Books matching: whimsical fantasy tales
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- #1
Save:Readers describe 'Haroun and the Sea of Stories' as a delightful and imaginative children's adventure novel that follows the journey of a young boy named Haroun to a fantastical world where stories flow endlessly. The book is filled with creative wordplay, colorful characters, and a unique plot that revolves around the power of storytelling and the importance of freedom of speech. Through Haroun's adventures, the author, Salman Rushdie, weaves in themes of fantasy, political allegory, and the struggle against oppressive regimes, creating a story that appeals to both children and adults alike.
The two shouting men shoved Rashid and Haroun into the back seat of a beaten-up car with torn scarlet seats, and even though the car’s cheap radio was playing movie music at top volume, the shouting m... - #2
Save:The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint is a whimsical fantasy tale that follows the adventures of Lillian Kindred, a young girl who is transformed into a kitten by the King of Cats after being bitten by a snake. Determined to return to her human form, Lillian embarks on a quest filled with magical creatures, valuable lessons, and unexpected consequences. The story beautifully weaves themes of friendship, loyalty, nature, and the power of choices, all set in a captivating world where reality and fantasy blend seamlessly.
One afternoon Lillian and Aunt were working in the corn patch. Aunt pulled the weeds up with her hoe while Lillian followed behind and put them in a basket. Aunt was humming some old tune, the way she...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Newford ) - #3
Save:A Dreamer's Tales by Lord Dunsany is a collection of enchanting and whimsical stories that transport readers to mysterious and dreamlike realms. The writing style is described as poetic and descriptive, with each tale painting a unique and vivid picture filled with melancholic whimsy. The stories often involve magical journeys towards uncertain endings, reminiscent of the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and are praised for their dreamy, timeless, and mythic feel.
Toldees, Mondath, Arizim, these are the Inner Lands, the lands whose sentinels upon their borders do not behold the sea. Beyond them to the east there lies a desert, for ever untroubled by man: all ye... - #4
Save:The Last Unicorn follows the journey of a unicorn who discovers she may be the last of her kind and sets out to find her fellow unicorns. Along the way, she encounters various characters like Schmendrick the magician and Molly Grue, forming a group to free the unicorns from captivity. The story is described as a charming fairy tale that delves into themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the enduring power of hope and magic. The writing style is praised for its lyrical prose, blending deep reflections on life with moments of whimsical humor, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere.
The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless color of sea foam, but rather the color of snow falling on ... - #5
Save:"Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" by Terry Brooks follows the story of a Chicago lawyer named Ben Holiday who feels like something is missing from his life. When he comes across a listing in a Christmas catalog for a magical kingdom, he decides to take a chance and purchases it. Upon arriving in the magical kingdom of Landover, Ben discovers that the kingdom is in disarray with no money in the treasury, no army, and enemies lurking. The story delves into Ben's journey of trying to restore the kingdom to its former glory, facing challenges, and balancing a sense of responsibility without proper authority. The writing style is described as clever and escapist, with an engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the world of Landover.
The plot of "Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" revolves around Ben Holiday's unexpected acquisition of a magical kingdom and his subsequent struggles to bring order and magic back to Landover. explores themes of escapism, responsibility, and the challenges of leadership in a fantasy setting accessible through a Christmas catalog. The writing style, while dated due to being published in 1986, is noted for its clever storytelling and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.
Ben Holiday stood frozen before the open cubicle of his mailbox, eyes slipping across the gaily decorated cover of the catalogue to the white address label and the name of his dead wife. The lobby of ... - #6
Save:'A Kiss at Midnight' by Eloisa James is a delightful Regency fairytale retelling of Cinderella. The story follows Kate Daltry, who is caught in a role between a family member and a servant due to her wicked stepmother. When her sister Victoria needs to win the approval of her fiancé's cousin, who happens to be a prince, Kate steps in to make things right. The novel is praised for its captivating storytelling, interesting characters like Kate, Gabriel, and Wick, and the charming dialogue that moves the plot with wit and humor. Despite being a predictable Cinderella retelling, the book is commended for its engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in the characters' journey towards their heart's desires.
It should be said that the condition wasn’t unfamiliar to her. Before her father died seven years earlier, she found herself sometimes irritated with her new stepmother. But it wasn’t until he was gon... - #7
Save:"The Fairy's Mistake" in the series "The Princess Tales" by Gail Carson Levine is a retelling of a classic fairy tale about two sisters who receive magical gifts from a fairy. One sister, Rosella, has jewels fall out of her mouth when she speaks, while the other sister, the evil twin, has bugs fall out of her mouth. The story follows the consequences of these gifts, including Rosella's engagement to a prince who exploits her gift for his own gain. Through clever tricks and kindness, Rosella navigates her way to a happy ending, teaching important lessons along the way.
is described as a twisted fairy tale with unexpected twists and turns, blending humor and morals seamlessly. It explores themes of kindness, cleverness, and the consequences of magical gifts in a light-hearted and engaging manner, making it a delightful read for both children and adults.
- #8
Save:'Three Wishes' by Kristen Ashley is a modern-day twist on a fairy tale, involving a genie granting three wishes. The story follows the emotional journey between the hero, Nate, and the heroine, Lily, as they navigate through trials and tribulations to test their love. The book is described as a sweet and heartwarming tale with a special magic touch, set in a fantasy world with a typical Kristen Ashley alpha hero.
The plot revolves around Lily inheriting a genie named Fazire and making a wish for a man like the ones in her romance novels. Nate, a man with a dark past, enters her life and despite his rugged exterior, he falls deeply in love with Lily. The story covers their ups and downs, family dynamics, and the challenges they face to strengthen their love, all with a touch of fantasy and magic.
She would only allow herself a sigh. No use worrying about what she didn’t know. Not yet anyway. That’s what Jim would tell her. She had enough to worry about today. She would allow herself to worry a... - #9
Save:In "Spindle's End" by Robin McKinley, readers are treated to a unique retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. The story follows Rosie, a princess raised in obscurity by fairies to protect her from a curse. McKinley's writing style is praised for its beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, creating a world filled with magic, talking animals, and unconventional characters. The plot unfolds slowly, focusing on Rosie's growth as a strong and independent young woman who takes control of her own destiny.
The magic in that country was so thick and tenacious that it settled over the land like chalk-dust and over floors and shelves like slightly sticky plaster-dust. (Housecleaners in that country earned ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Folktales ) - #10
Save:'Chalice' by Robin McKinley is a gentle fantasy novel that follows the story of Mirasol, a beekeeper who unexpectedly becomes the Chalice, responsible for maintaining the balance and harmony of her demesne. Alongside a new Master who is struggling with his own transformation, Mirasol must learn to work together with him to prevent the land from tearing apart. The book is praised for its slow pacing, graceful storytelling, and the deep exploration of characters and their relationships.
The narrative unfolds with a mix of past and present scenes, slowly revealing the fantastical society of Chalice, filled with rich traditions, magical elements, and complex characters. Readers are drawn into a world where the heroine grapples with newfound responsibilities and the challenges of uniting a community, all while navigating themes of magic, self-discovery, and the power of inner strength.
Because she was Chalice she stood at the front door with the Grand Seneschal, the Overlord’s agent and the Prelate, all of whom were carefully ignoring her. But she was Chalice, and it was from her ha...
