Fairy-Tale Retellings, Yay or Nay?

Fairy Tale Retelling

Photo: Kristhania | Design: imlovingbooks.com

Since I’m in the middle of reading Entwined right now, it got me to thinking about how much I’m loving fairy-tale type stories lately. Ever since seeing the previews for the Red Riding Hood movie, and then reading the book, I’ve been on the hunt for really good fairy-tale retellings.

I honestly did not think it would be so hard though! Sure, there are a lot out there, but it’s hard to find just what you’re looking for. That perfect mix of the old story with a little bit of darkness surrounding it; and perhaps a little bit of steamy-goodness as well. I haven’t found the perfect one for me yet, but I am not giving up!

Let’s take a look at just a couple that I’ve tried so far:

The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter

This is an anthology with a bunch of retellings from Beauty and the Beast to Little Red Riding Hood, to Bluebeard.

While I liked the dark underlying themes, the problem, for me is that they are all from a feminist viewpoint. Although I am female, I am definitely not a feminist. So, that got to be a bit old for me. I know some people swear by this collection, but it was just not for me.

Read my review for it here (on Goodreads).

The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice (write as A.N. Roquelaure)

So I decided to go a complete opposite direction next. Let’s try an erotica, shall we? It’s one of the most famous erotica novels out there, so it’s gotta be good, right?

Well, let’s just say that it’s not for the faint of heart. I didn’t hate this book, but it can be a lot to take in. It also has really nothing fairy-tale-esk about it, other than the first few pages. I have only read the first sequel (not the last one in the series yet), and it only get’s worse. So this isn’t exactly what I’m looking for.

Read my review for it here (on Goodreads).

Fairy Tale Retellings

Photos: MagickStock & MadameM-Stock | Design: imlovingbooks.com

So let’s just say I personally am looking for something in between those two. I want to read a story that is dark, yet magical and perhaps has some underlying sexual tones, but not full-out bdsm.

I’m still on the lookout. I have a bunch of books I’d like to try in the future on my fairy-tales-for-unkids shelf at Goodreads.

Hopefully one day soon I will find my perfect fairy-tale retelling. But in the meantime, the search for it sure is fun!

Are you a fan of fair-tale retellings? If so, what do you look for in them?

Let me know! Also if you have any good suggestions for this genre, I’d love to hear them as well!