66 books like Fairy Tale

By Stephen King,

Here are 66 books that Fairy Tale fans have personally recommended if you like Fairy Tale. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of To Kill a Mockingbird

Joseph Bauer Author Of Sailing For Grace

From my list on loyalty, morality, and friendship verses the law.

Why am I passionate about this?

I knew I wanted to be a writer of fiction when I was 10 years old, being raised by my father. He thoughtfully gave me a typewriter, and plenty of other encouragement too. As a youngster, I couldn’t read enough about what youngsters read about: animals, sports, cowboys, child detectives. Soon, I came to love books that probed human conflict through characters who reached deeply into my soul. Not simplistic “good versus evil” driven principally by plot, but gut-pulling interpersonal struggle coming to life (and sometimes death) in characters facing moral and legal dilemma, and facing it with wit, humor, and human frailty. 

Joseph's book list on loyalty, morality, and friendship verses the law

Joseph Bauer Why did Joseph love this book?

I think this novel did more to open white minds to the needless social harm of racism than any other book. It’s almost unparalleled success in reaching American readers of all ages, in my view, places it at or very near the top of the list of great American fiction.

Though not Harper Lee’s intent, her literary and commercial blockbuster remains an enduring tutorial for writers like me:  writers preoccupied with storytelling and the voices telling it. Sometimes, after a long writing session, I read a random chapter of Mockingbird to relax and to keep myself modest.

By Harper Lee,

Why should I read it?

40 authors picked To Kill a Mockingbird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.'

Atticus Finch gives this advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of this classic novel - a black man charged with attacking a white girl. Through the eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Lee explores the issues of race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s with compassion and humour. She also creates one of the great heroes of literature in their father, whose lone struggle for justice pricks the conscience of a town steeped…


Book cover of Slay

Tempest V. Everett Author Of The Grimoire

From my list on inspiring resilience against the odds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an avid book connoisseur, passionate about reading and supporting the underdogs in literature. As someone who struggled with reading and faced bullying and torment from both peers and teachers, I have a personal connection to these stories. Being an underdog, especially one with literacy challenges, is difficult for anyone, regardless of age. This is why I pursued a degree in English and a master's in creative fiction writing. I aim to inspire and support others who, like me, have faced adversity and have found their solace in the written word. I hope these books featuring underdog stories will inspire resilience and determination in you, just as they did for me.

Tempest's book list on inspiring resilience against the odds

Tempest V. Everett Why did Tempest love this book?

I highly recommend this book. It is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves deeply into themes of identity, gaming culture, and social justice. The story follows Kiera Johnson, a high school student who secretly develops a virtual reality game called SLAY, designed to celebrate Black culture.

The writing is exceptionally well-crafted, and the characters are richly developed, making it a gripping read that resonates on multiple levels. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary young adult fiction with a strong, empowering message.

By Brittney Morris,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Slay as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

'We are different ages, genders and traditions ... but tonight we all SLAY'

Black Panther meets Ready Player One. A fierce teen game developer battles a real-life troll intent on ruining the Black Panther-inspired video game she created and the safe community it represents for black gamers.

By day, seventeen-year-old Kiera Johnson is a college student, and one of the only black kids at Jefferson Academy. By night, she joins hundreds of thousands of black gamers who duel worldwide in the secret online role-playing card game, SLAY.

No one knows Kiera is the game developer - not even her boyfriend,…


Book cover of Wilson the Dalmatian: Victorian Carriage Dog

Tempest V. Everett Author Of The Grimoire

From my list on inspiring resilience against the odds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an avid book connoisseur, passionate about reading and supporting the underdogs in literature. As someone who struggled with reading and faced bullying and torment from both peers and teachers, I have a personal connection to these stories. Being an underdog, especially one with literacy challenges, is difficult for anyone, regardless of age. This is why I pursued a degree in English and a master's in creative fiction writing. I aim to inspire and support others who, like me, have faced adversity and have found their solace in the written word. I hope these books featuring underdog stories will inspire resilience and determination in you, just as they did for me.

Tempest's book list on inspiring resilience against the odds

Tempest V. Everett Why did Tempest love this book?

This is a delightful children’s book set in the captivating Victorian era. It follows the adventures of Wilson, a charming Dalmatian dog. Throughout the story, young readers are taken on a journey with Wilson as he diligently performs his duties to keep his family safe. The combination of historical elements with the heartwarming experiences of a faithful pet adds a special touch to the narrative.

Told from Wilson’s perspective, the book not only engages children but also offers an enjoyable read for adults, especially those sharing the story with young ones. The portrayal of Wilson’s roles and responsibilities provides an enriching learning experience about the past, making it a cherished read for all ages.

By Ami Hendrickson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wilson the Dalmatian as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Wilson the Dalmatian has a job to do.

He is not a pet. He’s an important part of any road trip. Wilson lives in England in 1841. He paces the horses that pull the Benton family carriage and warns the driver of any dangers on the road.

Wilson takes his job seriously, especially today, because the carriage holds his favorite people: Anne and Robert, the Benton children. They count on him to keep them safe.

Wilson refuses to let the many interesting things on their journey distract him. However, when he smells fear and detects a highwayman lurking on the…


Curiosity and the Cat

By Martin Treanor,

Book cover of Curiosity and the Cat

Martin Treanor Author Of The Logos Prophecy

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Illustrator Reader Jester Quantum physics buff

Martin's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Curiosity is certain she saw fairies at the bottom of the garden. Little does she know . . . they saw her first.

Emotionally abandoned by her mother and infatuated by a figurine of a fairy ballerina she discovers in an old toy shop, eight-year-old Curiosity Portland steals the figurine, unleashing strange and frightening happenings around her home, which, in turn, reveals a disturbing family history. 

An ominous tale of faerie folk.

Curiosity and the Cat

By Martin Treanor,

What is this book about?

Curiosity is certain she saw fairies at the bottom of the garden. Little does she know . . . they saw her first.

Emotionally abandoned by her mother and infatuated by a figurine of a fairy ballerina she discovers in an old toy shop, eight-year-old Curiosity Portland steals the figurine, unleashing strange and frightening happenings around her home, which, in turn, reveals a disturbing family history.

An ominous tale of faerie folk.



Book cover of The Riddles of Epsilon

Tempest V. Everett Author Of The Grimoire

From my list on inspiring resilience against the odds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an avid book connoisseur, passionate about reading and supporting the underdogs in literature. As someone who struggled with reading and faced bullying and torment from both peers and teachers, I have a personal connection to these stories. Being an underdog, especially one with literacy challenges, is difficult for anyone, regardless of age. This is why I pursued a degree in English and a master's in creative fiction writing. I aim to inspire and support others who, like me, have faced adversity and have found their solace in the written word. I hope these books featuring underdog stories will inspire resilience and determination in you, just as they did for me.

Tempest's book list on inspiring resilience against the odds

Tempest V. Everett Why did Tempest love this book?

This was a book that I loved reading with my daughter. The protagonist, Jess, was magnificently written, capturing the essence of curiosity and bravery. The story begins with a significant move to a new place, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of portraying the complex emotions of a teenage girl leaving behind her old life.

This book was incredibly engaging and easy to get lost in, making it a delightful read for both my daughter and myself.

By Christine Morton-Shaw,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Riddles of Epsilon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

A haunting and gripping mystery that you won't be able to put down.

The doorstep was black, shiny as glass. Through the layer of dead leaves and yuck, some words shone through. Words, carved on the doorstep! Scraping the leaves away, I found some symbols, and in English: WHERE -SILON DWELLS

Inside an abandoned cottage on the remote island of Lume, Jess encounters an eerie ghost-like presence. She also finds three locked boxes and, as she earns the right to unlock each, the contents send her mind spinning.

Gradually, Jess unravels the mysteries, guided by the mysterious Epsilon. But is…


Book cover of The Darkness That Comes Before

JMD Reid Author Of A Spark in the Night

From my list on fall in love with fantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been a reader. In my childhood, I read Hardy Boys novels by the bucketload. I loved scholastic book fairs, pouring over the lists to find new books to read. Then my uncle gave me The Hobbit followed by giving me a hardback set of Lord of the Rings for Christmas of the 6th Grade. After that, my mother gave me Pawn of Prophecy, which cemented my love of the genre. I write fantasy because of all the books I listed. Each one led me down a path that ended with me publishing my first novel.

JMD's book list on fall in love with fantasy

JMD Reid Why did JMD love this book?

I picked this book up as a lark at the SeaTac Borders Bookstore while waiting to fly down to my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration. I can't really say why I bought it, but I have never had a book series that challenged me more.

The philosophy and metaphysics of this world had me thinking like no other books did. It pushed me to write far more gray characters and to see a human as a flawed yet beautiful amalgamation of strengths and weaknesses. Bakker is fearless in his subject matters, and I try to be as well. I write about the best and worst of humanity because of the depths of Bakker's broken characters.

By R. Scott Bakker,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Darkness That Comes Before as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Darkness That Comes Before is the first book in R. Scott Bakker’s epic fantasy trilogy The Prince of Nothing. Set in a world scarred by an apocalyptic past, four people are swept up in the launch of an imminent crusade, during which they are ensnared by mysterious traveler Anasûrimbor Kellhus, whose magical, philosophical, and military talents have origins in a distant time.

“[An] impressive, challenging debut . . . [the book’s] willingness to take chances and avoid the usual genre clichés should win many discriminating readers.” —Publishers Weekly


Book cover of Kingdom's Dawn

Jolene Fine Author Of Kalani: Shadows of Destiny

From my list on Christian fantasy series with faith themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by finding religious symbolism or concepts in literature since I was little. Discovering elements of your belief system in the world you are interacting with brings me much joy. From the time I was placed in foster care at age three, I sought fantasy as a tool to overcome the trials of my life. As I grew older, I gained a testimony of faith and God’s light, which had power over darkness, despair, and the adversary. I hope that you find this truth in my books and this list. God bless!

Jolene's book list on Christian fantasy series with faith themes

Jolene Fine Why did Jolene love this book?

As an avid reader of the Bible, the most exciting element of reading this series is locating the scriptural references. From Genesis to Revelation, the events of escaping slavery from the powerful Lord Fairos amaze me. He consistently parallels the scriptures in ways that help you gain new insight and perspective into biblical events and stories.

By Chuck Black,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Kingdom's Dawn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

A Riveting Medieval Parallel to the Bible

Good and evil clash. Leinad and Cedric are determined to not only survive, but claim hope and victory! In Kingdom’s Dawn, Leinad and Tess, along with all the king’s people, must escape slavery by the powerful Lord Fairos. Kingdom’s Hope finds them free and arriving in the Chessington Valley. But when they forget the king, will Kergon and the Kessons capture them for good? After many years, Kingdom’s Edge finds Cedric living a hopeless life until a stranger appears with powerful words of a new kingdom and a grand army. Finally, Kingdom’s Reign…


Book cover of Malice

Danny Beeson Author Of The Origin of the Wolf

From my list on fantasy with unlikely but loveable heroes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an avid fantasy reader and writer. I have been writing for many years and love to craft detailed worlds and complex characters that surprise and delight readers. Stories are about challenges, overcoming the barriers that are put in front of us, and growing in the process. Characters do not have to be good or bad; they can be both, a mixture, just like real people. I strive to create characters that make people stop and think, make them question their assumptions, or relate to them in ways that they had not expected. Fantasy is about bringing real emotions to readers through an imaginary setting, and I love it.

Danny's book list on fantasy with unlikely but loveable heroes

Danny Beeson Why did Danny love this book?

I loved these books, and I loved Corban, especially because he is just a simple man who is thrust into something far bigger than he could ever have imagined. Corban is loyal and kind, a young boy who dreams of becoming a warrior but perhaps lacks the skill. When the world begins to fall apart around him, Corban is suddenly thrown into a fight he does not understand and is unsure if he can truly win.

Facing a powerful evil, I love how Corban always puts his friends and family first, doing everything he can to protect the ones he loves from the dangers they face.

By John Gwynne,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Malice as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first book in acclaimed epic fantasy author John Gwynne's Faithful and Fallen series, Malice is a tale of blind greed, ambition, and betrayal set in a world where ancient monsters are reawakening -- and a war to end all wars is about to begin.

The world is broken. . .and it can never be made whole again.

Corban wants nothing more than to be a warrior under King Brenin's rule -- to protect and serve. But that day will come all too soon. And the price he pays will be in blood.

Evnis has sacrificed -- too much it…


Book cover of The Epic of Marindel: Chosen

Brae Wyckoff Author Of The Orb of Truth

From my list on epic fantasy that are under the radar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up playing Dungeons & Dragons. I’m always on the hunt for not just good but great stories. One of the most profound things I have done revolving around fantasy writing was walk the same streets as the legends walked. Oxford, UK is a magical location and the place where Narnia and The Hobbits were born. I visited CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien gravesites. I visited their homes where they wrote their works. Adventure is around every corner in life. If we choose it. Here is a dwarven proverb from my book series, “May your light shine bright and blind your enemies.”

Brae's book list on epic fantasy that are under the radar

Brae Wyckoff Why did Brae love this book?

I am in pursuit of stories that affect my thinking and change my heart. I absolutely loved how the author wove Samurai and fantasy together.

The story of Marindel is shown brilliantly in a way that doesn't overwhelm you. You will quickly embrace the characters and ultimately the hardest part I found in this book was when I reached the end and needed to decide which character I liked most. Thank God, book two is coming out soon.

By Nathan Keys,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Epic of Marindel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every person has a story.

Every story is a part of something Greater.

Long ago, the elven Kingdom of Marindel governed the realm of Tyrizah from its place on the back of a giant sea turtle. But when a great evil was unleashed, the Era of Peace came to a tragic end. Thousands of years passed, and Marindel was all but forgotten.

Connor, a young farmer with a wild imagination, always longed for adventure. When bizarre events cause him to realize his role in the greatest story of all, Connor embarks on a quest to defend the Great King's daughter…


Book cover of Dragon Sword and Wind Child

Alina Lee Author Of Paper Crane Memories

From my list on the history, folklore, and mythology of Japan.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, I was introduced to Japanese culture and history through anime. But I decided to dig a little deeper, reading history books and looking up more and more information. I was fascinated by what was presented of “Old Japan,” both the misconceptions that were spread by pop culture and by the surprising details that it gets right that no one would believe. This fascination is one of the most consistent things about me through the years, and the idea of delving into works of my own that merged samurai drama with lesbian relationships has been a recurring desire of mine for years.

Alina's book list on the history, folklore, and mythology of Japan

Alina Lee Why did Alina love this book?

While it feels a little slow to start, this novel is the kind of thing that takes typical fantasy tropes, puts them in a bucket, and dumps it upside down. The story is fantastical and doesn't shy away from that fact, but it is also deeply influenced by Japan's folklore, mythology, and spiritual traditions.

By Noriko Ogiwara, Cathy Hirano (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dragon Sword and Wind Child as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

The forces of the God of Light and the Goddess of Darkness have waged a ruthless war across the land of Toyoashihara for generations. But for 15-year-old Saya, the war is far away and unimportant--until the day she discovers that she is the reincarnation of the Water Maiden and a princess of the Children of the Dark. Raised to love the Light and detest the Dark, Saya must come to terms with her heritage even as she tumbles into the very heart of the conflict that is destroying her country. The armies of the Light and Dark both seek to…


Book cover of Hard Contact

Carl Michaelsen Author Of The Last of a Dying Breed

From my list on to bring on an airplane/vacation.

Why am I passionate about this?

If you’re at all like me, then finding time to sit down and read a book is incredibly challenging given how busy our everyday lives are. It seems like the only time I truly can dive into a book is on vacation. And so, all of the books I recommended I have either read on vacation or on an airplane. In my opinion, a good vacation book needs to be two things. It needs to be a quick read and it needs to be impossible to put down. When I sit down to write a book, I try to keep both of these in mind!

Carl's book list on to bring on an airplane/vacation

Carl Michaelsen Why did Carl love this book?

Obviously, this book is not going to be for everyone. Some might not be able to get past the fact that it is a Star Wars book based off of a video game from 2005. But, if you can get past that, then buckle up for a gripping tale of war and brotherhood. Set in the first weeks of the Clone Wars, Hard Contact feels more like a Tom Clancy war thriller than a space opera. This entire series is gritty, grueling, gut-wrenching, and impossible to put down. 

By Karen Traviss,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Hard Contact as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As the Clone Wars rage, victory or defeat lies in the hands of elite squads who take on the toughest assignments in the galaxy ... On a mission to sabotage a chemical weapon research facility on a Separatist-held planet, four clone troopers operate under the very noses of their enemies. The commandos are outnumbered and outgunned, deep behind enemy lines with no backup - and working with strangers instead of trusted team-mates. Matters don't improve when Darman, the squad's demolitions expert, gets separated from the others during planetfall. Even Darman's apparent good luck in meeting an inexperienced Padawan vanishes once…


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