If you love fairy-tale retellings as much as I do, here are a few recommendations I’ve read recently! All of these books were inspired by fairy-tales and folklore but have quite a twist.
Girls Made of Snow & Glass: 4.5 Stars
This is no ordinary fairy-tale retelling. This is pretty much the original Snow White story before it was mingled and mangled through the passage of time. This lovely gem is a touching and spellbinding story of betrayal, familial love and self discovery amid complex and deep relationships. Sadly the pace is rather slow, with more dialogue than action and there’s very little world building. But ultimately it’s about powerful women (who don’t need no prince) learning how to love and be loved in return.
Spinning Silver: 4.5 Stars
Recommended if you love brilliant retellings inspired by Rumpelstiltskin!
Naomi Novik is a phenomenal storyteller, able to weave bewitching tales full of twists & wonder. The atmospheric flow of her writing is charming & engaging but this is not a fast paced read; rather it’s something to be savored.With strong powerful heroines who are both flawed and relatable; layered and multidimensional they are sure to leave an emotional imprint. While compelling and fantastical, the many perspective changes (6 in total) can get very confusing!
Ever the Hunted: 3 Stars
Recommended if you like adventure and fantasy. The pace is a bit slow, the MC’s aren’t very bright and the plot is predictable. If you like relationship’s that waffle back and forth and a female with special snowflake syndrome, then you’ll love this. If not, this is a fun adventure, but it follows the same formula as most other YA novels In this genre.
The Darkest Part of The Forest by Holly Black: 3.5 Stars
An enchanting, enjoyable story with creepy creatures and unusual characters. Recommended for people who like fun fairy-tales, evil monsters, mischievous fairies and female Knights. Also recommended for very young people who like reading about high schoolers, fantasy and paranormal romances. With enough of a twist to make the over used plot seem kinda new and fun.
Stitching Snow: 3.5
Recommended for those who want to read a fairy-tale re-imagined with a scifi twist, (similar to the Lunar Chronicles). Featuring a tough, strong and vulnerable princess who refreshingly doesn’t need a man to save her. Although the story starts out slow, it does get more intriguing as it goes along. This clever Snow White retelling has just a hint of romance, and actually manages to makes Snow White a relatable, engaging, and complex princess worth admiring.
Entwined by Heather Dixon: 4 Stars
Recommended for those who like charming, re-imagined fairy-tales with a surprising twist. A Fun, lighthearted & magical fantasy with romance and princesses. Overall an entertaining read with a kick!