Books Like...
'Strands of Bronze and Gold' by Jane Nickerson is a retelling of the Bluebeard fairy tale set in the pre-Civil War South. The story follows seventeen-year-old Sophia, who moves to rural Mississippi to live with her mysterious godfather, Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, at the lavish Wyndriven Abbey. Initially dazzled by her guardian's charms and lavish gifts, cracks soon appear in the glittery facade as Sophia uncovers dark secrets and a sinister side to Monsieur Bernard. The plot is filled with suspense, gothic creepiness, and a battle between good and evil, culminating in a dramatic ending that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Nickerson's writing style is described as beautifully composed, creating an ambiance that transports readers to the time period and setting of the novel.
If you liked Strands of Bronze and Gold, here are the top 10 books to read next:
- #1
Save:In "The Snow Queen" by Mercedes Lackey, the story follows Aleksia, a Godmother of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, who must confront a false Snow Queen causing unnatural winter in a Finland-like kingdom. As part of the series, the book delves into the complexities of the Tradition that influences the fairy tales within the kingdom, blending magical elements with real-world problems faced by the characters. The narrative unfolds with a mix of mystery, romance, and adventure, offering a fresh and unique take on Andersen's Snow Queen tale.
Aleksia's character development as a Fairy Godmother facing personal challenges and embarking on her own fairy tale adventure adds depth to the story. Lackey's storytelling weaves together different storylines, creating a sense of wonder and satisfaction for readers as they explore the world of the Five Hundred Kingdoms. The book introduces strong new characters like the Ice Fairy Aleksia and the Sammi wise woman Annukka, who become allies in a conflict against a sorceress threatening their identities and loved ones, showcasing themes of redemption and virtue amidst magical conflicts.
“YOU’RE NOT LIKE ANY FAIRY GODMOTHER I EVER HEARD of,” young Kay said, sullenly, his voice echoing in the enormous, and otherwise empty, throne room. He broke the silence and in doing so, created a re...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Five Hundred Kingdoms ) - #2
Save: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.
Her earliest memory was of waking from the dream. It was also her only clear memory of her mother. Her mother was beautiful, dashing, the toast of the town. Her youngest daughter remembered the blur o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Folktales ) - #3
Save: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.
The magic in that country was so thick and tenacious that it settled over the land like chalk-dust and over floors and shelves like slightly sticky plaster-dust. (Housecleaners in that country earned ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Folktales ) - #4
Save:House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones is a whimsical tale that follows Charmain, a book-loving young girl who is tasked with house-sitting for her wizard great uncle. As Charmain navigates the magical house filled with surprises and secrets, she also becomes involved in unraveling mysteries at the King's library. The story is filled with quirky characters, domestic magic, and unexpected adventures, all set in the enchanting world of Howl's universe. Jones weaves a plot that is both intricate and engaging, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.
Readers are introduced to a delightful mix of characters, from the bookish and relatable Charmain to the familiar faces of Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer. The plot unfolds with a blend of humor, magic, and domestic chaos, keeping readers entertained as Charmain discovers that there is more to life than books and respectability. Jones' writing style shines through in her ability to create a captivating world where the mundane and the magical intersect, making House of Many Ways a charming addition to the Howl's Moving Castle series.
“Of course,” said Aunt Sempronia. “But he has—” Here she too lowered her voice. “He has a growth, you know, on his insides, and only the elves can help him. They have to carry him off in order to cure...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Howl's Moving Castle ) - #5
Save:The Spellshop is a cozy fantasy that revolves around a socially awkward female main character (FMC), who is a librarian navigating her life amidst magical elements. The story is set on a charming island where she interacts with a variety of whimsical creatures, including sentient talking plants and merhorses. The plot showcases her personal growth and the development of unexpected friendships, all while she engages with themes of knowledge and power through her love for books. It’s described as a slow-paced narrative with a lot of heart, focusing on slice-of-life moments rather than high-stakes adventures.
The writing style is characterized as warm and inviting, with many readers noting that it feels like a "warm hug." The author aims to create a delightful reading experience that emphasizes coziness and sweetness over intense drama or romance. The narrative is filled with lush details that evoke a cottagecore aesthetic, making it an ideal escape for those seeking comfort and light-hearted stories. The FMC's journey, while not heavily focused on romance, features a charming and supportive male main character (MMC) that complements her character beautifully.
- #6
Save:'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.
I was the youngest of three daughters. Our literal-minded mother named us Grace, Hope, and Honour, but few people except perhaps the minister who had baptized all three of us remembered my given name.... - #7
Save:'The Book of Lost Things' by John Connolly is a dark and haunting coming-of-age story that follows young David as he copes with the loss of his mother and struggles to accept his new family dynamics. The book seamlessly weaves together various fairy tales into a nightmarish world that David stumbles into, where he embarks on a quest to find the king and uncover the secrets of the Book of Lost Things in order to find his way back home. The writing style is described as rich with lovely language and a fairy tale lyricism that immerses the reader in a world filled with peril and fantastical creatures.
He had, in truth, been losing her for a very long time. The disease that was killing her was a creeping, cowardly thing, a sickness that ate away at her from the inside, slowly consuming the light wit... - #8
Save:In "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones, readers are transported to the land of Ingary where magic is real. The story follows Sophie, the eldest of three sisters, who is cursed by a wicked witch and transformed into an old woman. Determined to break the curse, Sophie seeks help from the eccentric wizard Howl and his fire demon, Calcifer. As Sophie navigates through a world filled with magic, curses, and unexpected adventures, she discovers her own strength and courage. The book weaves together elements of fantasy, humor, and romance, creating a charming and heartwarming tale that captivates readers of all ages.
The writing style in "Howl's Moving Castle" is described as enchanting, witty, and engaging. Diana Wynne Jones crafts a world where imagination knows no bounds, with intricate plots, quirky characters, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. The story unfolds in a whimsical manner, blending fairy tale logic with modern elements, creating a unique and delightful reading experience.
In the land of Ingary, where such things as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility really exist, it is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of three. Everyone knows you are the one who will... - #9
Save:"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her... - #10
Save:"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy novel set in a world where a wizard known as The Dragon takes a young girl every ten years to live with him and protect the area from the dangers of the nearby Wood. The protagonist, Agnieszka, unexpectedly chosen instead of her best friend, discovers her own magical abilities and becomes an apprentice to The Dragon. As they work together to combat the threats from the Wood, Agnieszka navigates themes of magic, friendship, self-discovery, and love in a richly imagined world filled with folklore elements and moral ambiguity.
The book is praised for its beautiful and descriptive prose, creating a vivid and realistic world for readers to immerse themselves in. The story unfolds slowly, subverting expectations and revealing surprising twists that keep readers engaged until the very satisfying end. The character development, particularly of Agnieszka, is highlighted as she embodies girl power, bravery, and independence, becoming her own hero in the face of challenges and mysteries presented by the magical world she inhabits.
Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrific...
