Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Page
As you can probably guess from the title, this book is a retell of the classic Wizard of Oz. While rewrites of this particular book have been done before, like Wicked, this one is a little different, in that it takes place after the original story. Dorothy already dropped in, she walked the Yellow Brick Road, and melted a witch or two. Dorothy Must Die follows teenager Amy Gumm when she is picked up by a tornado and plopped right in the middle of what she thinks is a fairy tale. Amy soon realizes that Oz isn't all Lollipop Guilds and Munchkins, at least, not anymore. Not since Dorothy came back. Amy is recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked and is given a mission. Dorothy must die. I enjoyed this book immensely, so much that I bought all four books in the series and finished them as quick as I could! This book takes a familiar childhood story and brings it to modern times, making the characters relatable and realistic. I recommend this book for those who like their stories with some action and adventure, and maybe just a little war.
The Dragon Princess by Lichelle Slater
The Dragon Princess is book one in Slater's Forgotten Kingdom series. Each book in the series retells a different classic fairy tale, starting with Sleeping Beauty. The Dragon Princess follows Elisa as she comes to terms with her curse; that if she cannot control the rage inside her, she will become a dragon by her sixteenth birthday. When the charming Prince Gerard requests her hand in marriage and promises to find a cure for her curse, Elisa decides that she can no longer stand by as others fight for her. She journeys into the woods to find a cure herself, and finds the truth along the way. This was another amazing book that made me want to read the entire series. I recommend this book for people who love classic fairy tales, as it still has that nostalgic feel that old Disney movies give you.
Once Upon a Short Story by A.G. Marshall
This book is actually a collection of six short retellings of classic fairy tales. A common theme throughout the stories is that the basis of the story is not changed, only your perspective is. I really enjoyed getting a different insight into some classic stories. Marshall is able to tweak the circumstances surrounding a story and completely change your way of thinking and understanding. The stories are powerful and range from heart-warming to tear-jerking. I recommend this book to people who like a quick story that can really make you think!
Lost Boy by Christina Henry
Lost Boy is set as a prequel to the classic Peter Pan story, featuring the origin story of Captain James Hook. James is the original lost boy, who takes care of the others when Peter can't be bothered to. It also features one of the best taglines I think I have ever read: "Peter promised we would all be young and happy forever. Peter lies." That tagline tells you everything you need to know! I loved reading about the classic Neverland locations, like the tree the lost boys live in and the mermaid lagoon. I also enjoyed the edge that Henry gives the story. The book has all the nostalgia of classic Peter Pan, while also giving off very Lord of the Flies vibes. This book sucked me in and broke my heart all at once and I loved every page of it! I highly recommend this book to readers who like a little edge to their books, some suspense and horror.
Well, that's all for today friends! I hope that one of these books calls your name and that you find your next favorite read! Let me know what you think!
