Books Like...

A retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale from the perspective of one of the stepsisters, set in 17th-century Holland during the tulip times. The story sheds new light on the characters, presenting them as real people rather than fairy tale stereotypes. The book explores themes of beauty, love, and the complexities of human nature, offering a fresh and engaging take on a well-known story.

'Son of a Witch' by Gregory Maguire is a sequel to 'Wicked' that follows Liir, the son of the Wicked Witch of the West, as he navigates through his life in the land of Oz. The book delves into Liir's struggles, his search for his mother, and his interactions with various characters from the original Oz book, portraying a dark side of human nature and the complexities of the world created by Maguire. The narrative style of the book includes flashbacks to Liir's earlier life and explores themes of corruption, identity, and the impact of characters like Glinda and the Scarecrow in Liir's journey.

The opinions on 'Son of a Witch' highlight mixed feelings among readers, with some finding the book a worthy continuation of the series that offers a deeper look into the world of Oz and the character of Liir. However, others express disappointment in the plot development, characterization, and the unresolved nature of the story, leading to varied reactions towards Maguire's storytelling and the overall impact of the book on readers.

'Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker' by Gregory Maguire is a unique and engaging retelling of the classic Nutcracker story. The book delves into the backstory of the Nutcracker, exploring the life journey and experiences of a young Drosselmeyer before his encounters with the Staulbauhm family. Maguire's writing style is described as complex, slightly dark, yet hopeful and whimsical, filled with beautiful language and authentic German elements that add depth to the narrative.

The novel provides a rich expansion of the Nutcracker tale, offering detailed and insightful descriptions while exploring themes of lost childhoods, imaginations, and allegories for dangers to body and soul. Maguire seamlessly weaves together elements of 19th-century Bavaria, German Romanticism, and fairy tales, creating a narrative that immerses readers in a world of grief, longing, and restrained feelings. The book is praised for its ability to give readers a peek behind the scenes of the life that led to the creation of the Nutcracker story, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire offers a unique perspective on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, delving into the life of the supposed villain, the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba. The narrative reimagines the well-known tale, exploring themes of morality, religious zealotry, human behavior, and the nature of good and evil. Through a dark and sometimes sexually explicit tone, the book provides a complex and intricate storyline that challenges readers' perceptions of traditional fairy tales.

The author, Gregory Maguire, skillfully weaves a tale that captivates adult readers by delving into the personalities of fairy tale characters, offering a fantasy world that blurs the lines between childhood memories and adult realities. is characterized by its imaginative storytelling, clever twists on familiar characters, and a narrative that goes beyond the surface story of Oz, delving into deeper themes and character motivations that resonate with readers on a philosophical level.

"A Lion Among Men" by Gregory Maguire is the third installment in 'The Wicked Years' series and focuses on the character of the Cowardly Lion, also known as Brrr. The story follows Brrr's journey to find his family and his struggles to be accepted in a society where Animals are discriminated against. Through flashbacks and present-day encounters, the book delves into Brrr's past, his meeting with Dorothy, and his search for self-discovery in a world filled with intolerance.

The narrative of "A Lion Among Men" is a mix of backstory on the Cowardly Lion and present-day actions that provide insight into the character's past and personality. also introduces new characters like Yackle and explores the relationships between various characters from the previous books in 'The Wicked Years' series. The writing style blends elements of fantasy, introspection, and political intrigue, creating a complex and compelling narrative that adds depth to the overall story arc of the series.

'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.

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.

'Boy, Snow, Bird' by Helen Oyeyemi is a novel that weaves together elements of fairy tales and explores themes of race, beauty, identity, and family secrets. The story follows the lives of Boy, Snow, and Bird, revealing their complex relationships and the challenges they face as they navigate through different perspectives and time periods. The narrative is rich and layered, with characters that are compelling and flawed, set against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal struggles.

The writing style in 'Boy, Snow, Bird' is described as beautiful, engaging, and thought-provoking. Oyeyemi expertly combines reality with fairy tale elements, creating a story that is both original and captivating. The novel delves into deep themes such as passing, violence, identity, and the impact of societal norms on individuals, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and relationships.

In "White as Snow" by Tanith Lee, the author retells the Snow White fairy tale in a dark and twisted manner, weaving in elements of Greek mythology and exploring themes of rape, abuse, and psychological trauma. The story follows Queen Arpazia and her daughter Coira, who serve as mirrors and foils to each other, navigating through a world of violence, jealousy, magic mirrors, and encounters with dwarves. The narrative is complex, delving into the psychological and emotional impacts of abuse, while incorporating metaphors and symbolism to create a rich and haunting story.

The Stepsister Scheme by Jim C. Hines is a modern fantasy tale that reimagines the lives of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White after their fairy tale endings. The book follows Princess Danielle, Princess Talia, and Princess Snow as they team up to rescue Danielle's kidnapped prince from her vengeful stepsisters. The story incorporates dark elements from the original fairy tales and adds humor, action, and magic to create a fun and engaging narrative. Hines skillfully weaves together different versions of the fairy tales, creating strong and unique female characters who defy stereotypes and take charge of their own destinies.