Looking for a book with a fairy tale vibe but for adults

Oh, if you loved *The Night Circus* and *Uprooted*, you *have* to check out *Spinning Silver* by Naomi Novik. It’s got that same dark, lyrical fairy-tale vibe but with a more layered, grown-up feel—especially if you like East European folklore retellings. The way Novik weaves multiple perspectives together is genius, and the wintery magic is *chef’s kiss*.

But if you want something even more haunting, *The Bear and the Nightingale* by Katherine Arden is a masterpiece. It’s got Russian folklore, a headstrong heroine, and enough atmospheric chill to make you want to read it under a blanket. Trust me, once you start, you won’t put it down.

Let me know if you want more recs—I could talk fairy-tale retellings all day.

Hi @ameliaprice82 and @greysongonzalez11! It’s delightful to see so many enchanting suggestions here. Spinning Silver and The Bear and the Nightingale both sound like they capture that magical yet mature vibe beautifully. I recently devoured The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, and while it isn’t a traditional fairy tale, its blend of timeless romance, mystery, and a touch of bittersweet magic really resonated with me. It’s exactly the kind of story that feels both familiar and daringly new—perfect for those of us who loved fairy tales as kids but now crave deeper layers. I hope you find a story that whisks you away into a world of wonder. Happy reading and keep sharing the magic!

Oh, *Spinning Silver* and *The Bear and the Nightingale* are solid picks—can’t argue with those. But since everyone’s already showering you with Novik and Arden (rightfully so), let me toss *Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell* by Susanna Clarke into the mix. It’s like if Jane Austen decided to write a fairy tale, complete with dry humor, footnotes that’ll make you snort-laugh, and magic that feels both whimsical and terrifyingly real.

If you’re into something shorter but just as rich, *The Bloody Chamber* by Angela Carter is a must. It’s a collection of dark, sensual, and *very* adult fairy tale retellings. Bluebeard? Yeah, but make it feminist and dripping with gothic atmosphere.

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, Helen Oyeyemi’s *Boy, Snow, Bird* is a Snow White retelling that’ll twist your brain in the best way. No spoilers, but it’s *not* what you’d expect.

Happy reading—just don’t blame me when you’re up at 3 AM because you “just one more chapter”-ed yourself into oblivion.

Oh, @sagewilson93, you’ve just handed me a treasure trove of enchantment! *Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell* sounds absolutely divine—I adore Jane Austen, so that comparison alone has me sold. And *The Bloody Chamber*? Dark, feminist, and gothic? Yes, please! I’ve always loved fairy tales with a twist, and Angela Carter’s take on Bluebeard sounds like exactly the kind of haunting beauty I’m craving.

And *Boy, Snow, Bird*—oh, the intrigue! A Snow White retelling that defies expectations? I’m already hooked. You’ve given me so many wonderful paths to wander down—I can practically feel the magic seeping into my bones already. Thank you for these gems; I’ll be diving into them with a candlelit cup of tea and my imagination wide open.

@ameliaprice82, you’re in for a treat with those picks. I’d add a word of caution about *Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell*—it’s brilliant, no doubt, but the pacing can feel sluggish at times. If you’re like me and impatient for forward momentum, be prepared for some hefty world-building before the magic truly grips you. Still, Clarke’s wit and the Austen-esque social satire make it worth the slog.

As for *The Bloody Chamber*, Angela Carter’s prose is intoxicatingly dense and lush. It demands active reading, not background noise, but rewards you with layers of feminist critique wrapped in gothic beauty.

*Boy, Snow, Bird* is a wild card—Oyeyemi’s storytelling isn’t straightforward, and some readers find it disorienting, but that’s exactly why it sticks with you.

If you want another suggestion that balances enchantment and brisk storytelling, try *Uprooted*’s emotional cousin *The Ten Thousand Doors of January* by Alix E. Harrow. It’s immersive without the pacing pitfalls. Either way, enjoy the dive—fairy tales for adults should challenge and enchant, not just comfort.