Explore 10 Fairy Tale Books with Strong Female Leads
Book RaiderOnce upon a time, in a land far, far away, gals were not always damsels in distress waiting for Prince Charming to swoop in and save the day. Instead, they were in the driver's seat, decking villains and shattering glass ceilings. Welcome, my friends, to the magical world of fairy tales with a refreshing twist - strong female leads.
Now hang on to your pumpkin carriages, because we are about to embark on a journey through enchanted forests, mythical kingdoms, and dreamy palaces. With heroines bold and brave, wise and witty, we promise you tales that will make you cheer, laugh, and perhaps give the traditional fantasy fiction a run for its (fantastic) money. So, buckle up for an adventure like no other as we explore fairy tales where women are the ones saving the day.
Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess, #1)
by Jessica Day George
Why Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess, #1) is on this list: Stepping away from the damsel in distress trope, this book spotlights Rose, who isn’t waiting around for a price to save her - she’s got this under control, thank you very much!
A reimagining of the fabled 12 Dancing Princesses, Rose and her sisters are cursed to dance every night at the Kingdom Under Stone's midnight balls. When their father grows desperate, Rose decides to unravel the mystery on her own. This is a tale of courage, cleverness, and some seriously fancy footwork.
What readers like: Readers rave about how this book flips the traditional fairy tale narrative. They love Rose’s strong-headed determination, the magical world the author weaves, and the thrilling adventures that keep them turning page after page. And let's not forget the array of embroidered dresses, the intriguing mystery and bit of romance thrown into the mix. It's a total package.
Check Price at Amazon
Bitter Greens
by Kate Forsyth
Why Bitter Greens is on this list: Fairy tales are not just about damsels in distress. They can flip the script, and Bitter Greens does just that. Our leading lady in this romp of a book isn't waiting for any Prince Charming's phone call.
Bitter Greens intertwines the lives of three women as it jumps between Renaissance France and Venice. At its heart? The well-known tale of Rapunzel, but with a twist. It's got magic, it's got mystery, it's got hair (lots of it, really long) but most importantly, it's got a female lead who isn't afraid to take destiny into her own hands. Heads up - you might start seeing your salad in a different light.
What readers like: Readers rave about the historical detail and the fleshed-out characters that bring the fairy tale to life. They appreciate the unique take on Rapunzel and love watching the main character navigate her way out of the tower without a prince in sight. And yes, they love that this isn’t just a 'happily ever after' type of story. Bitter Greens makes you turn the pages faster, and then leaves you wishing for more.
Check Price at Amazon
East
by Edith Pattou
Why East is on this list: If you're into fairy tales, mystical journeys, and firm female leads, then 'East' is your book. The brave and sturdy Rose takes on compass directions, wicked Trolls, and the frigid Arctic while proving that girls aren't just damsels in distress, waiting for a prince to save them.
Rose, the book's leading lady, is quite the non-conformist. Born into a family where direction of birth dictates your destiny, things take a turn when a White Bear shows up promising health and wealth, in exchange for living with him. Enter: Rose, stepping into frozen shoes to save her sister. In a tale spun with a blend of 'Beauty and the Beast' and an old Norwegian fairy tale 'East of the Sun and West of the Moon', Rose embarks on a quest full of adventures, trolls, and enchantments.
What readers like: Readers rave about the way Edith Pattou serves up this reimagination of the well-known tale, infusing it with an extra layer of depth and emotion. Moreover, the brilliant and intricate narrative woven by alternating viewpoints leaves readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages all night. It's the kind of book that compels you to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, with a cup of hot tea nearby, and disappear into the world of strong-willed Rose and her mystical adventures.
Check Price at Amazon
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty & the Beast
by Robin McKinley
Why Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty & the Beast is on this list: You know how Beauty and the Beast usually go, right? Well, Robin McKinley turned the tables with a clever, self-reliant Beauty who makes things happen, instead of letting things happen to her. She's a bookworm (like us!) with an unbeatable spirit and she navigates her way through a sticky situation without losing any sass. It couldn't be more perfect for our list of strong female leads in fairy tales.
This isn't your regular 'fair maiden meets hairy man-beast' tale. Our heroine, Beauty, doesn't fit the typical damsel-in-distress mold. Too tall, too bold and way too brainy. When her father stumbles upon a frightening Beast and promises to send one of his daughters to live with him, it's Beauty who packs her bags. She steps up, despite the odds, and learns to look beyond face value. You'll be on the edge of your seat as she takes on family drama, a haunted castle, and one seriously misunderstood Beast.
What readers like: Readers love the way this book takes a well-loved tale and flips it on its head, adding depth, wit, and plenty of page-turning suspense along the way. They rave about Beauty's law-defying character that breaks away from the 'damsel-in-distress' stereotype. Combine that with McKinley's beautifully written landscapes and mesmerizing storytelling and you've got one fairy tale that stands a head above the rest, no magic mirrors needed.
Check Price at Amazon
Wildwood Dancing (Wildwood, #1)
by Juliet Marillier
Why Wildwood Dancing (Wildwood, #1) is on this list: Wildwood Dancing offers all the key ingredients for those seeking fairy tale adventures with a sturdy female lead. Its main character, Jena, isn't just waiting around for a prince to come save her from a life of servitude. She takes matters into her own hands and isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
Wildwood Dancing is a captivating story set in the wild forests of Transylvania, where five sisters, led by Jena, enjoy the most enchanting moonlit dance with creatures from the Other Kingdom. Their secret life takes a twist when their father falls ill and Jena, not a handsome prince, must save both her family and the Other Kingdom from danger. Facing spooky old castles, deep dark waters, and even love, Jena's going to need all the gumption she can muster.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the lush, wholesome descriptions of the magical world and the relationships between the sisters. They also appreciate the independent and brave character of Jena, who refuses to sit back and let someone else control her fate. Most importantly, they love the way Marillier weaves traditional fairy tale elements with the not-so-traditional heroine, making it not just another cookie-cutter fairy tale.
Check Price at Amazon
Ella Enchanted
by Gail Carson Levine
Why Ella Enchanted is on this list: Go on an adventure with Ella, a fairy tale heroine who isn't one to just sit around, waiting for her prince to come. This book is a fresh take on the age-old Cinderella story, with a leading lady who has some serious gumption.
After being given a pesky 'gift' of obedience by a rogue fairy, Ella of Frell spends her time plotting against the constraints and rebelling in small yet satisfying ways. When her mother passes away and her father marries a self-absorbed woman with two equally unpleasant daughters, Ella's life takes a turn for worse. But with her wit, charm, and determination, Ella goes on a journey to break the curse, facing mythical creatures, befriending elves, and maybe even falling in love along the way.
What readers like: Chances are, if you like strong female leads, plot twists, and humor that's clever but never over the top, then you'll get along just swimmingly with Ella Enchanted. The book is cherished for its inspirational protagonist, magical world-building, and the way it turns a well-known fairy tale on its head.
Check Price at Amazon
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)
by Marissa Meyer
Why Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) is on this list: If you're hunting for a rollicking reimagining of classic fairy tale heroines, Cinder's your gal. Imagine Cinderella, but she’s not just sweeping chimneys - she's fixing spaceships and battling evil Luna queens, all while juggling a steamy prince problem. No damsel in distress here, folks!
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is actually a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. In the midst of a deadly plague outbreak and threats of war from the evil Lunar queen, Cinder unexpectedly finds herself caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. All while straying from the path of the traditional cinder girl waiting to be saved.
What readers like: Readers rave about the refreshing twist on the classic Cinderella story. They love the sci-fi setting mixed with the original fairy-tale plot. And let's not forget about Cinder herself, our cyborg heroine who wins hearts with her wit, resilience and mechanic skills. The blooming romance between her and Prince Kai adds just the right tad of sweetness.
Check Price at Amazon
Uprooted
by Naomi Novik
Why Uprooted is on this list: Uprooted throws you into a fairy tale setting but switches up the traditional narrative by featuring a strong, resourceful female protagonist named Agnieszka. Plus, she doesn't need a prince to fight her battles - she handles it all on her own.
In a twist to the classic fairy tale narrative, Uprooted tells the story of Agnieszka, a girl in a quiet village that's threatened by an evil presence in the neighboring Wood. When she's chosen to serve the wizard known as the Dragon, she discovers an unexpected talent for magic. Cue a whirlwind tale of adventure, sorcery, and unyielding bravery that will have you hooked from page one.
What readers like: Readers have praised Uprooted for its atmospheric world-building, addictive plot, and unique twist to the classic 'damsel in distress' story. But above all, they just can't get enough of Agnieszka - her spirit, her strength, and her refusal to be anyone's pawn. If you're in the mood for a good old fantasy read but with an empowering female lead, this one's for you.
Check Price at Amazon
Boy, Snow, Bird
by Helen Oyeyemi
Why Boy, Snow, Bird is on this list: If you thought your stepmother was tough, wait until you meet Boy Novak. This interpretation of Snow White revolves around Boy, showcasing her strength and resilience throughout, making her the perfect strong female lead for our list.
A fascinating rendition of the classic tale of Snow White, this novel is set in the 1950s against the backdrop of New England. It's the story of Boy Novak who runs away from her horrible father, only to land into another form of a nightmare when she assumes the role of a wicked stepmother. This isn't your typical 'happily ever after', rather it delves into the brothers Grimm kind of dark.
What readers like: Readers appreciate Oyeyemi's imaginative knack for spinning a fairy tale into something wholly original yet strikingly familiar. You'd enjoy this if you like your stories with a strong woman, a dash of magic, and lots of hidden meanings. And did we mention? There's no prince hanging around saving the day either. Brilliant, isn't it?
Check Price at Amazon
The Priory of the Orange Tree
by Samantha Shannon
Why The Priory of the Orange Tree is on this list: This book fits because the lead character, Ead Duryan, is a woman in a man's world who breaks norms and has the power to change the fate of her kingdom. It's a classic fairy tale with a unique twist; buckle up get ready for dragons. Not the kind that needs slaying, but ones that need saving.
The novel thrives in a world steeped in ancient wisdom and enigmatic magic, a world threatened by a demonic dragon, The Nameless One. Ead Duryan, a lady-in-waiting, plays a crucial role in protecting her queen from this impending doom with skills she isn't supposed to possess. As the story unfolds, Ead realizes her journey is more significant than she ever imagined.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the intricate and immersive world-building, full of magic and mythology. The book also offers a diverse cast of characters and multiple perspectives, creating a rich and enjoyable reading experience. And who doesn't love a hero's journey, especially when the hero is a strong, complex woman?
Check Price at Amazon
