story of The Goose Girl and Puss in Boots.
3. ENTWINED
By Heather Dixon
Inspired by The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Princess Azalea’s coming-of-age birthday is darkened by the untimely passing of her mother. She and her eleven younger sisters are left desolate in the wake of her death, and to make matters worse, their father the king is called off to war, abandoning them to face their sorrow alone. Forbidden by the strict societal rules of mourning from dancing, which had been the girls’ only solace, Azalea seeks out a way to help her siblings through their grief by exploring a magical pathway hidden inside the palace.
This retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses has a lot going for it. First of all, the writing style and setting is like a combination of Dianna Wynne Jones’s detail-packed narratives and Jane Austen’s tone. Second, the twists and turns Dixon puts on the story are quite clever.
Azalea is an entertaining character; she is a good, responsible sister, who goes through some very understandably extreme emotions throughout the story. She is far from perfect, as she has a difficult time understanding opinions and values other than her own. She grows throughout the book, which is cool to see.
The sisters closed to her in age are given the spotlight as well, and even the ones who are not main characters have memorable traits that help to set them apart.
Each of the three eldest siblings ends up with a love interest by the end of the book, and I adore each of them in their own way. Seriously, the male leads in this book are so charming. ❤ Loopign back around to the whole Dianna Wynne Jones and Jane Austen thing, one ML seems to come straight out of a Jones book, another is HIGHLY reminiscent of an Austen man, while the other feels like a hero from a Gothic romance.
Anyway, long story short, I highly recommend this one.
2. THE LUNAR CHRONICLES
By Marissa Meyer
(inspired by several fairy tales)
Set in a distant future, after World War III, this sci-fi fantasy series follows Cinder, an orphan cyborg girl raised in the great Common Wealth of China. Despite believing herself destined to be a lowly mechanic all her life, Cinder soon finds herself drawn to the kind and handsome Prince Kai–and her interest in him soon catapults her into a world of conspiracies, rebellion, and war.
Each book in this series features a new main character, each of whom is inspired by a classic fairy tale heroine and her love interest. I thought it was really cool how old tales took shape in the new setting, and when the character’s paths eventually begin to intersect, it’s so neat. The team dynamic that develops between the ragtag bunch is quite endearing. The sci-fi setting is super cool, and I liked how the worldbuilding was done. The antagonists of the series also stand out to me; they are truly heinous individuals, yet still complex and interesting to know.
And the romance… the ROMANCE. Augh…. it’s good romance. My favorite by far happens in book two, but I don’t want to say too much about any of them because it’s better if you just read it for yourself.
This series twisted my poor little heart around. The stakes and emotions are high, and Meyer does not pull her punches. Again, I don’t want to say too much about it. But it was good. Very good.
By Naomi Novik
Inspired by Rumpelstiltskin and Lithuanian/Polish/Russian Folklore
Miryam is a woman of fierce loyalty and a talent for financial management. Wanda is a peasant who has always longed for a family worth protecting. Irina is a noblewoman who has always known that she has little charm but for her resourcefulness.
These three women, all from different backgrounds, might never have crossed paths–but when Miryam’s success draws the attention of the cruel and mysterious King of the Staryk, she and the others are thrust together into a complicated struggle between ice, fire, greed, and love.
This is one of the best fairy tale retellings I have ever read; the sheer creativity involved continues to amaze me. There are a lot of characters, and seeing the story unfold through their perspective is fascinating. The world, heavily inspired by Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian culture, is super cool too. I loved all three main characters; they were unique among the many female characters I have read. The different ways they choose to show compassion and love is something that I found incredibly interesting.
This next bit will get into spoiler territory, but it’s worth mentioning that Spinning Silver is one of the only books I have seen to properly do the Enemies-to-Lovers trope. Like, it’s not just a matter of two people who occasionally fight learning that they are actually attracted to each other and want to kiss, then finding out that they actually have very few differences to put aside. In this book, the enemies who become lovers are honest to goodness enemies. Diametrically opposed. Philosophical opposites. And the antagonists in question are, like, actually bad. How does this dynamic work as a romance? Well, that’s complicated. There’s some blue-and-orange morality at play, but more importantly, there is a slow build-up of understanding and respect. It’s really cool!
Spinning Silver is a little bit less squeaky-clean than the others on this list, but there is no spice. And the story is so solid and interesting that I find the pay-off well worth the read. Again, one of the best adaptations of a fairy tale I’ve experienced.
So there you have it! These are my top six favorite fairy tale retellings! Whether you already love the genre and are looking for books to add to your collection, or you’ve never read a fairy tale novel and want to get into them, I highly recommend each of these titles to you.
Keep an eye out for my fairy tale retelling, Thief, Witch, & Liar, coming May 25th this spring! If you like any of the books you’ve seen on this list, you’ll probably like this one too. 😉
–Emmarayn
Glorious Stories 
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