Books matching: dark fairy tale retelling
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- #1
Save:'Snow, Glass, Apples' by Neil Gaiman is a dark retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, narrated from the perspective of the wicked stepmother. The story takes a twisted turn, exploring themes of fear, dread, and horror through stunning artwork and a gripping narrative style that keeps readers engaged and haunted long after finishing the book.
They call me wise, but I am far from wise, for all that I foresaw fragments of it, frozen moments caught in pools of water or in the cold glass of my mirror. If I were wise I would not have tried to c... - #2
Save:'The Bloody Chamber' by Angela Carter is a collection of dark and sensual retellings of classic fairy tales with a gothic and feminist twist. Carter's writing style is described as beautifully crafted, evocative, and rich in imagery, bringing new life to familiar stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard. The stories explore themes of sexuality, agency of women, and the darker aspects of human nature, creating a complex and compelling fantasy world.
The book features ten adult adaptations of fairy tales, each with a macabre and feminist undertone. Carter's storytelling is praised for its unique voice, strong connections between tales, and its feminist reinterpretation of traditional themes. The collection is a blend of reimagined myths and original stories, challenging the reader to explore a more nuanced and morally complex version of fairy tales.
- #3
Save:In "Alice" by Christina Henry, readers are taken on a dark and twisted journey through a reimagined version of the classic Alice in Wonderland tale. The story follows Alice, who escapes from a mental hospital with her companion Hatcher, seeking revenge on the Jabberwocky while navigating a dangerous and eerie Old City. The book delves into themes of violence, madness, and revenge, with a writing style that captures the horror and suspense of the twisted world created by the author.
If she moved her head all the way up against the wall and tilted it to the left she could just see the edge of the moon through the bars. Just a silver sliver, almost close enough to eat. A sliver of ... - #4
Save:'Red As Blood' by Tanith Lee is an anthology of re-imagined fairy tales that takes the familiar stories we all know and love and twists them into dark, sensual, and original narratives. The book features stories like 'Wolfland,' where Little Red Riding Hood is turned on its head, and 'The Golden Rope,' a mysterious and romantic version of Rapunzel with a demonic twist. Tanith Lee's writing style is described as poetic and imaginative, creating a collection that is both horrifying and sensual, with each story sending a specific message to the reader.
The book explores themes of feminism, dark fantasy, and challenges traditional storytelling norms. Readers are drawn to the unique retellings of classic tales, the thought-provoking narratives, and the unsettling endings that deviate from the original fairy tales. Tanith Lee's ability to weave together folklore, fantasy, and horror in a captivating manner keeps readers engaged and eager to delve deeper into each story.
- #5
Save:Heartless by Marissa Meyer is a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, focusing on the origin story of The Queen of Hearts, Catherine. The story follows Catherine, a young woman who dreams of opening her own bakery but is pressured to marry the King of Hearts. However, her encounter with Jest, the court jester, leads to a forbidden romance that changes her path. As Catherine navigates her desires and societal expectations, readers are taken on a journey through Wonderland filled with familiar characters like The Mad Hatter and The Cheshire Cat. The narrative explores Catherine's transformation from a hopeful baker to the infamous Queen of Hearts, shedding light on the events that shaped her descent into darkness.
THREE LUSCIOUS LEMON TARTS glistened up at Catherine. She reached her towel-wrapped hands into the oven, ignoring the heat that enveloped her arms and pressed against her cheeks, and lifted the tray f... - #6
Save:The Girl in Red by Christina Henry is a unique twist on the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood set in a post-apocalyptic world. The story follows the main character, Red, who is on a journey to her grandmother's house in the woods while facing challenges such as militants, government forces, and a mutating disease. Red's character is portrayed as strong, smart, and determined, despite having one leg. The plot unfolds with a sense of urgency as Red prepares for the worst while her family remains unprepared for the impending crisis. The narrative skillfully weaves elements of survivalist themes, homage to the original fairy tale, and a sci-fi twist, leaving readers intrigued and engaged throughout the story.
The fellow across the fire gave Red the once-over, from the wild corkscrews of her hair peeking out from under her red hood to the small hand axe that rested on the ground beside her. His eyes darted ... - #7
Save:'A Kingdom of Ruin' in the 'Deliciously Dark Fairytales' series by K.F. Breene continues the journey of Finley as she navigates through the treacherous Demon King's castle, facing challenges, secrets, and new revelations. The book delves deeper into the characters' perspectives, introduces new key players, and sets the stage for an impending battle. The writing style is described as dark, gritty, emotional, and funny, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and suspense seamlessly.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Deliciously Dark Fairytales ) - #8
Save:Greymist Fair is a mysterious village shrouded in magic and danger, where a body is discovered outside the village, signaling imminent change. The story unfolds through different character perspectives, each section contributing to the main plot while offering a new perspective on the unfolding mystery. The narrative is atmospheric, immersive, and non-linear, weaving together elements of fairy tales with a unique storytelling approach that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
- #9
Save:In 'Juniper & Thorn', Marlinchen, the youngest of three witch daughters, possesses a unique ability to diagnose illnesses through touch. When she defies her father's orders and attends the Oblyan ballet, she becomes infatuated with the principal dancer, setting off a chain of events that lead her to question reality and her own strength. The story is a dark, gothic horror tale that weaves elements of folklore, vengeance, and the awakening of inner monsters, creating a whimsical yet gory narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book delves into themes of abuse, trauma, and darkness, all wrapped in Ava Reid's mesmerizing prose that immerses readers in a fantastical world of communistic Oblya.
"Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower" by Tamsyn Muir is a dark and twisted fairy tale retelling that follows Princess Floralinda as she is trapped in a tower by a witch. The book explores themes of empowerment, role reversal, and the consequences of adopting societal roles, all while delivering a sharp and focused character arc. Muir's writing style strikes an impressive balance between comedic fairy tale elements and biting commentary, creating a snappy and engaging narrative that sticks with the reader long after finishing the book.
What had happened was that the witch put Princess Floralinda in a tower forty flights high, but said it wasn’t personal. She told her to cheer up. “Princes will be flocking from near and far to rescue...
