The 11 Must-Read Fairy Tale Books for Young Adults
Book RaiderOnce upon a time, in a world not too different from ours, you fell in love with fairy tales. The enchanting lands, temperamental wizards, invisible cloaks, sleeping beauties, everything seemed as magical as sandcastles in the sky. And even though you’ve outgrown your ragged bean bag and those childish delights, a part of you still yearns for a taste of those old, bewitching narratives. Well, lo and behold, the fairy godmother heard you loud and clear: here comes a carefully curated list of fairy tale books spiced up for young adults like you.
If you think fairy tales are all about damsels in distress waiting for a prince on a white horse, you're in for a wild ride. Our upcoming list travels beyond the glistening ball gowns and glass slippers, diving deep into the twisted narratives and dark underbellies of your favorite fairy tale world. So tighten your seat belt, because we're about to embark on an adventurous ride into the yonder... where apple cores and pumpkin carriages tell tales more appealing to your "grown-up" sensitivities.
Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
Why Cinder is on this list: Hey, remember those cheery old fairy tales you were told as a kid? Well, let's put it this way. Cinder isn't like that. It's a modern, cool spin to the time-honored tale of Cinderella, but with a twist that involves mechanic skills and, you guessed it, no glass slippers in sight. It's a must-read for anyone who loves fairy tales but could do with a bit of a change up.
Cinder is a gifted mechanic in New Bejing, the setting for an epic story set against a backdrop of looming war and a deadly plague. She's actually a Cyborg, which let's be honest, isn't exactly the typical self-description of your average princess. As Cinder gets entangled with the handsome Prince Kai, she finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle where she needs to uncover secrets from her mysterious past.
What readers like: Readers just love how Marissa Meyer took the classic 'Cinderella story', threw it into a spaceship, added a dash of spacetime and a heap of cyborg mechanisms. It's the characters who really shine, each with unique personalities that you can't help but care for. The plot isn't a simple one-way journey either, there are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you flipping the pages for... let's just say a couple of hours too many.
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A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
Why A Court of Thorns and Roses is on this list: This novel is a beautiful blend of a traditional fairy tale with a gripping twist, tailored for the young adult's imagination. It's part Beauty and the Beast, part thorny quest, all adding up to a fairy-tale experience that's a perfect fit for our list.
A Court of Thorns and Roses revolves around Feyre, a young huntress who finds herself entwined in the world of faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. As a punishment, she's taken to a lethal and mysterious land which is full of dangerous creatures and secrets. Here, she discovers that her captor is not a beast but an extremely good-looking faerie who lives under a curse. As times goes on, Feyre must find a way to stop an ancient evil from ravaging the faerie lands and her world too.
What readers like: Readers love the immersive world-building, strong character development, and the intriguing love triangle. They can't get enough of the spell-binding narrative twist the author spins of the classic Beauty and the Beast. The mix of suspense, romance, and magic leaves readers in a state of fascination urging them to quickly turn to the next page.
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The Wrath & the Dawn
by Renee Ahdieh
Why The Wrath & the Dawn is on this list: This is a book that takes the age-old tale of Scheherazade and gives it a new twist. Because it's a fairy tale that's been reimagined for a young adult audience, it fits perfectly in our list.
After her best friend falls victim to the murderous boy-king, Khalid, Shahrzad volunteers to be his next bride. Not because she has a death wish, but because she's got a plan up her sleeve. She's decided that she will be the one to kill the king. Each night, Shahrzad weaves an enthralling tale, earning herself another day of life. However, Shahrzad soon discovers that this cold-blooded king may not be as monstrous as everyone believes him to be.
What readers like: Readers love the lush, atmospheric descriptions and the slow-burning romance that develops between the two main characters. Plus, the plot has its fair share of political intrigue, which adds unexpected layers to what's already an enthralling story. What's not to like, right?
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The Possibility of Somewhere
by Julia Day
Why The Possibility of Somewhere is on this list: Though not your run-of-the-mill fairy tale, 'The Possibility of Somewhere' is a modern-day tale, peppered with classic fairy tale elements. Layers of complexity, evolving relationships, barriers to love, self-discovery - it's a relatable fairy tale for us 21st-century folks.
Set in a town where high-school hierarchies rule, it's about Eden Moore, a below-wealth-radar girl with dreams as big as a fairy tale castle. Ash Gupta, the ruling prince of high school, and Eden's sworn enemy, breaks social barriers to become friends with her. However, when it's time-pressured to decide between love and a career, will Eden and Ash find their 'happily ever after'?
What readers like: Readers adore the realistic representation of young love, school politics, and aspirations. Eden is applauded for being a 'not-so-damsel-in-distress' kind of girl, and the diversity of characters is highly appreciated. And let's not forget, who doesn't swoon over a love-hate relationship blossoming into something more? If you're into modern fairy tales with depth, growth, and grit, this book will be right up your alley.
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Uprooted
by Naomi Novik
Why Uprooted is on this list: This isn't your average fairy tale, folks. It's a blend of the magical, the mysterious, and the downright menacing, keeping you on your toes. With its roots deep in folkloric tradition, 'Uprooted' is a fairy tale that doesn't just entertain - it grips, it twists, and it turns. Best buckle up.
'Uprooted' follows the story of Agnieszka, a girl from a quiet village, who is chosen to serve a local wizard known as the Dragon. This isn't some cute pet dragon, by the way, it's a powerful and grumpy human wizard. Agnieszka's world is soon tossed into chaos - we're talking monstrous trees, deadly curses and magic that she didn't even know she possessed. It's a good thing she's braver than she looks!
What readers like: Readers love the way 'Uprooted' breaks away from the traditional fairy tale route. No damsels in distress here. The characters are richly-drawn, the setting is beautifully crafted, and the story itself is full of unexpected twists. All that plus a bit of romance? Yeah, it's pretty much fairy tale perfection.
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Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge
Why Cruel Beauty is on this list: You thought you knew fairy tales, but Cruel Beauty serves up a beautiful mess you won't see coming. A twisted take on Beauty and the Beast like never before, this book is perfect for young adults needing their fairy tale fix with a dash of darkness. Hodge's inventive retelling truly makes fairy tales feel adult.
Cruel Beauty is a tangle of love, magic, romance and treachery. Our protagonist, Nyx, has been betrothed since birth to the evil ruler of her kingdom and she's trained hard to kill him. However, when she finally meets the beast, she finds everything is not as it seems. Descend into a richly imagined world where beauty is cruel and there's a fine line between love and hate.
What readers like: Fans rave about the unique blending of Greek mythology and classic fairy tale elements, along with the unforgettable characters and riveting plot. Readers also praise Hodge's beautiful writing style that draws you into a world where nothing is as it seems, and our heroine must unravel the mysteries before it's too late.
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The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Why The Cruel Prince is on this list: Ever Wonder how a classic fairy tale looks like in a modern, twisted, and grim viewpoint? The Cruel Prince is the answer. Part of being a young adult is challenging norms, and this book will give your fairy tale norms a real run for its money.
The Cruel Prince is a darkly enchanting tale that draws you into the deceptive, beautiful world of the High Court of Faerie. Our human protagonist Jude, after being kidnapped, has to navigate this world of tricky faeries, being the powerless mortal that she is. It's a story of strength, ambition, and determination, as Jude fights to secure a place for herself in a world where humans are looked down upon.
What readers like: Readers have appreciated the crafty world-building, complex characters, and the intriguing political maneuverings happening in the Faerie world. Oh, and if you are the kind who likes a good helping of enemies-to-lovers and betrayal themes in your readings, then this one's got you covered.
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The Iron King
by Julie Kagawa
Why The Iron King is on this list: If you find yourself unable to resist the charms of a hunky fairy king and the lure of unexpected adventures, then Julie Kagawa's 'The Iron King' is a must-read for sure. It is dripping with fantasy, romance and fairy tale vibes, tailored for young adults who love a fresh spin on an age-old genre.
'The Iron King' is the first in a series by Kagawa. It follows Meghan Chase, a commoner turned fairy princess, who has to navigate through the perilous courts of Faery. But it's not just frosted cakes and gilded crowns. With her half-brother kidnapped, an attractive ice prince by her side, and a forbidden love blooming, Meghan is in for a rollercoaster ride in a world teeming with enchantment, danger, and fickle fairy politics.
What readers like: This book has been widely loved for its robust fantasy world-building, its charming, fleshed-out characters, and the exciting rollercoaster of emotions it takes its readers on. The romantic tension and thrilling adventure strike a perfect balance, just like the last brownie at a party that's half gooey fudge, half crunchy nuts. Young readers have especially praised the book's engaging storytelling style and the strong, relatable heroine.
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Kill Me Softly
by Sarah Cross
Why Kill Me Softly is on this list: In a sea of happy endings, 'Kill Me Softly' comes as a fresh wave, offering a dark and twisted take on fairy tales that young adults are sure to enjoy.
In the wickedly cool 'Kill Me Softly', sixteen-year-old Mira ventures to a quirky town that is not what it seems, where residents live out real-life fairy tales. But as she uncovers the town’s dangerous secrets, her own life turns into something much more than a mere 'Once upon a time'. Buckle up for a journey that's more 'grim' than Grimm's!
What readers like: Readers, especially young adults, are loving 'Kill Me Softly' for its haunting narratives and its infused modern spin on classic fairy tales. Its unique premise and inventive story-telling are nothing short of captivating. Relatable characters and unexpected twists have readers clutching the book like a lifeline, eager to discover what happens next. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a bit of fairy dust sprinkled onto their reading time?
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Beastly
by Alex Flinn
Why Beastly is on this list: Beastly is a refreshing modern twist on the beloved fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. This makes it perfect for young adults who grew up with the Disney version but are now seeking a more mature and contemporary take.
The book is told from the perspective of the beast, a rich and arrogant New York City teenager who gets transformed into a hideous creature as a punishment for his mean-spirited ways. His only hope of breaking the spell is to make someone fall in love with him, not for his looks, but his inner self. No easy task, we must say!
What readers like: Readers are particularly fond of Beastly due to its engaging plot, relatable characters, and witty dialogues. The unique spin on a classic fairy tale, combined with themes of acceptance and inner beauty, resonates well with young adults. Plus, who wouldn't want to chuckle at a once-smug teen trying to woo a girl while he's all beastly?
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The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic
by Leigh Bardugo
Why The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic is on this list: Because nothing says fairy tale like enchanting, twisted midnight tales filled with an extra helping of magic. And let's not forget the dangerous portion, because who wants a fairy tale without a bit of danger, right?
Welcome to a world where beautiful and haunting tales come to life. Bardugo weaves together six stories—some familiar, some fresh, all eerily engaging—in a richly-textured anthology packed with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice and love. It's like a buffet of dark chocolaty tales, all sprinkled with a dusting of dangerous magic. Yum.
What readers like: Readers love Leigh's ability to create a palpable, eerie atmosphere in her storytelling. The illustrations in the book also receive high praises; apparently they grow as the story progresses, just like a magical vine seemingly sprouting from the book. And let's not forget the plot twists—they're as satisfying as finding an extra marshmallow in your hot cocoa.
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