Fairy Tale Retellings

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with fairy tale retellings; no idea why, but I can’t stop reading them! So, if you’re like me and are on a kick of fantasy reading, check these uniquely told fairy tales out!

A Whole New World by Liz Braswell (Jh DIS TWISTED) is a new take on the tale of Aladdin (the Disney version) - I have no idea how I haven’t read it before now, but I’m so glad I did! What if Jafar was the one to take possession of the magic lamp from the Cave of Wonders and then maybe uses his wishes from the genie to kill the sultan and take his place? It’s not pretty and the whole city of Agrabah is at stake. But when Aladdin teams up with Jasmine and a group of thieves to reclaim the city from Jafar’s clutches, they might just have a chance at saving it. If you’re a fan of Disney movies, you’ll for sure want to read this one - and then wonder why there’s not a movie version.

Robyn Hood Vol. 1: Riot Girls by Pat Shand is an awesome graphic novel available on Hoopla in which Robyn Locksley who’s a vigilante in New York City, covering cases with drug lords, corrupt bankers, or general strange occurrences. The Cabal, a mysterious organization of some of the world’s most powerful people, is intent on bringing down the hooded heroine. This one is fast paced, action packed, and everything you could want from a retelling of Robin Hood. 

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust (Jh BAS) is about Soraya, who has been grown up confined to her chambers and the rose garden and considers herself a monster due to the fact that (like Rogue from X-Men), she literally kills anyone she touches with ungloved hands. Against her better judgment though, she is interested in Azad, a newcomer in the court of her twin brother. He also seems interested in her and even helps her sneak out, but when she finds out how to be rid of her curse, her city is attacked by an army of monstrous creatures and she is drawn into a plot that could lead to the death of her entire family. It has references to several different fairy tales and myths, which add many intriguing layers to this amazing story.

King Arthur gets a makeover in Once & Future by Amy Rose Capetta (TN CAP). With a giant and morally questionable megacorporation, space travel, and reimagined classic Arthurian characters, this classic story will feel totally new! Arthur, now Ari, has been reincarnated as 17 year old Ari, who crashes on Old Earth with her brother, while on the run from a Mercer Corporation flagship. On Earth, she draws an ancient sword from a tree and awakens Merlin, who is now a backwards-aging teenager. It’s Merlin’s 42nd try at vanquishing Morgana and uniting humanity through Ari. It’s not going to be easy, but all of humanity is at stake, so Ari must find a way to succeed.

And of course, I can’t not include one story from the villain’s perspective - Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao (TN DAO) is a really interesting book delving into the backstory of the Evil Queen from the story of Snow White. 18-year-old Xifeng has spent years in a state of starvation and working hard in her poor village while her abusive aunt, the witch Guma, reads her destiny in the cards. The readings tell Xifeng that she can only achieve the beauty and power in her future if she embraces the evil magic that resides within her. With that prophecy in mind and her lover, Wei, Xifeng travels to the Imperial City with her heart set on becoming the Empress of Feng Lu no matter what the cost. This one was such a good story. I loved that it didn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the Evil Queen, but also made her seem more human by giving her a story. How far would you go to fulfill your destiny?

Can’t get enough fairy tales? Check out this awesome list on Epic Reads! They always have the best book suggestions, no matter what you’re in the mood for.