There’s something timeless and magical about fairy tales that keeps us coming back for more. Whether it’s Cinderella’s glass slipper, Beauty’s enchanted rose, or Snow White’s poison apple, these stories have captivated audiences for centuries. And now, modern authors are breathing new life into these beloved tales with fresh twists, bold settings, and unexpected characters. If you’re looking for the best fairytale retellings to dive into this year, here are some top picks for 2024 that will whisk you away into worlds both familiar and fantastically new.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Let’s kick things off with a modern-day take on Beauty and the Beast that has all the ingredients of a gripping, page-turning fantasy. A Curse So Dark and Lonely brings us Harper, a tough-as-nails heroine from Washington D.C., who gets pulled into a parallel universe (totally relatable, right?) where Prince Rhen is cursed to relive his 18th year over and over until he finds someone to love him. Sounds familiar? Sure, but this isn’t your typical love story. Harper has cerebral palsy, and it’s refreshing to see a character with a disability represented as the strong, fearless lead.
What’s cool about this retelling is that it blends the old and the new—Harper’s no damsel in distress, and the romance builds gradually through action-packed scenes that leave you rooting for the characters. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance and epic battles, you’ll want to add this one to your list.
Queen of Snow by Laura Byron & Jessie Cal
Now, this one’s for the folks who love a good adventure set in a cold, wintry kingdom. Queen of Snow is an imaginative reimagining of The Snow Queen with a healthy dose of political intrigue and romance. The protagonist is caught in a frozen world filled with danger, magic, and, of course, a cold-hearted queen. But the twist? Our heroine has to navigate not only the frigid landscapes but also a court full of power struggles and deception. It’s a great read if you love stories where the stakes are high, the magic is wild, and the romance simmers beneath the surface. Plus, the world-building in this one is top-tier—expect to get lost in a world of snow-dusted forests and ice-castles!
We have to talk about Briar Rose because it’s one of those retellings that takes the core of a fairytale and gives it a whole new, deeper meaning. Briar Rose is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but don’t go into it expecting just another fairytale with a happy ending. Jane Yolen sets this story against the backdrop of the Holocaust, blending history with fantasy in a way that’s both haunting and beautiful. The story follows a young woman named Becca who is trying to uncover her grandmother’s mysterious past. As Becca digs deeper, she realizes that her grandmother’s life was entwined with a dark, tragic history, but also with the hope of survival. This one will pull on your heartstrings, so be prepared to feel all the feels. If you’re looking for a more mature, thought-provoking retelling, Briar Rose should definitely be on your radar.
The Shadow in the Glass by JJA Harwood
If you’re a fan of Cinderella but also love a good gothic horror vibe, then The Shadow in the Glass is calling your name. It’s a Cinderella story like no other—dark, twisted, and definitely not Disney. The story follows Ella, a young maid living in a crumbling mansion who makes a desperate bargain with a mysterious figure who can grant her seven wishes. But as we all know, there’s always a catch, and these wishes come at a steep price. The atmosphere is thick with tension and dread, making this a perfect read if you’re into dark magic and morally gray characters. It’s Cinderella, but with a spooky, sinister edge that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
We’ve all heard of The Wild Swans, right? It’s the story of a princess whose brothers are turned into swans, and she has to break the curse. Well, Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim takes that classic tale and weaves in rich elements of East Asian mythology to create something completely enchanting. Shiori, the protagonist, is a princess with forbidden magic, and when her stepmother curses her brothers to become cranes, it’s up to Shiori to find a way to break the spell. The stakes are high, and the world-building is lush, full of ancient magic, dangerous gods, and mystical creatures. I love how Lim manages to make this story feel familiar yet entirely new, with a cast of unforgettable characters and a plot full of twists. If you’re looking for a fantasy that’s vibrant, heartfelt, and steeped in mythology, you’ll want to check this one out.
Marissa Meyer has a way with fairytale retellings, and Gilded is her take on Rumpelstiltskin. What we love about Meyer’s work is how she reimagines these classic tales, adding layers of complexity and giving her characters agency in ways that the original stories sometimes lack. In Gilded, we follow a miller’s daughter who’s cursed by the god of lies to spin straw into gold, but instead of being helpless, she’s clever and resourceful, using her wits to survive in a world of dangerous bargains. Meyer’s writing is always so immersive—you’ll feel like you’re right there in the dark, magical forest, with creatures lurking in the shadows. It’s perfect if you love stories about outsmarting the odds and overcoming curses.
Another lesser-known but absolutely beautiful retelling is Thorn, based on The Goose Girl fairytale. This story follows Princess Alyrra, who is betrayed and forced to switch places with a servant girl while on her way to marry a foreign prince. What makes this story stand out is Alyrra’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She goes from being a quiet, overlooked princess to someone who takes control of her own fate and fights for justice. It’s a quiet yet powerful story, full of heart and strength, and Khanani’s writing is just lovely. If you’re looking for a fairytale retelling with strong themes of identity and standing up for what’s right, this one is a hidden gem you’ll want to uncover.
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
Now, for those who like their fairytales with a dark, gothic twist, House of Salt and Sorrows will give you all the eerie vibes. Based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this story is part murder mystery, part horror, and part fantasy. It follows Annaleigh, one of twelve sisters living in a manor by the sea, who starts to believe that her sisters’ deaths aren’t accidents but something much more sinister. The story has a wonderfully creepy atmosphere, and the seaside setting adds an extra layer of mystery and tension. If you like stories that blend fairytales with horror elements, House of Salt and Sorrows will have you hooked from start to finish.
Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran
If you’re into political intrigue and court drama, Queen of Coin and Whispers is a perfect mix of romance and high-stakes deception. It’s a retelling that doesn’t stick too closely to any one fairytale but instead pulls from classic tropes like royal heirs, secrets, and forbidden love to create its own magical narrative. Lia is a queen who takes the throne only to uncover a web of corruption, and Xania is her spymaster who helps navigate the treacherous political landscape. Together, they must unravel a deadly conspiracy before it’s too late. It’s more than just a fairytale retelling—it’s a deep dive into loyalty, love, and the cost of power.
Hunted offers another creative twist on the Beauty and the Beast story, but with a dark, dangerous edge. Yeva, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, returns to the wilderness after her family falls on hard times. She grows up as a skilled hunter, but when her father is killed by a mysterious beast, she sets out to seek revenge. What she finds instead is a lonely creature, cursed and isolated, with secrets of his own. Spooner’s Hunted is perfect for fans who want a more rugged, wilderness-based take on this classic love story, complete with lush descriptions of forests, hunting, and survival.
Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
Jennifer Donnelly’s Stepsister takes the Cinderella story and flips it on its head by focusing on one of the ugly stepsisters—Isabelle. In this unique retelling, we get to see the aftermath of the glass slipper moment and how Isabelle’s life changes after her failure to fit into the shoe. Desperate to rewrite her own destiny, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her identity, defying both fate and society’s expectations. If you enjoy tales about redemption, self-empowerment, and challenging traditional narratives, Stepsister is a fantastic choice for 2024.
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
This lush, romantic duology takes inspiration from One Thousand and One Nights, where Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid, the young king of Khorasan, who takes a new bride every night only to have her killed by morning. Determined to uncover the truth behind Khalid’s curse and put an end to the murders, Shahrzad uses her wit, strength, and cunning to survive night after night. The Wrath and the Dawn is a captivating retelling with a fierce heroine and a swoon-worthy romance, making it a perfect read for fans of enemies-to-lovers and epic fantasy.
The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning
Inspired by The Princess Bride, The Princess Will Save You is a high-stakes, action-packed adventure where the roles of rescuer and damsel in distress are flipped. When her father, the king, dies, Princess Amarande is faced with an unwanted political marriage. But when her true love, a stable boy named Luca, is kidnapped, Amarande sets off on a quest to rescue him. This fast-paced retelling is full of sword fights, political intrigue, and plenty of twists. If you love fierce heroines who refuse to be sidelined, this one is for you.
The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
The Bone Spindle is a fresh, gender-swapped retelling of Sleeping Beauty that mixes treasure hunting with a dash of romance. In this version, Fi, a treasure hunter, and her partner Shane, a warrior, accidentally awaken a sleeping prince. What follows is a thrilling adventure with cursed objects, ancient ruins, and magical dangers at every turn. Vedder’s take on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale is full of action, wit, and fun dynamics between the characters. It’s a perfect pick for readers who enjoy a fast-paced, adventurous take on fairytales.
Which Will You Read?
Fairytales are no longer just for children. With modern retellings offering everything from dark twists to feminist narratives, these novels promise to be fresh, exciting takes on the stories you thought you knew. So grab your favorite blanket, brew a cup of tea, and get ready to be swept away into these enchanting worlds! What fairytale retellings are you most excited to read this year? Let us know in the comments below!
