Books Like...

"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.

'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.

Summer in Orcus is a fantastic portal fantasy where a young girl named Summer is offered a chance for her heart's desire by Baba Yaga, leading her to a journey in the world of Orcus. The book explores themes of adventure, friendship, and personal growth, with Summer navigating through a land filled with talking animals, shape-shifters, and intriguing mysteries. The writing style is described as dark, philosophical, fun, and engaging, with a blend of YA and adult themes that appeal to a wide range of readers.

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.

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.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher is an intriguing fantasy that blends horror and humor in a unique way. The plot follows Cordelia, a young girl oppressed by her abusive sorceress mother, Evangeline. As the story unfolds, Cordelia finds strength in newfound friendships while navigating complex family dynamics and the looming threat of her mother’s control. The narrative, reminiscent of the fairy tale The Goose Girl, showcases her struggle to escape her mother's grasp and prevent her from marrying for wealth.

The writing style is a hallmark of Kingfisher, filled with quirky and well-developed characters that draw readers in. Hester, Richard, and other supporting characters add humor and depth to Cordelia's journey. The book's pacing keeps readers engaged, and the characterization highlights unique attributes that resonate. Though dark themes are explored, the witty dialogues and charming interactions provide moments of levity, making it an enjoyable read despite the serious undertones.

'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.

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.

'Snow, Glass, Apples' by Neil Gaiman is a dark retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, narrated from the perspective of the wicked stepmother. The story takes a twisted turn, exploring themes of fear, dread, and horror through stunning artwork and a gripping narrative style that keeps readers engaged and haunted long after finishing the book.

'Toad Words And Other Stories' by T. Kingfisher is a collection of whimsical and dark fairy tale retellings that offer unexpected twists on traditional fantasy stories. The stories explore familiar tales like Diamonds and Toads, Little Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard, and The Little Mermaid, presenting them in a unique and inventive way. The author's writing style is described as quirky, unusual, and humorous, with a touch of darkness that adds depth to the narratives.