Books Like...

'The Tooth Fairy' by Graham Joyce is a coming-of-age story set in the 1960s, following the protagonist Sam from childhood into young adulthood. The narrative revolves around Sam's encounters with a malevolent and unpredictable tooth fairy, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The book explores themes of adolescence, friendship, loss of innocence, and the dark side of growing up, all while maintaining a haunting and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.

'The Hum and the Shiver' by Alex Bledsoe revolves around Private Bronwyn Hyatt, a war hero returning to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, inhabited by the secretive and enigmatic Tufa people. Bronwyn must navigate her obligations to her people, her family, and her own identity while facing mysterious omens, family tragedies, and the pull of her heritage's music. Set in a contemporary Appalachian setting, the novel delves into themes of war, power, family obligations, and the struggle to find one's place in a unique and magical community, all with a touch of magical realism.

In "Faerie Tale" by Raymond E. Feist, the Higgings family moves to a farm with rumored Faerie Woods, where they encounter scary and ruthless supernatural beings seeking to harm them. The story is filled with mystery, magic, drama, and a touch of love as characters navigate the Faerie world while dealing with the dark and otherworldly creatures.

The book is set in modern-day upper state New York and intermixes Celtic mythical creatures with twentieth-century individuals, focusing on the twins Patrick and Sean as they learn to cope in the Faerie world. As the family unravels the mysteries surrounding their new home, they are drawn into a tale of Faerie intersecting with the real world, leading to a compelling and engaging narrative.

'The Stolen Child' by Keith Donohue is a dark and melancholy novel that explores the story of two changelings - one a human child who becomes a changeling and the other a changeling who transforms back into a human. The book delves into themes of identity, memory, and the loneliness experienced by both characters as they grapple with their past and present realities. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two characters, providing a unique insight into their struggles and experiences.

The author, Keith Donohue, weaves a compelling tale based on the changeling myth, drawing inspiration from folklore and fairy tales. The story is intricately crafted, exploring the emotional depth of the characters and the evolving dynamics between humans and faeries. Donohue's writing style is subtle and evocative, gradually revealing key points that leave a lasting impact on the reader. The book offers a fresh take on old legends, making readers ponder on the mysteries of the past and the complexities of human nature.

'Snow White, Blood Red' is an anthology of fairy tale retellings for adults, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. The stories are modern adaptations of classical fairy tales, featuring dark twists and gruesome elements. The anthology includes tales based on well-known stories such as Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood, with settings that range from fantasy worlds to real-life scenarios. The writing style is described as captivating, with brilliant twists that make the stories seem plausible and memorable, holding the reader's attention from the first page to the last.

Author Rowenna Miller takes us back to the 1900s to meet a family of fruit farmers in a little niche of America called Prospect Hill. Sisters Alaine and Delphine have been told since they were old enough to understand that they should never go near the old linden tree. The book reads like three genres historical fiction, women's fiction, and fantasy folklore, with a light sprinkling of folklore for the first two thirds of the book and true fantasy folklore in the last third.

'You Let Me In' by Camilla Bruce is a dark and disturbing psychological horror story that delves into the complexities of trauma and abuse. The narrative follows Cassandra Tipp, a bestselling novelist accused of murder, as her niece and nephew uncover her final manuscript that holds the key to unlocking her fortune. Through Cassandra's memoir, readers are taken on a journey filled with faeries, mysteries, and dark revelations, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is described as enchanting, beautifully written, and haunting, with a touch of folk horror elements that add to the eerie atmosphere of the story.

Under the Pendulum Sun is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Catherine Helstone as she ventures into Faerie to find her missionary brother, Laon, and help him save the souls of the Fae. The book delves into a nightmare Faerie world filled with gothic horror elements, religious themes, and a dark elegance that gradually unfolds as the protagonist navigates through a mysterious and cruel land. The story combines Victorian influences with a theological twist, creating a unique and atmospheric narrative that slowly draws readers in until the final act unveils the full picture with a captivating sense of ambition.

"The Perilous Gard" by Elizabeth Marie Pope is a historical fantasy novel set in Tudor England, revolving around Kate Sutton, who is exiled to a remote castle called Perilous Gard. The story follows Kate as she unravels the mysteries of the castle, including the disappearance of a young girl and the involvement of the fairy folk. The book combines elements of reality and Faery Folk in an intriguing tale, incorporating strong and practical heroines, mysterious disappearances, and ancient secrets.

Pope's writing style in "The Perilous Gard" has been praised for its blending of historical fiction and fantasy, creating a unique and entrancing view of the fairy folk. The book offers a fresh take on familiar fairy tales, with engaging characters, a compelling plot, and a satisfying ending that resonates with readers of all ages.

Thomas the Rhymer is a prose re-telling of the famous traditional ballad, centering around a minstrel named Thomas who is taken to the land of the Sidhe to live and love for the Queen. The story is narrated from four different viewpoints, providing insight into the emotional growth of Thomas as he navigates his time in Faerieland. Ellen Kushner's writing style brings to life the characters and setting, creating a magical and fantastical world that stays true to the source material while adding depth and detail to the tale.