25 Best Fairytale and Retelling Books That Will Punch You! Magically

Step into a world of wonder and magic as we embark on a journey through the 25 best fairytales and retellings books that will ignite your imagination and leave you spellbound. These captivating tales, ranging from timeless classics to modern adaptations, will transport you to enchanted realms, where love, adventure, and the power of belief reign supreme. Get ready to be swept away by the captivating narratives, memorable characters, and intricate world-building of these extraordinary books.

1. Ella Enchanted (Ella Enchanted, #1) by Gail Carson Levine:

Experience the enchanting story of Ella, a young girl with a curse of obedience, in "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine. This captivating retelling of Cinderella weaves a tale of self-discovery, courage, and the transformative power of true love. As Ella embarks on a perilous journey to break her curse, readers will be enthralled by her resilience and the captivating world she navigates.

2. The Goose Girl (The Books of Bayern, #1) by Shannon Hale:

Immerse yourself in the magical world of "The Goose Girl" by Shannon Hale, a retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale. Follow the journey of Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, a crown princess turned goose girl, as she unravels a web of deception and reclaims her rightful place. With talking animals, hidden identities, and themes of friendship and loyalty, this book will capture your heart and ignite your imagination.

3. The Princess Bride by William Goldman:

Prepare to be swept away by the timeless classic "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman. This remarkable tale combines romance, adventure, and humor in a world filled with daring sword fights, true love, and unexpected twists. Meet unforgettable characters like Westley and Buttercup as you embark on a journey that transcends generations and captivates readers of all ages.

4. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley:

Delve into the depths of love, sacrifice, and inner beauty in "Beauty" by Robin McKinley. This captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast takes readers on a transformative journey where appearances can be deceiving. As Beauty uncovers the mysteries of the Beast and learns the true meaning of love, readers will be entranced by the enchanting storytelling and profound themes explored.

5. Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer:

Embark on a thrilling science fiction fairytale adventure with "Cinder" by Marissa Meyer, the first book in The Lunar Chronicles. In this imaginative retelling of Cinderella, Cinder, a gifted mechanic and cyborg, finds herself entangled in a battle against an evil queen. With a futuristic setting, a dash of romance, and a resilient heroine, this book will transport you to a world where fairytales collide with technology.

6. Fairest by Gail Carson Levine:

Step into the enchanting world of Aza in "Fairest" by Gail Carson Levine, a retelling of Snow White. Aza, a young girl blessed with extraordinary beauty, discovers the true meaning of inner beauty and self-acceptance. Levine's masterful storytelling and exploration of themes such as vanity and identity will leave readers captivated and inspired.

7. Stardust by Neil Gaiman:

Journey to the magical realm of Faerie in "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman. This captivating tale follows Tristran Thorn as he ventures into an enchanting land in search of a fallen star. Gaiman's lyrical prose and rich imagination create a whimsical world filled with adventure, romance, and unforgettable characters. Prepare to be transported to a world where starlight holds secrets and true love awaits.

8. The Two Princesses of Bamarre (The Two Princesses of Bamarre, #1) by Gail Carson Levine:

Join Meryl and Addie on an extraordinary adventure in "The Two Princesses of Bamarre" by Gail Carson Levine. In a kingdom threatened by a deadly plague, the two princesses embark on a quest to find a cure and save their land. Levine's poignant storytelling explores themes of bravery, sisterhood, and the power of hope, leaving readers spellbound until the final page.

9. Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Moving Castle, #1) by Diana Wynne Jones:

Enter the magical world of Ingary in "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones, where the ordinary and extraordinary collide. Follow Sophie Hatter, a young girl cursed to become an old woman, as she befriends a mysterious wizard named Howl and embarks on a fantastical adventure. Jones weaves a tale of self-discovery, friendship, and the enchanting power of love, captivating readers of all ages.

10. Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters, #1) by Juliet Marillier:

Dive into a captivating blend of folklore, romance, and Celtic mythology with "Daughter of the Forest" by Juliet Marillier. Set in ancient Ireland, this spellbinding tale follows Sorcha, a brave young woman who must break a sinister curse to save her brothers. Marillier's lyrical prose and richly developed characters will transport you to a world of ancient magic and enduring love.

11. Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale:

Prepare to be entranced by "Book of a Thousand Days" by Shannon Hale, a retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "Maid Maleen." Imprisoned in a tower with her maid, Dashti, Lady Saren faces unimaginable challenges and discovers her inner strength. Through journal entries, Hale weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

12. Beastly (Beastly, #1; Kendra Chronicles, #1) by Alex Flinn:

Experience a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast in "Beastly" by Alex Flinn. This contemporary fairy tale follows Kyle Kingsbury, a popular high school student transformed into a beast by a curse. As Kyle seeks redemption and learns the true nature of beauty, readers will be captivated by Flinn's exploration of inner beauty, compassion, and the transformative power of love.

13. East (East, #1) by Edith Pattou:

Venture into the frozen lands of the North in "East" by Edith Pattou, a retelling of the Norwegian fairytale "East of the Sun and West of the Moon." Follow Rose, a young girl on a perilous quest to save her true love from an otherworldly creature. Pattou's vivid descriptions and heartfelt storytelling create a world of adventure, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.

14. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wicked Years, #1) by Gregory Maguire:

Uncover the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West in "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire. This dark and thought-provoking retelling of "The Wizard of Oz" explores themes of good and evil, prejudice, and the complexity of human nature. Maguire's masterful storytelling and compelling characters will challenge your preconceived notions and leave you questioning the nature of villainy.

15. Wildwood Dancing (Wildwood, #1) by Juliet Marillier:

Immerse yourself in the magical realm of Transylvania in "Wildwood Dancing" by Juliet Marillier. This captivating tale follows Jena and her sisters as they discover a hidden portal that leads to a parallel world filled with enchanted creatures and dangerous temptations. Marillier's lyrical prose and intricate world-building create a mesmerizing atmosphere that will transport you to a world of enchantment and sisterhood.

16. Princess of the Midnight Ball (The Princesses of Westfalin Trilogy, #1) by Jessica Day George:

Enter a world of dancing, curses, and forbidden love in "Princess of the Midnight Ball" by Jessica Day George. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm's "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," this enchanting tale follows Princess Rose and Galen as they unravel a curse that plagues the princesses. George's imaginative storytelling and vivid descriptions will sweep you into a world of magic and romance.

17. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling:

Explore the magical tales of the wizarding world in "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" by J.K. Rowling. This collection of enchanting stories, mentioned in the Harry Potter series, offers insights into the folklore and moral lessons cherished by witches and wizards. Rowling's imaginative storytelling and whimsical illustrations bring these tales to life, captivating readers of all ages.

18. Princess Academy (Princess Academy, #1) by Shannon Hale:

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mount Eskel in "Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale. Miri, a young girl from a mining village, finds herself thrust into a princess academy, where she discovers her own strength and the true meaning of leadership. Hale's beautifully crafted narrative celebrates friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, making this book a true gem.

19. Spindle's End by Robin McKinley:

Embark on a magical journey in "Spindle's End" by Robin McKinley, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Dive into a world where fairy magic intertwines with human destiny as the Princess Briar-Rose faces a formidable curse. McKinley's vivid descriptions and compelling characters breathe new life into a beloved fairytale, capturing the imagination of readers.

20. Dealing with Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles, #1) by Patricia C. Wrede:

Join Princess Cimorene in her unconventional adventures in "Dealing with Dragons" by Patricia C. Wrede. Tired of the traditional princess role, Cimorene befriends a dragon and embarks on a quest filled with humor, wit, and unexpected twists. Wrede's delightful storytelling and strong female protagonist make this book a refreshing and empowering read.

21. The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings, #0) by J.R.R. Tolkien:

Embark on an epic journey to Middle-earth in "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien. Join Bilbo Baggins as he accompanies a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Tolkien's richly imagined world, captivating characters, and masterful storytelling make this a timeless classic that transports readers to a realm of adventure and courage.

22. The Chronicles of Narnia (Chronicles of Narnia, #1-7) by C.S. Lewis:

Discover the enchanting land of Narnia in "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis. This beloved series takes readers on a thrilling adventure through a magical wardrobe, where talking animals, mythical creatures, and battles between good and evil await. Lewis's imaginative storytelling and profound themes of faith, bravery, and redemption continue to captivate readers of all ages.

23. The Looking Glass Wars (The Looking Glass Wars, #1) by Frank Beddor:

Enter a reimagined Wonderland in "The Looking Glass Wars" by Frank Beddor. This thrilling retelling of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland brings a fresh perspective to the timeless tale. Join Alyss Heart as she battles against the evil Redd and fights to reclaim her rightful place as the queen. Beddor's action-packed narrative and inventive twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

24. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire:

Step into the world of Cinderella through a different lens in "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" by Gregory Maguire. This thought-provoking retelling delves into the complexities of beauty, identity, and the power of perception. Maguire's lyrical prose and layered characters offer a fresh perspective on a beloved fairytale, challenging readers to question societal norms and embrace the beauty within.

25. Ever by Gail Carson Levine:

Delve into a world of magic and self-discovery in "Ever" by Gail Carson Levine. In this enchanting tale, Kezi, a young girl, finds herself caught in a web of prophecy and forbidden love. Levine's lyrical writing and exploration of themes such as destiny and sacrifice create a spellbinding reading experience that will leave you longing for more.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our journey through these 25 captivating fairytales and retellings, we are reminded of the timeless power of storytelling. From classic tales that have enchanted generations to modern adaptations that breathe new life into familiar narratives, these books offer an escape into worlds where dreams come true, courage triumphs over adversity, and love conquers all. So, grab a book, immerse yourself in its pages, and let the magic unfold as you embark on unforgettable adventures that will leave you longing for more. Happy reading!