37 Magical Fantasy Retellings You Need to Read

Recently updated on August 7th, 2024 at 03:52 pm

Looking for fantasy retellings? Fill your bookshelves with these enchanting fantasy retellings.

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself.

Who doesn’t love a good Fantasy retelling? Whether it’s a fairytale retelling or a dark fantasy retelling – they are guaranteed to transport you to another world.  

Fantasy retellings are a great introduction to fantasy. They’re easy to read as you’re already familiar with the storyline. 

So I’ve decided to compile the absolute best Fantasy retellings. Whether you’re after a Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty retelling, I’ve got you covered. This post is all about the best fantasy retellings.

Read on for the best fantasy retellings

What are the best Fantasy retellings?

Fantasy retellings for adults

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Beauty and the Beast)

A Beauty and the Beast retelling with one of the best enemies to lovers romance. The first book is slow to start but the second book is incredible.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It follows Feyre. She is really poor and lives with her father and two sisters. She has to hunt to care for the family.

One day she sees a deer and can’t resist killing it to sell. But it was actually a faerie she murdered. And the owner comes to kidnap her to live at the castle as punishment.

2. One for my Enemy by Olivie Blake (Romeo & Juliet)

One For My Enemy is an urban fantasy retelling of Romeo & Juliet. This standalone has witches, romance and magic.

Set in New York, two rival witch families fight to maintain control of their criminal ventures. On one side of the conflict are the Antonova sisters, each one beautiful, cunning, and ruthless.On the other side, the influential Fedorov brothers serve their father, the crime boss known as Koschei the Deathless.

Highly recommend if you’re after fantasy retellings.

3. She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan (Mulan)

She Who Became the Sun has fantasy elements but is more of a historical drama. This retelling is pitched as Mulan meets Song of Achilles.

Set in a famine-stricken village in China in the year 1345.  Two children are given two fates. A boy, greatness. A girl, nothingness…

For the starving peasants of the Central Plains, greatness is something found only in stories. When the Zhu family’s eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, is given a fate of greatness, everyone is mystified as to how it will come to pass.

4. Elektra by Jennifer Saint (Trojan War)

Are you a fan of Greek Mythology? Then I highly recommend checking out Jennifer Saint’s work. Araidne and Elektra are both Greek Mythology retellings. The pacing and characterisation are both excellent.

The House of Atreus is cursed. A bloodline tainted by a generational cycle of violence and vengeance. This is the story of three women, their fates inextricably tied to this curse, and the fickle nature of men and gods.

Clytemnestra is the sister of Helen, wife of Agamemnon – her hopes of averting the curse are dashed when her sister is taken to Troy by the feckless Paris. Cassandra is the Princess of Troy, and cursed by Apollo to see the future but never to be believed when she speaks of it.  Elektra is the youngest daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, Elektra is horrified by the bloodletting of her kin.

5. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

I couldn’t write a post on retellings without mentioning Madeline Miller’s work. Fans of Greek Mythology need to check out her retellings. Song of Achilles is a popular fantasy retelling and romance.

This Greek Mythology retelling focuses on the heart-breaking romance between Achilles and Patroclus. Likewise, the ending will devastate you.

We follow Achilles and Patroclus. Handsome Achilles charms everyone he meets. While Patroclus is an awkward young prince exiled from his homeland.

6. Princess of the Broken by Jasmine K. Swinburne (Rapunzel)

A fast-paced Rapunzel retelling full of suspense. Despite knowing the original fairytale, this leaves you on the edge of your seat. Magical, eerie and fast-paced.

Princess Raylin has spent the best part of fourteen years isolated and alone, locked inside a tower, told it was for her own good—her own protection. Darkness writhes inside her, an endless battle against the light powers of her kingdom. There are those that would hunt her for her gifts, destroy her without hesitation. But that is the last thing on her mind when she flees her stone prison.

7. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (Rumpelstiltskin)

Magical and atmospheric. Spinning Silver is a captivating take on Rumpelstiltskin with excellent characterisation and incredible storytelling. It features an Eastern European setting and a sassy, Jewish protagonist.

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold.

8. The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden (Several Russian fairytales)

A popular retelling with descriptive prose. The plot is slow but if you enjoy slower pace, beautiful writing and folklore then you’ll love this trilogy.

At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn’t mind. She spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse’s fairy tales.

Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost. The blue-eyed winter demon appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.

9. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (the Snow Maiden)

A beautiful retelling of the Snow Maiden set in Alaska. This has magic, heart and a beautiful snowy setting. Plus it features 1920s Alaskan homesteaders.

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart–he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season’s first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone–but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees.

10. A Dream So Wicked by Tessonja Odette (Sleeping Beauty)

A standalone fantasy retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It features a main character able to manipulate dreams. This is new adult and is perfect for A Court of Thorns and Roses fans.

After twenty years stuck in a fae convent with no word from whoever abandoned her there, Briony Rose is all out of hope. But when her parents suddenly claim her and reveal she’s a lost fae princess, she’s burdened with the weight of a kingdom on the brink of collapse. To secure her family’s precarious position, she must marry a wealthy human stranger. She would have done her duty with pride…if it weren’t for Thorne Blackwood.

11. Gild by Raven Kennedy (King Midas)

This is an adult retelling of the King Midas Myth. With beautiful worldbuilding this has a lot of sexual scenes. It is also very divisive with reading either loving or hating this book. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading.

Set in a world where ones with power rule. Gold floors, gold walls, gold furniture, gold clothes. In Highbell, in the castle built into the frozen mountains, everything is made of gold. We follow Auren, rescued from the slums by King Midas.

12. Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova (Cinderella)

A new adult retelling of Cinderella with fae. With a unique world, fae and magic. The romance is angsty and slow burn.

Katria swore she’d never fall in love. She’s seen what “love” means through the cruelty of her family. So when she’s married off to the mysterious Lord Fenwood for a handsome price, all Katria wants is a better life than the one she’s leaving. Feelings are off the table.

But her new husband makes not falling in love difficult.

YA Fantasy retellings

13. Malice by Heather Walter (Sleeping Beauty)

Malice is a compelling Sleeping Beauty retelling with the villain as the main character.

The book is set in a Kingdom called Briar. Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.

We follow Alyce, the dark grace. She was left abandoned in Briar from a dark kingdom. The dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar. Except for Princess Aurora.

14. A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer (Beauty and the Beast)

A Beauty and the Beast retelling with an incredible disabled main character. It includes an adorable enemies-to-lovers romance, magic and cursed prince.

A Curse So Dark And Lonely is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Prince Rhen is the Heir of Emberfall.

Emberfall is under a curse and the kingdom is enchanted into an everlasting winter. Prince Rhen needs to make a girl fall in love with him to break the curse.

15. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (Midsommer Night’s Dreame)

The Iron King is an incredible YA Fantasy book with fae, enemies to lovers romance and a strong female lead. This book takes many characters from classic literature and myths (such as a Midsommer Night’s Dreame) and retells them in a YA context.

The Iron King follows 16-year-old Meghan Chase. Her father disappeared mysteriously when she was six years old. And ever since, something has been off.

But things start to change drastically. And Meghan will have to learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she truly cares about.

16. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron (Cinderella)

A Cinderella retelling with a sapphic romance.  Set in a dystopian society, the plot is engaging and the woodland imagery is beautiful.

The premise is that teen girls are now required to appear at an annual ball where men select wives. But Sophia wants to marry her childhood best friend Erin. And isn’t a fan of the whole parade in front of suitors thing.

She decides to flee and decided to take down the king once and for all.

17. Ash by Malinda Lo (Cinderella)

Ash is a beautiful Sapphic retelling of Cinderella. First published in 2009, the cottagecore worldbuilding is enchanting and the exploration of grief adds depth to the story.

We follow Ash who is dealing with the grief of losing her parents. She falls in love with the king’s huntress.

I love that it focuses on Ash recovering from grief. Mental health is a strong theme throughout and the romance feels secondary. This cosy read offers great escapism.

18. Cinder by Marissa Meyer (Cinderella)

Cinder is a unique retelling set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic society. The main character is an android and the sci-fi elements blend perfectly with the fairytale.

Cinder had an accident when she was younger. And she now has a cyborg hand and ankle. But the world she lives in shuns androids.

She meets and falls in love with the Prince. But she can’t tell him that she’s an android.

19. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas (Cinderella)

Throne of Glass is a loose retelling of Cinderella. Sarah J Maas cited the fairytale as inspiration for this incredible series. It has a sassy, strong female lead, trials and romance.

Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien who is imprisoned in a horrific prison called Endovier. She is an assassin. And one day she is summoned by the Prince to fight in a competition. The winner will become the king’s personal assassin.

20. Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (The Wild Swans)

Six Crimson Cranes is a beautiful retelling of The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersson. It effortlessly blends East Asian worldbuilding and folklore into the story, giving it a fresh update.

Shiori is the only princess in Kiata. Shiori lives in a land where magic is banned. And demons are locked away inside a mountain. But forbidden magic runs through her veins.

Shiori normally conceals it. But on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, she loses control. And she attracts the attention of her stepmother Raikama.

21. A Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell (Les Miserables)

Musical theatre fan? You need to Read A Sky Without Stars. A dystopian, science fiction retelling of Les Miserables.

Set in a dystopian world called Laterre. When the Last Days came, the planet of Laterre promised hope. But now an elite class reigns. A rebel group is resurfacing.

We follow three characters Chatine, Alouette and Marcellus. And they all play a role in the revolution.

21. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (King Arthur)

An incredible King Arthur retelling that takes place in a college, giving it a dark academia vibe. It blends magic and trials with commentary on racism in academia.

We follow Bree Mathews. After the death of her mother, she wants to avoid family memories. So, she joins a residential program for gifted high school students.

But then she witnesses a magical attack on her first night. A flying demon feeding on human energy. A Mage tries to wipe her memory. But he fails. And instead Bree unlocks new memories of her mother’s death.

22. The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl (multiple)

The Grimrose Girls is a modern take on classic fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. It has a unique concept and gripping mystery. The well-paced story keeps you hooked.

The heroines of the stories are re-imagined as friends attending an elite boarding school. After their friend dies, the police rule the death as suicide. But they decide to investigate to find out what really happened.

The book is also full of queer characters including lesbian, bi and transgender representation in the book. If you’re looking for fantasy retellings then you should pick this one up.

23. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust (Sleeping Beauty)

A Sapphic retelling based on the Classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty.  The enchanting draws on Persian Mythology for inspiration. This is perfect for fans of Cinderella is Dead or This Poison Heart.

We follow Soraya, a cursed princess poisonous to the touch. Soraya is only safe in her garden. Hidden away and apart from her family.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves.  The answer to her freedom.

24. Ruinsong by Julia Ember (Phantom of the Opera)

A dystopian retelling of Phantom of the Opera. This features a unique magic system based around singing. Plus it has a cute Sapphic romance.

In this world, singers have magic powers when they sing certain songs. And they are able to heal, cause pain and heat people.

Cadence is a strong mage. She was born in poverty in an orphanage and rises to success. But she works for the evil Queen Elene. And Elene forces Cadence to use her power to torture others.

25. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska (The Ballad of Tam Lin)

A loose retelling of the classic folk story – Ballad of Tom Lin. You can read about the Ballad of Tam Lin here. It features a curse, witches and a cursed romance.

We follow Lina. She lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. Every year the Witch Queen sacrifices a boy on the full moon. And so keeps the island city from sinking.

Lina is convinced the Witch Queen will take her brother.  And so Lina offers herself instead. But the queen is nothing like Eva expected.

26. Robber Girl by S.T Gibson (The Snow Queen)

A Sapphic Snow Queen retelling set in Sweden. It features a witch and a sassy thief. Plus this is short, making it quick to read.

We follow Helvig. Her brigand father raised her to steal whatever treasure catches her eye. Her men ambush a strange girl on the road, with pale hair and a crow on her shoulder. Helbig cannot resist bringing home a witch.

Drawn into the other woman’s web, Helvig learns of Gerda’s reason for walking the icy roads. To find the queen living at the top of the world and kill her.

27. Briar Girls by Rebeccas Kim Wells (Sleeping Beauty)

A Sleeping Beauty retelling with fairytale vibes. The enchanting worldbuilding features beautiful forest imagery.

We follow Lena. The touch of her Skin can kill. Before Lena was born, a witch cursed her. Lena has always lived in fear and isolation. But after a devastating mistake, she and her father are forced to flee to a village near the Silence, a mysterious forest with a reputation for luring people into the trees, never to be seen again

Until the night an enigmatic girl stumbles out of the Silence and into Lena’s sheltered world.

28. Wendy and Tink by Kelly Anne Jacobson (Peter Pan)

A profound retelling of Peter Pan. This is a dark reimagining of the original tale and jumps between the past and present. I recommend checking the trigger warnings beforehand.

We follow Tinker Bell, she is in love with both Peter Pan and Wendy. Peter and Wendy’s granddaughter Hope Darling finds the reclusive Tinker Bell squatting at the Darling mansion to care for the graves of her two lost friends.

As Hope wins the fairy’s trust, Tink tells her the truth about Wendy and Peter—and her own role in their ultimate fate.

29. Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder (Sleeping Beauty)

A gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty retelling. Two Sapphic characters must break a curse on a prince. Think Indiana Jones with axe wielding lesbians.

Fi is a bookish treasure hunter with a knack for ruins and riddles. And Fi definitely doesn’t believe in true love.

Shane is a tough-as-dirt girl warrior from the north who likes cracking skulls, pretty girls, and doing things her own way.

Briar Rose is a prince under a sleeping curse, who’s been waiting a hundred years for the kiss that will wake him.

30. Lies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah Underwood (Odyssey)

This Bestseller is a beautiful retelling of the Odyssey. A quick warning, this is loosely inspired by the Odyssey and Greek mythology. The author admitted to not finishing reading the Odyssey.

Each spring, Ithaca condemns twelve maidens to the noose. This is the price vengeful Poseidon demands for the lives of Queen Penelope’s twelve maids, hanged and cast into the depths centuries ago.

But when that fate comes for Leto, death is not what she thought it would be. Instead, she wakes on a mysterious island. And she meets Melantho, a girl with the power to command the sea. And Melantho says death can stop a thousand.

31. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong (Romeo & Juliet)

A captivating Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai. Full of rival gangs, beautiful worldbuilding and romance.

Set in Shanghai in 1926, a blood feud between two gangs leaves the city helpless.  And in the grip of chaos.

We follow Juliette Cai, an 18 year old at the heart of all the chaos. She’s a former flapper. And she’s returned to assume her role as heir of the Scarlet Gang —a network of criminals far above the law.

 32. Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar (The Nutcracker)

An enchanting Nutcracker retelling that transports you to a magical, wintery world. This is the perfect retelling to read at Christmas.

We follow Marietta Stelle. She loves ballet. But after Christmas, her dreams will be over as she is obligated to take her place in Edwardian society.

While she is chafing against such suffocating traditions, a mysterious man purchases the neighbouring townhouse. Dr Drosselmeier is a charming but calculating figure. And he wins over the rest of the Stelle family with his enchanting toys and wondrous mechanisms.

When Drosselmeier constructs an elaborate set for Marietta’s final ballet performance, she discovers it carries a magic all of its own.

Dark Fantasy retellings

33. The Last Lost Girl by Casey L. Bond (Peter Pan)

A dark fantasy retelling of Peter Pan. This book has shadow magic, morally grey characters and romance. With unexpected twists, the dark tone will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Welcome to Neverland. Where shadows consume and magic is frighteningly real.

Ava is struggling to provide for herself and her sister, who slips further into insanity with each passing day. Raving about Neverland. Obsessed with a Second Star that Ava can’t see in the black, velvety sky. Until the night Belle succumbs to the terrifying shadows plaguing her and sweeps Ava away to a land that is only supposed to exist in storybooks.

34. Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid (The Wolf and the Woodsman)

I wasn’t sure what category to put this book into. But this is a horror fantasy and gothic retelling. With layered characters and depictions of trauma.

Marlinchen and her two sisters live with their wizard father in a city shifting from magic to industry. As Oblya’s last true witches, she and her sisters are little more than a tourist trap as they treat their clients with archaic remedies. But at night, Marlinchen and her sisters sneak out to enjoy the city’s amenities, particularly the recently established ballet theater, where Marlinchen meets a dancer who quickly captures her heart.

As Marlinchen’s late-night trysts grow more fervent and frequent, so does the threat of her father’s rage and magic.

35. A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene (Beauty and the Beast)

This is definitely 18+ and a spicy twist on the classic fairytale. This is fast-paced, funny and full of explicit scenes.

Set in a kingdom locked in time. The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. And the last dragon shifter. He watched the main character trespassing and takes her back to the castle as his prisoner.

Highly recommend for fans of dark fantasy retellings.

36. The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter (Several)

A series of dark but beautiful short stories inspired by fairytales. Fans of gothic horror will love this collection of sensual short stories.

From familiar fairy tales and legends – Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard, Puss in Boots, Beauty and the Beast, vampires and werewolves.

The collection is eerie and beautifully written. And the advantage of short stories is that you can read them in one sitting. Perfect if you’re in a reading slump.

37. Scarred by Emily Mcintyre (The Lion King)

The Never After series features standalone dark fantasy retellings of various fairytales. Scarred is a retelling of the Lion King,

Prince Tristan Faasa was never destined for the throne. That was always his brother, Michael. The same brother responsible for both Tristan’s tormented childhood and the scar that mars his face. When their father dies, Michael is set to assume the throne, and Tristan is set to steal it. The leader of a secret rebellion, Tristan will stop at nothing to end his brother’s reign. 

Those were my picks for the best fantasy retellings

Whether you’re looking for a Cinderella or Beauty and The Beast retelling – I hope you found some books for your tbr list.

What ya fantasy retellings have you read? Let me know your recommendations in the comments section below.

This post was all about fantasy retellings

Other posts you might like…

The best books with fae

20 books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

The best books like The Cruel Prince

The best books with witches

fantasy books for beginners

The best fantasy audiobooks