Books Like...

Cinderella Is Dead is a fresh and feminist retelling of the classic Cinderella tale set in a dystopian kingdom where women have no rights and are forced to conform to oppressive patriarchal standards. The story follows Sophia, a determined 16-year-old girl who rebels against the society's norms and joins forces with Constance to overthrow the king and his system. Through a blend of suspense, mystery, horror, and social commentary, the book explores themes of feminism, LGBTQ+ representation, and the consequences of blindly following tradition.

'Of Fire and Stars' by Audrey Coulthurst follows Princess Denna of Havemont, who is betrothed to the Prince of Mynaria but harbors a dangerous secret – a magical ability to create fire. As she navigates her arranged marriage, she finds herself drawn to her betrothed's sister, Princess Mare, leading to a blossoming love story amidst political intrigue and discrimination against magic users. The narrative explores themes of forbidden romance, court intrigue, and the challenges faced by LGBTQIA characters within a fantasy setting, with a focus on character relationships and the development of a complex magical world.

The writing style of 'Of Fire and Stars' is described as engaging, with a good balance of world-building and character development. Readers appreciate the normalization of LGBTQ relationships in the story and the emphasis on strong female characters who challenge traditional gender roles. The novel offers a refreshing take on fantasy romance, featuring a slow-burn romance between Princess Denna and Princess Mare, set against a backdrop of magic, political tensions, and personal growth.

'Girls of Paper and Fire' by Natasha Ngan is a dark fantasy novel set in the world of Ikhara, where a caste system divides society into three groups: Paper, Steel, and Moon. The story follows Lei, a member of the oppressed Paper caste, who is taken to become a concubine to the Demon King. As Lei navigates her dangerous new reality, she forms deep relationships with other Paper girls and faces forbidden love, intense violence, and the struggle for freedom. The book explores themes of oppression, female empowerment, and the complexities of relationships in a vividly imagined world filled with intricate world-building and a compelling plot.

'The Afterward' by E.K. Johnston is a fantasy novel set after the end of a classic save the world adventure. The story focuses on the aftermath of an epic quest, where the characters must navigate the impacts of their journey on their lives. It delves into the emotional aftermath of saving the world, exploring the characters' personal struggles and relationships. The book features WLW protagonists, f f romance, and diverse representation including ace, trans, and POC characters.

The plot revolves around a female apprentice knight and a female street thief who had a romantic relationship during the quest. As they try to deal with their feelings and move forward, they face challenges such as bills to pay and figuring out their future. The writing style is praised for its light fantasy background and focus on character development, providing a unique perspective on what happens after the heroes have fulfilled their destiny.

The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer is a sapphic retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth set in ancient Greece. The story follows Persephone as she meets Hades, a goddess, and their relationship develops amidst struggles and challenges. The book is praised for its unique take on the classic myth, with Hades portrayed as a woman, and for its emotional depth and poetic writing style that draws readers into the story.

Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins by Emma Donoghue is a collection of fairy tales retold from a feminist and lesbian perspective. The stories are interconnected, with each tale picking up from the character of the previous one. The book focuses on the relationships between female characters, whether romantic, antagonistic, or familial, offering new perspectives on well-known fairy tales like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and The Little Mermaid.

The writing style of Kissing the Witch is described as beautiful, simple, and dark. The author captures the essence of the oral tradition of fairy tales while focusing on the women in the stories. The characters are portrayed as empowered and real, with each woman telling her tale being flawed and nuanced. The book challenges cultural expectations and stereotypes ingrained in traditional fairy tales, offering thought-provoking moments and reimagining familiar stories through a feminist and lesbian lens.

In the book 'Malice' by Heather Walter, readers are taken on a journey through a dark and enchanting reimagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The story follows Alyce, a Dark Grace with a unique blood magic that sets her apart from the other Graces in the land. As Alyce navigates her role as a feared outcast who is sought after for her dark powers, she forms an unexpected bond with Princess Aurora. Their relationship evolves amidst curses, secrets, and a quest to break Aurora's curse, leading to a twisty and sapphic fantasy narrative that delves into themes of power, love, and sacrifice. Walter's writing style is described as exquisite, with fantastic world-building, complex characters, and a gripping plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

'Sweet & Bitter Magic' by Adrienne Tooley follows the story of Tamsin, a powerful witch banished from her coven for using dark magic to save her twin sister. Cursed with the inability to love, she trades for others' love to feel something. When a plague hits the world due to dark magic, Tamsin teams up with Wren, a magical source, to try and save the world. Their journey together is filled with elements of family, grief, and love magic, with a touch of humor, romance, and a fairy tale-like atmosphere.

'The Dark Tide' by Alicia Jasinska is a fantasy novel that follows a story of witches and magic, focusing on a queer romance between the two lead characters, Eva and Lina. The novel is praised for its unique magic system and world-building, with readers appreciating the depth of the universe created by the author. However, some readers found the execution of the story to be challenging to follow, with difficulties in character development and pacing issues. Despite this, the book is described as a quick escape and holds attention with its fanciful quirks and descriptive qualities.

"Annie on My Mind" by Nancy Garden is a groundbreaking young adult novel first published in 1982, telling the story of two 17-year-old girls, Liza and Annie, who meet and fall in love. The book explores their struggles with prejudice and self-doubt, but ultimately shows how they come out stronger in the end. It was the first novel for teens with a lesbian protagonist portrayed in a positive and hopeful light, offering a realistic portrayal of first love and the challenges faced by LGBTQ teenagers. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, endearing, and emotionally intense, capturing the essence of the characters' feelings and experiences.