Books Like...
Fairest by Gail Carson Levine is a retelling of Snow White with a twist, focusing on the character of Aza, an innkeeper's daughter with a beautiful singing voice. Aza, who is not considered conventionally pretty, finds herself in the midst of court intrigue and personal struggles as she navigates her newfound status as the lady in waiting to the Queen of Ayorthia. The storyline cleverly weaves themes of beauty, self-acceptance, and the importance of talent over appearance, set in a kingdom where singing is a major form of communication. The book is praised for its unique take on a classic fairy tale, engaging plot twists, and the way it explores complex themes through relatable characters.
If you liked Fairest, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Ella Enchanted)
- #1
Save:In the book "Firebird" by Mercedes Lackey, set in Russia during a time of tsars and magick, the story follows the protagonist Ilya, a young man from a rough and violent household. After encountering a magical Firebird, Ilya receives gifts that help him survive and become a hero. Banished from his home, presumed dead, and aided by various allies, Ilya embarks on a quest filled with surprises, Russian folklore, and overcoming obstacles. The narrative is a delightful voyage into the myths and fantasies of Russian culture, painting a vivid picture of old-world Russia and showcasing a sword and sorcery fantasy tale that deviates from typical magical creatures.
The story unfolds with Ilya using his wits, courage, and kindness to navigate through a dangerous and enchanting world, making unexpected allies and ultimately learning the true meaning of love. While facing graphic and dark themes, the book explores themes of friendship, overcoming challenges, and the importance of actions over appearances. With elements of Russian folklore, magic, and adventure, "Firebird" is a reimagining of a classic Russian folktale, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and fairy tales to create a captivating narrative.
ANOTHER SLIVER of silvery-pale wood joined the tiny pile at Ilya Ivanovitch’s feet, and the rough shape in his hand became a little more foxlike. The wood rasped against the sword calluses on his palm... - #2
Save:"Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow" by Jessica Day George is a retelling of the Norwegian folktale East of the Sun, West of the Moon. The story follows a girl known as the lass, who is unloved by her mother and unacknowledged with a name. When a white bear offers her family riches in exchange for her living with him in an ice palace for a year, she accepts. The lass embarks on a journey filled with magic, talking animals, and mystical creatures, as she tries to uncover the secrets behind the bear's enchantment and ultimately save herself and the bear.
The book combines elements of Beauty and the Beast, Norse mythology, and various fairy tales to create a charming and whimsical story. Readers are taken on a captivating adventure with the lass, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and bravery against the backdrop of a wintery Scandinavian setting filled with trolls, magical animals, and enchantments.
Long ago and far away in the land of ice and snow, there came a time when it seemed that winter would never end. The months when summer should have given the land respite were cold and damp, and the w... - #3
Save: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.
The wind being fierce and the tides unobliging, the ship from Harwich has a slow time of it. Timbers creak, sails snap as the vessel lurches up the brown river to the quay. It arrives later than expec... - #4
Save:"The Fairy's Mistake" in the series "The Princess Tales" by Gail Carson Levine is a retelling of a classic fairy tale about two sisters who receive magical gifts from a fairy. One sister, Rosella, has jewels fall out of her mouth when she speaks, while the other sister, the evil twin, has bugs fall out of her mouth. The story follows the consequences of these gifts, including Rosella's engagement to a prince who exploits her gift for his own gain. Through clever tricks and kindness, Rosella navigates her way to a happy ending, teaching important lessons along the way.
is described as a twisted fairy tale with unexpected twists and turns, blending humor and morals seamlessly. It explores themes of kindness, cleverness, and the consequences of magical gifts in a light-hearted and engaging manner, making it a delightful read for both children and adults.
- #5
Save:In 'The Wide-Awake Princess' by E.D. Baker, readers are taken on a journey following Princess Annie, the younger sister of Sleeping Beauty, who was gifted with immunity to magic. When her sister falls into a deep sleep due to a curse, Annie must embark on a quest to save her kingdom, find her sister's true love, and break the curse. The book offers a fresh perspective on classic fairy tales, with a mix of humor, adventure, and romance, making it an engaging read for young audiences.
It was princess gwendolyn’s sixteenth birthday and everyone was frantic. It wasn’t that they weren’t ready for the celebration; the kitchen had been in an uproar for days as the cooks prepared all of ... - #6
Save:In the Forests of Serre by Patricia A. McKillip is a fantasy tale that intricately weaves together Russian folklore elements, such as the firebird and Baba Yaga, with a unique and enchanting storyline. The book follows Prince Ronan of Serre, who is grieving the loss of his wife and child, and Princess Sidonie of Dacia, who is betrothed to Ronan against his wishes. As their paths intertwine with wizards, witches, and magical creatures in the Forest of Serre, a complex and engaging narrative unfolds, showcasing McKillip's lyrical writing style and ability to create captivating characters.
In the forests of Serre, Prince Ronan crossed paths with the Mother of All Witches when he rode down her white hen in a desolate stretch of land near his father’s summer palace. He did not recognize h... - #7Princess of the Midnight BallBook 1 in the series:The Princesses of Westfalin Trilogy
Save:Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George is a charming retelling of the classic fairy tale 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses'. The story follows Galen, a soldier returning home from war, who becomes entangled in the mystery of the twelve princesses who inexplicably wear out their dancing shoes every night. With elements of magic, curses, and bravery, the plot unfolds as Galen, aided by an invisibility cloak and his knitting skills, sets out to break the curse that plagues the princesses. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of suspense, emotion, and adventure, as the story is told from various perspectives, offering a fresh take on a beloved fairy tale.
Exhausted almost beyond the point of thought, Galen nevertheless kept moving forward, alone in the middle of the dusty road. In his head he sang the marching song of his old regiment, but his feet stu... - #8
Save: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 mirror was made of glass, which, in the lands it had been brought to. was not usual. And so, to protect it (but also because those who looked in it were sometimes very startled hy the monstrous cl... - #9
Save:'The Frog Princess' in the series 'The Tales of the Frog Princess' by E.D. Baker follows the story of Princess Emma, an awkward and rebellious princess who meets a talking frog claiming to be Prince Eadric. After a mishap during a kiss, both Emma and the frog prince turn into frogs themselves. The story revolves around their journey to reverse the spell and transform back into humans, encountering various adventures and challenges along the way. is described as a cute and creative twist on the traditional frog prince fairy tale, with a focus on humor, magic, and light-hearted storytelling that appeals to both children and adults.
Even as a little girl, I had thought that the swamp was a magical place where new lives began and old ones ended, where enemies and heroes weren't always what one expected, and where anything could ha... - #10
Save:Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper is a unique blend of well-known fairy tales and science fiction, offering a mix of hope and bleak outlook for the future. The protagonist, Beauty, is portrayed as a symbol of hope, hidden by her aunt on the fairy side of the family. The book weaves together various fairy tales, time travel, and elements of fantasy, creating a storyline that spans different time periods and settings, from the 14th century to the 21st century, Faery land, and even Hell. Tepper's writing style combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, mythology, and social justice to create an enthralling and thought-provoking tale.
I never knew my mother. My father never speaks of her, though my aunts, his half sisters, make up for his silence with a loquacity which is as continuous as it is malicious. The aunts speak no good of...
