Books matching: dark fairy tale elements
58 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Sworn to the Night' in 'The Wisdom's Grave Trilogy' by Craig Schaefer follows Marie Reinhart, an NYPD detective investigating the disappearance and murders of prostitutes, while also delving into the story of Vanessa Roth, a college professor unhappy in her marriage and dabbling in witchcraft. As their paths cross, dark magic and mayhem ensue, leading to a fight for survival and a quest to break the Wheel of Time. The narrative weaves together elements of dark urban fantasy, blood magic, and a touch of romance, creating a complex tale that explores the power of narrative and destiny versus free will. introduces a diverse cast of characters, including Daniel Faust and Harmony Black from Schaefer's other series, adding layers of context and depth to the overall story.
The story is told through multiple perspectives, shifting between characters and settings, creating a fast-paced and immersive reading experience. With themes of law and order versus chaos, the balance of good and evil, and the complexities of relationships, 'Sworn to the Night' offers a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and philosophical reflections that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
The knight stood on a windswept hill overlooking the walls of Mirenze, the once-proud city in smoking ruin. Sunlight glinted off her steel armor, and she resolved herself to the mission ahead. There w... - #2
Save:'Hell Screen' by Ryunosuke Akutagawa is a short story that delves into the depths of human depravity and the consequences of selfish desires. The plot revolves around a master painter who seeks to create a portrait of Hell so accurate that it will surpass all other works of art. However, his obsession leads him down a dark and twisted path, with tragic consequences. The story is told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator, adding ambiguity and moral complexity to the narrative. Akutagawa's writing style is praised for its descriptive power and the ability to encourage readers to think critically about the story and the characters within it.
I am certain there has never been anyone like our great Lord of Horikawa, and I doubt there ever will be another. In a dream before His Lordship was born, Her Maternal Ladyship saw the awesomely armed... - #3
Save:Clockwork by Philip Pullman is a dark and creepy fairy tale set in a German town, where an apprentice clockmaker named Karl fails to create a figure for the town's clock, leading to a series of mysterious and eerie events. The story weaves together multiple narratives, including that of a clockwork prince, a sinister doctor, and a storyteller with a Faustian pact. Pullman's writing style is described as exceptional, with dreamlike illustrations enhancing the haunting atmosphere of the tale.
- #4
Save:In the book "Fearless" by Cornelia Funke, Jacob Reckless returns to the Mirrorworld in a desperate race against time to find a cure for the curse placed upon him by the Red Fairy. Accompanied by the shape-shifter Fox, Jacob embarks on a treacherous journey to locate a magical crossbow that can save his life, all while facing challenges from other treasure hunters and navigating a world filled with dark fairy tale elements. The narrative seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and suspense, drawing readers into a richly imagined world that is both enchanting and perilous.
Cornelia Funke's writing style in "Fearless" is lauded for its intricate world-building and complex characters that are both relatable and multifaceted. The story unfolds with a sense of urgency, propelling the reader through a series of twists and turns that evoke a mix of Indiana Jones-style adventure and traditional fairy tale motifs. Funke's imaginative storytelling captivates readers of all ages, offering a compelling blend of magic, mystery, and moral ambiguity that keeps them engaged from beginning to end.
The ruin lay deserted as usual, and the silence between the scorched walls made her shiver nearly as much as the rain. The human skin warmed so much less, yet Fox now shifted into the vixen ever more ...
(Also, see 56 recommendations for the series Mirror World ) - #5
Save:The Grimoire of Kensington Market by Lauren B Davis is a modern fiction novel that also doubles as a fairy tale, an allegory, a mystery, and an adventure story. The protagonist, Maggie, is the proprietor of The Grimoire bookshop, a magical shop only visible to those meant to find it. The story follows Maggie's quest to rescue her brother, Kyle, from addiction, leading her on an epic adventure through eccentric towns and characters, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. The narrative weaves together themes of family, love, regret, addiction, and self-determination, all against the backdrop of a magical world where good and evil clash.
- #6
Save:A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson is a captivating dark fairy tale that blends modern and fantasy elements. The story revolves around Maude, a young witch who struggles with the complexities of friendship and magic after losing her powers. When her childhood friend Odette goes missing, Maude embarks on a dangerous quest to find her while confronting her own obsession and unresolved issues.
The writing is rich with vivid descriptions and unique world-building, pulling readers into a mesmerizing, sometimes dark, narrative. The themes of personal growth, societal expectations, and the power of storytelling shine through, making it an engaging read. Although some readers found the pacing slow initially, the intriguing magic system and complex characters keep the story compelling. Overall, it's a tale of adventure, loss, and the fierce spirit of girls, reminiscent of other dark fairy tales.
"Fearless" by Tim Lott is a dystopian novel that follows the story of a young girl, known as Little Fearless, who is taken to a juvenile girls' prison disguised as a school. The book delves into themes of identity, community, truth, bravery, and inner strength, while also touching on topics such as religion, extremism, and ethics. Little Fearless becomes a symbol of hope for the other girls in the institution as she questions the authorities and tells stories to uplift their spirits.
The writing style of "Fearless" is described as a mix between a fable and a dark fairy tale, reminiscent of a children's version of "1984" and "Brave New World." The novel is praised for its unique world-building, thought-provoking social commentary, and the way it intertwines elements of magic and beauty into the narrative.
“You’re in trouble again, Little Fearless,” said Beauty, idly inspecting her perfect fingernails, their cuticles like pink crescent moons, as the girls walked slowly out of the Control Block. The Sund...- #8
Save:What Should Be Wild by Julia Fine is a dark contemporary fantasy novel that follows the story of Maisie Cothay, a girl born with the power to kill or resurrect with a touch. Raised in isolation by her anthropologist father in a mysterious forest, Maisie embarks on a quest to find him after his sudden disappearance. The narrative alternates between Maisie's journey and the tales of her female ancestors, all trapped in the forest, revealing a feminist fable that explores the subjugation of women over the ages. The book weaves elements of dark fairy tales, feminist themes, and a coming-of-age story, delving into themes of family legacy, fatherhood, and our connection to our sense of place.
The writing style in What Should Be Wild is described as unique and beautifully crafted, with a strong voice that captures the reader's attention from the beginning. The author, Julia Fine, skillfully blends historic and original myth, creating a fluid and transgressive narrative that challenges boundaries between reality and fantasy. The story unfolds through Maisie's perspective, interwoven with the stories of her ancestors, offering a mix of suspense, fantasy, romance, and feminist politics that keeps the reader engaged and intrigued until the satisfying end.
They grew me inside of my mother, which was unusual, because she was dead. I developed in a darkness that was not the eager swaddle of her enveloping organs, a heat that was not the heat of her heart-... - #9
Save:Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt is a dark fairytale set in a kingdom plagued by illness. The story follows Keturah, a young storyteller, who encounters Lord Death in the woods and strikes a deal with him to gain extra time to find her true love. As Keturah navigates through her village, she weaves tales, faces challenges, and explores the themes of life, death, love, and sacrifice. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, with a mix of haunting atmosphere, lovely language, and a traditional high romance structure.
I was picking new peas in our garden, which is bordered by the forest, when the famed hart, the hart that had eluded Lord Temsland and his finest hunters many times, the hart about which I had told ma... - #10
Save:Chime by Franny Billingsley is a captivating story set in a town called Swampsea in the early 1900s, following the life of 17-year-old Briony who believes herself to be a witch and carries the burden of guilt for her family's misfortunes. The arrival of a charming stranger named Eldric prompts Briony to question her self-hatred and unravel the secrets hidden by her late stepmother, leading to a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The narrative is filled with supernatural elements, mysterious creatures from the swamp, and a touch of magical realism, all woven together through Briony's introspective and fanciful perspective.
The writing style in Chime is praised for its poetic cadence and beautiful language, drawing readers into a world where fantasy merges seamlessly with reality. The book explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the power of love and friendship amidst a backdrop of secrets, betrayal, and sisterly bonds. Through Briony's unreliable narration and the gradual revelation of truths, Franny Billingsley creates a compelling and thought-provoking tale that keeps readers engaged till the satisfying end.
“I want to go home.” My sister turned from the river and closed her eyes, as though she could wish away the river, and the barge on the river, and Eldric on the barge. But life doesn’t work that way, ...
