My Heart is Booked Blog

Looking for some new books to love? I know, usually, readers look for a completely new story with a unique premise, but, sometimes, it’s nice to get a twist on a classic favorite. Growing up Beauty and the Beast was one of my favorite Disney movies. Now that I’m in my thirties, I can honestly say, not much has changed. Secluded castle with a library? Yes, please! Not to mention a little hate-to-love action never hurt anybody.

I am so grateful for the recent resurgence in fairy tale retellings. Ten years ago, good retellings were slim pickings. It was almost always a short YA novel where the story was nearly identical to the original except (gasp!) it occurred in the modern day! ::insert eye roll here:: I can’t hold anything against these stories since they were the pioneers of the retelling (and they really weren’t all that bad), but lets just say I’m glad this genre has evolved since then.

Without further ado, here are my Friday Favorites Beauty & the Beast retellings.

Young Adult:

This is a mix of old and new selections. YA seems to be the most popular age group for retellings, so there are a lot to choose from.

Beastly by Alex Flinn was published in 2007 and later made into a movie (which many of you have probably seen). Admittedly, this is one of those original retellings where the only twist is that it takes place in the modern day era. That and the “beast” isn’t really a beast, but rich, teenage boy with tattoos on his face (not that uncommon nowadays). However, I genuinely enjoy this story and it is still worth recommending.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer is quite possibly the newest book on this list. This take on BatB features a modern-day MC that is transported to another world to save the “beast”. This beast is also human most of the time, which makes falling in love with him a bit easier (in my book). This book is often applauded for it’s disability rep. The main MC, Harper, has cerebral palsy, but doesn’t let that hold her back. She’s tough as nails and incredibly bright. This book is sure to be a favorite among other BatB connoisseurs. It is book one of a series, but, so far, the other books of the series do not follow the BatB storyline.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge is probably the most contested of this list. It seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it kind of book. Nyx is betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom, but she’s been training since birth to kill him. When she meets him, she discovers that he is not at all what she expected. Now she must choose between loving him or saving her kingdom. This is also the first in a series, but the second book is a stand alone that takes place in different world. I have yet to read book 2, Crimson Bound, but, if you’re interested, it is a Red Riding Hood retelling.

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer is an honorable mention, not because I disliked the story, but because it is actually a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, which is essentially BatB with a Scandinavian twist. I’ve included it because if you like BatB retellings, this one is very similar. Echo Alkaev believes her father is lost forever until he shows up half-frozen in teh winter forest guarded by a strange talking wolf. The wolf presents Echo with an ultimatum: If she lives with him for one year, he will ensure her father makes it home safely. But there is more to the wolf than Echo realizes.

East is another book that is based on East of the Sun, West of the Moon, but I haven’t read it yet.

New Adult:

I find NA novels are often grouped with YA, but I think there is an important distinction beyond age of the MC. NA novels are often more mature in terms of themes and romance, so I like to keep them separate from YA and Adult.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas is my favorite book on this list (yes I had to include the original cover because I’m not a fan of the new ones). Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jeweled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Some people struggle to get into the first book of this series, but I was hooked from the very beginning. I love the concept, I love the Fae, and I love the romance. SJM always delivers a heart-pounding thrill ride and this one is no exception. If you only read one BatB retelling in your life, let it be this one.

Adult:

Adult retellings are the most rare perhaps because fairy tales are often considered children’s stories. That being said, I find that adult retellings are often the most creative.

Heart of the Fae by Emma Hamm is a beautifully crafted love story with cruel Fae, enchanting magic, and a hint of Irish mythology. To save her people, Sorcha makes a deal with a dangerous Fae. She must travel to find a forgotten king on a crumbling throne. Cursed, banished, and disfigured, Eamonn has left behind his family, his future, and his throne. Can Sorcha convince him to take back his stolen throne? This is the first of a duology although I much prefer this book to the second. Warning: book 1 does end on a cliffhanger. Emma Hamm has several retellings that you should check out if you’re interested in Adult Fantasy. This book is available to read free on Kindle Unlimited.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik is a beautiful, mature, and unique BatB retelling. Agnieszka’s life is turned upside down when the man known only as the Dragon comes and takes her away to serve him. The pacing of this novel is a bit slower, but I often expect that of an adult novel. This is the kind of story you can sink into. It doesn’t rush or insist upon itself. Novik’s Rumpelstiltskin retelling, Spinning Silver, is also amazing.

Have I missed any Beauty and the Beast retellings that you love? I’m always looking for more to add to this list! Tell me your favorites in the comments below.