Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Jella Erhard
Explore the most exciting and magical new retelling books based on fairy tales, myths, and your favorite classical novels. Read the best new mythology retellings, new fairy tale books, new YA retelling book series, and dark retelling books for adults with romance, horror, and never-ending adventures.
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New Retelling Books Based on fairy tales, myths
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Are you ready to read some of the most thrilling new retelling books? Then you’re at the right place because we collected some of the scariest, funniest, and most romantic new retellings.
You’ll find here some of the most anticipated new fairy tale retellings, new Greek myth retelling books, and some of the most thought-provoking new retellings that were inspired by classical novels.
However, you’ll also find here some lesser-known but just as exciting retelling novels that will take you around the world and beyond.
RELATED: Brilliant New Fantasy Books
Thanks to these exciting and ancient tales you’ll get to travel to ancient Greece, New Orleans, and many other otherworldly places while also experiencing your favorite stories in a whole new way.
We also have some treats for Disney fans who want to meet their favorite characters and read more about their adventures. From witches, dragons, princes, demons, and cursed bears you’ll find here new and unique stories that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page.
23| Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong -Fiction/Fantasy Retelling Book Series, July 2023
Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling YA author Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games.
Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches.
Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy.
Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him.
Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive.
Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning.
Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills.
But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom.
Immortal Longings is one of the most anticipated new retelling book series for adults and YA readers who love immersive and enchanting historical tales.
22| Lady MacBethad by Isabelle Schuler – Fiction Retelling novel, March 2023
Synopsis:
Power. History. Love. Hate. Vengeance. She will be Queen. Whatever it takes…
Daughter of an ousted king, descendant of ancient druids, as a child it is prophesied that one day Gruoch will be queen of Alba.
When she is betrothed to Duncan, heir elect, this appears to confirm the prophecy. She leaves behind her home, her family and her close friend MacBethad, and travels to the royal seat at Scone to embrace her new position.
But nothing is as Gruoch anticipates. Duncan’s court is filled with sly words and unfriendly faces, women desperate to usurp her position, and others whose motives are shrouded in mystery.
As her coronation approaches, a deadly turn of events forces Gruoch to flee Duncan and the capital, finding herself alone, vulnerable and at the mercy of an old enemy.
Her hope of becoming Queen all but lost, Gruoch does what she must to survive, vowing that one day she will fulfill her destiny and take up the future owed to her. Whatever it may take.
A suspenseful, sweeping historical epic, Lady MacBethad is the origin story of the woman who inspired one of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters.
Lady MacBethad is one of the most exciting new retelling books for adults who appreciate twisty and immersive historical fiction stories.
21| The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores – Romance Retelling Book, March 2023
Synopsis:
Francesca Flores’s The Witch and the Vampire is a queer Rapunzel retelling where a witch and a vampire who trust no one but themselves must journey together through a cursed forest with danger at every turn.
Ava and Kaye used to be best friends. Until one night two years ago, vampires broke through the magical barrier protecting their town, and in the ensuing attack, Kaye’s mother was killed, and Ava was turned into a vampire. Since then, Ava has been trapped in her house.
Her mother Eugenia needs her: Ava still has her witch powers, and Eugenia must take them in order to hide that she’s a vampire as well. Desperate to escape her confinement and stop her mother’s plans to destroy the town, Ava must break out, flee to the forest, and seek help from the vampires who live there.
When there is another attack, she sees her opportunity and escapes.
Kaye, now at the end of her training as a Flame witch, is ready to fulfill her duty of killing any vampires that threaten the town, including Ava. On the night that Ava escapes, Kaye follows her and convinces her to travel together into the forest, while secretly planning to turn her in.
Ava agrees, hoping to rekindle their old friendship, and the romantic feelings she’d started to have for Kaye before that terrible night.
But with monstrous trees that devour humans whole, vampires who attack from above, and Ava’s stepfather tracking her, the woods are full of danger.
As they travel deeper into the forest, Kaye questions everything she thought she knew. The two are each other’s greatest threat—and also their only hope, if they want to make it through the forest unscathed.
The Witch and the Vampire is one of the most beautiful new romance retelling books for adults and YA readers and fans of the iconic Rapunzel fairy tale.
20| Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken – YA Retelling Book, April 2023
Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!
Tamsin Lark didn’t ask to be a Hollower. As a mortal with no magical talent, she was never meant to break into ancient crypts, or compete with sorceresses and Cunningfolk for the treasures inside.
But after her thieving foster father disappeared without so much as a goodbye, it was the only way to keep herself—and her brother, Cabell—alive.
Ten years later, rumors are swirling that her guardian vanished with a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. A run-in with her rival Emrys ignites Tamsin’s hope that the ring could free Cabell from a curse that threatens both of them.
But they aren’t the only ones who covet the ring.
As word spreads, greedy Hollowers start circling, and many would kill to have it for themselves. While Emrys is the last person Tamsin would choose to partner with, she needs all the help she can get to edge out her competitors in the race for the ring.
Together, they dive headfirst into a vipers’ nest of dark magic, exposing a deadly secret with the power to awaken ghosts of the past and shatter her last hope of saving her brother. . . .
Silver in the Bone is one of the most anticipated new fantasy retelling books for adults and YA readers inspired by King Arthur’s legend.
19| The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang – LGBT+ Retelling Novel, May 2023
Synopsis:
Inspired by a classic of martial arts literature, S. L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws are bandits of devastating ruthlessness, unseemly femininity, dangerous philosophies, and ungovernable gender who are ready to make history—or tear it apart.
In the jianghu, you break the law to make it your own.
Lin Chong is an expert arms instructor, training the Emperor’s soldiers in sword and truncheon, battle axe and spear, lance and crossbow. Unlike bolder friends who flirt with challenging the unequal hierarchies and values of Imperial society, she believes in keeping her head down and doing her job.
Until a powerful man with a vendetta rips that carefully-built life away.
Disgraced, tattooed as a criminal, and on the run from an Imperial Marshall who will stop at nothing to see her dead, Lin Chong is recruited by the Bandits of Liangshan.
Mountain outlaws on the margins of society, the Liangshan Bandits proclaim a belief in justice—for women, for the downtrodden, for progressive thinkers a corrupt Empire would imprison or destroy. They’re also murderers, thieves, smugglers, and cutthroats.
Apart, they love like demons and fight like tigers. Together, they could bring down an empire.
The Water Outlaws is one of the most exciting new retelling novels for adults who love fantasy and fiction stories with powerful characters and epic adventures.
18| The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood – Historical Fiction Retelling, February 2023
Synopsis:
Nationally bestselling author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative and female-centered reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, told through the voices of three women who are sidelined in the traditional version—his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda—but whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all.
Danae: Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, the king of Argos, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone in a remote fishing village.
It’s a harsh new world for a young woman who grew up as a coddled princess, and forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.
Medusa: As a member of a reclusive band of women who live deep in the woods, known as the Gorgons, Medusa has eschewed all contact with the outside world. That is, until the day she finds an injured boy named Perseus in the forest.
Andromeda: When a harsh sandstorm threatens to destroy her nomadic desert tribe’s way of life, Andromeda knows that a sacrifice will be required to appease the gods and end the storm. But when a forceful young Perseus interferes, Andromeda’s life is set on an entirely new path.
As Perseus becomes increasingly obsessed with the promise of his own destiny, his heroic journey casts a shadow of violence and destruction across all three women’s lives. But even as he tries to silence them, the women may find that reclaiming their voices is their only hope for lifting themselves into a better future.
The Shadow of Perseus is a perfect choice for adults and young adult readers who love Greek Mythology retellings and immersive fiction novels.
17| The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill – Fairy Tale retelling novel, February 2023
Synopsis:
Award-winning author Kelly Barnhill brings her singular talents to The Crane Husband, a raw, powerful story of love, sacrifice, and family.
“Mothers fly away like migrating birds. This is why farmers have daughters.”
A fifteen-year-old teenager is the backbone of her small Midwestern family, budgeting the household finances and raising her younger brother while her mom, a talented artist, weaves beautiful tapestries. For six years, it’s been just the three of them—her mom has brought home guests at times, but none have ever stayed.
Yet when her mom brings home a six-foot tall crane with a menacing air, the girl is powerless to prevent her mom letting the intruder into her heart, and her children’s lives.
Utterly enchanted and numb to his sharp edges, her mom abandons the world around her to weave the masterpiece the crane demands.
In this stunning contemporary retelling of “The Crane Wife” by the Newbery Medal-winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon, one fiercely pragmatic teen forced to grow up faster than was fair will do whatever it takes to protect her family—and change the story.
The Crane Husband is one of the spookiest and most magical new fairy tale retelling books for adults and all magical realism fans.
16| In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune – Romance Retelling Novel, April 2023
Author TJ Klune invites you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.
In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live three robots–fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson, a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, and a small vacuum desperate for love and attention. Victor Lawson, a human, lives there too. They’re a family, hidden and safe.
The day Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labelled “HAP,” he learns of a shared dark past between Hap and Gio-a past spent hunting humans.
When Hap unwittingly alerts robots from Gio’s former life to their whereabouts, the family is no longer hidden and safe.
Gio is captured and taken back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams. So together, the rest of Vic’s assembled family must journey across an unforgiving and otherworldly country to rescue Gio from decommission, or worse, reprogramming.
Along the way to save Gio, amid conflicted feelings of betrayal and affection for Hap, Vic must decide for himself: Can he accept love with strings attached?
Synopsis:
In the Lives of Puppets is one of the most atmospheric and magical new retelling books for adults who love classic tales with modern twists and especially for Pinocchio fans.
15| Windsong by Stephanie E. Donohue – New Fairy Tale Retelling Book, June 2022
This enchanting story is the retelling of a Norwegian fairy tale ‘East of the Sun and West of the Moon’. The story follows Eighteen-year-old Roxana Welhaven who wants to find a way to help her mother find a cure for her terminal cancer. She stops at nothing and goes as far as making a deal with a talking polar bear.
The bear offers to cure Roxana’s mother if she stays with him for a year as a servant. Once Roxana agrees she’s swept away through a portal to an enchanted land and gets settled in a lavish castle. Soon, she finds out that there is a real man trapped inside the bear’s body.
As they get to know each other they fall in love and Roxana sets out on a new adventure to save him.
Windsong is one of the most charming fantasy Norwegian fairy tale retelling books and is a great choice for Beauty And The Beast fans.
14| Cursed by Marissa Meyer – New Fairy Tale Retelling Book Series, November 2022
The second book of the popular Gilded YA fantasy book series is finally arriving this year. The story follows Serilda and Gild as they try to free the curses of the spirits that tether them to Adalheid’s haunted castle. They’re running out of time and might not be able to stop Erlking who wants to capture one of the seven gods.
Soon, they find out that they’re fighting for something even bigger because Erlking wants to capture all of the seven gods and break the veil between the Dark Ones and the land of the mortals.
Cursed is one of the most anticipated new retelling books of 2022 and is a great choice for those who love stories about curses and haunted castles.
13| The Dark One (Vicious Lost Boys #2) by Nikki St. Crowe – New Retelling Peter Pan Books, April 2022
This deliciously dark Peter Pan retelling is perfect for YA and adult readers alike who love dark fantasy books. The second book of the Vicious Lost Boys retelling books series is just as spooky and thrilling as the first one.
In this series, Neverland is not all sunshine and fun because there is something dangerous and dark haunting the forest. As if the lurking of this sinister power wouldn’t be enough Captain Hook and the Fae queen are getting ready for a bloody battle to win control of Neverland.
Wendy tries to help the Never King get back his shadow but even then she’s not sure if she can find a place for herself. It’s a thrilling read with a great enemies to lovers vibe. If you’re looking for new fae books to read then don’t miss this dark retelling.
The Dark One is one of the scariest new retelling books of 2022 not only for Peter Pan fans but horror and dark fantasy book lovers too.
12| Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert – New Erotic Fairy Tale, Greek Mythology Retelling Novel, June 2022
This steamy new mythology retelling book is a very much adult version of the famous tale of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus.
The story is set in ancient Greece where we follow Achilles Kallis who lives in Olympus and while he was born with nothing he’s working with unflinching determination to get some power for himself.
As Achilles and Patroclus enter the deadly competition they also get to meet Helen. The three get into a complicated and steamy relationship while trying to find a way to win the competition.
If you’re looking for new steamy adult fairy tale or mythology retelling books then you should check out Wicked Beauty.
11| Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese – New Historical Fiction Retelling, October 2022
Did you always want to know more about Hester? Now you can get to know Nathaniel Hawthorne’s infamous character from The Scarlet Letter in a whole new way.
This Historical story follows Hester as she meets Nathaniel Hawthorne in the 19th century as they grapple with finding a place for themselves in a new world. It’s an atmospheric novel that captures the long history of “unusual” women being accused of witchcraft.
If you love meticulously researched yet evocatively imagined novels then Hester will be your new favorite read in 2022.
If you’re looking for new books about witches then don’t miss Hester.
Hester is a thought-provoking and exciting new retelling novel and is perfect for those who love stories about New England’s witchcraft trials.
10| The Hood by Frost Kay – New Robin Hood Retelling Fantasy Novel, April 2022
This Robin Hood retelling novel reimagines the famous thief as a woman and gives it a bit of a Mulan twist.
The story follows Robyn who finally returns from the war. However, at home, she’s faced with a new threat as she is forced into an arranged marriage by men who want to steal her land. Soon she finds no other way but to join the fray and even find a way to get some help from a dragon.
If you love adventurous fantasy stories then you should check out The Hood.
The Hood is perfect for Robin Hood and Mulan fans who love strong female lead fantasy stand alones and fairy tale retelling.
9| Ashes by M.K. Harkins – New Modern Day Fairy Tale Retelling Book Series, May 2022
This snarky and fun YA retelling book follows Ashley as she’s trying to finish high school, and evade her haters while dealing with all the dead bodies after her stepmother purchased a mortuary.
However, when one of the most famous pop stars of her generation joins the school her life changes forever. She’ll have to find a way to help Harry to evade his crazy fans and get back on stage. Soon Harry has to choose between love and fame.
If you’re craving new dark romance novels then pick up this magical read.
Ashes is a twisty Cinderella YA retelling book and is perfect for YA and adult readers who love YA romance fantasy novels.
8| Cinder & Glass by Melissa de la Cruz – New Fairy Tale Retelling Book, March 2022
Craving for more fairy tale retellings with a historical setting? Then check out Cinder & Glass. This magical fantasy story is set in 17th century France and Cendrillon de Louvois. Cendrillon is now called Cinder since after her father’s death she’s lost all her power and is now a servant of her stepmother and cruel stepsisters.
At the ball where Prince Louis has to choose a bride, they finally meet however she also manages to make a connection with the Prince’s younger brother Auguste. Soon Cinder will have to choose between the two boys while fighting with other women at court for the Prince’s hand.
Cinder & Glace is perfect for those who are looking for a historical fantasy retelling book with magic, romance, and love retold fairy tale classics.
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7| Almost There (A Twisted Tale): A Twisted Tale by Farrah Rochon – New Disney Retelling Book, September 2022
Did you love the Disney feature The Princess and the Frog? Then get ready to meet your favorite characters once again and get lost in the magical city of New Orleans.
The story follows Tiana who’s backed into a corner and is forced to accept an offer from Dr. Facilier which alters her life forever.
Tiana suddenly finds herself in a new reality where she got everything she ever wanted, her restaurant, her friends are safe and sound, and even her beloved father is alive again.
However, something eerie and dangerous lurks in the streets of New Orleans and Tiana has to work together with Naveen and Charlotte to solve the mystery before she loses everything.
If you want to read more real-world setting books then check out some of the most exciting new historical fantasy books of 2022.
Almost There is an enchanting Disney retelling novel set in New Orleans with a spooky mystery.
6| The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh – New Myth Retelling, February 2022
This magical story will take you on one of the most amazing journeys of your life. You’ll follow the story of Mina and her village’s Sea God. Mina grew up to be one of the most beautiful girls in her village. Which is not the best thing in this village.
The villagers believe that all the natural disasters and death are caused by the Sea God. So, every year they throw a girl into the sea to become the Sea God’s bride. Through the years they were hoping to find the ‘True Bride’ who will end their suffering.
Mina, however, is not afraid to take control and decides to throw herself into the sea and that’s when she gets transported into the spirit realm where she finds out that the Sea God was in deep sleep the whole time. Mina has to find a way to wake him up before her time runs out.
If you’re looking for unique and beautiful new fantasy books then you should put this enchanting novel on your TBR.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea is the perfect mythology retelling book for YA and adult readers who enjoy ancient stories and wouldn’t mind a voyage to an undiscovered sea and the spirit world.
5| A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey – New Greeky Mythology Retelling Book, March 2022
This new Greek mythology retelling book is a steamy and thrilling romance story that’s a great choice for those who love myths and enemies to lovers stories.
The story follows Apollo who is half-mortal and half god. He should be taking his position as god of the sun but he doesn’t want to take the responsibility. Soon his father gives him the ultimatum to either ascend or spend a year mentoring under the obnoxious Prince Hyacinth.
While the two first hate each other as they get to know one another better their hate soon turns into love.
A Veil Of Gods And Kings is an atmospheric new Greek mythology retelling that’s perfect for fantasy and romance lovers.
4| Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater – New Fairy Tale book, May 2022
Get ready to join Merida on a life-changing adventure in this YA retelling stand-alone fantasy novel.
We meet Merida again years after her adventures in Brave. While she loves her family and her beautiful kingdom she also craves adventure, purpose, and love.
However, she didn’t want a dangerous supernatural appearing DunBroch on Christmas Eve with the intent to demolish her realm. Merida gest only one change to change her family within a year or everything and everyone gets destroyed.
Merida sets out on epic adventures to other kingdoms hoping to inspire revolution within her family and save her kingdom and everyone in it.
Bravely is an epic new fantasy retelling book inspired by Disney’s Brave with princesses, kings, gods, and epic voyages.
3| Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher – New Dark Fairy Tale Retelling Book, April 2022
If you’re looking for new dark fantasy books or spooky fairy tale retellings then Nettle & Bone is the right book for you.
The story follows Marra who seeks help from a powerful gravewitch to finally save her sisters from an abusive prince. The gravewitch agrees to help if Marra completes three impossible tasks.
Marra embarked on a dangerous journey accompanied by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon to finally get the tools to kill the evil prince and save not only her family but the whole kingdom as well. If you’re looking for new horror books then put this spooky story on your TBR.
Nettle & Bone is a creepy horror fairy tale retelling novel for adults and YA readers who love fantasy and paranormal stories.
2| The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones – New Fairy Tale Retelling Book, April 2022
This magical story will take you to a kingdom in Wales where magic and conflict are a part of everyday life and it follows Mer who is familiar with both. Mer is the last living water diviner and she has been running and hiding from the prince who wants to bound her into his service.
Mer goes on a dangerous journey to destroy the magical well so she can finally find peace.
The Drowned Woods is an ethereal fantasy YA retelling novel that’s perfect for adventure fairy tale lovers.
1| The Dragon’s Promise by Elizabeth Lim – New Mythology Retelling Book, August 2022
This magical story follows Princess Shiori who promised to return the dragon’s pearl to its rightful owner but turns out that this adventure is way more dangerous than she thought.
She goes on an epic adventure to the kingdom of dragons where she has to navigate political intrigue among humans and dragons alike. While she also has to evade dangerous enemies who would rather see her burn at the stake for the magic that runs in her blood.
Shiori has to use all her strength and will to fight for her life and for everything and everyone she loves.
The Dragon’s Promise is an epic fantasy retelling book about family, true love, and dragons of course.
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