Moody Retellings in an Autumnal Forest Vlog

As summer wanes and autumn flares, I love to spend time in the forest exploring modern fantasy books that blend fairytales, folklore, and classics into new re-imagined versions.

Choosing books that have been "inspired by an original story" (such as Jane Eyre) or are "fairytale re-imagined" (such as Beauty & the Beast) or are "folkloric retellings" (such as King Arthur). Hunting for the familiar being twisted into something new and searching for gems that grasp the magic of storytelling.

As I pick up each of these retellings, I ask myself:

Does the author capture that magical balance of giving readers a new and unique angle while staying faithful to the original tale?

How does the author use the original motifs of bargains, curses, and mysteries to create a story and atmosphere that feels unknown?

If you love curling up with folklore and dark fairytale inspired books, autumnal gothic reads, and moody witchy tales, you’ll feel right at home here.

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim (Beauty & the Beast)

Hemlock & Silver by T Kingfisher (Snow White)

A Land So Wide by Erin Craig (Tam Lin)

Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher (Jane Eyre)

Merlin Trilogy by Mary Stewart (King Arthur)