Modern Retellings for Your Bookshelf
There’s something undeniably enchanting about a story you think you know… until it’s retold in a way that surprises, delights, and sometimes even challenges you. Modern retellings take the familiar and give it a fresh twist, offering new perspectives on classic tales, myths, and legends. Whether it’s a fairy tale reimagined for today’s readers or a timeless story told through a bold, contemporary lens, these books prove that old favourites can feel entirely new. If your bookshelf is craving a little magic, intrigue, and clever reinvention, these modern retellings are not to be missed.
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Geekerella by Ashley Poston
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Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale.
Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.
The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson
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.jpg "The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson")
Everyone knows how those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.
But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—pretty, smart, and, worst of all, nice—stepsister is dating the charming, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine?
Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her online. The school mean girl has made it her mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister is the most popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret crush, Jake Kingston.
Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against Jake.
Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie's going to rule the school.
And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.
Spelled by Betsy Schow
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Somewhere over the rainbow, all spell is about to break loose…
Fairy Tale Survival Rule No. 32: If you find yourself at the mercy of a wicked witch, sing a romantic ballad and wait for your Prince Charming to save the day.
Yeah, no thanks. Dorthea is completely princed out. Sure being the crown princess of Emerald has its perks—like Glenda Original ball gowns and Hans Christian Louboutin heels. But a forced marriage to the charming brooding prince Kato is so not what Dorthea had in mind for her enchanted future.
Talk about unhappily ever after.
Trying to fix her prince problem by wishing on a (cursed) star royally backfires, leaving the kingdom in chaos and her parents stuck in some place called “Kansas.” Now it’s up to Dorthea and her pixed off prince to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz and undo the curse…before it releases the wickedest witch of all and spells The End for the world of Story.
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1) by MK Harkins
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Fairy magic has no place in the modern world - or does it?
Ashley Adams doesn't have time for haters. Already too busy dealing with dead bodies after her stepmother purchased a mortuary, she is ready to put the lid on her judgmental peers and finally bury her high school experience. Falling in love was the last thing on her mind.
Too bad fate had other plans when the local celebrity lands in her life.
Pop sensation Harry James is ordered by the court to attend public school for his senior year or face jail time He can't afford any bad press if he wants his summer tour to go ahead. But when he ducks into the mortuary where Ashley works to escape a mob of fans, he wonders if he is chasing the wrong dream.
High school mean girls, a controlling publicist, and scheming stepsisters want to keep Ashley away from Harry. After all, everyone knows the popstar doesn't belong with the social outcast.
If only they had some fairy magic to help them find their happy ending...
Ashes is a fun and snarky standalone YA romance. If you like captivating characters, emotional twists and turns, Fairies and Cinderella retellings, then you'll adore MK Harkins' fast-paced tale.
Contains mild swearing and off-page violence.
The Midnight Prince by Angie Grigaliunas
A bitter prince. A rejected servant. A revelation that could change everything.
When Prince Kirran of the autumn fey returns home from war, all he wants is food, drink, and sleep. But with his older brothers dead, he’s now the only heir — and he needs a wife. As soon as possible. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except that he’s not over the girl who shattered his heart seven years ago.
Half-human Alia avoids her noble stepfamily by living among the fey king’s servants. Her life of anonymity serves her well and helps her forget how Kirran betrayed her — that is, until they’re thrust back into each other’s lives.
Their hostile reunion leaves both reeling — until they realize their memories of their breakup don’t match, and neither is lying.
With mere days before Kirran has to choose a bride, they must put aside their hurts and fight to uncover the truth.
And in the process, maybe, just maybe, they’ll find a second chance to fight for each other.
The Midnight Prince, a retelling of Cinderella, is book 5 of Once Upon A Prince, a multi-author series of clean fairy tale retellings. Each standalone story features a swoony prince fighting for his happily ever after.
The Beginning of Once Upon a Time by Kristy Dixon
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Izla isn’t just a fairy princess… She is a matchmaking fairy princess. If there is anyone unhappy in her father’s kingdom, she is sure love will fix it.Having a sister that interferes in everyone’s life can be annoying, but Thane has gotten used to it. When his father commands him to help Izla with her escapades, he believes he is being pushed too far. Why can’t she let people find love on their own?
When a poor miller draws the attention of a greedy king and puts his daughter in danger, Thane has to interfere to save the innocent girl. Talking to women has always made him feel awkward, so he solicits the help of his sister’s friend Ava. The only problem—he’s starting to feel nervous around her.
Will everyone find love, or will Izla’s interference cause problems even a fairy godmother can’t solve?
Final Thoughts
Modern retellings remind us why we fell in love with stories in the first place. They take the bones of familiar fairy tales and breathe new life into them—adding heart, humour, romance, and just enough of the unexpected to keep us turning pages long past bedtime. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy, feel-good read or something with a sharper, more modern edge, these retellings prove that happily-ever-afters are far from outdated.
Have you read any of these modern retellings, or do you have a favourite that deserves a spot on this list? I’d love to hear your recommendations—drop them in the comments below. And if you’re always on the lookout for bookish inspiration, don’t forget to follow the blog and check back for more reading lists, reviews, and literary escapes to add to your bookshelf.
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%20by%20MK%20Harkins.jpg "Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1) by MK Harkins")
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