We love fairy tales! Give us a story with magic, peril, romance, and adventure—we’re here for it! And not just fairy tales—classics, too. These fairy tale retellings breathe new life into beloved stories that have stood the test of time. Pick up one of these books, and you’ll find yourself obsessing over a new version of an old tale.
Whether you love books with spooky vibes or heart-pounding romance, we’ve got you covered! Here is a list of modern retellings of your favorite fairy tales and classic novels to add to your reading stack.
Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao
Experience the story of Anastasia in a magical setting with this unique and exciting retelling. When her father, the emperor, is murdered and she’s the only suspect, Anastacya Mikhailov flees the palace and hides in the city. To clear her name and expose the true culprit, Ana teams up with a crime lord named Ransome Quicktongue.
The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant
Take a step back in time with this modern retelling of the classic novel Les Misérables. Set in an alternate 1828 Paris, Eponine takes on the corrupt city guilds to keep her younger sister safe. You’ll be hooked from page one.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
When you need a book to give you goosebumps, pick up this retelling of Frankenstein. It tells the story from Elizabeth’s point of view—from her troubled childhood to joining Victor Frankenstein’s household and surviving the darkness brewing there. You won’t be able to put it down!
Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart
Strap yourself in, this retelling of The Talented Mr. Ripley has more twists and turns than a roller coaster. This book might be slim, but it will keep you guessing (and gasping) until the end. Keep a flashlight close by because you’ll be up all night reading!
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Do you love medieval fantasy novels? Then you’ll obsess over this spin on The Story of King Arthur and His Knights. As tangible and magical threats creep into Camelot, the wizard Merlin sends Guinevere to marry Arthur and keep the kingdom safe. Romance, betrayal, friendship, and magic combine in an irresistible story.
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
If you find yourself drawn to spooky fairy tale retellings, this book is for you. It combines “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” with ghostly visions, a deadly curse, and horrifying monsters. The story is dark and moody, with enough chills to keep you reading past your bedtime.
The Lantern’s Ember by Colleen Houck
If “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is your favorite Halloween story, add this book to your TBR! It’s jam-packed with romance, danger, magic, monsters, and hair-raising moments. You’ll devour every page of this atmospheric spin on the chilling legend.
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
This gorgeous retelling of “The Wild Swans” will introduce you to a lesser-known fairy tale about a girl who saves her brothers from an evil queen. Inspired by East Asian folklore and Hans Christian Andersen’s short story, this book, filled with adventure, danger, and betrayal, will take your breath away!
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
Experience The Little Mermaid like never before. Inspired by West African mythology and the classic fairy tale, this retelling will sweep you away on an unforgettable underwater adventure. Cursed to serve the gods as a collector of souls, Simi risks everything when she saves a boy from drowning. Monsters, mythology, and peril will keep you glued to the page.
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig
If you’re craving more spooky vibes, this dark spin on the tale of Rumpelstiltskin is just the thing. The people in Ellerie’s secluded town start promising favors to the monstrous creatures in the woods in exchange for a granted wish. But things turn sinister in this intense, heart-pounding fairy tale retelling.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
While this isn’t an exact retelling of Mulan, there are similarities. For example, when Maia’s aging father gets summoned to the capital to compete for the title of royal tailor, she assumes her brother’s identity and goes in her father’s place. She competes against the best tailors in the land before being sent on an impossible mission to the kingdom’s farthest edges. You’ll love the magic, adventure, and breathtaking romance.
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