10 Retellings You Must Read

I’ve read quite a few retellings in my life (mostly fairytale ones), but there are only a few that have stood out to me. Some of these are ones I read years ago, but I still love to re-read when I have time. So without further ado, here’s my list of 10 retellings you must read!

1. The Lunar Chronicles (series) by Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles is a series. It contains four books; Cinder (Cinderella), Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood), Cress (Rapunzel), and Winter (Snow White). This series is so incredible! I often re-read my favorite parts of these books because I loved the series so much. This is a must-read series for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy retellings with loads of swoony romance.

2. The Cursebreakers (series) by Brigid Kemmerer

I only recently read this series and it’s phenomenal! The first book is ‘A Curse so Dark and Lonely’ which is based off of Beauty and the Beast. The first book is the only book in the series based off a retelling, but I enjoyed the second book all the same. The second book is called ‘A Heart so Fierce and Broken’ and the third, which comes out in January, is called ‘A Vow so Bold and Deadly’. I believe the third book will be the last in the series. This is also a YA fantasy retelling with hints of romance. I would say this one is a little more gory and darker than The Lunar Chronicles, but I enjoyed it just as well.

3. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

I’m not sure this counts as a retelling, but I added it in any way. haha. This one is based off of ‘You’ve Got Mail’, but in young adult form. It’s a contemporary romance that follows a girl as she goes to live with her father in the same town where her online best friend (and secret crush!) lives. It’s a fun one that left me smiling at the end.

4. The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier

This is the first book in a series of retellings, but I have only read this one. It is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea, which I loved because I feel like that’s one story we don’t hear retold very often. It was a cute book about a girl who becomes a babysitter of sorts for two young princesses and falls in love with their older brother, the prince. One problem: he has to find a princess to marry and our princess companion does not fall into that category. I recommend it for those enjoy cute (and a bit fantastical) books with some mystery to it.

5. Engaging Mr. Darcy by Rachel John

I haven’t yet read this book, but it’s very high on my TBR! I believe this is the first in a series of Jane Austen retellings. It is a retelling of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and since I’m a sucker for anything to do with P&P, I have to read it. This is an adult contemporary, non-fantasy, romance novel for those that are interested.

6. Pippa Park Raises Her Game by Erin Yun

This was one of the best middle-grade novels I’ve read in a long time! A retelling of ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens, but for a middle-grade audience. It follows a girl, Pippa, who starts a new prep school where she feels she must reinvent herself in order to fit in. But when she must juggle basketball, grades, and a new social life, things get a little messy.

7. Once Upon a Con (series) by Ashley Poston

I’ve only read the first book in this series so far, but I really enjoyed it! The series includes Geekerella (Cinderella), The Princess and the Fangirl (The Princess and the Pauper), and Bookish and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast). I think this series is a lot of fun because it heavily involves comic con-like events, a “nerdy” tv show, and other things that are considered to be geeky. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series.

8. Avalon High by Meg Cabot

This is one of my favorite retellings of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. It’s fun, a little mysterious, and has that hint of romance that I love. I’d suggest giving it a try if you enjoy any of Meg Cabot’s previous books or a good YA retelling.

9. The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine

I read this book maybe a year ago and loved it! It’s a retelling of Snow White and so so so good! It’s also the first book in the Ravenspire series, but I haven’t read any of the others. I believe all the books in the series are retellings, but I’m not positive. I know they all have bits of magic, romance, and tons of action so I can’t wait to read them!

10. Spelled by Betsy Schow

This is the first book in The Storymakers series and a retelling of The Wizard of Oz. It’s been a couple of years now since I’ve read this book, but I remember really loving it! It was creative in it’s retelling, had just the right amount of suspense, and, of course, romance. I want to re-read this book so I can read the rest of the books in the series.

These are just a few of the books that did a great job at retelling a classic story. What’s a retelling you recently read and enjoyed?