Books Like...

'Except the Queen' by Midori Snyder and Jane Yolen is a fantasy novel that follows the story of two Fae sisters, Meteora and Setana, who accidentally stumble upon the Fairy Queen's secret involving a mortal man and a child. As a consequence of a gossipy mistake, the Queen curses them to live as two old women in the mortal realm, separated from each other. The novel explores their journey as they navigate the complexities of the mortal world, their new elderly bodies, and the entwined stories of other fae they encounter, all leading to a final confrontation.

The book is written in a style that gradually reveals the intricate plot, keeping readers guessing and surprised by the unfolding events. With a mix of young love, mature love, sisterly love, and a variety of fey creatures—some good and some evil—the story weaves together elements of urban fantasy, intricate character dynamics, and a richly imagined world that blends the magical with the mundane.

'Boy, Snow, Bird' by Helen Oyeyemi is a novel that weaves together elements of fairy tales and explores themes of race, beauty, identity, and family secrets. The story follows the lives of Boy, Snow, and Bird, revealing their complex relationships and the challenges they face as they navigate through different perspectives and time periods. The narrative is rich and layered, with characters that are compelling and flawed, set against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal struggles.

The writing style in 'Boy, Snow, Bird' is described as beautiful, engaging, and thought-provoking. Oyeyemi expertly combines reality with fairy tale elements, creating a story that is both original and captivating. The novel delves into deep themes such as passing, violence, identity, and the impact of societal norms on individuals, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and relationships.

Peri, a young girl living in a fishing village, harbors deep resentment towards the sea after losing her father to its depths. In a fit of anger, she hexes the sea, setting off a chain of events involving magic, sea creatures, and a mysterious disappearance. As the story unfolds, Peri becomes entangled in a web of relationships, mysteries, and ancient legends, all set against the backdrop of the ever-present sea. Patricia McKillip's writing style in "The Changeling Sea" is described as dreamy, poetic, and filled with imagery that transports readers to a world where the sea itself seems to come alive.

The Dreaming Place by Charles de Lint is a fantasy novel that follows two teenage cousins, Nina and Ash, as they navigate a world where magic exists. Ash, dealing with anger and loss, finds herself drawn to the dark side of magic, while Nina tries to conform to societal expectations. When a demon targets Nina's soul, Ash must journey to the Otherworld to save her cousin and learn to let go of her fear and anger. The story weaves together themes of forgiveness, love, and the power to change for the better, all set in a modern fairy tale with elements of Native American myth and urban fantasy.

In the Forests of Serre by Patricia A. McKillip is a fantasy tale that intricately weaves together Russian folklore elements, such as the firebird and Baba Yaga, with a unique and enchanting storyline. The book follows Prince Ronan of Serre, who is grieving the loss of his wife and child, and Princess Sidonie of Dacia, who is betrothed to Ronan against his wishes. As their paths intertwine with wizards, witches, and magical creatures in the Forest of Serre, a complex and engaging narrative unfolds, showcasing McKillip's lyrical writing style and ability to create captivating characters.

'The Iron King' follows Meghan Chase, a 16-year-old girl who discovers she is a faery when her brother is kidnapped by the Iron King, leading her to enter the land of the fae, Nevernever, in order to rescue him. As Meghan navigates this fantastical world, she encounters various mythical beings, including the technological fey made of iron that threaten the existence of all fae. The story blends elements of fantasy, romance, and action, with a fast-paced plot that includes love triangles, unexpected twists, and dangling threads for future exploration. The writing style is described as engaging, imaginative, and vivid, creating a world that captures readers' imaginations and keeps them eagerly turning the pages.

Dreams Underfoot by Charles de Lint is an anthology of urban fairy tales set in the imaginary city of Newford. The stories blur the threshold between reality and faerie, introducing readers to mythical creatures and magical elements hidden in the shadows of everyday life. The collection features interconnected short stories with recurring characters, offering a blend of myth, folklore, and fairytales set against the backdrop of 90s street culture and art. De Lint's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and haunting, with a focus on character development and creating a sense of magic within a realistic urban setting.

In "Wildwood Dancing" by Juliet Marillier, the story follows Jena and her four sisters who have a secret portal to the Other Kingdom, where they dance with magical creatures every full moon. Set in Transylvania, the girls face challenges as their father's illness forces them to navigate a power struggle with their cousin Cezar, while also dealing with love, betrayal, and the mysteries of the Other Kingdom. The novel blends elements of fairy tales like The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Frog Prince with Transylvanian myths, creating a rich and enchanting world that captivates readers through its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters.

'Wildwood' by Colin Meloy is a children's fantasy novel that follows the adventure of Prue, a young girl who ventures into the Impassable Wilderness to rescue her baby brother, who was abducted by crows. Alongside her friend Curtis, Prue encounters anthropomorphic animals, political intrigue, and a world filled with mysteries and dangers reminiscent of classic fantasy tales like Narnia and Harry Potter. The book is rich in vivid descriptions and illustrations, immersing readers in a whimsical world where characters navigate through conflicts, alliances, and self-discovery.

The story of 'Wildwood' unfolds as Prue and Curtis navigate through the mystical land of Wildwood, facing challenges, making allies, and unraveling the secrets of the wilderness. The narrative blends elements of adventure, friendship, and courage, offering a tale that poses questions about loyalty, conflict, and perseverance. With engaging characters, intricate world-building, and a touch of political undertones, 'Wildwood' provides a captivating journey that appeals to young readers and adults alike, leaving room for discussions on various themes and the complexities of the fantasy genre.

"The Darkest Part of the Forest" by Holly Black is a young adult urban fantasy novel that delves into the world of Faerie through the eyes of siblings Hazel and Ben in the town of Fairfold. The story revolves around a horned boy in a glass coffin in the woods, whose awakening disrupts the fragile peace between humans and Folk. Hazel and Ben, along with their friends, find themselves entangled in a series of events that challenge their perceptions and force them to confront their destinies. The writing style is described as descriptive, engaging, and rich in mythology, blending reality with fantasy elements seamlessly.