Favorite Cinderella Retellings

I’m Back With More Re-imagined Fairy Tales.!

Last month I posted about some of my favorite Snow White retellings. This month I have some unique takes on Cinderella that I want to talk about.

A Setting For Lovers of Every Genre

I think Cinderella is probably the fairy tale that gets retold most often. Which means, no matter what you like to read, there is probably a version of the tale out there in your favorite genre. Historical, mystery, sci-fi, romance, fantasy… You name it, I’m betting someone’s done a version of Cinderella in it.

And there are just as many ways  to explore the character of Cinderella. In the books below,  she’s a cyborg mechanic, a fairy godmother-in training, and woman caught up in political intrigue.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer—2012

(Young Adult/Science Fiction)

**This the first book of the Lunar Chronicles. It DOES NOT stand alone.**

I love the slightly dystopian, futuristic sci-fi setting of this series. And I love that this Cinderella is cyborg mechanic who gets caught up in intrigue well beyond her station. But she never lets herself become a pawn. Instead, she constantly fights to do what is right. Even when it lands her in even deeper trouble.

Traiter’s Masque by Kenley Davidson—2015

(Young Adult/Fairy Tales)

**This is actually book one of the Andari Chronicles. It can be read by itself, but all of the books in the series are terrific!**

This version of the tale doesn’t have any magic. But it is full of royal conspiracies and political intrigue that kept me turning pages. One of my favorite themes is love vs duty and this book really delivers. Trystan is a strong heroine who wrestles with her choices and grows because of it.

The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey—2004

(Fantasy Romance)

**This is also part of larger series, but, like the previous book, it can be read by itself.**

In this version, “The Tradition” is a nebulous magical force that arranges people’s fate to coincide with the events of common folktales. This time, though, Elena refuses to become her kingdoms “Cinderella”. Instead to becomes an apprentice Fairy Godmother. The book ( and series) is filled with adventure, humor, and new takes on classic fairy takes on classic fairy tale tropes.

That’s all I have for now, but if you want to share your favorite Snow White adaptation, retelling, or re-imagine drop a note in the comments or on Facebook.