Books to Read if You Love Once Upon a Time

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

I have read numerous retellings of Beauty and the Beast as it has always been my favorite fairy tale, and "Cruel Beauty" did not dissapoint. The story was excellent and both Nyx and Ignifex well developed characters, but what truly enthralled me were the beautiful descriptions of the world that Hodge had created. In addition to Beauty and the Beast, "Cruel Beauty" is heavily influenced by mythology and Greco-Roman elements. Next, Hodge will be tackling Red Riding Hood with "Crimson Bound".

While Beauty Slept by Elizabeth Blackwell

A retelling that certainly turns Sleeping Beauty on its head. Told through the eyes of Elise, a young woman who goes from chambermaid to trusted confidante of the Queen and protector of Rose, the princess threatened by the vengeful Millie.

Doon by Carey Corp

While the folk tale of Brigadoon is not one that has been featured on Once Upon a Time, this story of two American teenagers destined to save the mythical kingdom from a witch and a curse is sure to appeal to the show's fans.

Stolen Songbird by Danielle Jensen

As my coworkers know I could not stop raving about/recommending this book after I read it. Cecile is training to be a singer when she is kidnapped and brought to Trollus. There she disovers that trolls have been living in hiding underground after being trapped by a curse cast by a witch. She is forced to marry the troll prince, Tristan, as it is believed their union will break the curse. The description cannot really do this beautiful book justice. Jensen builds a magical underground world and adds many depths to the mythology and politics of the troll society that Cecile must now live in. Featuring excellent world building and shades of Beauty and the Beast this will definietly be a favorite of fairy tale fans. The sequel "Hidden Huntress" is due to be released in June.

The Stepsister's Tale by Tracy Barrett

This retelling of Cinderella is told from the perspective of the step sisters which aren't so evil after all. Nothing too groundbreaking, but still an enjoyable and quick read.

Neverland by Anna Katmore

I stumbled into this book while browsing on my Kindle and honestly didn't expect to like it very much as it sounded like it would involve too many cliches. Indeed, Neverland does employ many YA cliches but if you can look past that it gives an interesting spin on the stories of Captain Hook and Peter Pan and it ends on a cliff hanger that will leave you anticipating book two.

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Luckily for me Once Upon a Time deemed Frankenstein to be a be fairy tale so I get to include one of my favorite books. "This Dark Endeavor" is not so much a retelling as a prequel to Mary Shelley's classic book that features Victor and his cousin Elizabeth setting out on a quest to make the elixir of life to save Victor's twin Konrad. A beautifully written and suspenseful book in the Gothic tradition. The sequel is equally excellent and I truly hope there is a third book.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Most fairy tale lovers likely have read this Cinderella retelling, but if not please do not judge it based on the movie. Ella is given the "gift" of obedience by a fairy and must learn how to break free of this gift that is really a curse. I first read this book when I was 11 and as soon as I finished it I immediately began to read it over again that is how much I loved it, and adults should not be put off by its classification as a children's book.