My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

Savannah's having a rough time after her boyfriend, Hunter, dumps her for her older sister, Jane. Things should have been looking up when she gets three wishes from a fairy godmother, except that she gets stuck with Chrissy - and she's only a "fair" godmother because she only made average grades in fairy godmother school. Chrissy's misunderstandings send Savannah back to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella, then as Snow White. As if that isn't bad enough, her third wish sends Tristan - her current crush - to the Middle Ages where he is faced with a series of life-threatening challenges. Now Savannah must figure out how to get both of them back to modern times...and survive her godmother's "help."

This book was a fun change from the usual "fairy godmother" stories and put a bit of a spin on the retelling of the fairy tales into which Savannah is thrust. I personally found the prologue material (including the narrative from Chrissy, correspondence from her teachers, etc.) to be a little tedious even though it does provide some context, but I enjoyed the story once I got to the main narrative. I also liked the way that the story mixed some Middle Ages realism with various aspects of magic. I would recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy slightly-twisted fairy tales, or stories about magic in the real world.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Prophecy, Dark Lord of Derkholm, The Frog Princess, or A Kiss in Time

Twelve Dancing Princesses Trilogy by Jessica Day George

The first book, Princess of the Midnight Ball, is a retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses. Rose and her sisters -- Lily, Jonquil, Hyacinth, Violet, Iris, Poppy, Daisy, Lilac, Orchid, Pansy, and Petunia -- are cursed to dance at night for the King Under Stone, an evil wizard who lives in an underworld and wants brides for his twelve sons. Galen is an orphaned soldier who has come to live with his relatives and goes to work with his uncle in the royal gardens. When he happens upon Princess Rose, he immediately feels a connection. As the problem grows worse and the king brings in foreign princes to discover the secret of where the princesses go every night that cause their shoes to wear out, Galen becomes intrigued by their plight and starts to look for a way to help. But as the situation becomes critical, both in the underworld and in the kingdom, it's going to take ingenuity and luck to save the situation.

In the second book, Princess of Glass, the curse on the sisters has been broken, but the political problems that it caused still pose a serious threat. The nations all agree to do an exchange program for their children -- including all but the oldest princesses -- and Princess Poppy (one of the middle siblings) is sent to Breton. She soon makes friends with Marianne, the daughter in the family that she is staying with, and Prince Christian, another participant in the exchange program. Although she finds it interesting, there's a slight problem with one of the maids, Eleanora, who cannot seem to get anything right. But odd circumstances suggest that the maid might be under a curse and Poppy sets out to find out what she can do to help, assuming that she can find the answers before it's too late.

In the final book, Princess of the Silver Woods, the youngest sister (Petunia), is traveling to visit Grand Duchess Volenskaya, the elderly woman that she lived with during the fostering program years earlier. When highwaymen wearing wolf masks attack the carriage, Petunia is inadvertently kidnapped. Oliver has a noble title, but his land was taken away during the confusion at the end of the war and has left him, his family, and his tenants living in a rundown castle in the woods. But when the sons of the King Under Stone start to torment Petunia and her sisters again, Oliver is willing to go to great lengths to help make sure that the princesses are finally safe from the threat.

Overall, this was a great series; the books were quick reads and had interesting twists on the traditional fairy tales (Twelve Dancing Princesses, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood). The romance in the third book seemed a little weaker than the others, but the plot did a good job of tying up the loose ends and it was still enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings of fairy tales and a bit of romance -- and knitting, since there are patterns at the end of every book!

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Cecilia and Kate, Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Princess Nevermore, or Firebird

Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley

When Isabel's mother dies in childbirth, she is sent to a nearby village to live with a wet nurse in the family of a blacksmith. She grows up as a peasant girl, although she is friends with Prince Julian who lives at the village castle since Beatrice, Bella's adoptive mother, was his wet nurse as well. Meanwhile, their country has been at war with a neighboring country for nearly one hundred years, wreaking havoc on the lives of all the citizens. But when Bella is thirteen, everything falls apart: she finds out that her father is a knight in the city who has just remarried and decided to bring her home, away from the only family she has ever known. Unfortunately, her "new" family is not any more excited to see her and life is complicated for everyone. It will take courage, ingenuity, and a little bit of magic to make everything come out right again.

Although this is an unusual retelling of Cinderella, it felt a little dry to me, and not much like a fairy tale at the end (though several Cinderella elements were there). The story is told from several different points of view, which helps to understand all of the characters involved and the plot is unpredictable enough to stay interesting. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans that enjoy books that are a little serious.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Aurelie, Beauty, The Other Book, or Warbreaker

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Sunday is the youngest child of Jack and Seven Woodcutter and the seventh daughter (named in order for the days of the week). With so many siblings, Sunday particularly enjoys spending alone time in the Wood writing in her journal. When she meets a talking frog named Grumble, she's happy to have a friend all her own. One night she kisses him goodbye and leaves, without realizing that she has turned him back into Prince Rumbold - the crown prince who is hated by her family for an altercation with one of her older brothers, now shrouded in secrecy. Rumbold realizes that it will be challenging to convince Sunday to fall in love with him as a human, but he's sure that it will be worthwhile...

This book was a lot of fun and a fairly quick read, though that was mostly because I had trouble putting it down once I started it. Although it first appears to be a retelling of The Frog Prince (and it kind-of is), this book actually references quite a few fairy tales and nursery rhymes. One of my favorite things is that even though the fairy tale elements make parts of the book predictable (it's fairly obvious what will happen when one of Sunday's brothers is sent to the market to sell a cow), how the story turns out in the end is always a surprise. I would absolutely recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages who are looking for something light and fun to read, particularly readers who love retellings of fairy tales and stories with a bit of romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Frog Princess, Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, or Cloaked

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Now that Ella has landed Prince Charming, left her stepmother and stepsisters behind, and moved into the palace, she's just waiting for the "happily ever after" to begin. Unfortunately, the time before the wedding is filled with days of tedium and tutors to help her learn religion, history, etiquette, and even "how to interact with servants." But it will all be worth it once she and Charming get married and start their life together...won't it?

This was an interesting retelling about what happens after the "end" of the fairy tale. It was a quick read and not too predictable, with good characterization. The only thing I found disappointing was that there isn't much of a resolution at the end (somewhat understandable given the premise of the story); if you're bothered by book endings that are not conclusive, you may want to skip this one. However, I would recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy slightly odd retellings of fairy tales or books about strong female characters.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Academy, Black Pearls, A Kiss in Time, or The Seer and the Sword

Ella Enchanted, and Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Ella Enchanted tells the story of Ella of Frell. Her life is a bit out of the ordinary because she received a fairy 'gift' when she was born; as a result, she must be obedient when anyone gives her an order. Her mother has told her that she mustn't share her secret with anyone, but when she dies unexpectedly, Ella is left alone with her father, who does not know and does not understand his daughter. When he chooses to remarry, Ella's life changes even more and she must learn whom to trust and how to take care of herself. Will she be able to make her life turn out happily ever after?


Fairest, a retelling of Snow White, returns to the world of Ella Enchanted, to the country of Ayortha where people sing more than they speak. Aza was adopted as a baby by an inn-keeping family. Despite her "ugliness," Aza has an amazing voice which she can even use in ways that others cannot. When Aza has a chance to go to the capital for a royal wedding, her abilities are discovered by the new, foreign queen who befriends her. Aza soon learns more about royalty, politics, friendship, and true beauty as she becomes entrenched in the personal life of a queen who wants to be the fairest in the land.


Ella Enchanted is one of my all-time favorite books; it's the one that helped me discover fairy tale retellings. I love all of the characters and the way that the story all comes together, and, the way that an old story is made completely new again. For those who have seen the movie, I have to mention that it bears only passing resemblance to the book (mostly just the names), so don't let that stop you from enjoying the book. Fairest continues the tradition, although I have to admit that it doesn't quite have the energy of Ella Enchanted. It's still a wonderful retelling, however, with more well-written characters. I would absolutely recommend either of these to any fantasy fan, and particularly to those who love retellings.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Elemental Masters Series, Bound, or Once Upon a Marigold

Elemental Masters Series by Mercedes Lackey

I have mentioned this series before, but I realized that I never actually reviewed the main body of books. These books are all historical (several include actual historical events including World War I and the San Francisco earthquake) and involve the workings of magic within the 'real world' on the premise that magic can be wielded by persons with a particular excess of an element (earth, air, fire, water) by summoning and using elemental spirits. Each of the stories is also a retelling of a fairy tale. Although not technically included in the series, the first is The Fire Rose, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

1. The Serpent's Shadow - In this version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Maya Witherspoon has just moved to London. The daughter of a British doctor and an Indian mother, she has had unique opportunities from living in India and has become a doctor in her own right. Unfortunately, she has not had proper magical training; although a powerful sorceress, her mother claimed that Maya's magic came from her father's world and that Maya would need to learn the craft from a western magician. Now, her parents dead (possibly by foul play), Maya has escaped with an Indian household and seven protective pets to make a life for herself in England. She must not only gain respect as a professional, but must also learn to use her powers before she will need them to protect herself.

2. The Gates of Sleep - The second book tells the story of Marina Roeswood, a girl cursed at birth and sent to live with three artistic 'relatives.' As Elemental Masters themselves, each of Marina's guardians has taught her the basics of the craft. Marina has never met her parents, but enjoys her life in the country, learning about magic and creativity. Her life changes abruptly when her parents die unexpectedly and she is swept away by her father's sister Arachne. Marina must find a way to learn the secrets surrounding her parents and her seclusion in the country before her aunt can bring her evil plot into play.

3. Phoenix and Ashes - Eleanor Robinson is not terribly excited when her father brings home a new wife and stepsisters; when he leaves to fight in the Great War, her stepmother, Alison, takes a firmer hand on the household. Eleanor realizes that something is very wrong the night that they gain word of her father's death when Alison cuts off one of Eleanor's fingers and buries it under a hearthstone with dark Earth magic. Suddenly, Eleanor is subject to all of Alison's whims, tied to the house, and unable to understand her own abilities when she starts to see faces in the fire. Meanwhile, an upper-class neighbor, Reggie Fenyx, has also gone to war. As an Air Master, Reggie has been drawn to the air force and made a name for himself until he encounters an Air Master from the other side. Wounded physically and emotionally, Reggie can no longer call on his powers, nor protect himself from those who mean him harm. Somehow Eleanor and Reggie will have to find a way to help one another before it is too late for both of them to stop the evil in their midst.

4. The Wizard of London - In this retelling of the Snow Queen, Isabelle Harton and her husband Frederick have established a school after returning from India for the children of those abroad who cannot send their children to an upper-crust school and for those who care more about the love and attention the children receive. It is also a school for children with psychical powers that need to be trained since Isabelle, her husband, and several of their staff have the abilities to deal with special children who do have abilities other than those of Elemental Magic. Sarah Jane Lyon-White is one such child, sent to the school from Africa with a protective parrot Grey. Sarah soon befriends a street-urchin named Nan who also has special abilities and is invited into the school. Through a series of events, it appears that children with abilities, particularly Sarah and Nan, may be the targets of attack from an unknown source. Soon, Isabelle must confront unresolved feelings about David Alderscroft - a former friend and the current leader of the local Elemental Masters (nicknamed the Wizard of London) - and Sarah and Nan must learn how to use their undeveloped talents before all is lost.

5. Reserved for the Cat - A retelling of Puss in Boots.

Overall, I really enjoy this series and the characters that are created. In the first three, several of the characters reappear in later books with cameo roles. The fourth, The Magician of London was a bit vague, but based on some of the plot points in the other books, it appears to tell a story that comes before the others in the series, chronologically. Particularly, I like the way that Lackey finds a (relatively) plausible way to recreate fairy tales in the 'real world.' Each of the books has a slightly different feel which causes most readers to prefer certain books over others. For example, in Phoenix and Ashes, Eleanor learns about magic through the use of tarot cards, rather than with a human teacher as in the others; although I do not think this necessarily detracted from the book, it does not read the same way that the others do. Similarly, the last two books (as well as The Fire Rose) are not as closely connected to one another as the others in the series are. Regardless, I would definitely recommend these books, especially to those who enjoy retellings and simply suggest that disliking one book may not necessarily relate to the others.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Cecelia and Kate, Once Upon a Winter's Night, or Black Pearls

Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand by Louise Hawes

This book is a series of short stories, retelling the tales of Rapunzel, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and Lady Godiva. Although the book is not long, none of the stories feels overly short and each includes an illustration. Several of the stories are told from non-traditional points-of-view: Rapunzel from the witch's perspective, Jack and the Beanstalk from the golden harp's perspective, Snow White from a dwarf's perspective.

Overall, I very much enjoyed these retellings although each one ends on a somewhat bittersweet note. For the most part, none of the stories is significantly changed from the traditional plots, however, each one shows a bit more humanity in the characters than fairy tales usually relate. These stories have no happily-ever-after even though Rapunzel escapes, Cinderella and Snow White marry their princes, and Hansel and Gretel's witch is defeated. I definitely recommend this book to fans of fantasy and fairy tale retellings in particular.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these:The Fairy's Return and Other Stories, Snow, Bound, or Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms

Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey

Etienne de Brabant refuses to have anything to do with his daughter when her birth causes the death of his beloved wife. Instead, he leaves her to be raised by servants and brings a boy, Raoul, to grow up along side her. He says nothing about Raoul's origins and insists that he never leave his land. His daughter, called 'La Cendrillon,' and Raoul live happily as siblings, but their lives change when they turn sixteen and de Brabant's new wife and stepdaughters move into the household. When they receive an invitation to a royal ball, the stepmother's decisions will change the course of all of their lives. Finally, La Cendrillon begins to understand the meaning of family and the way to ensure a happy ending.

This was an intriguing retelling of Cinderella because it challenges many of the inherent conceptions of the story that show up in most versions. Aside from the expected resolution, parts of the plot were rather predictable. The characters are very well developed and likeable, however. Overall, I really enjoyed this book except that the ending seemed a little rushed and would have been better if it were a little longer. Despite that, I would definitely recommend this book - particularly to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Bound, or Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli

In this Chinese retelling of Cinderella, Xing Xing lives with her Stepmother and step sister, Wei Ping. She does most of the work around the house because her sister's feet are bound to make them smaller (an old tradition in many parts of China) and cause her great pain. Although Xing Xing has been educated to read and write, she rarely gets to practice her poetry or calligraphy; she has learned to take pleasure in small things - like the beautiful carp that visits her when she goes to the stream to get water. Unless her sister can make a good marriage, their whole family will be in trouble, so Xing Xing does all that she can to help her Stepmother and sister, hoping that perhaps she will find happiness herself, one day.

This is a beautiful story - very close to the Western Cinderella tale despite being set in China. Although written in third person, Xing Xing is definitely the main character and readers see everything through her eyes - and shaded with her sense of poetry and artistic vision. One thing that is different about this retelling is that, although there is a sense of mysticism and Chinese traditions (which feel a bit 'foreign'), there is no real 'magic' in the story; everything that happens is fairly realistic. The ending feels a little unfinished, but overall I enjoyed this book and it's a quick read with short chapters, which is nice when there is only time to read in short bits. I would recommend this book, particularly to fans who enjoy retellings and those who prefer more realism.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: East, The Fire Rose, or Protector of the Small series

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Stories by Gail Carson Levine & Half-Human edited by Bruce Coville


The Fairy's Return and other Princess Stories is actually a collection of novellas which are all published separately as The Princess Tales: The Fairy's Mistake, The Princess Test, Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep, Cinderellis and the Glass Hill, For Biddle's Sake, and The Fairy's Return. All of these stories are retellings or reminiscent of fairy tales set in a fictional kingdom. I enjoyed this book; the stories are short enough to read quickly and then put down, but longer than most 'short stories.' The plots are definitely creative and interesting takes on fairytale elements although the stories do seem to be geared toward younger readers and are not very sophisticated or complex. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who enjoy fairy tales or who are looking for short, quick reads.


Half-Human is a collection of short stories about 'half-humans' including gorgons, mermaids, selkies, and even a tree that becomes a man by authors including Bruce Coville, Tamora Pierce, Gregory Maguire and Jane Yolen. I really love this book; the stories are all short enough to read in a few minutes, but they are interesting and well-written. I would absolutely recommend this book to fantasy fans - particularly if you're short on time and need something that you can read in snippets of time. Almost all of them are about half-human children living in the 'real world' so readers who enjoy books about fantasy in the midst of today's world should definitely pick this one up.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Immortals series, Once Upon a Marigold, or The Frog Princess