Captivating Fairy Tale Retellings
For many, their reading journey began with fairytales. Cinderella’s glass slipper, Little Red Riding Hood’s deadly encounter with the Big Bad Wolf, and Peter Pan’s Neverland adventures define childhood memories. And as time passes, our love for these stories and fables remains, but we crave more. More action. More romance. More magic. And more characters with depth.
Enter fairy tale retellings and reimaginings. Whether you’re craving a nail-biting adventure or a swoon-worthy romance, these YA novels breathe new life into some of your favorite timeless tales. From the stories that inspired classic Disney movies to ancient folklore passed down through generations, this list has you covered.
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Add to BookshelfAkata Witch
by Nnedi Okorafor
Inspired by Nigerian culture and politics, and African cosmology, folklore, and tradition, New York Times bestselling author Nnedi Okorafor tells the story of Sunny Nwazue, an albino living in Nigeria. When it’s discovered she possesses latent magical powers, she must head off to train how to control them. Imaginative, inventive, and enchanting, this series, affectionately dubbed the “the Nigerian Harry Potter,” is packed with mythological wonder and will leave you in awe.
Don’t forget to catch the sequel, Akata Woman, named one of Time magazine’s “100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time”.
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Midnight Strikes
by Zeba Shahnaz
Despite being an outsider, Anaïs attended the kingdom’s glittering anniversary ball. Suddenly, at the stroke of twelve, an explosion kills everyone at the palace. But then, she suddenly wakes up in her bedroom, hours before the ball. How? Stuck in a time loop, she’s forced to relive the deadly event over and over again. With fantastical world-building and plot twists, this Cinderella needs to figure out how to make it past midnight.
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Snow & Poison
by Melissa de la Cruz
From Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times bestselling author of The Isle of the Loss, comes a historical fantasy retelling of Snow White. It’s the 17th century in Bavaria and Lady Sophie’s got a problem — she’s in love with Philip, heir to the Spanish throne. When his father, the king, finds out, he commands her death. Will this Snow White get a happy ending? Or will love cost her her life?
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The Princess and the Fangirl
by Ashley Poston
From New York Times bestselling romance author Ashley Poston comes a geeky love story that will send your heart swooning. Imogen Lovelace, an ordinary girl, and Jessica Stone, a famous actress in the Starfield franchise, switch places at ExcelsiCon. While it’s creepy how the two look so much alike, they couldn’t be any more different, which is what makes this modern-day Prince and the Pauper and Cinderella mashup so wonderfully entertaining!
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$10.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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When You Wish Upon a Star
by Elizabeth Lim
What if there’s more to the Blue Fairy’s story than we thought? When Geppetto wished for Pinocchio to be a real boy, he never realized that it would turn both of them into pawns in a bet between the Blue Fairy and the Scarlet Fairy, her rival — who also happens to be her sister. Granting wishes comes with a price, and the Scarlet Fairy is ready to collect. Lose yourself in the origin story of one of Disney’s most timeless characters and her revenge-seeking sibling.
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Kill the Beast
by Serena Valentino
It’s time to rethink everything you know about Beauty and the Beast. From New York Times bestselling author Serena Valentino comes a tale as old as time … from the villain’s point of view. When Gaston was growing up, he and the prince were close friends. But a tragedy forces them on separate paths … and curses. Now, Gaston has his eye on one goal, making sure he’s the one who kills the Beast of Gévaudan. Creative with characters full of depth, this story will have you second-guessing who the true villain truly is.
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Skin of the Sea
by Natasha Bowen
Calling all The Little Mermaid fans, this instant New York Times bestseller is for you! Mami Wata is a mermaid tasked with collecting the souls of those who perish at sea. But she breaks an ancient-old decree when she saves a boy from drowning. Now she must make the perilous journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends with the gods for her transgression. Riveting and innovating, this Black girl magic story is a true page-turner!
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A Sword In Slumber
by Sara Raasch
A historical fiction read inspired by fairytales with a strong Disney twist? Yes, please! Briar Rose, aka Sleeping Beauty, has awoken from her slumber and takes her place as princess of Austria, betrothed to Prince Phillip of Lorraine. But when her father, King Stefan, is suddenly killed, she has to step up not just as Queen, but as empress of a nation.
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The Bone Spindle
by Leslie Vedder
With a perfect blend of romance and adventure, this debut novel from Leslie Vedder is perfect for fairy tale lovers with a penchant for action! When Fi, a book-loving treasure hunter pricks her finger on a spindle, she gets stuck with the spirit of Briar Rose, a sleeping prince. She teams up with Shane, a warrior from the north to break the curse. Witch Hunters, dark magic, and LGBTQ+ romance, what more can you ask for in a new fantasy read?
For the perfect reading marathon, reach for its sequels, The Severed Thread and The Cursed Rose.
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10
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Iron Widow (Book 1)
by Xiran Jay Zhao
The rise of Wu Zetian, the only female Emperor in Chinese history, is retold in this dystopian sci-fi story that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Epically brutal with a diverse set of characters and a female main character full of angst, this instant #1 New York Times bestseller will leave you speechless and wanting more.
PS: Mark your calendar, the long-anticipated sequel, Heavenly Tyrant, drops later this year!
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The New Camelot
by Robyn Schneider
The epic finale of the Emry Merlin trilogy has arrived and it’s got just as much fun, magic, and snark as its predecessors! Life is falling into place for Emry Merlin. She’s Camelot’s official court wizard and Arthur’s official girlfriend. But new danger with dark magic is on the horizon. Are Emry and Arthur’s skills (and love) enough to bring peace to the kingdom? Brace yourself, this teen rom-com has it all: Witty banter, romance, and nonstop action.
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$21.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Bravely
by Maggie Stiefvater
Princess Merida of DunBroch craves a change, maybe even an adventure or two. Her wish comes true when a supernatural being is determined to demolish the realm. Merida has one year to save everything (and everyone) she loves, or she loses it all. Perfect for fans of Hans Christian Anderson and Brothers Grimm, this story starts a few years after the classic animated Disney film ends.
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Curses
by Lish McBride
A gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Say less! Merit Crava is forced to live as a beast after refusing to marry a prince. Tevin Dumont, a handsome villager, was traded for his mother’s freedom. The two agree to help each other out of their sticky situation. The last thing they expected was to fall in love … especially with each other.
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Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White
by Amélie Wen Zhao
The highly anticipated sequel to Song of Silver, Flame Like Night has arrived! Just like its predecessor, there’s no shortage of dragons, magic, and fast-paced action. Lan and Zen have chosen sides, and it’s not with each other. As the battle for the Last Kingdom rages forward, Lan now faces a terrifying decision: Can she kill the boy she loves to save her people? Inspired by ancient Chinese mythology and folklore, it’s the perfect read for fans of Chinese xianxia fantasy stories.
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Silver in the Bone
by Alexandra Bracken
From the critically acclaimed author of Lore comes a contemporary fantasy inspired by Celtic lore and perfect for fans of Arthurian myth. Tamsin Lark may not have been born with magic, but she must team up with her rival and journey to the cursed ruins of Avalon in search of a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. Plunge into a world of dark magic, sorceresses, and adrenaline-fueled action with this inventive dark fantasy featuring a side of enemies-to-lovers romance.
And don’t forget to catch the sequel, The Mirror of Beasts!
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