Books Like...

"Beastly" by Alex Flinn is a modern retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story set in New York City. The book follows the journey of Kyle, a vain and arrogant high school student who is transformed into a hideous beast by a witch's curse. As the story unfolds, Kyle must find true love and break the curse within two years. The narrative is told from the Beast's perspective, offering a fresh take on the familiar fairy tale. The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, blending elements of fantasy and contemporary themes seamlessly.

The book explores themes of inner beauty, redemption, and the importance of self-discovery. Through Kyle's transformation and his interactions with other characters, the story delves into deeper issues such as personal growth and the impact of outward appearances on one's character. The plot unfolds in a fast-paced manner, keeping readers engaged as Kyle navigates the challenges of his new existence as a beast and learns valuable lessons about love and acceptance.

'Hunted' by Meagan Spooner is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a unique twist involving Russian folklore elements like Tsarevich Ivan, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf. The story follows Yeva, a strong heroine who embarks on a journey to find her missing father in the woods, only to encounter the Beast. Through captivating storytelling, readers witness the evolution of the Beast's character as he interacts with Yeva and struggles with his own curse. The book delves into themes of family, magic, love, and self-discovery, creating a dark yet enchanting narrative that blends fantasy with reality.

The writing style of 'Hunted' is described as beautifully written, engaging, and enchanting. The author, Meagan Spooner, expertly weaves together elements of Russian folklore with the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, creating a compelling and atmospheric retelling. The narrative is filled with action, suspense, and romance, offering readers a unique perspective on familiar fairy tale themes and characters.

'The Fire Rose' by Mercedes Lackey is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale set in San Francisco around the turn of the century. The story follows a destitute and bookish heroine who takes a mysterious position working for a man she never sees properly. The book intertwines magic with America's own past, incorporating elements of elemental magicks and their masters. The writing style combines historical fiction with fantasy elements, addressing themes of abuse, slavery, and the historical context without making excuses for the past.

The Sleeping Beauty in the series 'Five Hundred Kingdoms' by Mercedes Lackey is a delightful mix of fractured fairy tales, magic, and humor. The story follows Princess Rosamund, Fairy Godmother Lily, and Prince Siegfried as they navigate through The Tradition, a powerful magical force that tries to shape their lives into classic fairy tale scenarios. Lily, with her clever manipulation of The Tradition, sets up trials for princes to win Rosamund's hand and protect their kingdom from impending catastrophe. With elements of Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Wagner's Ring of the Nibelungs, the book weaves together a fun and entertaining tale filled with humor, romance, and magical creatures.

The characters in the book are well-drawn and engaging, each having unique traits and personalities that add depth to the story. The plot moves along at a good pace, blending traditional fairy tale elements with modern twists and unexpected turns. Lackey's writing style shines through in the witty dialogue, distinct character voices, and vivid descriptions that transport the reader into the fantastical world of the Five Hundred Kingdoms.

"East" by Edith Pattou is a retelling of the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon. The story follows Rose, a young girl born facing North in a family of mapmakers, who embarks on an adventure with a white bear to save her family. The narrative is told through multiple viewpoints, including Rose's, the White Bear's, and other characters, creating a richly imagined world reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast and other classic fairy tales. The writing style is described as lyrical at times, with elements of mystery, adventure, and self-discovery woven throughout the tale.

A retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale from the perspective of one of the stepsisters, set in 17th-century Holland during the tulip times. The story sheds new light on the characters, presenting them as real people rather than fairy tale stereotypes. The book explores themes of beauty, love, and the complexities of human nature, offering a fresh and engaging take on a well-known story.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge is a dark and gothic retelling of Beauty and the Beast intertwined with Greek mythology. The story follows Nyx, who is raised to hate the demon lord Ignifex, whom she is destined to marry and kill as part of a bargain made by her father. As Nyx navigates her new life with Ignifex, she discovers that things are not as black and white as she was led to believe, leading to a complex and intricate plot filled with suspense, romance, and dark characters. The book features witty banter, a constantly changing castle, and a love triangle involving Shade, Ignifex's shadow.

"Ash" by Malinda Lo is a retelling of the classic Cinderella tale with a twist, incorporating elements of fantasy and fairies. The story follows Aisling Ash, who after losing her parents, is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. She finds solace in fairy tales and is drawn into different worlds, including the world of nobility with the King's huntress, Kaisa, and the world of the elves with Sidhean. As Ash navigates her way through these worlds, she is forced to make difficult choices that will shape her future.

The book is praised for its unique take on the traditional Cinderella story, its incorporation of fairy tales and original storytelling, and its focus on themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. With a blend of fantasy, romance, and strong female characters, "Ash" appeals to readers who enjoy a fresh interpretation of a well-known fairy tale and a captivating narrative that keeps them engaged until the end.

Rose Daughter is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, focusing on the story of Beauty and her two sisters who find themselves in a magical and mysterious home after their family faces a sudden change in fortune. The book explores themes of family, transformation, and love, with a strong emphasis on Beauty's magical gardening abilities and her relationships with her family members and the Beast. The writing style is described as lush and romantic, with detailed descriptions of emotional depth and character development.

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.