Books Like...

'Briar Rose' by Jane Yolen tells the story of Becca, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her grandmother Gemma's past after Gemma reveals on her deathbed that she is Briar Rose from the Sleeping Beauty tale. Through investigative journalism, Becca discovers the intertwined history of the Holocaust with her grandmother's life, delving into the horrors of Chelmno and the struggles of survival during World War II. Yolen creatively weaves the fairy tale narrative with the grim reality of historical events, creating a poignant and captivating retelling.

The narrative alternates between Becca's present-day quest for truth and Gemma's past, revealing a story filled with mystery, intrigue, and emotional depth. Yolen skillfully blends elements of fairy tales with the harsh truths of the Holocaust, creating a compelling and thought-provoking tale that explores themes of family history, resilience, and the power of storytelling to navigate through dark times.

'Tam Lin' by Pamela Dean is a novel set in a small American liberal arts college in the early 1970s, following the journey of main characters over four years from adolescence to adulthood. The book intricately weaves elements of college life, literature, and the Tam Lin legend into a story that delicately balances between reality and fantasy. Readers are taken on a slow, steady pacing journey that builds the story with a fairy tale quality managed wonderfully by the author. The book is described as a lovely exploration of the joys and passions of college life, while addressing the question of what happens after the seven years of service in the Tam Lin legend.

In "The Snow Queen" by Mercedes Lackey, the story follows Aleksia, a Godmother of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, who must confront a false Snow Queen causing unnatural winter in a Finland-like kingdom. As part of the series, the book delves into the complexities of the Tradition that influences the fairy tales within the kingdom, blending magical elements with real-world problems faced by the characters. The narrative unfolds with a mix of mystery, romance, and adventure, offering a fresh and unique take on Andersen's Snow Queen tale.

Aleksia's character development as a Fairy Godmother facing personal challenges and embarking on her own fairy tale adventure adds depth to the story. Lackey's storytelling weaves together different storylines, creating a sense of wonder and satisfaction for readers as they explore the world of the Five Hundred Kingdoms. The book introduces strong new characters like the Ice Fairy Aleksia and the Sammi wise woman Annukka, who become allies in a conflict against a sorceress threatening their identities and loved ones, showcasing themes of redemption and virtue amidst magical conflicts.

'Bryony and Roses' by T. Kingfisher is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, offering a fresh perspective with a no-nonsense heroine, a Beast with a dry sense of humor, and brooding dark magic. The story follows Bryony, a skilled and dedicated gardener from an impoverished family, who stumbles upon an enchanted manor house during a snowstorm. She must navigate the complexities of her stay as she faces the Beast's demand for her future as forfeit for the theft of a rose. The book cleverly plays with the traditional fairy tale elements, introducing a terrifying villain, a kind yet prickly House, and fleshed-out secondary characters like Bryony's sisters, Holly and Iris.

The writing style in 'Bryony and Roses' is described as straightforward, snappy, and delightful, with a witty, intelligent, and unsentimental relationship at its core. The author, T. Kingfisher, presents a refreshing blend of canonical elements and new ideas that keep the story engaging and suspenseful. The book is commended for its intelligent and playful approach to the retelling, offering a darker and lighter take on the original Beauty and the Beast story while maintaining a unique and captivating narrative.

'Tender Morsels' by Margo Lanagan is a dark and brutal retelling of the fairy tale Snow White and Rose Red. The story follows Liga, a woman who faces abuse and trauma in the real world, leading her to create a safe haven in a magical world for herself and her two daughters. As the boundaries between the dream world and reality blur, Liga and her daughters find themselves torn between two worlds, dealing with themes of suffering, abuse, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. Lanagan's writing style is described as rich, earthy, and rhythmic, with a mix of fantasy elements and real-world struggles that create a captivating and emotionally intense narrative.

The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher is a dark and eerie retelling of the Bluebeard fairy tale, featuring a miller's daughter, Rhea, who is forced to marry a mysterious sorcerer lord. As Rhea navigates the sorcerer's mansion filled with strange and sinister characters, she must complete impossible tasks to avoid the same fate as his previous wives. The book blends elements of horror, fantasy, and fairy tale, creating a captivating story that explores themes of courage, friendship, and the fight against evil. The writing style is described as imaginative, with a good mix of pragmatism and invention, creating a unique and enthralling atmosphere throughout the book.

'The Outlaws of Sherwood' by Robin McKinley is a retelling of the Robin Hood legend, focusing on a more humanized portrayal of the characters. The plot follows Robin and his band of outlaws as they navigate the challenges of living in the forest, facing the Sheriff of Nottingham, and dealing with Saxon Norman hostilities. The writing style is described as gritty and realistic, with a focus on character development and historical context rather than traditional heroics.

'Spinning Starlight' by R.C. Lewis follows the story of Liddi Jantzen, a 16-year-old girl who must rescue her brothers without speaking a word to avoid triggering a device that will kill them. Facing an interplanetary conspiracy and armed with the help of Tiav, a dignitary from another planet, Liddi delves into a journey to save her family and restore order to her universe. combines elements of science fiction, fairy tale retellings, and themes of hope and sacrifice, offering a fresh take on YA science fiction with intricate world-building and complex character relationships.

'Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast' by Robin McKinley is a classic fairy tale retelling that adds depth and complexity to the beloved story of Beauty and the Beast. The book follows the journey of Beauty, a strong and pragmatic heroine, who sacrifices her own freedom to save her father and ends up living in an enchanted castle with the mysterious Beast. The writing style is described as quiet, gentle, and straightforward, focusing on the interior journey of Beauty and the growing relationship between her and the Beast.

'Sherwood' by Meagan Spooner is a reimagining of the legend of Robin Hood, with Lady Marian taking center stage after the death of Robin of Locksley. The book follows Marian as she navigates grief, social expectations, and injustice, all while masquerading as Robin Hood to save her community. The writing style is described as emotionally impactful, drawing readers into Marian's struggles and triumphs with vivid descriptions and realistic consequences for her actions.