Books Like...

In 'A Mirror Mended', Zinnia Gray continues her journey through dimensions, this time slipping into the world of Snow White. The story explores a love-hate relationship with the Evil Queen, unique interpretations of familiar characters, and the author's wicked sense of humor that keeps the readers engaged. As Zinnia navigates through different Snow White worlds, she embarks on an adventure with Eva, encountering challenges and making decisions that ultimately lead to a satisfying conclusion with a feminist twist.

The Charmed Wife by Olga Grushin is a captivating and unique retelling of the Cinderella story, focusing on Cinderella's life after her supposed happy ending. The book weaves together various fairy tale characters and elements, creating a dark and insightful narrative that explores themes of unrequited love, marriage, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The story is told in a dreamlike manner, with intricate prose and clever plot twists that keep readers engaged and questioning the traditional fairy tale narrative.

The book delves into the struggles of the Queen, formerly Cinderella, as she navigates a marriage that has turned sour and her desire for revenge against her Prince, now King. Through the use of magic and fairy tale tropes, Grushin expertly crafts a moving portrayal of a woman in crisis, trapped in a claustrophobic relationship, and seeking her own path to freedom. As the story progresses, the lines between reality and fantasy blur, leading to a trippy and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery.

"The True Story of Hansel and Gretel" by Louise Murphy reimagines the classic fairy tale in a wartime setting, following two Jewish children named Hansel and Gretel as they navigate the horrors of Nazi-occupied Poland. The story is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy, highlighting the themes of survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst dark and challenging times. Murphy's writing style is described as haunting, evocative, and beautifully crafted, effectively capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the characters and their experiences during World War II.

"The Raven and the Reindeer" by T. Kingfisher is a retelling of The Snow Queen, focusing on Gerta's journey to rescue Kay. The story delves into themes of agency, friendship, and self-discovery as Gerta navigates through adventures, encounters new friends like a sarcastic raven and a reindeer, and explores her own identity. The writing style is described as magical, immersive, and humorous, with well-developed characters and a classic fairy tale feel that captivates readers.

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow is a modern reimagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, where the protagonist Zinnia Gray, who has a rare genetic condition, finds herself thrown into a fairytale world on her twenty-first birthday. Alongside Princess Primrose, Zinnia embarks on a journey to rewrite her own story and challenge the traditional Sleeping Beauty narrative. The book is described as a delightful mix of fantasy, multiverse exploration, and feminist themes, with a unique twist on the classic tale that brings out the strength and agency of its heroines. The writing style is praised for being captivating, clever, and humorous, blending elements of magic, melancholy, and girl power in a fast-paced and engaging narrative.

"Some Kind of Fairy Tale" by Graham Joyce is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that explores the mysterious disappearance of Tara, a young girl, and her unexpected return twenty years later. The book delves into the impact of Tara's absence on her family and friends, their reactions to her unbelievable story of living among fairies, and the psychological investigations that follow. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy and realism, questioning the boundaries between reality and imagination. The story is told through multiple perspectives, offering a deep exploration of relationships, character development, and the blurred lines between truth and fantasy.

'Andrea Vernon and the Corporation for UltraHuman Protection' by Alexander C. Kane is a hilarious take on a modern company that provides security and protection services for New York City, employing superheroes instead of police or security guards. The book follows the protagonist, Andrea Vernon, an administrative assistant who joins The Corporation for UltraHuman Protection (CUP) and finds herself dealing with office politics and fighting supervillains. The story is described as funny, enjoyable, and witty, with a writing style that feels familiar to anyone used to the corporate world but with a superhero twist. The characters in the book, both superheroes and villains, are portrayed as ridiculous and lovable, creating a light-hearted and humorous atmosphere throughout the narrative.

The book is praised for its wit, humor, and unique take on the superhero genre. Readers enjoy the creative and sufficiently fleshed-out superheroes, the goofy yet great story, and the refreshing experience in writing provided by the author, Alexander C. Kane. The narrative is described as engaging and entertaining, offering a fun and light-hearted read that is both funny and engaging without resorting to slapstick humor. The audiobook format, narrated by Bahni Turpin, is particularly highlighted for enhancing the comedic elements of the story, making it feel more like a radio play than a novel.

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor is a reimagining of the Alice in Wonderland story, where Wonderland is depicted as a real place with Princess Alyss as the rightful queen who is forced into exile after her parents are murdered. The plot follows Alyss as she navigates through different worlds, including Victorian London, while facing challenges and battles to reclaim her throne. The writing style is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and imaginative, with a focus on themes of grief, war, and the power of imagination.

'NPCs' in the series 'Spells, Swords, & Stealth' by Drew Hayes explores a unique concept where four NPCs from a fictional tabletop game world find themselves stepping out of their scripted background roles after witnessing the deaths of the player characters. The story delves into the adventures and challenges faced by these non-player characters as they navigate through a world they never knew existed beyond their own. The writing style blends humor, suspense, and real stakes, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged and curious about the characters' actions and decisions.

'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.