Books Like...

Deerskin by Robin McKinley is a dark and powerful retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin, focusing on the story of Princess Lissar who is subjected to a horrific trauma at the hands of her own father. The novel delves into themes of abuse, survival, recovery, and self-healing as Lissar embarks on a journey of escape and redemption with her loyal hound, Ash, by her side. The writing style is described as lyrical, dreamlike, and at times, nightmarish, weaving together elements of fantasy, mythology, and raw emotion to create a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human resilience and the healing power of love.

'Bryony and Roses' by T. Kingfisher is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, offering a fresh perspective with a no-nonsense heroine, a Beast with a dry sense of humor, and brooding dark magic. The story follows Bryony, a skilled and dedicated gardener from an impoverished family, who stumbles upon an enchanted manor house during a snowstorm. She must navigate the complexities of her stay as she faces the Beast's demand for her future as forfeit for the theft of a rose. The book cleverly plays with the traditional fairy tale elements, introducing a terrifying villain, a kind yet prickly House, and fleshed-out secondary characters like Bryony's sisters, Holly and Iris.

The writing style in 'Bryony and Roses' is described as straightforward, snappy, and delightful, with a witty, intelligent, and unsentimental relationship at its core. The author, T. Kingfisher, presents a refreshing blend of canonical elements and new ideas that keep the story engaging and suspenseful. The book is commended for its intelligent and playful approach to the retelling, offering a darker and lighter take on the original Beauty and the Beast story while maintaining a unique and captivating narrative.

The Blue Sword is a fantasy novel set in the magical world of Damar, following the story of Harry Crewe, a young woman who is kidnapped and taken to the desert kingdom by the Hill folk. As Harry learns to adapt to her new surroundings, she discovers her own magical powers and her destiny to save the land of Damar. The book is praised for its vivid imagery, intricate world-building, and strong character development, with elements of adventure, romance, and coming-of-age themes woven throughout the plot. The writing style is dense yet captivating, drawing readers into the richly described world of Damar with detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling.

'Chalice' by Robin McKinley is a gentle fantasy novel that follows the story of Mirasol, a beekeeper who unexpectedly becomes the Chalice, responsible for maintaining the balance and harmony of her demesne. Alongside a new Master who is struggling with his own transformation, Mirasol must learn to work together with him to prevent the land from tearing apart. The book is praised for its slow pacing, graceful storytelling, and the deep exploration of characters and their relationships.

The narrative unfolds with a mix of past and present scenes, slowly revealing the fantastical society of Chalice, filled with rich traditions, magical elements, and complex characters. Readers are drawn into a world where the heroine grapples with newfound responsibilities and the challenges of uniting a community, all while navigating themes of magic, self-discovery, and the power of inner strength.

Heart's Blood is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale set in a medieval Irish town called Whistling Tor. The story follows Caitrin, a young scribe fleeing from her past, who finds refuge at Whistling Tor where she meets the reclusive chieftain Anluan. As Caitrin's relationship with Anluan develops, she learns about the curse that binds him to the hilltop and sets out to break it, leading to a mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy elements. The book is known for its engaging storyline, believable characters, and a writing style that blends elements of Celtic folklore and historical fiction.

Ella Enchanted is a retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, with a twist - Ella is cursed with the gift of obedience at birth by a fairy godmother. Despite this curse, Ella is a strong-willed and independent character who embarks on a journey to break the curse and find her own happiness. The book is filled with magical elements, fairy tale creatures, and a charming love story between Ella and the prince, set in a fantasy world full of ogres, elves, fairies, and giants.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale is a retelling of the traditional fairy tale about Princess Ani who is betrayed by her lady in waiting and ends up living as a goose girl in another kingdom. The story follows Ani's journey of self-discovery, as she learns to communicate with animals and navigate the challenges of her new life while trying to reclaim her true identity. The writing style is described as enchanting, evocative, and almost poetic, with a focus on character growth, friendship, and the themes of truth and magic.

'Sunshine' by Robin McKinley is an urban fantasy novel set in a world where magic, vampires, and demons coexist. The story follows Rae Seddon, also known as Sunshine, a young baker whose life takes a drastic turn when she is kidnapped by vampires. The book explores Sunshine's journey of survival, friendship with a vampire named Constantine, and her discovery of her own unique abilities. The narrative delves into a dystopian world filled with mythical creatures, highlighting Sunshine's growth and resilience in the face of danger.

'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' by Brigid Kemmerer is a unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in a fantasy world where a cursed king, Prince Rhen, is trapped in a time loop and seeks true love to break the curse. The story follows Harper, a teen girl with cerebral palsy, who is unexpectedly whisked away to Emberfall, the cursed kingdom. As Harper navigates this new world, she becomes Rhen's last hope to break the curse and save his kingdom from impending destruction. The book combines elements of magic, adventure, and romance, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The writing style of 'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' is praised for its fast-paced and gripping plot that seamlessly weaves together familiar Beauty and the Beast themes with unique twists and dark, creepy elements. Readers appreciate the dual point of view, particularly Harper's portrayal as a strong and independent heroine, and the accurate representation of cerebral palsy without it being perceived as a weakness. The book offers a refreshing take on classic fairy tales, with engaging characters, a well-developed world, and a storyline that keeps readers immersed in the fantasy realm of Emberfall.

A retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale from the perspective of one of the stepsisters, set in 17th-century Holland during the tulip times. The story sheds new light on the characters, presenting them as real people rather than fairy tale stereotypes. The book explores themes of beauty, love, and the complexities of human nature, offering a fresh and engaging take on a well-known story.