Books Like...

Zel by Donna Jo Napoli is a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale Rapunzel. Set in the 16th century in Switzerland, the story follows Zel, her mother (who is also the witch), and Count Konrad. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of these three characters, shedding light on their motivations and actions. Zel grows up isolated in the mountains with her mother, only venturing into town twice a year. When she meets Count Konrad and they develop feelings for each other, the witch mother's jealousy leads to Zel being locked in a tower. The story delves into themes of love, obsession, and the consequences of isolation, offering a unique and mature take on the traditional fairy tale.

Donna Jo Napoli's writing style in Zel is praised for its depth and psychological insight into the characters. The use of multiple perspectives allows readers to understand the complexities of the relationships between Zel, her mother, and Count Konrad. The present tense narration adds a sense of urgency to the story, while the detailed descriptions of the setting in Switzerland enhance the cultural depth of the narrative. Overall, Zel is a thought-provoking and darkly romantic retelling that explores themes of love, obsession, and the consequences of isolation.

'The Black Swan' by Mercedes Lackey is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Swan Lake, focusing on the perspective of the character Odile, the sorcerer's daughter. Lackey's narrative delves deep into the story, exploring the dynamics between the characters, especially Odile, Odette, and Prince Siegfried. The plot follows the traditional storyline of the ballet but introduces unique twists and surprises, keeping the readers engaged throughout the 400 pages of the book.

Lackey's writing style brings the characters to life, portraying both the good and evil sides of their personalities. offers a fresh viewpoint on the well-known tale, adding depth to the characters and the overall story. The author's ability to create a gripping and swift narrative makes 'The Black Swan' a compelling read for fans of fairy tale retellings and fantasy novels.

In "Bound" by Donna Jo Napoli, readers are transported to Ming China to follow the story of Xing Xing, a young girl living with her demanding stepmother and stepsister after the death of her parents. The book delves into the struggles Xing Xing faces as she navigates through old Chinese traditions, superstitions, and values, all while yearning for freedom and love. The plot closely mirrors the classic Cinderella tale, incorporating elements such as a prince, a ball festival, and a slipper, but with a unique Chinese twist that explores cultural customs like feet binding and social conventions of ancient China. Napoli's writing style enhances the fairy tale mood, offering an illusory and otherworldly experience that captivates readers.

Xing Xing's journey of self-discovery, her inner strength, and her interactions with believable characters make "Bound" a powerful historical fiction novel. Readers will appreciate the rich descriptions of Ming China, the authenticity of the time period, and the parallel to the Cinderella story that provides a familiar yet enjoyable experience. The book beautifully portrays Xing Xing as an appealing character, strong and smart, who faces painful challenges reminiscent of the original Cinderella tales, offering a deeper and more authentic look at the story of overcoming adversity and finding courage.

Readers have mixed opinions on the book 'Beauty of the Beast' in the series 'Fairy Tale Retellings' by Rachel L. Demeter. Some appreciated the unique take on the classic tale, the historical context, and the absence of curse enchantment. Others found the storyline disjointed and felt that the potential of the book was not fully realized. The writing style was described as rich and vivid but sometimes overly descriptive, detracting from the overall story.

Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper is a unique blend of well-known fairy tales and science fiction, offering a mix of hope and bleak outlook for the future. The protagonist, Beauty, is portrayed as a symbol of hope, hidden by her aunt on the fairy side of the family. The book weaves together various fairy tales, time travel, and elements of fantasy, creating a storyline that spans different time periods and settings, from the 14th century to the 21st century, Faery land, and even Hell. Tepper's writing style combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, mythology, and social justice to create an enthralling and thought-provoking tale.

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo is a collection of dark fairy tales set in the Grisha Universe. The stories are a reimagining of classic tales with unexpected twists and endings, featuring themes of betrayal, revenge, and love. Each story is beautifully written, rich in imagery, and accompanied by stunning illustrations that gradually fill in the margins as the story progresses, creating a unique reading experience.

"Beastly" by Alex Flinn is a modern retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story set in New York City. The book follows the journey of Kyle, a vain and arrogant high school student who is transformed into a hideous beast by a witch's curse. As the story unfolds, Kyle must find true love and break the curse within two years. The narrative is told from the Beast's perspective, offering a fresh take on the familiar fairy tale. The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, blending elements of fantasy and contemporary themes seamlessly.

The book explores themes of inner beauty, redemption, and the importance of self-discovery. Through Kyle's transformation and his interactions with other characters, the story delves into deeper issues such as personal growth and the impact of outward appearances on one's character. The plot unfolds in a fast-paced manner, keeping readers engaged as Kyle navigates the challenges of his new existence as a beast and learns valuable lessons about love and acceptance.

'The Fire Rose' by Mercedes Lackey is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale set in San Francisco around the turn of the century. The story follows a destitute and bookish heroine who takes a mysterious position working for a man she never sees properly. The book intertwines magic with America's own past, incorporating elements of elemental magicks and their masters. The writing style combines historical fiction with fantasy elements, addressing themes of abuse, slavery, and the historical context without making excuses for the past.

In the book "Snow White and Rose Red" by Patricia C. Wrede, readers are taken on a journey to Elizabethan England where the Widow Arden and her daughters, Blanche and Rosamund, navigate a world filled with magic, sorcery, and faeries. The story follows the intertwining lives of the widow, the two sorcerers John Dee and Edward Kelly, and the faerie brothers Hugh and John as they become entangled in a web of enchantments and power struggles. With the backdrop of an era filled with witch hunts and magical intrigue, Wrede weaves a tale that combines elements of the original fairy tale with a unique twist, all while immersing the reader in a world where Elizabethan English speech adds an authentic touch to the storytelling.

The narrative unfolds with a mix of danger, mystery, and fairy tale charm, drawing readers into a world where the characters must navigate risks, curses, and the whims of the Fae. As the plot unravels, the story delves into themes of family, magic, and the clash between the mortal and faerie realms, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that keeps readers engaged with its blend of Elizabethan setting and fantastical elements.

In the book "Firebird" by Mercedes Lackey, set in Russia during a time of tsars and magick, the story follows the protagonist Ilya, a young man from a rough and violent household. After encountering a magical Firebird, Ilya receives gifts that help him survive and become a hero. Banished from his home, presumed dead, and aided by various allies, Ilya embarks on a quest filled with surprises, Russian folklore, and overcoming obstacles. The narrative is a delightful voyage into the myths and fantasies of Russian culture, painting a vivid picture of old-world Russia and showcasing a sword and sorcery fantasy tale that deviates from typical magical creatures.

The story unfolds with Ilya using his wits, courage, and kindness to navigate through a dangerous and enchanting world, making unexpected allies and ultimately learning the true meaning of love. While facing graphic and dark themes, the book explores themes of friendship, overcoming challenges, and the importance of actions over appearances. With elements of Russian folklore, magic, and adventure, "Firebird" is a reimagining of a classic Russian folktale, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and fairy tales to create a captivating narrative.