If you grew up loving fairy tales but now crave a little more grit, magic, and mystery, this list is for you. These fairy tale retellings are anything but sweet—they’re bold, haunting, and filled with unexpected twists. Each book, ranging from modern fantasy novels to lush historical settings, infuses a familiar tale with a fresh perspective.
- House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
A gorgeously eerie take on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this story follows Annaleigh and her sisters, who live in a mansion by the sea where death seems to follow them. As ghosts start appearing and her sisters sneak off to dance each night, Annaleigh starts questioning whether the tragedies are accidents—or something much more sinister. Ghosts, curses, and a stranger with secrets make this one unforgettable.
- Cinder, by Marissa Meyer
Part of the wildly popular Lunar Chronicles, this book reimagines Cinderella as a cyborg mechanic. Set in a futuristic world, it blends sci-fi and fantasy in a way that just works. Though it starts with familiar beats, the clever twists keep it fresh. Don’t let the premise fool you—this book is addictive, clever, and entirely unique.
- The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
This dazzling One Thousand and One Nights retelling centers on Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry a murderous king to avenge her best friend. She plans to kill him, but as she tells him stories to survive, she discovers a world of secrets and unexpected emotions. It’s swoony, suspenseful, and utterly absorbing.
- Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley
McKinley’s adaptation of Sleeping Beauty retains the fundamental elements of the story, yet enhances it with intricate world-building and endearing characters. The magic feels tangible, the animals talk, and the kingdom is alive with quirky, vivid detail. If you like your fairy tales with a dash of folklore and heart, this trilogy is a perfect pick.
- The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
This modern Grimm’s fairy tale, set in Manhattan, is characterized by its darkness and twists. Alice is used to running from unfortunate luck, but when her mother is kidnapped and a page from her grandmother’s book appears, she enters a nightmarish world where fairy tales are real—and terrifying. Think classic fairy tale meets urban fantasy with a horror twist.
- Midnight Strikes by Zeba Shahnaz
This is a Cinderella retelling with a time loop twist! Anaïs finds herself reliving a royal ball that ends in an explosion again and again. As she unravels palace secrets, she has to change fate before the clock strikes twelve. It’s an intense blend of mystery, magic, and high-stakes drama.
- Kill the Beast by Serena Valentino
Told from Gaston’s perspective, this Beauty and the Beast retelling dives into the backstory of a character we all thought we knew. With emotional depth and sharp character development, this tale will have you questioning who the real villain is.
- The Girl in Red by Christina Henry
A post-apocalyptic Little Red Riding Hood? Yes, please. Red is a fierce, ax-wielding survivor navigating dangerous woods after a deadly crisis. With real-world threats and a chilling atmosphere, this gritty reboot blends survival horror with fairy tale roots. This game is ideal for those who enjoy dystopian fiction with a darker edge.
- Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater
This Merida-centered story picks up years after the Disney movie ends. When a supernatural threat looms, Merida must change or risk losing everything. Full of Scottish folklore and internal growth, it captures Merida’s spirit and expands her world with beautiful storytelling.
- Curses by Lish McBride
Flip the script with this gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast retelling. Beastly Merit refuses to marry a prince and ends up cursed. Enter Tevin, a charming rogue traded for his mother’s freedom. The two form a pact to break the curse, but love gets in the way. It’s witty, romantic, and wonderfully fresh.
