by Birdy Rivers
As a fantasy romance lover there is one sub genre that has been catching my eye and drawing me into new worlds: retellings. The beauty of fairy tales and mythologies is that they can be retold over and over in new ways that span generations. Almost like we are back in the old days when stories were shared in circles because books weren’t a thing yet.
It’s amazingly fun to see how these beloved stories and myths can be retold in different ways. It’s even more fun to see them be retold in fantasy settings where worlds are combined and reinvented into its own story . I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite retellings!
Music of the Night by Angela J. Ford
I absolutely love Phantom of the Opera (it’s my favorite musical), so to find a retelling made my day. This book is definitely for Phantom fans. Angela J. Ford brings some gothic vibes and capitalizes on the over dark love theme that Phantom brings in it’s story. This is for all those fans who wanted Christine to pick the Phantom! I always said he was better and loved reading Angelas take on the tortured soul that is the Phantom.
The Beast of the Barrens by Val Saintcrowe
I grew up loving Beauty and the Beast so I’m all for retellings of this classic. The Beast in this story is starts out as a clear villain and adds a dark tone of love to the story. Neither Beast or Beauty are fully what they seem with lots of good twists and turns along the way. This is surely a must read for Beauty and the Beast fans, especially those who want a fresh and darker take on this beloved tale.
Opposite Ends of the Sea by Daniela A. Mera and Elayna R. Gallea
Opposite Ends of the Sea is a fantasy retelling of Romeo and Juliet – a classic tale that has been told over and over again throughout history. This book is a fresh new take on the classic with a lush fantasy world ready to take you to a new place with a story you know and love. Wonderful characters combined with beautiful storytelling are sure to appease any fantasy romance fan.
Gallowglass by Jennifer Allis Provost
Gallowglass is a retelling of a less well-known fairy tale: the story of Tam Lin. This is a fresh new take on this story with which I have only recently come to learn about. Action, romance, beautifully retold iconic scenes combined with wonderful storytelling, relatable characters and a thrilling story this retelling is sure to give readers a good time.
The 8th Rank by Rose Sinclair
The 8th Rank combines multiple retellings in one book. Robin Hood teams up with a falsely accused Big Bad Wolf, amidst elements from other beloved fairy tales. This is a magical and fun fantasy MM fairy tale retelling with nice world building.
Children of the Empire by Birdy Rivers
This one is written by yours truly! My award winning series features five different fairytales woven into one story in an original fantasy world. The stories featured are Snow White, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. Our heroes must take on the Evil Queen and her minions who threaten the viability of their beloved world. The Children of the Empire must take a stand and save the world from destruction by the Evil Queen’s hands.
About Birdy Rivers
Birdy Rivers is an award winning author. She was born in NJ and now resides in GA with her family. She has been writing since her teens and professionally writing since her mid twenties. When she isn’t writing she is raising her twin girls and spending time with family and friends. Before Birdy became a full time Author and an Editor she worked as a Medical Assistant. She enjoys reading, the outdoors, gaming, and music. Music and writing have served as therapeutic measures for her depression and anxiety. Birdy is huge mental health advocate and often features the struggles of mental health in her stories.