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.

In the book "Snow White and Rose Red" by Patricia C. Wrede, readers are taken on a journey to Elizabethan England where the Widow Arden and her daughters, Blanche and Rosamund, navigate a world filled with magic, sorcery, and faeries. The story follows the intertwining lives of the widow, the two sorcerers John Dee and Edward Kelly, and the faerie brothers Hugh and John as they become entangled in a web of enchantments and power struggles. With the backdrop of an era filled with witch hunts and magical intrigue, Wrede weaves a tale that combines elements of the original fairy tale with a unique twist, all while immersing the reader in a world where Elizabethan English speech adds an authentic touch to the storytelling.

The narrative unfolds with a mix of danger, mystery, and fairy tale charm, drawing readers into a world where the characters must navigate risks, curses, and the whims of the Fae. As the plot unravels, the story delves into themes of family, magic, and the clash between the mortal and faerie realms, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that keeps readers engaged with its blend of Elizabethan setting and fantastical elements.

Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly is a reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, focusing on the perspective of one of the ugly stepsisters, Isabelle. The story delves into the aftermath of Cinderella's happily ever after, exploring themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and challenging societal norms. Through a mix of dark and enchanting storytelling, the book follows Isabelle's journey as she navigates guilt, pain, and the battle between Fate and Chance, ultimately seeking to reclaim her heart and rewrite her destiny.

The writing style of Stepsister is described as captivating, with powerful imagery that brings the characters and scenes to life. Readers are drawn into a world where beauty, self-worth, and choice are central themes, challenging traditional fairy tale narratives and offering a fresh perspective on the concept of happily ever after.

Leven Thumps, a fourteen-year-old boy from Oklahoma, discovers his responsibility to protect the land of Foo, the world of hopes and dreams. Joined by Winter, a young girl with mysterious powers, and Geth, a former king transformed into a toothpick, they must find and destroy the gateway to Foo to prevent the evil overlord Sabine from gaining power over both reality and Foo. The story unfolds with a mix of humor, adventure, and imaginative world-building, appealing to readers of various ages with its charming characters and engaging plot.

"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.

"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.

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.

'The Child Thief' by Brom is a dark and twisted retelling of the classic Peter Pan story. The book takes Peter Pan into a modern setting, where he lures troubled children into a misty realm called Avalon to join his band of Devils. The story explores themes of darkness, violence, and the consequences of following a charismatic but dangerous leader like Peter. The writing style is described as atmospheric, captivating, and full of gory and intense moments that keep the reader engrossed in the narrative.

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.

Deerskin by Robin McKinley is a dark and powerful retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin, focusing on the story of Princess Lissar who is subjected to a horrific trauma at the hands of her own father. The novel delves into themes of abuse, survival, recovery, and self-healing as Lissar embarks on a journey of escape and redemption with her loyal hound, Ash, by her side. The writing style is described as lyrical, dreamlike, and at times, nightmarish, weaving together elements of fantasy, mythology, and raw emotion to create a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human resilience and the healing power of love.