10 Best Modern Fairy Tales in 2022 (Neil Gaiman, Marissa Meyer, and More)

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.