Cupid: A Tale of Love and Desire by Julius Lester

Psyche was the youngest princess of a kingdom a long time ago. She was so beautiful that everyone who saw her instantly fell in love, causing problems throughout the land. When Venus (the goddess of love) discovers that the people have stopped worshiping her to spend their time looking upon Psyche's beauty, she sends her son, Cupid, to find a way to turn Psyche into a laughingstock. But when Cupid sees Psyche, he falls in love, as well - with her personality as well as her beauty. Even though Cupid has inflicted love (and discord) among unsuspecting people for decades, he discovers that actually being in love is complicated.

This retelling is narrated by a modern storyteller, lending a new voice to the Greek/Roman mythology and adding some interesting asides. I really enjoyed reading this story, which has beautiful, lyrical descriptions and characters with depth. I would recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings of Greek myths and stories that have some romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Radiant Darkness, A Kiss in Time, A Tale Dark and Grimm, or Once Upon a Winter's Night

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Despite popular belief, Romeo and Juliet is not entirely fiction, but it didn't happen the way Shakespeare claimed, either. Instead, Romeo killed Juliet to gain immortality and now he tries to convince other lovers to make the same decision. But Juliet didn't actually die; she was saved by the Ambassadors of Light who fight to save true love from agents like Romeo. Each time, Juliet temporarily takes over the body of a girl who is close to the couple in danger. But something is different about this mission; Juliet finds a new, forbidden love - but will it turn out any better than her first, or will Romeo destroy it yet again?

This was an interesting take on Romeo and Juliet, and an interesting concept in general. There were some things that I really liked about this book, and I definitely liked the level of depth that we see in Juliet. One odd thing is that it was a little difficult to understand the premise - this is partly due to the fact that Juliet doesn't really understand it, either. I don't think the premise is necessary to enjoy or appreciate the story, but if you really like to understand the background and "rules" that govern a particular setting, this book might be too vague for you. I would recommend this book to older fantasy fans who like books that have some romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Just Ella, Radiant Darkness, Wicked Lovely, or Once a Witch

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

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Nikki Beckett has returned home after mysteriously disappearing for six months. What she can't tell her family and friends is that during that time, she spent 100 years in the Everneath, allowing Cole - an Everliving - to feed off her so that he can continue his immortal lifestyle. The humans in the Feed were not expected to survive, but thoughts of her mortal boyfriend, Jack, kept Nikki sane. Now she's trying to regain some semblance of her previous life and reestablish relationships with her family, and with Jack for six months...before she has to go back.

Although this book is not really a retelling, it does make allusions suggest an alternate interpretation to Greek myths, particularly the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and of Persephone. The plot and characters are compelling and gain quite a bit of depth in the second book; Nikki turns out to be a surprisingly strong heroine. I would recommend this to older fantasy fans who enjoy stories in the real world that have a darker edge.

This book is followed by Everbound and Evertrue (will be released in January 2014).

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Ever, Radiant Darkness, or Trylle trilogy

Rapunzel: The One with All the Hair by Wendy Mass

Rapunzel's twelfth birthday was supposed to be special - and not because a witch kidnapped her and left her in a tower, but that's what happened. She dreams of a way out of the towner and works to find out more about why she has been imprisoned. Meanwhile, Prince Benjamin is starting to feel as though he'll never measure up to the expectations of his parents, or the kingdom. He is desperate to find a way to prove himself, and to start living the life that he wants. Neither of them is happy, but perhaps together they will be able to break free of their prisons.

This was a cute story and a quick read. The plot had some interesting elements, but overall it felt like a fairly straightforward retelling of Rapunzel, told from both Rapunzel's and Benjamin's points of view. Both characters are well developed throughout the book as the story unfolds. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings of fairy tales. It is the first in a series of "Twice Told Tales."

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Stories, The Prophecy, or The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlett and Rosie March have always been close; after a werewolf kills their grandmother and leaves Scarlett with only one eye and extensive scars, they stick together even more. The sisters train to become hunters, spending their time luring and killing wolves to keep other girls safe, along with one of the woodsman's younger sons, Silas. Rosie feels tied to her sister, but she starts to wonder if there is more to life, even though Scarlett is content to devote herself to hunting. When they hear about the possibility that something big is developing in Atlanta, the three of them decide to temporarily move to the city. But each of them may find more there than they realized, including themselves.

This book alternates points of view between Scarlett and Rosie to help give a balanced picture of the events. It is easy to sympathize with both of the girls, even though they are extremely different. Some of the plot elements felt predictable, but the focus is on the character development and I still enjoyed reading it to find out what would happen. This book is a bit dark and bittersweet, but I would definitely recommend it to fantasy fans who enjoy those kinds of stories or retellings in the real world.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, Beauty and the Werewolf, Morganville Vampires, or A Tale Dark and Grimm

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Dashti is a "mucker" from the steppes, but after her mother dies, she looks for work in the nearest city. When she lands a position as a maid to Lady Saren, she doesn't realize quite what it will mean - Lady Saren's father has decided to seal her into a tower for seven years and now Dashti will go with her. Their fate is punishment for Lady Saren's refusal to marry the man that her father has chosen, claiming to love a different lord instead. Life in the tower quickly grows old, though both of Lady Saren's suitors show up to talk to her. However, the situation grows more desperate as food stores run low and Dashti must find a way to deal with the difficulties regardless of what might be waiting outside the tower.

This is a retelling of the Grimm fairy tale "Maid Maleen," which is not a story with which I was familiar. It was definitely an interesting premise, however, and the whole story is told in first person by Dashti, as if it is her journal, even including illustrations. The story is engaging and unpredictable. I would recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy fairy tales and stories that have an Asian flavor.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Ben, Bound, or the Abhorsen trilogy

The World Above by Cameron Dokey

Gentian (Gen) and her brother Jack live with their mother on a farm, but times are hard. When Jack goes to the market to sell their cow and comes back with a handful of magic beans, everything changes. The twins have grown up hearing bedtime stories about the "World Above," the place from which their mother fled when their father was murdered. But finally they have a way to restore their birthright, except that once Jack climbs up the beanstalk to set their plan in motion, everything starts to go wrong.

This was a really fun retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk (with a little bit of Robin Hood, as well). It's told in first person by Gen, so the perspective is different than the traditional story. This is a really quick read and I would absolutely recommend it to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings of fairy tales and a little bit of romance.

This is part of the Once Upon a Time series.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, Princess Nevermore, Water Steps, or Enchanted

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

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Woodcutter Jarl and his wife have nine children; when the last one is born and turns out to be a fifth daughter, her mother refuses to give her a name, believing that sons are more useful. Her family refers to her as "pika" (girl), although her favorite brother, Hans Peter, who traveled the world on a ship calls her "lass." The country where they live has been immersed in a nearly-unending winter, which makes life difficult. So when a giant enchanted polar bear (isbjorn) shows up one night and asks the pika to live with him for year, she agrees to go if he'll ensure that her family finds fortune while she's gone. The isbjorn takes her to a castle made of ice that has all the comforts she could want, except that it starts to feel like a prison. The more questions she asks, the more servants start disappearing and she begins to fear what could happen; but that doesn't stop her from trying to find answers--and risk ruining everything...

This is a fairly good retelling of the fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, though there aren't really many surprises. I was a little disappointed that some of the plot points introduced at the start of the story that seemed important never really amounted to anything. However, I did enjoy it and I was interested to see what would happen. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy fans who like to read fairy tale retellings or who want something set in the "real world" that's a little out of the ordinary.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Seer and the Sword, Fablehaven, Howl's Moving Castle, or Auralie: A Fairy Tale

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

Entwined by Heather Dixon

When their mother dies, Azalea the Princess Royale and her sisters - Bramble, Clover, Delphinium, Evening Primrose (Eve), Flora, Goldenrod, Hollyhock, Ivy, Jessamine, Kale, and newborn Lily - are bereft. Meanwhile, their father is leaving for war and doesn't seem to have any interest in them. The household goes into mourning, which means no dancing, even though the princesses danced every day with their mother. So, when Azalea finds a magical passageway that leads to a silver pavilion, all of the girls are happy to have a place they can dance every night. But Keeper, the mysterious, magical being that presides over the pavilion has his own agenda and the princess' nights of dancing come with a price.

This was a really great retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses and I enjoyed it a lot. There's quite a bit of characterization of the girls, even though there are so many of them, and also of their relationship with their father there are several twists in the plot that made it difficult to put the book down once I started it. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy fans, particularly anyone who enjoys retellings of fairy tales or a bit of romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Princess Ben, or East

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

A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

This story is actually a series of retellings of the original Grimm fairy tales with commentary by a narrator. The stories are all connected by the main characters, Hansel and Gretel, who leave home after their father cuts off their heads (and their mother is ok with it) and then find a witch in a house made of cake. But it doesn't end there; Hansel and Gretel travel far and wide, staying with several families, going on adventures, and even going to Hell and back. But all they really want to find are parents that love them and a home where they can be happy...

Although I generally prefer lighter versions of fairy tales, this was certainly an interesting retelling of Hansel and Gretel as well as several lesser-known stories. As retellings of the original Grimm stories, this book is quite a bit more violent and bloody than most fairy tales, though the author doesn't focus significantly on gore and it's a fairly quick read. The narrator has a strong presence, so if you're bothered by frequent interruptions of the plot or editorial interjections, you may want to pass on this book. I would recommend this to younger teens and fantasy fans who are looking for more unusual retellings of fairy tales or stories that are a little less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Poison, The Wish List, The Last Apprentice,or Black Pearls

Beauty and the Werewolf by Mercedes Lackey

Isabella Beauchamps spends her time managing her father's household, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that her stepmother and twin stepsisters are comfortable. Her life changes drastically when she is bitten by a werewolf on her way home from Granny's house. Suddenly she is packed up and moved to the local duke's castle, where she discovers that he's the werewolf and she's required to stay for at least three months, until they can be certain that she won't turn as well. No one lives at the castle except the duke -- a sorcerer who spends his time as a human trying to find a way to break his curse -- and the unfriendly Gamekeeper, as well as the invisible servants summoned to keep house. Bella slowly finds ways to stay occupied during her time at the castle, but she starts to realize that unraveling the mysteries of the duke's castle may be more dangerous than any of them expected.

This book is part of the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series; it's helpful to read the first book for context, but most of the books (including this one) stand alone fairly well. I will say that this is not one of the best in the series and the ending feels a bit forced, but it was a good read overall and the melding of Little Red Riding Hood with Beauty and the Beast was particularly interesting. I would recommend this to older teens who enjoy retellings of fairy tales or who want something a little bit light with lots of magic.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Rose Daughter, The Prophecy, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, or The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Cloaked by Alex Flinn

Johnny works at a shoe repair shop in an upscale Florida hotel, where he knows all of the staff and is best friends with Meg, who works at the hotel's cafe. He works as many hours as possible to help his mom pay the bills but his fondest wish is that he could have enough money to create the shoes that he designs in his spare time. When he catches the attention of an idiosyncratic princess staying at the hotel, he agrees to help her, even though has no idea that he'll end up on a fairy-tale adventure, complete with talking animals, magical objects, and quest-like tasks - not to mention witches and plenty of danger. Assuming that Johnny can keep his promise (and survive to tell about it), he just might discover things about his life and himself.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. The characters are well-developed and the plot takes a couple of interesting twists even though parts of it are easy to predict - particularly for fans of fairy tale re-tellings. Despite that, this book actually draws on a wide range of fairy tale traditions (including quite a few lesser-known stories that I was unfamiliar with) and weaves them all together into an almost-believable modern-day story. This is definitely a book to pick up if you're looking for something fun, a little off the norm, or if you love reading re-tellings of fairy tales.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Dragon Princess, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, or The Prophecy

Once Upon a Time Series

• Belle: A Retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" by Cameron Dokey - Belle (Annabelle Evangeline Delaurier) is the youngest of three daughters; her sisters are named Celestial Heavens (Celeste) and April Dawn. Belle often feels as though she cannot quite live up to the expectations of her name the way that her sisters have been able to, and takes solace in non-feminine pursuits, like wood carving. When the family fortune turns south, they pack up and move to a small country cottage on the other side of "the Wood." According to stories, a unique tree, the Heartwood Tree, is at the heart of the Wood, waiting for someone with the skill to carve its wood and reveal the face of true love. When Belle's father meets a fierce Beast at the heart of the Wood, he realizes that the story may not be all fable - and now Belle will have to use her skills to unlock the secrets before time runs out.
  
  
  
• The Crimson Thread: A Retelling of "Rumpelstiltskin" by Suzanne Weyn - Bridget O'Malley and her family have just moved to New York in 1880 to escape the famine in Ireland and find a better life. But it turns out that life is just as difficult in New York, forcing them to change their names and take whatever they can get to remain afloat. Bridget (now Bertie) gets a job as a seamstress working for a textile tycoon thanks to her father's over-inflated description of her skills. When an ordering glitch threatens the entire company, Bertie recklessly claims that she can salvage it - and she manages to do it with the help of Ray Stalls, a mysterious neighbor who spins straw into the cloth to make it look as though it is spun from gold. As a joke, Bertie offers her firstborn child to him, since she has no other payment, but then it looks as though he might have taken her at her word...
  
  
  
• The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey - In this retelling of The Arabian Nights, two brothers (both kings) are betrayed by those they love, leaving them bitter and searching for vengeance. When one of the kings threatens to kill the young women one-by-one unless someone agrees to marry him, everyone is relieved when Shahrazad chooses to risk her own life and wed the king. Now she has a plan to save herself, the other women of the kingdom, and the king himself but other plots threaten to ruin her hard work. Now she will need to use all of her storytelling skills, and her wisdom to save the kingdom which she has come to love as much as the king.
  
  

Generally, I'm a fan of retellings. The books in this series are always quick reads that give a new and interesting voice to the fairy tales. Belle is similar to some other retellings of Beauty and the Beast, but gives a different twist to the story, even as often as it's been re-written. The Crimson Thread gives a realistic, real-world interpretation of Rumpelstiltskin similar to other historic stories told about this time period. The Storyteller's Daughter takes the story of Shahrazad and adds a touch of magic and romance. Overall, I would recommend The Crimson Thread to fans of historic fantasy, and any of these books to fantasy fans looking for something quick or who love reading old tales retold in new ways.


Other titles in the Once Upon a Time series include:

• Beauty Sleep; Before Midnight; Golden; Sunlight and Shandow; Wild Orchid; and Winter's Child by Cameron Dokey


• The Rose Bride by Nancy Holder


• Snow by Tracy Lynn


• Midnight Pearls and Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguié


• The Diamond Secret; The Night Dance; and Water Song by Suzanne Weyn

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Cecelia and Kate, The Prophecy, or Once Upon a Marigold

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Nimira is a "trouser girl" who works as a singer in a music hall for little money and even less respect. When Hollin Parry, a mysterious sorcerer, offers her a position singing to accompany a piano-playing automaton, Nimira decides to take a chance for better luck. When Nimira gets to Parry's country estate, however, nothing is quite what it seems. Parry attempts to build a tentative romance with Nimira even though he has never gotten over the death of his wife - who may not actually be dead, after all. The automaton is rumored to be "haunted" and Nimira begins to suspect that there may be some truth to the gossip. Meanwhile, all of the rumors are part of larger political problems and Nimira wonders if she'll be able to find happiness after all.


This story was interesting and engaging although it did feel rather familiar. The main plot is almost identical to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, retold in a fantasy world, although it does take a completely different direction somewhere around the middle. Nimira's character is fairly well developed and it's easy to sympathize with her, even though some of the other characters did not seem quite as deep. I was definitely curious to see what direction the story would take at the end of the book, and there did seem to be a definite set up for a sequel, though nothing has been said about one yet that I know of. I would recommend this to fantasy fans looking for something quick and slightly less fluffy, particularly if you want a story about romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Cecilia and Kate, Bewitching Season, A Posse of Princesses, or Reserved for the Cat

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn


Talia is a princess of the tiny European country Euphrasia. Like most princesses, she is watched every moment of the day, but unlike others, she is also reminded constantly to never touch a spindle. Despite the warnings, Talia accidentally pricks her finger on her sixteenth birthday, fulfilling the well-known curse placed on her at her christening. Three hundred years later, Jack - a bored U.S. high school student - breaks away from his tour group looking for adventure and stumbles on the sleeping country. Though he doesn't know why, he kisses Talia and breaks the spell. Suddenly, Talia is yanked into a world she doesn't understand, Jack is stuck with a 'spoiled' princess, and the witch who cast the curse is not happy. Now everyone is wondering - did Jack make a mistake, or is it really true love?


This retelling of Sleeping Beauty is rather interesting since it drops characters from the past into the twenty-first century. It is less realistic than some other retellings, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The story switches back and forth between Talia's and Jack's point of view which helps to develop all of the characters very well and also give the plot some unique perspective. I would recommend this to fantasy fans looking for something to read that's just a little bit fluffy - particularly fans of retellings and time travel-type stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Beauty Sleep, Princess Nevermore, Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, or The Elemental Masters Series

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Kyle Kingsbury is a golden boy - he has the looks, the girls, and a father with the money to send him to the best school and get him whatever he wants. But having everything turns out not to be terribly wonderful when his shallowness convinces a witch to turn him into a beast. Suddenly, Kyle discovers that life isn't so wonderful when you're different. His father abandons him to a secluded house and Kyle attempts to make sense of what has happened to him. The only chance he has is to find a girl who can love him as he is - and whom he can love in return - and time is running out.


I really enjoyed this modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. For the most part, it sticks pretty closely to the Disney and traditional versions of the story. It is told in first-person, giving a direct view into the character and struggles of a popular boy-turned-beast. Each section also has a portion written as if it takes place in a chatroom, amongst other 'fairy tale' characters; I enjoyed the actual story more, but it does add another, modern dimension. I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans - particularly those who enjoy retellings of fairy tales or modern fantasy stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, , Once Upon a Marigold, or Now You See It