12 Captivating Fairy Tales for Young Adults

YA Fairy Tale Books: Our 12 Picks

8 Great Fairy Tale Films

1. Into the Woods (2014)
2. The Princess Bride (1987)
3. Ella Enchanted (2004)
4. Shrek (2001)
5. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
6. Enchanted (2007)
7. Maleficent (2014)
8. Hoodwinked! (2005)

Fun Activities For Fantasy Fans

If you love adventure, magic, and mythical creatures, then you might be interested in the wider genre of fantasy. If that's the case, here are some ways you can bring that imaginative world into your real life:

• Host a magical movie night
• Enter a Magic: The Gathering tournament
• Play a fantasy video game with friends
• Use a Ouija board to contact the spirits
• Create a cosplay of your favorite character
• Have a board game night
• Podcast about your favorite show, movie, or book
• Host a Dungeons and Dragons campaign

Transforming Our Understanding of Fairy Tales

In Depth

Fairy tales have stood the test of time for a reason. Not only do these classic stories continue to delight children around the world, they also inspire talented authors to explore them from different angles and re-introduce them to older readers in the modern day. With that said, here are twelve captivating fairy tales for young adults, listed in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "A Stolen Kiss" by Kelsey Keating. Derric Harver works as a stableboy in the royal palace. When Princess Maria, who's been cursed to turn into a swan every night, asks him for help, he reluctantly agrees. If they want to break the curse, they'll have to go on a dangerous quest to find the sorceress who cast the spell. Unfortunately, in order to complete the mission, Derric must expose a secret that his family has kept for years, and doing so may put his life at risk.

Next, at #2, is "Spindle" by Shonna Slayton. Based on the tale of Sleeping Beauty, the story follows Briar Rose, a girl who works at a spinning mill. Struggling to make ends meet, she accepts a mysterious peddler's gift of a magic spindle, which she's told is guaranteed to make her more money. She soon realizes that her new tool is causing the other girls at the mill to come down with an odd sleeping sickness. Will she be able to save her fellow spinners, or will she succumb to the spindle's curse?

Based on the tale of Sleeping Beauty, the story follows Briar Rose, a girl who works at a spinning mill.

At #3 is F.M. Boughan's "Cinderella, Necromancer." Ellison has never gotten along with her stepmother and stepsisters. When she stumbles upon a necromantic tome in the hidden passages of her home, she decides to study it, hoping that she can use its powers to free herself from her cruel family. As Ellison becomes more proficient in dark magic, she uses her newfound abilities to achieve her goals, but conflict arises when she loses control over the spirits that grant her powers.

Next up, at #4, we have "Stray" by Elissa Sussman. Princess Aislynn only wants one thing in life: to meet her true love at Nerine Academy's Introduction Ball. In order to do so, she'll have to follow the Path, a set of strict rules set by the academy. Unfortunately, she cannot control the magic within her, causing her to be sent off to serve as another princess's fairy godmother. Now, she'll have to decide if she wants to continue living as someone else's servant or stray from the Path and create her own happily ever after.

At #5 is "Spinning Thorns" by Anna Sheehan. After finally breaking the curse cast upon her, Sleeping Beauty is left with a castle surrounded by evil thorns, and her absence has caused a rift between the rightful rulers of her kingdom and the common folk. One of the princess's daughters, Willow, spends most of her time studying magic in order to deal with the thorns. When another curse befalls her family, it's up to Willow to save the day and hopefully bring order back to the kingdom.

One of the princess's daughters, Willow, spends most of her time studying magic in order to deal with the thorns.

Next, at #6, is Annie Jackson's "Tattered Heart." In the kingdom of Amaranyllis, the princesses are burdened with the ability to control the ever-present fairie magic that affects the world around them. Upon becoming princess, Aribella quickly learns how dangerous her new job is, and she's faced with a curse that has haunted all of her predecessors. The story follows her as she struggles to adjust to royal life, all while trying to defeat a deadly adversary that threatens to take away her magical abilities.

Next up, at #7, we have "Queen Cinder" by Roy A. Mauritsen. An epic ensemble of fairy tale characters is stuck in a war-torn world ruled by the eponymous monarch, an evil version of Cinderella who has gone mad with power. General Snow White leads a group of rebels who aim to dethrone the tyrant. In order to do this, they must find and protect a girl named Patience Muffet, who holds the key to the queen's downfall.

At #8 is Annie Sullivan's "A Touch of Gold." Ten years after King Midas relinquished his ability to turn anything he touches into gold, his daughter Kora still suffers from the consequences of his actions. Since her golden skin brings her unwanted attention, she decides to live in isolation, locking herself in the palace. When a thief steals all of her family's riches, she must use her uncanny ability to sense gold to track down the perpetrator and save the kingdom.

Since her golden skin brings her unwanted attention, she decides to live in isolation, locking herself in the palace.

Next, at #9, is "Pureheart" by Cassandra Golds. When Deirdre's grandmother dies, she's left alone in a large, rundown home. One night, she encounters a boy named Gal, and feels strangely connected to him. Guided by the ghost of Deirdre's grandmother, the two of them must unravel the secret of the old, crumbling house before it's lost forever. This modern fable is a breathtaking story, inspired by the legend of Sir Galahad, that's sure to draw you in with its well-crafted characters and charming romance.

Next up, at #10, we have "Ashes" by Ann Hunter. In this retelling of Cinderella, a girl named Rebecca Tremain must uncover the truth behind her mother's untimely death at a factory owned by royalty. When she learns about a group of vigilantes who want to assassinate the royal family, she joins them for the sole purpose of avenging her mother. She soon falls in love with the prince, leading her to question her allegiance.

At #11 is "East" by Edith Pattou. Rose was born under mysterious circumstances, and her mother refuses to tell her the truth in order to prevent her from leaving home. One day, Rose is approached by a large polar bear who claims that her family will be rewarded with health and prosperity if she comes with him. She soon learns the shocking truth about the bear's identity, and when he's taken captive by a troll queen, she must find a way to rescue him.

She soon learns the shocking truth about the bear's identity, and when he's taken captive by a troll queen, she must find a way to rescue him.

Finally, at #12, we have Lexa Hillyer's "Spindle Fire." Isabelle, the king's illegitimate daughter, had her sight taken from her by fairies, while her half-sister Aurora lost her sense of touch and her voice in exchange for beauty and grace. When Aurora suddenly falls into an unbreakable slumber, Isabelle must find a prince whose kiss can break the spell. Unbeknownst to everyone, the sleeping princess awakens in a strange dream world, where she meets a hunter who might be able to help her escape.