Books Like...

In "Dorothy Must Die" by Danielle Paige, readers are introduced to Amy, a girl from Kansas who finds herself in a twisted version of Oz where Dorothy has turned into a power-hungry dictator. With the help of the remaining wicked witches, Amy is tasked with assassinating Dorothy to restore Oz to its former glory. The story delves into themes of good versus evil, the consequences of power, and the unexpected twists that can occur in well-known fairy tales. The writing style is described as dark, fast-paced, and immersive, with vivid world-building and well-developed characters that keep readers engaged throughout the book.

The Siren by Kiera Cass follows the story of Kahlen, a girl who becomes a siren after being saved from drowning. She and her sisters are bound to serve the Ocean for 100 years, luring humans to their deaths with their deadly songs. Despite the rules, Kahlen falls in love with a human boy named Akinli, leading to a forbidden romance that puts both their lives in danger. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships in a unique and captivating way, blending elements of fantasy, romance, and mythology.

Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli tells the story of a mermaid named Sirena who must fall in love with a mortal man to obtain immortality. The book is set during the time of the Trojan War and explores Sirena's journey of self-discovery and love. The writing style is described as simplistic yet captivating, drawing heavily on Greek mythology and intertwining elements of romance and mythology seamlessly.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap follows the story of a girl named Emily who discovers she is a mermaid. Initially forbidden from swimming, Emily finally gets the chance to take lessons and uncovers her true identity when her legs transform into a tail in the water. With the help of a mermaid friend named Shona, Emily embarks on an adventure to find her father, a merman. The book is a captivating tale of self-discovery, friendship, and underwater exploration, written in a style that keeps readers engaged and eager to follow Emily's journey.

'The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea' by Maggie Tokuda-Hall is a dark young adult fantasy novel that follows the journey of two orphan siblings who become pirates. The story delves into themes of survival, self-discovery, and love as the characters navigate through a world filled with pirates, mermaids, witches, and the sentient being of the Sea. The narrative explores complex relationships and character growth, with a focus on gender fluidity, queer romance, and the mystical elements of the sea.

The book is written in a unique and engaging style, weaving together multiple perspectives and storylines that keep the reader intrigued. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, blending elements of adventure, romance, and fantasy to create a rich and immersive reading experience that challenges traditional genre boundaries.

"Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie follows the adventures of three siblings who travel with a boy named Peter Pan to a magical island called Neverland. Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up, leads them on thrilling escapades with the Lost Boys, Captain Hook, and TinkerBell. The story touches on themes of childhood wonder, the fear of growing up, and the importance of family and loyalty. The writing style is described as charming, whimsical, and engaging, with Barrie's language evolving as the story progresses.

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.

Fable follows the story of Fable, the daughter of a powerful trader, who is left to fend for herself on a treacherous island. Determined to earn her inheritance, she navigates a world of cutthroat traders and dangerous seas. Along the way, she forms unexpected alliances, faces betrayal, and must learn to trust in order to survive. Adrienne Young's writing style captivates readers with immersive world-building, intricate character development, and a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

"To Kill a Kingdom" by Alexandra Christo is a dark and action-filled retelling of The Little Mermaid, focusing on the characters of Lira, a siren princess, and Elian, a pirate prince. The story follows their unlikely alliance as they are forced to work together to defeat the sea queen, blending elements of mythology, love, and pirates. The book is praised for its unique take on the classic tale, incorporating murderous mermaids, witty banter, and a slow-burning romance between the two protagonists.

The narrative alternates between Lira and Elian's perspectives, providing insights into their characters and their evolving relationship. The writing style is described as engaging, with vivid world-building and morally ambiguous characters that add depth to the plot. Readers appreciate the fresh twist on familiar themes, such as the dark romance of pirates, monsters, and vengeance, making it a compelling and immersive read.

The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Jonathan Snipes, William Hutson, and Daveed Diggs is a novella that delves into the concept of a mermaid society descended from pregnant African slaves who were thrown overboard during the slave trade. The story follows the protagonist, Yetu, who carries the memories of her people's traumatic past, struggling with the burden of remembering while the rest of her society chooses to forget. Through poetic and beautifully written prose, the book explores themes of memory, history, trauma, and the conflict between personal preservation and community duty.