Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults
I have such a weak spot for fairy tale retellings. If a book says it’s a retelling, you can bet I’ll be purchasing it. Whether it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, a new twist on Peter Pan, or a sci-fi version of Cinderella, I made a list of my favorite twisted fairy tales.
New fairy tale retellings give a more modern twist on classic tales. Often, women in these twisted fairy tales are stronger and less helpless than in the classic tales. Adult Retellings of Disney Classics have also become a popular genre recently. There are a few books that will overlap, but not most.
When it comes to the best fairy tale retellings, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Spinning Silver, and Kaikeyi are probably our favorites. Check out those and more below.
The Best Fairy Tale Retellings
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Beauty and the Beast Retelling
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass- Jump to Section
The Best Cinderella Retelling
Cinder by Marissa Meyer- Jump to Section
The Best Peter Pan Retelling
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson- Jump to Section
The Best Sleeping Beauty Retelling
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen- Jump to Section
The Best Twisted Fairy Tale
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel- Jump to Section
Best King Arthur Retelling
Legendborn by Tracey Deonn- Jump to Section
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Beauty and the Beast Retellings
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: #1 Bestselling series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book has a cult-like following for a reason. The first book in the series is a loose fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the world of Prythian. Magical creatures, humans, and fae are all prominent in the book.
When Feyre kills a wolf in the words, a creature arrives at her house to drag her to a magical land that she has only heard about in stories told to terrify children. Now, she must remain a captor of Tamlin, a fae, as retribution.
This is a fast-paced, addicting, fantasy romance series with a love triangle that develops by the end of the novel. Book two is jaw-dropping! This series is on its way to becoming a classic that you will want to binge in one week.
While this book is technically the first book in a YA fantasy series, the later books become very steamy. The first book is appropriate for YA but Jackie and I agree that the later books in the series are strictly for 18 and up. We are so excited this is going to be one of the Hulu book adaptations.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and love a good fantasy romance. Put them together in a book written by Sarah J. Maas and you get a fantastic story.
Why Jackie loves it
The first book is just a warm-up for the rest of the series. Initially, you think you know where this story is headed, but I promise that it will take so many twists and turns, that you will not want to put this book (and the rest of the series) down.
Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / ACOTAR Books in order / Royal Fantasy Books
Plot
I absolutely adored this pick for best fantasy books of 2023 because it’s pure magic at its best. What starts as a historical fiction set in Chicago in the 1930s transforms into a beautiful fantasy about a ballerina, her violin, and the kingdom of death.
When Grace becomes the prima ballerina at The Near North Ballet Company, she is overjoyed that her dream has come true. In accepting this position, she has become a patron of Master LaRosa and must move into his mansion.
She is not sure what he wants from her. Soon, she discovers there is so much more within the mansion than she thought possible.
Why Jackie loves it
This Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect for a list of books like ACOTAR. It is beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is lyrical and I savored every minute.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Books Like The Night Circus / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books About Ballet
Uprooted
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2015
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel, HUGO Award Finalist
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Wow! This book is an epic adult fairy tale. It is complex and so unlike any traditional American fairy tale retelling. An enchanted wood, magic, and mythical creatures grab you and pull you in. This is not a typical damsel-in-distress tale so do not let it fool you.
Agnieszka lives next to a wood filled with dark powers. The village depends on the Dragon to protect them from these dark powers. In exchange, one woman from the village must go and serve him every ten years. To everyone’s surprise, he chooses Agnieszka.
Why Jackie loves it
I don’t want to say more about this book and ruin its magic. But, if you love fairy tale retellings or are looking for books like ACOTAR, this is a perfect pick. Novik has yet to write a book I did not devour. This is the first book of hers I read and with each book, she proves herself as a must-read author.
Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Like the Lunar Chronicles to Read Now!
Cinderella Retellings
Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Year: 2012
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy/ Sci-Fi/ Fairy Tale Retelling
More info: Lunar Chronicles Book 1 of 4
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This four-book series is set in the future in a time of disease and war. This series is part twisted fairy tale, part dystopia, and part sci-fi fantasy.
Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel are re-imagined as you have never seen them before. All of them are smart and strong women far from the helpless damsels in distress we know them to be.
The first in this series of classic book retellings introduces us to Cinder. She is a cyborg (part human, part machine) who lives with her……..you guessed it….. two step-sisters and stepmother.
Why Jackie loves it
I read the first book and immediately read the rest of the books in the series. Even though this is a series that is over a decade old, it is still one of the best YA fantasy book series I have read and still recommend it all the time to teens and adults alike
Find this book in: YA Dystopian Books / YA Romance Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time
Find more books like this in: Books Like Cinder
Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Throne of Glass Book 1 of 7
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This epic book series from Sarah J. Maas was started when Sarah was still a teenager! It’s all about Celaena, an imprisoned assassin who is offered freedom by acting as the champion for Prince Dorian.
As she prepares to earn her freedom in the competition, she begins training sessions with the captain of the guard. As she tries to acclimate to court life, the prince is drawn to her, and a love triangle forms. This series is perfect for YA fantasy lovers. It has everything you want from world-building to plot and great characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
The YA fantasy series gets better and better with each book! It is total must-read if you are looking for books like ACOTAR and a must-read if you love fae books. I am still amazed that Maas wrote this at such a young age
Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing /Adult and YA Fae Books / Royal Fantasy Books
Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Newberry Honor Winner
Plot
A fairy named Lucinda puts a curse on Ella that requires her to do whatever anyone tells her to do. Lucinda thought that she was helping Ella’s mother because, as a baby, she would not stop crying. As Ella gets older, she attends a boarding school where she tries to make friends. There, she realizes she needs to rid herself of this gift so that she can stop doing the horrible things that other people make her do.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a fairy tale retelling of Cinderella that is more fun than the original inspiration. My daughter reads this story over and over and can’t get enough of the movie adaptation starring Anne Hathaway either.
Find this book in: Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Newbery Award Winners / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books for 9-year-olds
Peter Pan Retellings
Peter and the Starcatchers
Author: Dave Berry, Ridley Pearson
Illustrator: Greg Cal
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 13
More info: National Best Seller
Plot
This Peter Pan retelling finds Peter aboard a ship of sailors. He and a bunch of other orphans aboard the ship have to protect a treasure locked in a chest hidden on the ship from pirate captain Black Stache. Think of this as the origin story of Tinkerbell, her fairy dust, and how Peter gained his ability to fly.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s one of my kids’ favorite fairy tale retellings. If your child loves Peter Pan, this story is a must-read!
Find this book in: Pirate Books for Kids / Fairy Tale Retellings / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Family Audiobooks
Plot
Holly Darling, the Granddaughter of Wendy, runs a very successful skincare company. She is a single parent to Jack after a terrible accident killed her husband and Jack’s twin. When she gets a call that her daughter Eden is missing from the home where she has been hidden away in a coma for a decade, she knows that Peter Pan is the one responsible.
Peter Pan is dark, sinister and grown-up. Holly must get Christopher Cooke to help her find her daughter and defeat Peter.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Child Death, Drug Use
Why Kirsten loves it
This classic fairy tale retelling of Peter Pan is anything but innocent and whimsical. Like all retellings of classic novels, this story is different from the original!
Find this book in: Classic Book Retellings / Fairy Tale Retellings
Plot
I loved this unique Peter Pan story that had me thinking about the true meaning of Neverland and the stories of the lost boys. Wendy Darling and her parents have never been able to move on after her brothers disappeared mysteriously five years ago.
Wendy has no memories of the 6 months she was gone and no explanation for why she came home and her brothers didn’t. Now, as children start to go missing again, it feels too similar to be a coincidence.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Kidnapping
Why Jackie loves it
This is a smart, well-written, well-thought-out, twisted Peter Pan fairy tale retelling. This pick is perfect for a list of the best teen fantasy books and it is also one of the best paranormal books for teens.
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings
Sleeping Beauty Retellings
Plot
This historical fiction book for teens was such an unexpected beauty for me. Books about the Holocaust are most often inherently extremely heavy. I love the way this book is a fairy tale retelling of Briar Rose (AKA Sleeping Beauty) that turns it into a story about the Holocaust.
Rebecca grew up hearing her grandmother’s version of Sleeping Beauty. Now, her grandmother’s dying wish is for Rebecca to uncover her true story.
Trigger Warnings
Genocide, Antisemitism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It does not trivialize the atrocities of that time but rather, it makes the subject more approachable to a younger audience. Beautifully written and well done. This is one of the books for a 13-year-old that adults will love and a must-read from WWII books for kids!
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books about the Holocaust / Classic Book Retellings / Fun Books for Teens
A Spindle Splintered
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Year: 2021
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
More info: Book 1 of 2: Fractured Fables
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the story of sleeping beauty like you have never read it before. This is a true twisted fairy tale Zinnia is turning 21 and it is the last birthday that she will have. She has a rare medical condition in which nobody has ever lived past twenty-one. Zinnia has always thought that she is a modern sleeping beauty.
Charm, Zinnia’s best friend, wants to make the last birthday special but, when Zinnia pricks her finger on the spinning wheel, she finds herself in another dimension with another sleeping beauty.
Why Jackie loves it
This modern Sleeping Beauty fairy tale retelling gives power back to the women whose lives are stolen. It is a quick read from ya fantasy books that I loved because the women are no longer helpless.
Find this book in: Books Like the Lunar Chronicles / Fairy Tale Retellings
Twisted Fairy Tales
Kaikeyi
Author: Vaishnavi Patel
Year: 2022
Genre: Mythology
More info: A 2023 Ignyte Award Finalist, Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I love a good mythology retelling, but usually, I read Greek mythology. Kaikeyi is a retelling of a story well-known in the Hindu religion.
At the mercy of her father who is securing an alliance through her marriage, and feeling abandoned by the gods, Kaikeyi turns to an ancient tome of magic. She uses it to go from being a pawn to a fierce warrior queen. But soon the path she’s created for herself goes up against the might of the gods and their wishes. Can she continue to forge her destiny or is she still at the mercy of the gods and men around her?
Why Kirsten loves it
While I can’t attest to the accuracy of the tale, I can say that I was utterly captivated by the story of Kaikeyi’s life. I learned that she is a villain in Hindu but I found Patel’s narrative so compelling that I felt for Kaikeyi and supported all of her decisions. If you are a fan of Ariadne, Circe, or other mythological retellings, you must pick up this book. It’s wonderful.
Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Adult Fantasy Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2022 / Mythology Books / Fairy Tale Retellings / Royal Fantasy Books
Spinning Silver
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Nebula and Hugo Award Finalist
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Miryem’s family are moneylenders but her family is in poverty because her father does not collect his debts. In an effort to save her family, Miryem begins collecting the debts herself and soon a rumor begins that she can turn silver into gold. Soon, these rumors spread to the king of Staryk, and Miryem’s life changes forever when he comes to see if the rumors are true.
Why Jackie loves it
I adored this YA fantasy book by Novik. I loved the strong female characters, the story, and the writing. This book is a classic retelling of Rumplestiltskin that is complex and wonderful and the ending had me in tears.
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / The Best Winter Books / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books with Colors in the Title
The Bear and the Nightingale
Author: Katherine Arden
Year: 2017
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Book one of the Winternight Trilogy
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fantasy book which is based on Russian folklore was a slow build. I wasn’t sure about it until about halfway through when I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I went out to buy the sequel (The Girl in the Tower) immediately because I needed to find out what had happened.
Vasya lives with her family on the edge of a Russian forest where they hear stories of the Blue-eyed winter demon and honor household spirits. When Vasya’s dad brings home a new stepmother who forbids these practices, misfortunes follow. Vasya now must use the gifts that she has kept hidden all these years.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent
Why Jackie loves it
The plot of this story is detailed and unlike anything I have ever read. I felt invested in following Vasya’s story. The writing is captivating and I loved this trilogy in its entirety. I felt like all three books were needed to make this a complete story.
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books / Best Winter Books
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Author: Gregory Maguire
Year: 1995
Genre: Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Tony Award-winning musical, soon to be a major motion picture
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Everyone knows the Wicked Witch of the West but not everyone knows how she became that way. She wasn’t always bad. This is the story of a girl who would grow up to become one of the most hated villains in history. Elphaba is born with green skin and is treated with superstition and dislike. When she enters Shiz University, she is eventually able to make friends
When Elphaba realizes that Animals are threatened with exile, she tries to protect them. After all, they have voices, minds, thoughts, and opinions too. Soon she finds herself in a war with the mysterious wizard.
Why Kirsten loves it
I think of Professor Snape from Harry Potter in the same way. If you love witches and rooting for the bad guys, this book is for you. Like the Broadway play, the movie adaptation of this will be a must-see.
Why Jackie loves it
I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz and could not imagine the Wicked Witch of the West as anything else, until I read this book. This is a brilliantly written book that shows there are always two sides to the story. This is a message that is so strong and remains relevant in our society.
Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Books Becoming Movies or TV Series / Books Like the Lunar Chronicles / Classic Book Retellings / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter
Plot
“There was and there was not.” This fairy tale retelling is about a girl cursed with being poisonous to anyone who touches her and her quest to free herself from her curse.
Why Jackie loves it
What could have been another princess in distress story became a story about finding your own power and using it in this young adult fantasy novel.
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings / YA Fantasy Books
Plot
Marissa Meyer is the queen of the twisted fairy tale retelling. This story tells us about the famous queen in Alice’s Wonderland who is always yelling “Off with his head!”
Why Jackie loves it
It is original, well thought out, and fun to read. Like other fairy tale retellings, this is one of the best books like the Lunar Chronicles series.
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings / YA Fantasy Books
King Arthur Retellings
Legendborn
Author: Tracy Deonn
Year: 202
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.
When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read. While Bree is technically still in high school, she is attending a college program which means, I get to scream about this book from the rooftops in both college and high school book lists.
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books Like Ninth House
Half Sick of Shadows
Author: Laura Sebastian
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Popsugar Best Summer Read of 2021
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Lady Elaine tells this retelling of Arthurian legend. I loved hearing this tale retold because I’ve long been a fan of The Mists of Avalon, The Sword and the Stone, Camelot, and the like.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this feminist classic retelling that showed a weaker Arthur supported by the strong, magic-bearing women of the story. Gwen, Morgana, and Elaine’s friendship was the highlight of the story for me.
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Adult and YA Fae Books / Classic Book Retellings / Royal Fantasy Books
The Mists of Avalon by
Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Locus Award Winner
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a fairy tale retelling of the story of King Arthur, featuring the Lady of the Lake, Paganism vs. Christianity, and an epic struggle for power.
Merlin and the Lady of the Lake practice pagan witchcraft, as they try to keep the old ways alive against the new religion gaining popularity, the choices they make for Arthur’s kingdom inspire the tale we know so well.
The mini-series adaptation of this adult fantasy book is wonderful too and well worth the watch!
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my first high fantasy book series, which I routinely think about. I read it in middle school (which I absolutely shouldn’t have) and devoured this tome in days. It captivated my imagination unlike anything I had ever read before.
Find this book in: Books Set in Cornwall / Fairy Tale Retellings / Lake Books / Witch Books / Historical Fantasy Books / Royal Fantasy Books
More Fairy Tale Retellings
Expert Tip
If you want to know if fairy tale retellings are a genre you might enjoy reading, have a look at the key elements!
- A Change to the Characters: There might be a gender reversal or a change to some vital part of a character’s personality
- Setting: There will be a change in setting, like bringing the story to the present day
- Change of Theme: fairy tale retellings might change the theme to make it more relevant to today’s society
- Trope: twisted fairy tales might take a trope and change it around to make it more relatable (Think grumpy-sunshine as Beauty and the Beast)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fairy tale retelling?
A fairy tale retelling takes a classic tale or myth and makes small changes to the characters, plot, or setting.
What are the best fairy tale retellings?
A great example of a fairy tale retelling is Legendborn by Tracey Deonn. It takes the story of King Arthur and expands it to a whole new world. Another great example is Cinder by Marissa Meyer.
Related Content
Epilogue
What fairy tale retellings do you plan to read?
