"Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten," Neil Gaiman wrote as the epigraph of his book Coraline. Fairy tales are important because of the lessons that they teach us, that our choices always have consequences. Nowadays, many authors use classic fairy tales as inspiration to create modern fairy tales set in the present day.
We have chosen 10 fantastic books to help you out in discovering modern fairy tales. Begin with our top pick: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. First published in 1968, it has been deemed a modern classic of our time. Read on to see our other 9 picks, and check out our buying guide for some tips on finding modern fairy tales!
Quick List - Top Modern Fairy Tales
Guillermo del Torro, Cornelia Funke, Allen Williams
A Dark and Atmospheric Fairy Tale
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Table of Contents
Fairy tales are a big source of inspiration for many fantasy writers. It's no surprise that there are many modern fairy tales available on the market. It can be overwhelming to choose the right book, so here is a guide to help you get started!
Some authors take classic fairytales such as Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and others and create their own spin on these tales. With re-tellings, you can still identify the original fairy tale it was based on, but certain plot points will be different.
Knowing the classic fairy tales before reading re-tellings can enrich your reading experience by keeping you on your toes. You’ll have opportunities to guess how the author will surprise you within a story you already know.
Sometimes, these re-tellings can make you see your favorite fairy tale in a different light with regards to its messages and plot. An example of this is All the Ever Afters by Danielle Teller, a re-telling of Cinderella, but from the point of view of the evil stepmother.
There are also new and original fairy tales available. Authors take fairy tale elements and blend them with their own original story. An example of this is Stardust by Neil Gaiman, a story about Tristran Thorn who promised his love that he will give her a falling star.
Stardust uses fairy tale elements such as the inclusion of quests, enchanted helpers, true love, and magical land, to name a few, and is considered a fairy tale for adults. These kinds of books are for readers who love fairy tales but would like to experience an original story.
Modern fairy tales can be set in a world within our own or they can even be set on other planets! They have different genres and it's best to know what interests you. Are you looking for a dark fairy tale? Or maybe you want to explore a world hidden within our own? Explore different genres to see what excites you!
This genre deals with characters transporting from their original world into another through magical means. In portal fantasies, the characters uncover their quest, overcome their obstacles, and fulfill their objectives.
An example of this is A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. This is a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, which brings together our world and the fictional land of Emberfall.
Some authors choose to set their fairy tales in the world of sci-fi. These settings involve space, advanced technology, and a science-based world. Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis is one example of a re-telling of Snow White that is set on the planet Thanda, where the temperature is always sub-zero.
This genre has a sinister and gloomy atmosphere, dark themes, and a general sense of dread. It explores how good can win despite all the evil that surrounds it.
Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fairy tale set in Francoist Spain, in the year 1994. With the backdrop of a grim war and sinister creatures that hinder the progress of Ofelia, this book tackles themes of coming-of-age and death.
These are for readers that can handle disturbing themes and elements, and is not for the faint of heart!
There are modern fairy tales that have beautiful illustrations to accompany the story. The customized illustrations add to the atmosphere and overall tone of the fairy tale. They enhance the reading experience and help readers visualize the world that the author has built.
If you want stories that you can read in one sitting, then short stories are for you! They tend to have one focus and a straightforward plot due to its length. In the Forest, Dark and Deep by Carrie Ryan is a short story that takes elements from Alice and Wonderland and adds a dark twist.
Check out goodreads.com, a website of reading communities and authors. Read others' reviews, browse custom-made lists, and check what your favorite authors are reading. Taking part in discussions can help you choose your next read!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Peter S. Beagle The Last Unicorn | ![]() | An Enduring Modern Fairy Tale | |
2 | Neil Gaiman Stardust | ![]() | A Spellbinding Fairy Tale for Adults | |
3 | Guillermo del Torro, Cornelia Funke, Allen Williams Pan's Labyrinth | ![]() | A Dark and Atmospheric Fairy Tale | |
4 | Neil Gaiman Coraline | ![]() | A Frightening and Original Tale | |
5 | William Goldman The Princess Bride | ![]() | A Satirical and Memorable Tale | |
6 | Naomi Novik Uprooted | ![]() | A Creative Spin on Classic Fairy Tales | |
7 | Katherine Arden The Bear and the Nightingale | ![]() | A Winter Tale Inspired by Russian Folklore | |
8 | Neil Gaiman, Chris Riddell The Sleeper and the Spindle | ![]() | A Beautifully Illustrated Re-Telling of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty | |
9 | Marissa Meyer Cinder | ![]() | A Sci-Fi Take on Cinderella | |
10 | Erin Morgenstern The Night Circus | ![]() | A Magical Tale of a Mysterious Circus |
After overhearing a pair of hunters speaking about the extinction of unicorns, the Last Unicorn leaves her forest in search of others of her kind. Along the way, she learns the true meaning of mortality, sacrifice, and bravery.
Readers loved the moving story and the subtle way it conveys its messages. They were impressed by the lyrical writing style and the way the story is presented. Readers also loved the characters, who are very well realized.
However, some readers complained about the allegories and metaphors used by the author, feeling that they were a bit too much. Despite this, it's a story that readers of all ages can enjoy.
Journey with young Tristran Thorn as he tries to win the heart of the beautiful Victoria Forester by promising to bring her a falling star. This promise sends Tristran to the land beyond the Wall, a land of the Faeries, where he goes on an adventure he will never forget.
Reviewers praised this book for its originality and creativity. Readers said that the story stayed with them long after the last page, making the journey memorable for them as well as the characters.
Some readers found the writing style a little jarring as it was told in the fashion of how fairy tales were told centuries ago. This gave them a hard time getting into the story. However, the story offers fun-filled adventures and a moving narrative.
Set against the backdrop of war, a young Ofelia and her sick mother are sent to live with her stepfather, the ruthless Captain Vidal. One day, she meets a faun that tells her that she is a lost princess. To return to her father, she has to pass three tests to prove her heritage.
This book is a beautiful novelization of the successful movie of the same name. Readers loved how the characters were explored and given more depth. They also loved how the author was able to create the dark atmosphere viewers remembered from the movie.
Coraline moves into a new home with her family. In this new house, she finds a door that leads to another world where everything seems perfect. However, sinister intentions lie beneath the alluring world.
This book received rave reviews for its originality and creative ideas. It's a short read that both adults and children have enjoyed. Reviewers loved the spooky atmosphere of the book. The book was also praised for its original story and the lesson that it teaches its readers about bravery.
William Goldman tells the love story of Princess Buttercup and Wesley. He uses humor and satire to create a stylistic voice that accompanies the fantastical adventures of the two main characters.
Readers found this cult classic to be fun and charming. They loved the fast-paced adventure and the memorable characters. Some reviewers didn't like the interruptions by the narrator and said they'd prefer the book be without them.
Every ten years, a wizard called the Dragon takes one teenage girl as payment for protecting the town against the sinister Woods. Agnieszka fears for her friend, the smart and beautiful Kasia, who everyone assumes will be taken in the next Choosing. But when the time comes, the Dragon chooses Agnieszka.
Reviewers loved the writer's descriptive style as they felt drawn in and immersed in the story. They said the book was charming, and many had a hard time putting it down!
Some reviewers said the romance in this book is not the strongest and were disappointed with seeing trite old tropes. Most agreed that the setting was fascinating, though!
Vasya loves listening to the old fairy tales of her village. But when her new stepmother forbids her and her siblings from upholding their traditions, misfortune starts to affect the village. Vasya discovers her history and a secret that has been kept from her.
Readers loved the fairy-tale-like atmosphere in this book. They said that it offers a rich blend of magic, culture, and history. They also delighted in learning about Russian folklore and traditions that are interwoven in the story.
However, some readers found the story's pace was too slow, so it was difficult to get through. Since this is the first book in a trilogy, fans can enjoy more of this fantastical atmosphere.
On the night of her wedding, a queen dons her armor and goes on a quest to free a princess from her spell. But not all is as it seems. Why was the kingdom cursed with eternal sleep? And who exactly is this princess?
Readers enjoyed the wit and the clever mix of the tales of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. They liked the twists and turns and the darkness of the tale. They also praised the beautiful artworks in the book.
A few reviewers said the book was too short and found the story to be on the thin side. They said they would have loved to read more!
Cinder is a cyborg and a talented mechanic, who is hated by her stepmother. When she crosses paths with Prince Kai, she must use her resourcefulness to help save the Earth.
Readers were hooked on the premise of this story because of its classic fairy tale elements mixed with sci-fi. Being the first in the Lunar Chronicles series, this book made readers want more, which serves as a testament to its engaging storyline.
The ending fell short for some reviewers because of its cliffhanger. Still, many readers adored this unique re-imagination of Cinderella.
Two magicians at the Night Circus, Cecilia and Marco, are bound to compete with one another until one of them is left. But their actions have terrible consequences for the circus and everyone around them.
Readers loved the mystical and whimsical tone of this book. They highlighted the descriptive prose and the magical feeling surrounding the circus itself.
Some were disappointed by the slow pace of the narrative. Still, many fell in love with the Night Circus and its characters.
Besides fairy tales, there are other kinds of fantasy novels to explore such as high fantasy, urban fantasy, grimdark fantasy, and science fantasy. Check out our other articles to explore new worlds and immerse yourself in extraordinary stories!
No. 1: Peter S. Beagle|The Last Unicorn
No. 2: Neil Gaiman|Stardust
No. 3: Guillermo del Torro, Cornelia Funke, Allen Williams|Pan's Labyrinth
No. 4: Neil Gaiman|Coraline
No. 5: William Goldman|The Princess Bride
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